Located in the city center, with a view of the surrounding Atlas Mountains, this hotel combines the charm and romance of A Thousand and One Nights with modern conveniences. It is within walking distance of the medina, Jamma El Fna square, La Koutoubia Mosque, Palais El Badia, Quartiers Des Tanneurs, Musee Dar Si Said, Opera de Marrakech (symphony hall) and Jardins Majorelle (botanical gardens). The hotel's pink exterior and splashing fountains bedazzle arrivals with their exotic appearance.
The friendly staff greets guests as they step onto the plush Oriental carpets that cover the courtyard leading to the entrance. With 348 rooms, most with a balcony and mountain views, a luxurious pool, gardens, two restaurants, a disco, three bars, business center, fitness facility and a Turkish bath, this property offers plenty of modern amenities.
The lobby is an architectural blend of Moorish arches, interior fountains, lounging areas with pillows and couches, and carefully crafted mosaics conveying a feeling of days past. A refreshing glass of mint tea and a comfortable seat make check-in a pleasant affair, although
groups can add to the wait time during high season.
This hotel boasts three restaurants and three bars. Le Palmier buffet offers traditional Moroccan cuisine, as well as conventional European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare. For a formal dining experience, L'Orangerie features dishes made from fresh local ingredients and one of the best wine selections in the city in an elegant setting. The Bar Darkum, located off the lobby and opening to the terrace, offers comfortable armchairs around low tables and a variety of drinks and aperitifs. Located poolside, l'Oasis serves drinks and light fare all day in a relaxed atmosphere. Lawrence bar features musical entertainment in a lively atmosphere until 2 am.
For active travelers, the pool complex is a good place to exercise or relax. It features a mammoth palm-tree-studded outdoor pool with cooling spray fountains, a large heated indoor pool, a whirlpool and a Turkish bath. There are shops just off the lobby, but guests will probably prefer to do their souvenir shopping at the nearby souks, where the atmosphere is exciting and the prices 
are much better.
Business center access also includes copier and printer, stationery and translation services. Eight conference rooms seat up to 450 guests in a variety of seating formats. Parking is secure, and valets are readily available.
The rooms reflect modern architecture with traditional flair and accents. Plush fabrics reflect the natural aura outside, including sandy browns of the medina walls, pale pinks from the blossoming geraniums and soft yellow hues of the desert sands. All are equipped with a safe deposit box, minibar, clock radio, desk with electrical outlets, phone with data port and 19-inch satellite TV. The business center and most rooms have Wi-Fi or high-speed Internet lines. However, be prepared for an extra charge for Internet service. Crown molding and intricate artwork or door designs provide a flourish of Moroccan creativity in each room. Balconies in most rooms overlook the lovely pool, whirlpool and terrace, as well as the Atlas Mountains in the distance. The marble combination baths are large and come with a makeup mirror, hair dryer, robes, slippers and extension phone.
Four rooms are classified as "handicapped friendly," but all are large enough to accommodate a wheelchair. The hotel is spread over a large area, though, so the distance from the rooms to the lobby can be significant. Those with difficulty walking should request a room near the entrance. Elevators are large enough for a wheelchair and attendant. Room service with an extensive menu is available 24 hours a day. Small dogs are permitted, but no other pets are granted entrance.
Deluxe rooms are the preferred option, but all are equally pleasant. A night spent here is not as adventurous as staying at a riad, but this hotel provides an excellent bridge between the traditional and the modern. This bridge may be all too obvious for those rooms facing the street, since car noise is constant. The friendly, congenial staffers speak English and welcome guests as if they are entering a private home. Comfortable surroundings, full amenities and a central location make this a good base hotel for exploring Marrakech.