Palace of dreams
JAMES CAVEN enjoys a stylish hotel at the heart of beautiful Marrakech
La Sultana Marrakech lies hidden away inside the UNESCO world heritage listed medina, the historic heart of the imperial city.
It’s conveniently located near many of the city’s tourist sites, including the Saadian Tombs, the Royal Palace and the Bahia Palace, while it is just 10 minutes’ walk to Jemaa el-fnaa, the main square.
During the day, the nearby streets are full of locals shopping for food in the markets, while at night the area has a real buzz to it.
STYLE
The five-star hotel, which opened in 2004, has 28 rooms and suites, which are all different so each guest’s stay is unique.
It’s made up of different riads – a luxurious house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard – with each having its own distinctive feel. There’s artwork everywhere while the intricately carved brickwork and wood panelling, high-vaulted ceilings and marble floors leave you feeling like you’re staying in a palace.
The rooms are extremely luxurious, with a Jacuzzi and armchairs.
FOOD AND DRINK
There are two restaurants, along with a cocktail and meze bar. The menus all offer a blend of French and Moroccan cuisine, using fresh and local ingredients. Tuck into a delicious lunch of grilled sea bass or crayfish at La Table du Souk on the roof terrace.
La Table de La Sultana, located next to the pool, offers the perfect dinner spot. The vegetable tagine is delicious, and perfectly complemented by the local Casablanca beer.
The rooftop bar, Odette, is ideal for grabbing a cocktail, with both the Midnight in Marrakech and the Rock The Kasbah particularly recommended. Its dinner menu is not to be missed, with the fish tagine perfectly followed by a homemade sorbet.
WHAT TO DO
Jump in one of the hotel’s two pools, or visit the spa and grab a treatment in one of its private rooms.
The hotel has arguably the greatest rooftop terrace in the city and it’s where you can find the gym, so you can enjoy panoramic views while exercising, or just relax as you admire your surroundings.
There are stunning views, including the Kasbah Mosque, as well as the ancient city walls and the 16th-century Saadian Tombs. You can also see the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
A DAY OUT
The urban safari, led by experienced and knowledgeable official guides, is a superb way to get a feel for Marrakech.
Learn about the history and culture of the red city on this three-hour walking tour, while also enjoying the hustle and bustle as you make your way around its narrow streets.
Starting from the hotel’s rooftop, it takes you through the Kasbah district, around the beautiful Bahia Palace, before ending in the iconic Jemaa elfnaa square.
In the square, you’ll find market traders and food vendors selling their goods, while snake charmers and Berber musicians entertain.
The rooms are extremely luxurious, with a Jacuzzi and armchairs
■ Rates at La Sultana Marrakech start from £350 per night for a Riad Room, lasultanahotels.com. For more information: visitmorocco.com/en