Fellah Hotel

Travelers looking for a hotel that stands out would do well to consider the Fellah, which has a cool and unusual vibe. From the outside, the cubist gray-colored building looks more like a modern art gallery than a hotel. This makes sense, as the hotel is also a UNESCO-recognized art center and library, providing cultural education and activities for the local village and supporting the Dar Al Ma' mun Foundation. The interiors are modern, with some truly unique art pieces displayed in the spacious, airy lobby -- including a collection of ornaments beneath a framed photograph of Arnold Schwarzenegger. A billiards table sits at the back of the lobby, surrounded by old leather couches and raw-wood tables. Surrounded by 11-hectares of desert garden, the hotel's grounds are peppered with cacti and overlooked by the beautiful Atlas Mountains. The atmosphere is laid-back and slow-paced -- much like the service at times -- with most guests chilling out around the pool, while children play in the Kids' Club or petting zoo. As the sun goes down, a traditional Gnawan musician sets the mood with enchanting songs and spiritual Arabic chants. 

The hotel is located on the road to the Ourika Valley, around a 20-minute drive from Marrakech's city center. It's a quiet area, with very little in the immediate vicinity. Most guests take a taxi into the city, as the hotel doesn't offer a shuttle service. Marrakech is filled with cafes, shops, mosques, and palaces, as well as its famous 11th-century medina, where hundreds of street vendors sell traditional Moroccan crafts. Other historic attractions in town include the Palais de la Bahia, Jemaa el-Fna, and the Majorelle Gardens, which are all a 25- to 30-minute drive from the hotel. The Oasiria Water Park is a 20-minute drive, while the Al Mazar Mall is a 15 minutes away by car. Marrakech Menara International Airport is roughly a 25-minute drive from the hotel. 

Guest rooms are divided among a collection of modern villas, which are also available to rent in whole. All 69 rooms are spacious, open, and individually designed, featuring an urban-inspired look and sleek tiled floors. Like the rest of the hotel, decor is contemporary and chic, with mid-century furnishings, bold artwork, traditional Berber patterns, and inspirational quotes printed on the walls. Expect to see muted palettes of slate gray, white, and wood, plus quirky details like record covers thrown in for a dash of nostalgia. Beds are dressed with soft Egyptian cotton or satin sheets, and framed with white-cube headboards. All rooms have furnished balconies or terraces, some with lovely views of the Atlas Mountains. It is worth noting that some rooms are near the petting zoo (which will mean some noises). Amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, phones, fridges, free robes, and free bottled water. Even so, the lack of bells and whistles like Nespresso machines, butlers, or Bluetooth soundsystems keep them from living up to true luxury levels. Tiled bathrooms are big and modern, with double sinks, spacious countertops, large mirrors, walk-in rainfall showers, and free toiletries. Some rooms have additional outdoor bath tubs. 

The Fellah Hotel has plenty of kid-friendly features, including a massive indoor Kids' Club with art facilities and supervised activities, plus a tree house and petting zoo. Adults can relax at the Wat Po Wellness Center, which has a traditional hammam and several treatment rooms. The hotel also has a meditation room, daily yoga classes, and a fitness center with modern cardio equipment and free weights, plus a Thai boxing ring. A large outdoor pool that's lined with reclining sun loungers, hammocks, and straw umbrellas is popular as well. The poolside restaurant and bar has indoor/outdoor seating, and serves a Moroccan-fusion menu using organic ingredients from the hotel's own garden. A continental breakfast buffet is served daily, but this costs extra. The hotel also has an on-site shop selling souvenirs, spices, and coffee, a two-story library, and modern event villa. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, room service, laundry, cooking classes, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. The hotel doesn't provide a shuttle service to the city center, which is disappointing. The art center (including artists in residence) is open to the hotel's guests, as is the petting zoo.