El Minzah Hotel

El Minzah is among Tangier's oldest and grandest properties. It's the former home of an Irish lord and has been transformed into a hotel that has hosted the likes of Rita Hayworth and Rock Hudson. Although it's been refurbished inside with spotless marble stairwells and floors, plus reupholstered seating, Moorish architectural details remain intact. Exquisitely carved ceilings and arched walls separate the common areas, and the sunny interior courtyard features a mosaic tile fountain. Rich rugs, dark wood cabinets holding vintage artifacts, classic Moroccan lamps, and ornate doors serving as wall decor are reminders of the hotel’s history as a royal residence. Finished with outdoor terraces, citrus groves opening to a swimming pool, and photographs of past celebrity guests, the estate certainly looks like the set of a period drama. Some guests view the place as past its prime, but the Old World vibe is a big draw for travelers, especially couples.

The hotel is situated four minutes on foot from the busy Grand Socco square that bridges Tangier’s old and new areas. The souks and restaurants of the bustling Medina surround the property, which may make for more noise than guests would like. The hotel is easily walkable to attractions like St. Andrew’s Church (three minutes away), the American Legation Museum (five minutes away), and the Kasbah Museum (12 minutes away). Tangier Beach, of which there are distant views from the hotel, is a six-minute drive away. The Port of Tangier is a seven-minute drive away, and there is a major bus stop 15 minutes away on foot. Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is a 25-minute drive away, but the hotel doesn’t have its own airport transfer service.

The Moroccan decor of the hotel’s common areas doesn’t necessarily translate as well in the rooms, where the Old World look comes off as more dated than charming. The king and twin beds are comfortable, and areas are clean. However, thick drapes, boldly colored carpeting and bedspreads, ornate lamps, and carved wooden furniture weigh the spaces down, especially in the smaller Superior Rooms, which also lack balconies. Deluxe Rooms and most Suites do have lovely furnished balconies with beautiful pool, and city views. Suites also have separate living areas and sofa beds; some have kitchenettes.All rooms do have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, desks, safes, and free spotty Wi-Fi. Superior Rooms lack minibars, which are provided in higher-tier rooms. Free water bottles are supplied, but none of the rooms have tea-and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are clean, and provide a decent range of toiletries and hairdryers. Old tiles and rickety showers and doors could use updating. All bathrooms have shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads; many suites come with hot tubs.

Features here are varied. Breakfast at the El Erz Restaurant -- which has a beautiful terrace -- is included with rates and consists of a large, tasty buffet featuring crepes, croissants, fresh cheeses, yogurts, fruits, meats, and hot stations. European fare served for lunch and dinner here, and the Moroccan dinners offered at El Korsan restaurant (which also has frequent live music and belly dancing performances) get mixed reviews. Food and cocktails are also offered amidst old celebrity photos and rich red carpeting at the Wine Bar. Caid’s Piano Bar serves drinks late into the evening. Twenty-four hour room service is available. Guests particularly love the exceptional mint tea served at all restaurants and bars. Meals can also be enjoyed at the Misbah Club by the outdoor pool, a compact, but beautiful area that offers tables and deck chairs, and nightly live music. The large El Minzah Wellness Center offers a generous array of massage treatments and fitness classes, plus a sauna, Turkish bath, and indoor pool. Although the discounted rates for hotel guests are appealing, the facilities are slightly run-down. The gym is well-sized and has a decent range of TechnoGym equipment, but lacks air-conditioning.     There are three event rooms for business events, banquets, or weddings. A small business center with one computer is also available. On-site parking and property-wide Wi-Fi are both free.