Nestled in the labyrinth of the ancient souks where donkey carts carry spices, rugs and brass work, this boutique-hotel is a jewel of architecture and an oasis of calm. It was crafted from the home of a magistrate and dates to the 1930s. Renovated and restored in 1999, it is a member of the Relais & Chateaux hotel group.
Arriving guests enter through imposing carved wooden doors that are inconspicuously situated along a side street. A short tiled hallway covered with Oriental rugs and lined with palm trees leads to a world where time seems to stand still. Two open-sky patios enclose lovely gardens with water fountains and a heated plunge pool surrounded by cushioned lounge chairs. Magnificent Moorish archways, chiseled plaster walls and filigreed wood panels are at every turn.
A second pool with sun terrace on the rooftop offers a grand view of the city and the Atlas Mountains. The garden, terrace and other public areas are decorated with antique furnishings and brightly colored overstuffed pillows for lounging
and taking in the views. Wireless Internet access is available in the public lounges and courtyards. Fresh rose petals are distributed among the fountains daily, and vibrant fauna receive loving attention from the staff. Take note of the orange trees in the courtyard, which give the hotel its name.
The formal dining room features a wood-burning fireplace, fine china, linen tablecloths, rich wood paneling and well-padded chairs. The menu carries a daily variety of Mediterranean and Moroccan dishes. Pastries and drinks are available throughout the day. Breakfast and a light lunch (usually a salad, sandwich and omelette, served anytime) are included in the room rate. Guests can also take their meals in the lounges off the courtyard, around the pools, and on the private terraces of the guest rooms. Nothing but the chirping of birds, the trickling of fountains, or the occasional rustle of the leaves can disturb guests. The discreet staff is no more than a short distance away, ready to provide complimentary drinks at a moment's notice.
A private car transports guests to and from the airport without a charge, but guests only need to take a five-minute walk to reach the famed Place Djamna al Fna or the winding souks. Parking and laundry service are also free of charge.
All of the rooms are spacious and luxuriously appointed with local artifacts. They boast sitting or desk areas, phones with data ports, air-conditioning, TVs, minibars stocked with complimentary drinks and safes. Most have king beds, and all come with exceptional linens and plump pillows. Typical appointments are rich wood panels, finely carved furniture, Moroccan decorations, and plush Oriental carpets over tiled floors. Traditional lanterns hang overhead, and local touches like lavender candle oil, locally-made babouche slippers, and fez hats are in all accommodations. The beautifully tiled baths are fitted with tubs and separate showers, large mirrors, lavender toiletries in apothecary tubes, handmade soaps and hair dryers. Two rooms have private terraces, and three suites have balconies that overlook the garden and pool.
The two-story deluxe suite includes a private balcony overlooking the courtyard, a spacious living room with fireplace and leather seating, a second fireplace in the upstairs bedroom, plasma-screen TV with DVD/CD player, separate office space, a private dressing area, and a large bath with double sink. Rooms are separated by exotic linen curtains giving that final touch of Moroccan charisma.
As in most riads, handicapped guests will find it difficult to negotiate the narrow spaces and stairs here.
Along with opulence, this place offers a friendly and efficient staff. Dar les Cigognes is a delightful alternative, but its operation isn't as perfected as this winner. There are many riads in the Marrakech medina, but few that equal this one's impeccable service, outstanding location and substantial amenity roster.
