26 Rue de la Koutoubia, Marrakech, Morocco | 212 0 5 24 38 88 00
Luxury riad with Moorish furnishings, gardens, and lounges
Ideal Marrakech location near Jemaa el-Fna square and souks
Chic Moroccan rooms feature flat-screen TVs and balconies or terraces
Stylish library offers Apple computer
Salon provides poolside lounges, a pool table, and fireplaces
Outdoor pool with a children's area
Rooftop pool boasts city views
Three international restaurants, snack bar, and piano bar
Luxe spa with hammams, indoor pool, and hair/nail salon
Bright gym features modern equipment and a flat-screen TV
Valet (for a fee) and airport transfer assistance
Free Wi-Fi, underground parking, and continental breakfast
Rooms by the dumbwaiter and elevators can be noisy
Wi-Fi is reportedly slow
Guests complain about hotel and room fixtures being in minor disrepair
Cats occasionally roam through property
No in-room coffeemakers
The 100-room Les Jardins de La Koutoubia is
a Moroccan romantic haven, offering luxury palatial designs, Moorish
furnishings, secluded tropical courtyards with fountains, and quick access to
Jemaa el-Fna square. The intimate hotel features rooftop and outdoor garden
pools, an elegant spa with an indoor pool, and on-site dining and cocktails. Still,
guests sometimes complain about in-room noise from the dumbwaiter and
elevators. The nearby Es Saadi Gardens and Resort, which reportedly offers
quieter rooms, might be an alternative option.
Scene
A luxurious riad with lush gardens, palatial designs, and modern decor
Les Jardins de La Koutoubia is a riad that has
been owned by the Ouarzazi family since the 13th century and updated by French interior designer Elisabeth Drapeau. The hotel’s palatial architectural
designs, Moorish wooden railings, and tropical foliage spill out onto the busy
street entrance. The hotel appeals mostly to couples, but families stay at the
property as well. Wooden domed ceilings, red
carpeting, and tufted sofas give the lobby a romantic and upscale feel.Inside, the lush
courtyards -- with fountains and stylish rocking chairs that line outdoor
hallways -- create a serene escape from the hectic medina. Guests are given a
customary Moroccan welcome with mint tea and pastries. The ryad pool --
including a children's section -- is at the center of the property with palms,
cushioned lounge furniture, and white umbrellas. The rooftop pool offers stylish
lounge chairs, towels, and umbrellas, along with views of the 11th-century
Koutoubia mosque.
Location
A centrally located hotel in the old medina of Marrakech
Historical attractions, restaurants, and cafes
are within close walking distance of this centrally located Marrakech hotel.
The medina is a 14-minute walk northeast while the Koutoubia mosque is across
the street. Jemaa el-Fna square, Souk El Bahja, Marrakech Tours, and the Marrakech Museum are all short walks away as well, and it’s a 10-minute drive southwest to the airport. Outside of the property itself, the streets are bustling with vendors and street
performers, and guests recommend hiring a reputable tour guide.
Rooms
Rooms feature luxury Moorish decor, flat-screen TVs, and balconies with captivating views
Rose
petals decorate a range of suites and Medina or Patio units. Moorish designs and
textiles along with modern furnishings create a luxurious experience. Each room is uniquely styled and comes with daily housekeeping service. Rooms
have safes, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and
minibars. Bathrooms have showers and tubs, marble or mosaic tiles, bathrobes,
slippers, bidets, separate toilet rooms, and high-end toiletries. Furnished
balconies or terraces overlook the Koutoubia mosque, streets, and/or gardens. Medina units have red tufted sofas, stylish photography, and medina views. Suites
offer sitting areas and large bathrooms with rainfall showerheads. Irons and
cribs are available upon request.
Features
Indian, Moroccan, and French dining with poolside cocktails and lounges
The hotel offers Moroccan, French, and Indian
cuisine in several different venues. Artwork and wooden ceilings fill the
poolside Imlil snack bar. The rooftop terrace bar and restaurant Des Jardins de
Bala has Marrakech views and colorful interiors with fireplaces. The red
decorated Restaurant Marocain -- with a grand piano -- gets high marks for its
romantic style. Bar Ouarzazi is intimate with dark wood furniture and striped
tapestries. The elegant Le Relais de Paris, near a quiet pool, features photos
of celebrities who’ve been past visitors. For those looking to relax, the ryad
salon provides elegant poolside lounges, a pool table, fireplaces, and luxury
Moorish designs. An open-air library houses traditional furnishings and an
Apple computer.The Carita spa features
Moroccan architecture, five hammams, seven treatment and massage rooms, and
bath therapy. Also on hand are a trendy hair/nail salon and an indoor pool with
archways, red lanterns, and lounge chairs. A bright gym offers modern equipment
and a flat-screen TV.