On the western side of the medina, La Maison Arabe was started as a restaurant in 1946 by a French mother and daughter. In 1998 it was reborn as the city's first riad-style boutique hotel and it has since grown to offer 37 rooms plus two restaurants, two pools, a spa, a cooking school and a small country club a 20-minute drive away. Even with such comprehensive facilities, this traditionally-furnished five star property feels intimate and engaging with dedicated staff and snug, cosseting rooms. While other younger riads may be smaller, better located and with more exceptional food, this exquisitely dressed heritage hotel has bags of charm. Today it is part of globe-spanning Cenizaro Hotels and Resorts with a sister residence, Riad Elegancia by La Maison Arabe, close by.
The location makes it easy to explore both ancient and modern parts of the city, and is a cosy sanctuary to return to.
Located in the Medina of Marrakech, explore the winding streets and colourful markets.
By plane: direct flights from London to Marrakech Menara take around 4 hours. The hotel is a 20-minute drive from the airport. Parking costs €5 per day. skyscanner.net
The hotel suits travellers who like a hotel with a sense of history, romancing couples, spa-lovers, and foodies attending the companion cooking school. We loved that traditional crafts are to the fore, including elaborately carved wood, ornate plasterwork, patterned tiles and decorative metal lanterns and mirrors.
The hotel has around 130 staff who are extremely helpful - for example, quickly fixing some broken spectacles at no charge.
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Terrace
- Garden
- Swimming pool
- Fitness centre
- Spa
- Free Wi-Fi
The second floor Deluxe Garden View rooms get plenty of natural light and have a private balcony looking towards the Bab Doukkala mosque. The suites and most other rooms have a working fireplace; all come with fresh flowers and a complimentary bottle of Moroccan wine.
Standard Room, Deluxe Room, Junior Room, Standard Suite, Junior Suite, Deluxe Suite, Royal Suite, Douiria
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes, hairdryer, espresso machine, air conditioning, TV, free Wi-Fi
La Maison Arabe has a cooking school in a nearby building with three-hour classes in authentic Moroccan cuisine. The dark and windowless Piano Bar comes with a pianist, leather-panelled walls and signature cocktails.
Piano Bar: luxurious décor, Moroccan and Asian-inspired tapas. Open daily, 3-11pm.
Le Restaurant: ornate restaurant, Moroccan cuisine. Open daily for dinner.
Les Trois Saveurs: three flavours: French, Moroccan and Asian cuisine. All-day dining, open daily.
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