Marrakech: practical guide and good addresses

Formalities : passport valid for three months. 

Area code : +212 

Time difference : -1h 

Language : Arabic is the main language, but French is also widely spoken. 

Currency : the dirham. 1 euro = 11 dirhams (January 2012). 

Best season : Apart from the scorching summer, all the seasons are pleasant. The nights are cool in winter, but the days are still mild. 

Group size : From the most exclusive to the largest group, the hotels offer an extremely wide range of capacities.

 

161, rue Saint-Honoré. 75001 Paris 
Tel.: 01 42 60 47 24 
Internet : visitmorocco.com

 

ROYAL AIR MAROC operates three to five flights a day from Paris Orly to Marrakech, depending on the season. The airline also offers flights from Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, Nice and Toulouse. Other options for flying directly to Marrakech from Paris or the provinces include the low-cost carriers Easyjet, Jet4you, Ryanair and Transavia. 
Tel.: 0 820 821 821 
www.royalairmaroc.com 

 

 

LA MAMOUNIA 

A benchmark of refinement, La Mamounia has set the standard for almost a century. This former property of the Sultan has been converted into a hotel with 136 rooms and 71 suites, all of which were revamped by Jacques Garcia in 2009. But this Arabo-Andalusian-style palace also owes its renown to its gardens, which stretch over eight hectares dotted with olive trees, fig trees, bougainvillea and more, right in the heart of the old town. In addition to an enchanting spa, two tennis courts and four restaurants, the hotel has several flexible meeting rooms. Avenue Bab Jdid.
Tel.: +212 524 38 86 00
E-mail: reservations@mamounia.com 
www.mamounia.com

 

THE MERIDIAN N'FIS Ideally located halfway between Place Jemaâ El Fna and the Menara Gardens, this complex covers six hectares. Divided into three wings around an Andalusian garden, the hotel offers a host of services and activities: spa, hammam, infinity pool, tennis court, lounge bar, two Moroccan and Italian restaurants, etc. Some of the 277 rooms and 12 suites have been renovated, offering more space. On the conference centre side, four modular rooms can accommodate from 15 to 140 people. There is also a 400-seat unit in the Berber tent style. Avenue Mohamed VI.
Tel.: +212 524 33 94 00
E-mail: réservations.01817@lemeridien.com
www.lemeridiennfis.com

 

The ultimate in chic and the most designer of hotels in the Hivernage district, a stone's throw from the medina. The architecture of this 72-suite boutique hotel, designed by Jacques Garcia, is bold and the decor extravagant. But above all, the Pearl has surrounded itself with some of the biggest names in luxury, including Louis Vuitton, which has a boutique there, Alexandre de Paris, partner of the spa, and Michelin-starred chefs Michel Rostang and Giancarlo Morelli. The icing on the cake: one of the most beautiful swimming pools in Marrakech. One of a kind. Corner of Avenue Echouhada and Rue des Temples.
Tel.: +212 524 42 41 00 
E-mail: contact@hivernage-hotel.com 
www.hivernage-collection.com 

 

Next door to the Pearl, this establishment, which is part of the Warwick collection, plays the authenticity card with its traditional Moroccan decor and furnishings. The gradations of ochre and brown are a reminder that we are at the gateway to the desert, and nowhere else. The spa also exudes an oriental atmosphere. The must: climb up to the rooftop lounge bar with its view of the Koutoubia. This is where one of the four seminar rooms has been set up. Corner of avenue Echouhada and rue des temples.

Tel.: 212 524 42 41 00 

E-mail: contact@hivernage-hotel.com 

 

Situated in the heart of the Hivernage district, the Sofitel has opted for orientalism in its public areas, with the 346 rooms adopting a style closer to the chain's standards. The seminar areas combine sobriety and versatility. As for the rest, it's all there: four restaurants, a spa, two outdoor pools and a lush garden planted with venerable palm trees. Rue Harroun Errachid.

