Ouahat Sidi Brahim, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 710-7049
Peaceful Palmeraie setting, with free shuttle service to Marrakech
Gorgeous grounds and common areas with antiques and local items
Classic rooms, some with private patios or balconies
All rooms are outfitted with minibars and satellite TVs
Large shaded pool with loungers and daybeds
Full-service spa area with hammam and hot tub
On-site restaurant with adjacent piano bar
Free airport transfers, continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi
Very obliging staff
About 20 minutes from the city center with little nearby
Restaurant has a limited selection of lackluster food
Limited number of on-site activities
Pool isn’t heated and becomes unusable in winter
Some maintenance issues reported
El Miria Palais Riad is an upscale boutique hotel in the Palmeraie area, about 20 minutes north of the city center. The property has only 10 charming, traditionally appointed rooms -- all decorated with artisanal touches and equipped with modern conveniences like air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Its small size, coupled with a relatively remote location, combine to create an appealing, peaceful atmosphere. A lounger-lined pool, full-service spa, and restaurant/bar enhance the relaxing feel (though past guests aren't always pleased with the food at the latter). When cabin fever hits, a free daily shuttle into Marrakech is available and tours can be arranged. But if you’re looking for a full range of on-site facilities and organized activities, there several other Palmeraie resorts that would be a better fit.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A relaxing retreat that largely attracts older couples
Former guests -- many of them older, vacationing couples from Europe -- frequently refer to this traditionally designed spot as an “oasis of calm” or a “tranquil haven.” It’s an apt description, especially when compared to the hyperkinetic atmosphere of central Marrakech or even some of Morocco’s busy, fun-fueled family resorts. This little walled compound, after all, contains only 10 rooms and offers a very modest menu of on-site activities (lounging by the pool and counting tortoises among them). As a result, it’s best suited for those who are seeking a true break from the bustle and could feel a little too sleepy to others. Interiors are deeply atmospheric adorned in antiques and local handicrafts. And even the building's architecture conveys a traditional Moroccan look, with keyhole-shaped archways bordering a central fountain surrounded by lanterns. All of this creates an intimate feeling that's carried into the guest rooms.
Location
In the Palmeraie, about 20 minutes north of the medina
Situated near the Oued Tensift River, due north of Marrakech, this hotel is set off on its own in the resort-y Palmeraie district. The Museum of Water Civilization, a new state-of-the-art attraction, opened nearby in 2017. But otherwise there’s little to see in this oasis-like area aside from the eponymous palm trees. On the upside, the hotel offers golfing junkets to five partner courses -- including the nearby 27-hole one designed by Robert Trent Jones at the Palmeraie Golf Palace. More culturally minded guests can take advantage of customized tours and daytrips that take in both outlying destinations, like the Atlas Mountains or Essouira, and the Red City itself. (If you’d rather tackle Marrakech’s legendary medina alone, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Jemaa el Fna Square. The hotel’s free shuttle makes one round-trip there daily; taxi transportation is also available.) Free airport transfers and free parking can be arranged on-site, too.- Four-minute drive to the Mohammed VI Museum of Water Civilization
Rooms
Attractive rooms that wed traditional style and modern comforts
Ranging in size from 237- to 904-square meters, the individually decorated accommodations here are tastefully appointed and have a traditional look that incorporates classic elements (such as elegant arches or fretwork furnishings) with antique accents and items crafted by local artisans. But despite the old-school vibe, contemporary conveniences have not been forgotten: In fact, all rooms and suites include minibars, tea/coffee-making equipment, flat-screen TVs that pick up satellite channels, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. All also boast generously sized four- or five-piece bathrooms that come with rainfall showers plus welcome extras like robes, magnifying mirrors, and lush toiletries. The larger options add seating areas, while the biggest of the lot -- the sumptuous Royal Dar Yacout Suite -- has an indoor garden as well.
Features
A lovely pool and spa -- but disappointing food
On-site facilities take on added importance when you’re staying well outside the city center, and the most obvious one here is a sizable palm-shaded pool that’s edged with loungers and big curtained daybeds. Unfortunately the pool is unheated making it far too cold to put to use in the winter months. The manicured grounds also feature an atmospheric spa area outfitted with its own hammam, plus a hot tub overlooking the gardens and treatment rooms where guests can enjoy massages, facials, body wraps, and more. The restaurant is an evocative space as well: picture ornate doors, inlaid detailing and an inviting piano bar in one corner. Past guests, however, have complained about the food in terms of quality, selection, and price (a problem that’s exacerbated by the lack of other dining choices nearby). Note that half-board meal plans are available, and all rates include a substantial continental breakfast, which is served each morning on the pools-side terrace, in the garden, or in your room. Other on-site perks include a 24-hour front desk; concierge, dry cleaning/laundry, and basic business services (i.e. fax/photocopying); free parking and Wi-Fi throughout.
