“Unique understated bohemian hipness meets flawless service in this sprawling interlinked 12-riad strong hotel owned by Vanessa Branson, on the edge of the Marrakech medina. Lounge out in one of the vast colourful suites, sprawl across the roof terrace and restaurant with views of the Atlas Mountains”
“Unique understated bohemian hipness meets flawless service in this sprawling interlinked 12-riad strong hotel owned by Vanessa Branson, on the edge of the Marrakech medina. Lounge out in one of the vast colourful suites, sprawl across the roof terrace and restaurant with views of the Atlas Mountains”
Hotel Review
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 12 inter-connecting riads that house 31 rooms, two cocktail bars, spa, library, boutique, rooftop restaurant alongside a 1300 m2 roof terrace with pool, and 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.
Written by Laura Campbell
Recommended For
- Honeymoons
- Stunning suites and spectacular views, spa treatments and belly dancers plus unbeatable food — what more could you want?
- Chic
- An arty riad filled with British modern art and Moroccan collectables.
- Local exploring
- On the edge of the Medina there is no end to the exploring to be done.
- Wellbeing
- Great walks
- Take a guided tour through the souks and medina of Marrakech and explore what this vibrant city has to offer.
- Cooking classes
- Cooking classes start at the market to buy fresh local ingredients and learn the history of the food.
- Sights nearby
- The Riad overlooks the famed Kotoubia Mosque, which is five minutes away.
- Hotel Entertainment
- On request El Fenn will organise belly dancing performances.
- Restaurant
- Restaurant serves local seasonal fare with an emphasis on plant-based dishes (though meat and fish are available too)
- Spa
- El Fenn spa offers luxury treatments and a traditional hammam
- Child friendly
- All children are welcome. Babysitting on request.
- Family Suites
- Less £
- Wedding license
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Designer
- Organic food
- Barefoot Luxury
- Sit-out Terrace
- Full of character
- Traditional
- Townhouse
- Artworks
- Boutique
- Antiques
- Quirky
- Charming
- Luxury
- Four poster beds
- Intimate
- Romantic
- Views
- Gourmet
Facilities
- Roof terrace
- Magical views at night.
- Restaurant
- Restaurant serves local seasonal fare with an emphasis on plant-based dishes (though meat and fish are available too)
- Parking
- Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 3 per day.
- Bar
- There are two cocktail bars. The rooftop bar is ideal for sundowners and Atlas Mountains views
- Swimming Pool
- El Fenn boasts three different pools: one rooftop, one plunge pool and one in the spa
- Spa
- El Fenn spa offers luxury treatments and a traditional hammam
- Child friendly
- All children are welcome. Babysitting on request.
- Shops
- Authentic Moroccan Interiors Boutique
- Airport transfer
- Surcharge is applicable.
- Sauna/Steam
- Hammam
- Wedding license
- Car not required
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Walking distance restaurants
- Outdoor dining
- Meeting Room
- Cots available
- Massage
- Library
- Sit-out Terrace
- Air conditioning
- Concierge
- Garden
- Room service
- Suites
- Family Suites
- Four poster beds
- Wifi
- Views
- Safe
- Towelling robes
Activities
- Great walks
- Take a guided tour through the souks and medina of Marrakech and explore what this vibrant city has to offer.
- Cooking classes
- Cooking classes start at the market to buy fresh local ingredients and learn the history of the food.
- Sights nearby
- The Riad overlooks the famed Kotoubia Mosque, which is five minutes away.
- Hotel Entertainment
- On request El Fenn will organise belly dancing performances.
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
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El Fenn
This Marrakech riad offers art-house rooms with wow-factor, an exceptional buffet breakfast and a courtyard pool shaded by palms.
Originally published by The Telegraph (view article)
The Road To Marrakech: Three Can't-Miss Hotels In
In 2002, Richard Branson’s sister Vanessa purchased a ruined riad in the heart of Marrakech and rebuilt it into an elegant boutique hote
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