El Fenn

Taking up a whole acre of the medina, El Fenn (meaning ‘fine art’) is a gloriously colour-blasting, glamorously bohemian bolthole - albeit a sizeable one. The discreet entrance gives way to a sublime jewel-hued, atmospheric interior where convivial staff, chicly attired in red, usher guests along lofty corridors past sun-dappled courtyards, cushioned alcoves and into fabulously spacious rooms, many with 17ft high ceilings, idiosyncratic features, king-size beds and huge bath tubs. Originally bought in 2002 as a holiday retreat by Vanessa Branson and business partner Howell James, it gradually morphed into a labyrinthine hotel as adjoining buildings were snapped up. It now comprises a masterful maze of 5 inter-connecting riads that house 28 rooms, bar, spa, library, boutique, rooftop restaurant alongside a 7000 ft roof terrace with pool, grass catwalk and yoga lawn with unimpeded views past Koutoubia Mosque to the Atlas Mountains beyond. It perfectly balances modernity (there’s an impressive contemporary art collection) with informality and laid-back comfort. It's set to expand again with the opening of another 14 rooms in 2020, confirming its status as a hotel not a riad.

Why do people love staying in your hotel?
El Fenn is a creative, laid-back, home-style kind of hotel. Guests don’t come here for valet parking and a room filled with technology. But if they want a great room, great food, great company and attentive staff then they do.

What is there to do in the area?
A short (3 minute) walk away is Djemaa El Fna square and the Koutoubia mosque. Exploring the city is easy because all the sites of the medina are within easy walking distance (El Fenn can organise a guide). Visit the beautiful Koranic college Ben Youssef Medersa, the ancient Jewish quarter with its maze of alleyway and of course the world famous souks, which are filled with everything from metal workers, dyers and basket weavers to tradesmen selling olives and spices. The bars and restaurants of Gueliz, Hivernage and the Palmeraie can be reached by taxi.

What kind of breakfast do you offer?
The day starts at El Fenn with a cafetière of coffee and pot of tea left outside each room. Then breakfast is usually served on the roof terrace - here enjoy a breakfast of delicious homemade yoghurt, muesli and cinnamon porridge, breads, pastries, fresh fruit and eggs cooked to order, complete with sunshine and a view of the Atlas Mountains.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally?
Yes - El Fenn is passionate about food, and lunch and dinner menus offer the best of traditional Moroccan food as well as more European dishes.

By noon, the chef has chalked up the day’s set Moroccan lunch menu which changes according to what’s in season, or guests can pick a dish from the light menu that runs until 6pm, expect a range of salads and meats. Later on in the afternoon, enjoy a refreshing glass of mint tea and plate of homemade patisserie when afternoon tea is served at 4pm in the main courtyard.

Dinner is a la carte, and on warmer evenings is served under the stars on the roof terrace (or in the restaurant in winter) - sample dishes may include Bouillabaisse, Tangia (traditional Marrakchi beef stew) and grilled lamb chops.

Which are your most popular room types, and why?
Room 19 is the most popular, it’s a Plunge Pool Suite and El Fenn’s most romantic room.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms?
El Fenn’s 2 and 3-bedroom private houses are perfect for families looking for their own space. Cots are also available and babysitting can be organised on request.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers?
Hip, Stylish, Arty, Romantic, Indulgent and Unique – El Fenn ticks all these boxes.