Where to stay in Marrakech
I stayed in the 5* Eden Andalou but would not recommend it. Whilst it has all the facilities to qualify as a 5* I would say it is operating to 3* standards. The rooms are spacious but the corridors are very dark and the buildings are somewhat dated. There is a waterpark which will appeal to children but overall I feel there are better hotels to stay in.
The Savoy hotel is just a year old and is located in the city, just eight minutes from the Jamaa El-Fna Square. There is a shopping mall attached to the hotel and plenty of restaurants around. The hotel has some great family suites and a zero entry pool which is surrounded by the hotel buildings and therefore feels very secure. It offered spacious accommodation and a high quality is provided for the price.
The famous 5* La Mamounia was a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill and the hotel now has a bar and a suite named after the statesman. They also hold some of the paintings he did whilst relaxing at the hotel. The hotel is centrally located in Marrakech and boasts some of the best gardens I have ever seen in a hotel. Every area of the hotel is infused with an aroma to heighten your senses and enhance the experience. The spa is special, and even if you are not a guest it is worth paying the fee to visit and use the facilities. This is a world famous hotel and operates to the high standards you would expect.
Another luxurious hotel is the Royal Palm Resort. This is a new resort on the outskirts of Marrakech which has an 18-hole golf course and a beautiful spa operated by Clarins. The resort is operated by Beachcomber hotels who have numerous luxury hotels in Mauritius. The backdrop of the Atlas Mountains is absolutely stunning and the sense of peace and quiet will ensure a relaxing time. Yet if you want the hustle and bustle of the city it is just 20 minutes away. The rooms are modern and spacious. There are some lovely private villas in the grounds which are available to rent and these come with the butler service included.
Probably the best way to experience Marrakech is to stay in a traditional Riad. A Riad is a traditional house with guest rooms. The true definition is that there is a central garden but many Riads now have a central courtyard. They are tucked away in the historic alleyways of the medina and hide some amazing luxurious places to stay. I would recommend them as you get a sense of the real Morocco when you stay in the heart of the city in such atmospheric and historic surroundings. I visited the Riad Kniza and would suggest this as an idyllic place to stay for couples who want to be in the heart of the city. There are Riads of various standards – the Riad Kniza is one of the more luxurious ones but you can stay in a Riad for £29 per room per night!
If you like the sound of a holiday to Marrakech I urge you to go. A good variety of accommodation is available to suit all tastes and there is so much you can do. Have a look at my blog on what you can do in Marrakech for more ideas and information.