Les Jardins De L'Agdal Hotel & Spa

Housed in a long, low, peach-colored building centered around a large outdoor pool, Les Jardins de l’Agdal resembles a grand Moroccan palace from the outside. Once inside, however, the hotel is designed like intimate clusters of small traditional riads, with several serene courtyards decorated with pointed arches, gurgling fountains, colorful tiles, and reflecting pools. The lobby is located in one of such courtyards, with exposed brick walls, terra-cotta floors, and heavy curtains with colorful stripes. The striking golden front desk is the centerpiece here, and low, comfy chairs placed around traditional tea tables offer seating for guests waiting to check in or out. Throughout, interiors have a strong local feel, with tons of charming traditional Moroccan details such as inlaid furniture, brass lanterns, and mosaic tilings, and exterior hallways keep the spaces fresh and airy. The outdoors are equally appealing, with pretty palms, and olive trees. Although common spaces may feel grand and high-end, the essence of the hotel is not quite luxurious, with few high-end services, average food, and worn rooms. Competitive rates and great amenities for all ages draw a mix of couples and families with young kids year-round. 

The hotel is located right on Mohammed VI Avenue, one of Marrakech’s main thoroughfares. The immediate area is home to a movie theater, a shopping mall, a couple of night clubs, several other hotels, and the lovely Agdal Gardens, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other than the gardens, there are few major attractions within walking distance, but the lively Medina is just a 10-minute drive away. Main tourist sights, such as the Koutoubia Mosque, El Badi Palace, Jemaa el Fna Square, and the bustling souk are all within a 15-minute drive from the hotel. It’s a 10-minute drive to the Menara Gardens, and the airport is less than 15 minutes by car. The hotel does not offer airport transfer services.

The hotel has 241 rooms, all featuring beautiful traditional Moroccan design and a soft palette with pops of red and green. Pointed and horseshoe arches, terra-cotta floors, brass lanterns, Mashrabiya-style screens, and lovely wooden furniture with inlays lend rooms lots of local charm, while flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are modern conveniences. Bathrooms have a similar local feel, with small tiles in different shades of green, wood accents, shower/tub combos, and wall moldings with traditional arch shapes and geometric patterns. Though rooms are aesthetically pleasing, on a closer inspection they’re rough around the edges, with multiple maintenance issues and shoddy repairs, especially in bathrooms. Rooms overlooking the pool and the gardens have small, sunny balconies, and units on the ground floor feature tiny patios furnished with wrought-iron chairs and cute tiled tables.

The outdoor pool is large and pleasant, with lots of padded loungers and umbrellas around it, and palm trees for shade. It is located right in the center of the property with no tall buildings around it, which makes it a favorite among guests looking to spend a relaxing day in the sun. Les Termes des Oliviers is the hotel’s gorgeous spa, designed as a riad, with its own lovely courtyard with a fountain, an indoor pool, a hydrotherapy area, and treatments rooms. There is also a small salon offering nail and hair services. The fitness center is small and dated, but there is also an outdoor clay tennis court with loaner equipment that guests can borrow free of charge. There are five dining options here, including a poolside grill, an elegant Moroccan restaurant, an international buffet,  and a cozy cafe with a fireplace. Most restaurants have outdoor seating either by the pool or in airy courtyards, but food is average in all of them. The hotel also features three meeting rooms and a conference hall for up to 800 guests, a playground, a kiddy pool, and daily activities for all ages.