Aqua Fun Marrakech

LABRANDA Aqua Fun could be anywhere in the world where the sun shines regularly. The sprawling property is divorced from its Moroccan locale, lacking any distinctive style or decorative flair. International flags hang from white, recessed ceilings. The big lobby has marble floor tiles with black and red leather couches arranged in small seating areas, but all the action is outside on the massive water slides.

LABRANDA Aqua Fun is in an isolated area 11 miles south of Marrakech with little within walking distance aside from a few small shops along an undeveloped road. The historic medina is about a 25- to 30-minute drive away. Marrakech Menara International Airport is about a 30-minute drive. Parking at the hotel is free, and there's a free shuttle that brings guests to nearby areas of interest.

Of its 262 rooms, the hotel has 70 Family Rooms with an extra bedroom separated by sliding wooden doors. The rooms have a generic, yet contemporary decor that's devoid of Moroccan style, with a mix of wooden furniture. Some rooms are done in a stylish black palette, but the overall impression is of a big chain's half-hearted attempt to add flair with colorful floor rugs. All rooms have small desks and chairs, as well as small private balconies (or non-private patios) -- some with views of the mountains, while others include views of the water park. Bathrooms are complete with bidets and large tiled walk-in showers, but guests have complained about maintenance. Mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi are standard. Plastic bathtubs for babies are a nice touch. 

The water park is an outdoor kids' paradise (in the summer, the pools aren't heated) of 10 different pools and a dozen different water slides. There is closed tube slides, huge open tower slides, twisting spiral slides, and a family slide where the whole gang can go together in a small boat. There's also a lazy river and a river rafting ride. One pool is dominated by a bright-orange castle, with various small slides extending from it like watery dungeon escape tunnels. Other pools are just for swimming or for lazing about, surrounded by cabanas and covered loungers. The hotel also has a kids' club and playground with mini-golf and staffed activities to keep little ones busy all day. An outdoor sports area has tennis courts, volleyball, and a small soccer field. For adults, the full spa has a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and several body treatments. The all-inclusive restaurants and bars aren't far from the pools, but other than convenience, the buffets of bland food with fatty, questionable cuts of meat leave much to be desired. Watch out for extra charges that apply to special dinners, as well as select dishes and beverages. Wi-Fi is free, but there's a pesky daily resort fee.