Today I am revisiting my trip to Marrakech, after a first article that provided you with a selection of things to see/do there, this second post will give you my perspective on the different types of accommodation available. If you are heading to the Red City, there are two choices available to you (roughly speaking):
- Either you opt for a riad in the heart of the medina, with the bustle and commotion of this part of Marrakech (and often the requirement to walk to your hotel, though luggage porters are everywhere to help you for a small tip, obviously) to experience the incomparable atmosphere of this district.
- Or you prefer to only walk through the medina and stay in one of the hotels in the new city or the palm grove, a little further away from the city center.
If, however, you cannot decide, you can do as we did and test both types of accommodation to change the atmosphere during your trip.
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Le Palais Riad Lamrani
The riad Lamrani is a true jewel in the heart of the Red City. This authentic Marrakech palace from the 19th century, spanning over 1500 m2, is located in the historic Mouassine district, at the heart of the Marrakech medina. It has been completely renovated in the purest Moroccan tradition by Hervé de la Vauvre, a Frenchman in love with Morocco, his wife Isabelle, and their daughter and son-in-law Noémie and Eric. This riad is, therefore, the result of a true family story!
Art lovers like me will be conquered, as the palace is filled with the family’s collection, assembled over many travels. Inside the riad is a magnificent patio lined with columns covered in ancient zellige tiles, and at its center sits a marble fountain surrounded by lush vegetation with the scents of orange and orchid. A true paradise that does not forget to offer its guests a magnificent swimming pool to lounge in the sun during the beautiful season. Of course, the problem is that you would want to stay there forever…
In this oasis of greenery, there are only 3 suites and 3 bedrooms, straight out of the One Thousand and One Nights tales. This deliberate choice of a very small number of rooms gives a very confidential and intimate tone to the place.
Our room, the Pacha:
I will not soon forget the wonderful freshly squeezed orange juices served at breakfast in the Moroccan room and the fresh fruit salads. A real delight!
At noon, the address offers a very beautiful table d’hôte, the Table du Palais, with cuisine made by a Moroccan chef. I will talk to you more about this in my Marrakech Food Tour.
The little extra: getting a massage with argan oil in the riad, by expert hands.
Palais Riad Lamrani
63 rue Sidi el Yamani
Mouassine district in the Medina, Marrakech
Price for Le Pacha room: from €200 to €400 per night depending on the season / prices vary between €150 and €500 for other rooms
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Le Tigmiza Marrakech, suites & pavilions
This luxurious boutique-hotel nestled in the palm grove outside Marrakech and member of the TemptingPlaces label, is a haven of peace far from the city’s hustle. Tigmiza, which literally means “Izza’s house” in Berber, is a place that represents a beautiful family synergy, as each member of the family contributed to this construction (building, artwork in the hotel, interior design, hotel management, etc.) which lasted 5 years.
Like any hotel of this standard, it has every conceivable amenity:
- 2 magnificent outdoor swimming pools, with areas for sun loungers to soak up the sun.
- A private cinema room in the basement that can be booked for free to watch a movie in complete privacy.
- A spa with hammam and sauna.
- An event space of 6,500 m2 called Le Colisée.
- A Moroccan lounge where you are welcomed upon arrival with a little mint tea accompanied by some Moroccan pastries.
- An English bar for match nights.
- An Indonesian terrace to relax up high.
- Le Masaï, a night bar and club to have a drink and dance.
- And obviously, a luxury concierge service to grant your every wish… Very practical when you have to catch an early flight, leave the hotel around 5:30 AM, and they still manage to serve you a little something to eat before you go. It’s the kind of detail that makes the difference.
The breakfast is very pleasant and appreciable. Served on a small interior terrace during fine weather, you can choose between a continental buffet or let yourself be tempted by an Arabic breakfast Moroccan-style. Obviously, you know my preference… One of the sure values of the destination remains, of course, the delicious freshly squeezed fruit juices, especially the oranges, bursting with sunshine and sugar.
Our suite, the Roses:
We were staying in one of the 3 pavilions of the Bambouseraie, the Roses suite, right next to the pool. I loved our little private terrace.
There are also 10 suites in the Kasbah and a village with 14 villas for those who want more privacy. We also had the chance to take a quick tour of the double Royal Suite, an incredible place reserved for distinguished guests (yes, so no, we were not guests of that caliber). So, just to dream a little, I am putting up some photos of the place, just to take you on a little guided tour, like an enchanted interlude.
The good deals:
- A snack with mint tea and Moroccan pastries is served for free every day from 5 PM to 6 PM.
- You have the possibility to benefit from free shuttles to the city center twice a day (ask for the schedule at the reception). And for 150 dh, you can also book a private shuttle whenever you wish.
Tigmiza Marrakech
Route de Bab Atlas, Palmeraie
40 000 Marrakech
Price for the Pavilions: about €240 per night with breakfast included / price for rooms starting at €180
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And you, what are your good accommodation addresses in Marrakech or your accommodation tips?
Find below all my articles on my trips to Morocco (2015, 2016, and 2018):
⇒ All my articles on Morocco
⇒ All my articles on Marrakech
MY ARTICLES ON MOROCCO
⇒ Stay at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort (2018)
⇒ Food Tour in Marrakech (2016)
⇒ Selection of accommodation in Marrakech (2016)
⇒ Stay at the Mazagan Beach Resort south of Casablanca (2015)
Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez Photos are not royalty-free, photographer's authorization required before any use
