Sentido Kenzi Menara Palace

From the outside, the Kenzi Menara Palace resembles a traditional Moroccan fortress, with its terra cotta-colored walls, traditional arches, and carved wood panels flanking the entrance. The lobby continues that impression, with its wood-beamed ceilings, inlaid cupolas, ornate light fixtures, plush low sitting areas, traditional (but not overdone) Moroccan rugs, and local artwork. The effect is luxurious, understated, and welcoming, giving the feeling of entering a home, despite the size of the hotel. The grounds are impeccably manicured, with palm trees and local desert plants, and the pathways lined with shaded sitting areas. The sports grounds are all in top shape, and, throughout, the hotel feels like it's maintained to the highest standard. With its many business facilities, the hotel is popular with conferences and business travelers, but its luxury amenities also attract discerning tourists.

The Kenzi Menara Palace is set just outside the old city walls, about 15 minutes south of the central Medina and Jemaa El Fna square by car. The immediate surrounding area is filled with other luxury hotels, and there's a cinema nearby. The hotel is also adjacent to the historic Jardins de l'Agdal, which guests can visit. The hotel runs a free shuttle to and from the Medina every two hours throughout the day, and taxis are affordable, as well. The airport is a 10-minute drive away; the hotel can arrange transportation upon request for a fee. The hotel also offers free parking on-site.

Rooms and suites at the Kenzi Menara Palace are spacious and equipped to the standards of a modern luxury hotel, with traditional Moroccan flavor. Stone tile floors are complemented by high ceilings with crown moldings, traditional Moroccan rugs, dark wood furniture, Moroccan artwork, plush red benches and chairs, and white linens with red throws. Each room has a private balcony (suites have two), flat-screen TV with cable channels and 100 movies, non-alcoholic minibar, and an espresso machine. Bathrooms blend modern and traditional tilework with a rich purple wall color, and each has a soaking tub and walk-in shower stall, as well as signature toiletries. Most rooms are situated around central courtyards within their buildings, like in a traditional riad. Note that, while many rooms have pool and garden views, some rooms do look out toward the street. There are some smoking rooms available.

Despite being just outside the old city walls, the Kenzi Menara Palace has all the facilities guests would expect from a resort. At the heart of the gardens is the large pool, lined with loungers, private cabanas, and palm trees; there's a poolside bar from which guests can order drinks and snacks to their loungers. The grounds are also home to a wide range of sports facilities, including clay tennis courts, a volleyball court, golf putting green, pétanque court, and more. The well-outfitted kids' club hosts organized activities for children throughout the day, so parents can have some alone time at the spa or by the pool. The impressive spa complex includes a hammam, sauna, steam room, fitness center, yoga studio, and a full range of treatments. There are four restaurants, including the aforementioned, thatched-roof pool bar; the others include the French-Moroccan fine-dining Insensé, with its black-and-white portraits of old movie stars; La Terrasse de l'Insensé, the buffet-style dining area of Insensé, with a terrace looking out towards the Atlas Mountains; Saoussane, an atmospheric Moroccan restaurant; and L'Orientaliste, a vintage piano bar. Free breakfast is served daily, and all-inclusive rate options are available. The hotel also has a number of meeting and event spaces, as well as a business center and free Wi-Fi throughout.