Marina Smir Hotel & Spa

Families on holiday make up most of the clientele at this hotel, one of the largest in Morocco and a former Sofitel. With vast green lawns and sprawling white Moorish structure, the property certainly is massive, but it sticks to a minimalist approach for its interiors. Apart from a large model of a classic wooden war ship and elaborate floral displays, the lobby has few design elements. The color palette of whites, light pinks, and beiges keeps the common areas looking airy. The architecture and furnishings throughout the property, including the adjacent spa, are slightly dated, but views of the beach and the overall relaxed vibe are pluses. The hotel is deserted and rather gloomy in the winter months, but comes to life during the summer season.  

The hotel’s beachfront location, just off the marina, is ideal for relaxing. The garden provides direct access to a seaside promenade of restaurants. There aren’t many other hotels nearby, but the city of Tetouan is a reasonable 20-minute drive away, and its old town (medina) is about 30 minutes away by car. There’s also a bus to the city. Day trips are easily made to Tangier or the beautiful holy city of Chefchaouen (the blue city), both of which take about an hour and 40 minutes to reach by car. The Ibn Battouta Airport in Tangier is a 90-minute drive away. The hotel doesn’t provide airport transfers.

Rooms are spacious clean, and like the common areas, simple, with plain white tiles and floors, and neutral-toned bed frames and desks. There’s also room for small seating areas. Although the furnishings are updated enough, and large windows let in lots of sunlight, the overall look seems generic and the lack of decor or warmth leaves the spaces feeling spartan. However, balconies in each room have comfortable seating, plus some wonderful views of the pool, marina, and sea. All Classic Rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans, large closets, flat-screen TVs, and safes, but no Wi-Fi. Mini-fridges are provided, but tea-and coffee-making facilities are not. Deluxe Rooms and Suites are much larger, and have similar amenities.Bathrooms are impressive in size, but with broken tiles by the tubs, cracks by the sink, and discoloring near the shower drain, they need renovating. All bathrooms have shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

Features here focus on families and relaxing. Breakfast is included with rates and served at the Restaurant Le Cap, a simple but beautiful and sunny space with high ceilings, large windows offering panoramic sea views, and an outdoor terrace area. The meal is a spread of both continental items and hot food like egg stations. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner buffets featuring Moroccan and international cuisine, which get mixed reviews. The Duke’s Bar, with its wood seating, piano, and mezzanine, is also a cheery spot to enjoy tapas and cocktails all day and evening. There’s also a sushi bar by the pool, which serves pizzas and sandwiches in addition to rolls.The pool itself is large and well-maintained, but could do with more surrounding lounge chairs. There’s also a large heated saltwater indoor pool within the adjacent spa. With a fitness center and a hammam, the spa’s offering of massages and treatments is decent, but the facilities all have a dated look. For outdoor activity, there's a tennis court.The beach and marina are practically attached to the hotel. Although there aren’t any beach chairs set up, the sand is clean and ideal for walking. Guests should note, the beach is closed and deserted during the winter.There are three meeting rooms on-site for events. Free Wi-Fi is only available in the lobby. On-site parking is free.