SENSIMAR Medina Gardens

In the center of Marrakech, Sensimar Medina Gardens offers a private hideaway with beautiful grounds. This resort-like property is largely hidden away from the city around it and is filled with large gardens with green lawns, tortoises, covered day beds, and a lovely array of flowers and plants. The pinkish-tone building has a lovely interior, especially in the lobby with its white columns, curved ceilings, and colorful Moroccan-inspired couches and chairs. This property caters to adults, with kids only 16 years of age and older allowed to accompany their parents. Though there’s a romantic vibe to the gardens, the daily entertainment and all-inclusive dining options gives this place a beachfront resort vibe found in tropical places like Mexico.

Sensimar Medina Gardens, like the name implies, is close to the Medina at just an 11-minute walk away. The bustling square of Jemaa El-Fnaa takes 10 minutes to reach on foot, as does Bahia Palace. Koutoubia Mosque is a nine-minute walk away. The Majorelle Gardens are a bit further, but accessible on foot in a 27-minute walk. There are plenty of restaurants on surrounding streets and a bus stop that takes 15 minutes to reach on foot. It’s a 13-minute drive to the Marrakech Menara International Airport. 

The rooms at this hotel are contemporary and decently well-kept, though may need an update in the coming years. They feature tiled floors, blond-wooden furniture with some visible wear, cream curtains, and white beds with romantic red accents. All units have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, stocked mini-fridges, air-conditioning, safes, and kettles. Some rooms have balconies with pool or city views, and in some Suites, there’s the added perk of hot tubs on the terraces. Bathrooms feauture pale pink walls, white marble sinks, shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries in wall dispensers. 

For a hotel of its size, Sensimar has a robust list of features. There are two outdoor swimming pools: the relaxing pool is heated in the winter and the activity pool has aqua classes, games, and entertainment daily. There’s a small spa that offers a sauna, hair salon, massages, and beauty treatments. The gym has modern cardio and weight equipment. Check out the yoga classes or tennis courts for additional exercise options. Day and night entertainment is available and includes shows, dance classes, games, and live music -- though it generally receives mediocre reviews. 

There are seven dining options that include buffet and a la carte restaurants that serve local and international cuisine. There’s an outdoor snack bar, pool bar, and three other bars indoors. Half-board and all-inclusive rates are available, though food quality doesn’t always receive the highest of reviews from guests. 

Other amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout and free parking.