This hotel, across the road from the more commercial Royal Mirage, 3 km from the medina, an easy five-minute drive from the airport, is a luxurious endeavor that has been carved out of the ruins of what once was a bland three-star hotel. Set comfortably between the mind-numbing beauty of Amanjena and the more down-to-earth contemporary style found at the Melia Tichka Salam, this operation is sleek and elegant to the core, though one would never guess that from the bland, brick-faced exterior.
The grounds of this hotel are built around an ornate water feature inspired by the aqua-technics at the Alhambra in Granada, Spain, and show blossoming flowers and abundant greenery. Three clay-red buildings house the accommodations, and the main building holds all of the public areas. The purposefully under-furnished lobby gives groups room to move, but there is also lots of space to enjoy the hall's radiant, mirror-polished marble, terrazzo and tile floor, fashionable art and quirky lighting fixtures. The security presence
is tight, including a metal detector at the front entrance, but this is intended to put international minds at ease (despite there being little reason for concern).
Lighting throughout the hotel has been custom designed, with most of the fixtures combining the talents of Morocco's finest metal workers, wood and marble carvers, and glass artisans. Local art and pottery provide a gallery-type atmosphere to the surroundings, and padded wicker seating hosts guests who wish to study them. Bright crayon colors lighten both the bar and the Salon de The. The latter opens onto a terrace overlooking the garden, and the former is entered through a curvaceous aluminum gate. Garden views are enjoyed from the more subtly decorated breakfast room—a yellow-tinged venue with striped seating that serves up hearty buffets at dinner, too. Sapphire slipcovers, fanciful tile mosaics and murals add color to the international a la carte restaurant.
The poolside cafe serves light meals and snacks from early morning until sunset. The vast, sparkling plunge crisscrossed by wooden bridges is ringed by padded chaises longues, expansive umbrellas and shady palm trees. Other recreational facilities include two tennis courts and a fitness center. A spa provides affordable massage services and a steamy hammam.
Meeting space is relatively tiny by this chain's standards, with the largest room accommodating 110 seated guests. Business services include an unmanned business center, expensive wireless Internet access and an accommodating staff. Parking is in a secure lot, and a gift shop provides forgotten necessities.
The generally spacious guest quarters are realized in earth tones, with luxuriant cotton spreads and flowing drapes, original art, silver-leaf mirrors and high-quality furniture. TVs have 10 international channels, minibars and safes 
are hidden, and thermostats, small closets, and lovely mosaic-tiled baths with robes, hair dryers and deluxe toiletries are in all units. Room service runs around the clock, and turndown, fresh flowers, international newspapers and fruit baskets are touches of real luxury. Accommodations in the Atlas building overlook the pool, but the Menara building is bereft with noise from the bustling street in front. If garden serenity is the desired outcome, request the Koutoubia quarters.
The clientele is heavily European, although tour groups and flight crews make frequent appearances as well. Since its former sibling the Sheraton has been re-branded across the street, Starwood aficionados have no other choice than this lodging. This fine French chain hotel echoes the refinement found in its motherland, and is not what one usually finds in Morocco.