Les Résidences Du Domaine

The hotel consists of clay-colored villas set amidst green lawns dotted with olive trees, palms, and year-round bougainvillea blossoms. The serene outdoor pool, lined with cushioned loungers and with Atlas Mountain views, makes the hotel a great choice for those who prefer peaceful sunbathing away from the city. The restaurant is dreamy and elegant, with pale yellow and cream curtains parted to allow views of the property. Simple, black tables and chairs with brown cushions are set with white dishes and golden-hued placemats, while wood floors, thick columns, and a wrought-iron chandelier complete the earthy vibe. There are even some tables set outside on the lawn for romantic, alfresco dining. The large private villas are perfect for couples and families, although kids may get bored without any organized activities on offer. Business travelers are likely to find it too far from the city center, and those who want nighttime action may want to look elsewhere. As the hotel is 20 minutes from the medina, it may end up being cheaper to rent a car than to take taxis -- and many taxis aren't familiar with this hotel's location.

Surrounded by agricultural fields and small villages, this hotel is situated in the valley of the Ourika. Suited to those who prefer a quiet haven away from the steamy hustle and bustle of Marrakech center, the hotel is about a 20-minute drive from both the airport and medina, with the Museum of Marrakech. The Agdal Gardens are just under 15 minutes away. The hotel can arrange for tours and excursions, including explorations of the plateau of Kik and rural Berber settings. 

Les residences du domaine contains villas rather than traditional rooms. Each villa has two-bedrooms, a lounge area with a flat-screen TV and a fireplace, and a small kitchen area with a sink and a mini-fridge -- but no utensils or stovetop. Glass doors open onto stone patios with wrought-iron furniture, with tall hedges for privacy. Decor is Moroccan and colorful, with handcrafted touches, and furniture made of carved wood and iron. Some rooms feel romantic and sophisticated, with red and tangerine textiles against sultry gray walls, while others are more charming, with small woven rugs or pink curtains against white walls. Kitchens have pretty beige tilework and wall-mounted lanterns perched above wood cabinetry. Bathrooms have stand-alone showers with hand-held nozzles, and are decorated with dark walls, bronzed sinks, and dim lighting. 

The restaurant is menu-less, which means guests are served whatever is fresh and available -- often tagines or other traditional Moroccan dishes requiring advance notice, as preparation can take an hour or more. Half-board options are available, so if guests plan to be out late, they can opt to only have breakfast, which includes pastries or pancakes with honey, jam, mint tea, coffee, and fresh-squeezed orange juice. The large, U-shaped pool contains a shallow area -- which could be better for kids -- and plenty of lounge chairs, though it could use a few more umbrellas. At night, the pool shimmers with lights edging the water. There is free Wi-Fi in the restaurant area, but not the rest of the hotel. Guests are offered welcome drinks (non-alcoholic) and pastries.