Morocco Hotels

Set in a 150 year old-hilltop fort and just 20 minutes from the heart of the city, the Kasbah Agafay is an oasis with panoramic views and sheer grandeur. The 20 rooms are a synthesis of elaborate and traditional modern comforts. The four air-conditioned Caïdal tents, with their own private mosaic baths and four poster beds, seem to have jumped straight out of the pages of a romantic novel. Learn to cook with your sweetheart in the cooking classes held in the calm and fragrant herb and vegetable garden, or just feast on Moroccan and international cuisine from the kitchens. Go for a steamy Hammam, to the gorgeous health spa, or for a cool dip in the pool.

Stay at this exotic location for a taste of Eastern hospitality. This ancient, one-time family residence now plays host to a few, exclusive guests, who are made to feel at home within its restored walls. A well-tended garden and a sunny patio are a pleasure to behold, as are the views of the countryside from the rooftop terrace. Warm, cozy interiors are accentuated by traditional Moroccan designs. A few modern amenities are available, but this is essentially a place where one gets to take a break from the hectic city life.

La Mamounia is located in the heart of Marrakech. Elite members of society such as Hillary Clinton and Winston Churchill have stayed here; in fact, one of the suites is devoted to the latter, who was a loyal guest. The surrounding area is stunning with its 17-hectar gardens dating from the 18th century at your feet and the Atlas Mountains in the distance. The hotel incorporates Moroccan architectural features and art-deco style, and is surrounded by 12th-century ramparts. It features three villas, and some of its 57 suites have unique themes and names like "19ème Siècle," "Palmeraie" and "Mamounia 1930." Aprt from the usual amenities, like room service and other intangibles, the hotel also offers a gymnasium, a golf course, tennis courts and a casino! Pamper yourself at the spa, enjoy a meal at one of the five restaurants, have a drink at one of the four bars (including the Bar du Soleil), or shop at the gift stores (including Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton). Closed for renovation since July 2006, it will reopen in 2008.

Casa Lalla is one of those places that everyone knows about but tries hard to make it a secret. Tucked away in an alleyway in the heart of Marrakech, its eight rooms all have a charm entirely their own. If you're a larger group, fret not. The Riad at Casa Lalla can accommodate up to 16 people and they will customize your stay and even your trip. It is walking distance from all the must see souks, and a bit further is the historic Jemaâ El Fna Square. The dining here (at Table (La)) is par excellence, the traditional hammam massage is relaxing and seductive and the views of the Marrakesh medina are unparalleled.

Situated in the heart of Marrakech, the medina, Dar Zouar still retains a quiet and calm but for the chirping birds. With five rooms at your disposal or an entire riad if it strikes your fancy, Dar Zouar is ideal. There's a direct bus to the Jemaâ El Fna (or if you choose a bit of luxury, the taxi stand is a short walk away), the Zaouïa Sidi Bel Abbès is a hop-skip-jump away and the Médersa Ben Youssef is just around the corner.

Marrakech Riads lets you rent individual rooms or entire riads situated not too far from the city center. Some of them date from the 17th century and have now been restored to their original beauty. The Dar Sara and the Dara Sara Srira are the most modest while the Al Jazira is the most lavish with 15 rooms, a swimming pool and a hammam. The Marrakech Riads have a real estate agency for those interested in buying a riad, but that's pretty much out of the question for the regular tourist and budget traveler. Maybe you can just pretend you own the place!

This stylish Riad located in the Riad Laârouss area, a few minutes walk from the Souks features two beautiful white patios overlooking orange and banana trees and a basin for bathing. In the rooms, the same white brings a sensation of calm and space. Two terraces with Berber tents complete welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.

This four star hotel occupies a big ochre building in the New Town. Diwane provides a level of comfort and space that most times cannot be found in the medina, much like its swimming pool. The décor mixes Moroccan and international inspiration. The service is welcoming and friendly.

It is the feeling of good cheer and simplicity that makes the guests of hotel Toulousain come back year after year! Its former owner was from Toulouse and the hotel has kept its "south of France" charm. Yet the colorful mosaics and the palm-trees planted gardens are distinctly Moroccan. Rooms are very clean and their prices vary depending on bathroom amenities.

Le Grand Imilchil is a classic three star hotel offering convenient amenities: an elegant Moroccan style welcoming hall, a big outdoor swimming pool and clean, clear, well-equipped and spacious rooms. It is located in a calm spot, between the medina and the New Town in the residential suburb of Hivernage.

This riad gives a good value for the price. It has two verdant patios bedecked with mosaics, a beautiful palm tree overshadowing the central patio, a panoramic terrace, and a nice Moorish-inspired salon. Rooms are less lavish and consequently have less charm, but they are calm and relatively comfortable. Contrary to many riads of the medina, this one can be reached by car.

A 15 minute walk from Jemaâ El Fna square, in the quiet district of the Hivernage, the five star hotel Es Saadi Gardens & Resorts is located in a 8-hectare park. With 150 rooms and suites renovated in 2005, 90 suites, and ten superb luxury Villas with swimming pools, it is the height of luxury. The resort also has a very good spa, the trendy discotheque ThéâtrO and the Casino de Marrakech which opened in 1952.

The single room and three suites of Riad Dar Silsila, along with its patio and its terraces, constitute a refined haven, only 300 meters from animated Jemaâ El Fna square. This boutique hotel hidden in the medina is also just 300 meters from the Koutoubia Mosque. Each room is tastefully decorated with handmade woodwork and colorful rugs that create a particular atmosphere in which Orient meets Occident meets Africa. Moreover, the owner and his staff are especially welcoming. Reservations are a must.

Hotel Des Jardins De La Koutoubia (the "Hotel of the Koutoubia Gardens") enjoys an unmatched location, between Jemaâ El Fna square and the Koutoubia Mosque. The building surrounds a swimming pool with palm trees. The rooms are comfortable and nicely decorated. The terrace on the top of the building (where you will find a good Indian restaurant) offers marvelous views of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains. This hotel features all the amenities you'd expect in a five-star accommodation. It belongs to the Relais & Châteaux du Maroc.

The Villa Des Orangers is an upper luxury Riad in a splendid setting. The bright patios showcase finely-worked stucco archways, orange trees, fountains and climbing plants. There is a swimming pool surrounded by olive trees in the garden and another one on the roof-terrace that offers great views of the Koutoubia Mosque and the Atlas Mountains. The decoration features beautiful wooden furniture and colorful rugs. The hotel restaurant serves delicious French cuisine melded with Moroccan and Mediterranean flavors. Like everything here, the service is flawless. This place belongs to Morocco's Relais & Châteaux.