Tel.: +212 524 42 56 00

E-mail: H7335@sofitel.com 

 

Opened in 2008, the Bab Hôtel is one of a new generation of boutique hotels in the Guéliz district. This small structure with around thirty very spacious rooms is resolutely contemporary. With straight lines and a predominance of white, the London architectural studio that remodelled the premises has left only a few oriental touches. In the evenings, the bar welcomes a happy few with temporary exhibitions by Moroccan artists. The more contemplative will prefer the deckchairs on the roof, under the starry sky. Corner of boulevard Mansour Eddahbi and rue Mohamed El Beqal.

Tel.: +212 524 43 52 50 

E-mail: resa@babhotelmarrakech.com 

 

 

This five-star resort extends over several dozen hectares in the heart of the palm grove. In true colonial style, the hotel offers 325 rooms, two swimming pools, a business centre, a miniclub for children and several restaurants. The hotel is also part of a vast 1,500-room complex that includes a 27-hole golf course, a 5,200 m2 spa and a convention centre with a total capacity of 1,500. Circuit de la Palmeraie.

Tel.: +212 524 36 87 04

E-mail: réservation@pgp.ma 

 

An original idea to say the least, the Selman is home to two major Arab thoroughbred stables. A singularity in the image of this place, an extraordi nary successful marriage between past and present. The hotel was entirely designed by Jacques Garcia, who played on the contrasts between black and white. The entrance is reminiscent of a mechouar, a large square typical of the Arab-Andalusian period, while the long swimming pool is reminiscent of the gardens of the Generalife in Granada's Alhambra. In the heart of the gardens, five riads have been added to the 56 rooms. The spa is designed by Henri Chenot. On the business side, a 300 m2 multifunction room can accommodate large groups. Route d'Amizmiz.

Tel.: +212 524 38 67 18

E-mail: info@selman-marrakech.com

 

Welcome to the largest project currently under development in Marrakech. Just a few minutes from the Agdal Gardens, this hotel complex combining villas, hotel rooms and flats is built around an 18-hole golf course. The course serves as a landscaped garden with its undulating lines planted with lemon, orange and almond trees... For the moment, groups are staying in the 'medina' section, with around a hundred rooms divided into small riads. There is also a water treatment plant, whose recycled water supplies the golf course. Sidi Youssef Ben Ali.

Tel: 212 525 25 06 50 65 (Paris office: 01 83 92 25 25) 

E-mail: infoalmaaden@alliances.co.ma 

www.alhis.co.ma 

 

Inspired by the architecture of an Andalusian palace, the Four Seasons is a refined invitation to well-being. Comprising elaborate pavilions set around an immense Moorish garden, the hotel occupies a 16-hectare site, with every nook and cranny blending contemporary design with traditional lines. In addition to the 141 rooms in the main building, there are 43 riads with swimming pools and private gardens. Restaurants, three meeting rooms, a reception room, a spa and three lounge bars, the most popular of which overlooks the Menara gardens. 1 boulevard de la Ménara.

Tel.: +212 524 35 92 00

www.fourseasons.com/marrakech 

 

Inaugurated at the end of November, this small 28-room establishment is located in the Agdal area, a little way from the centre. With its red carpet and posters celebrating Hollywood stars, the César's decor is a fine tribute to the seventh art, but also to Moroccan craftsmanship, with numerous objects by Marrakchi designers and a splendid patio that alone required the work of around twenty workers for a month. A huge spa, a lovely black granite swimming pool and a gourmet restaurant. Route de l'Ourika.

Tel.: +212 524 36 99 00

 

Around thirty kilometres from Marrakech, this delightful artists' residence welcomes travellers in a dozen rooms dotted around the garden or the small infinity pool. Exhibitions and regular meetings with artists, including the most famous of them all: Mahi Binebine. Douar Lamgassem BP 36, Tahannaoute.

Tel.: +212 524 48 40 02 

 

 

Filet mignon with pan-fried foie gras, duck breast with herb butter: the hexagonal classics executed by chef Christophe Leroy, who hails from Saint Tropez, blend perfectly with the elegant setting of the Hivernage district. Enjoy your meal on the shady terrace or in the large, contemporary dining room. Corner of avenue Echouhada and rue des temples.

Tel.: +212 524 42 41 00 

E-mail: contact@hivernage-hotel.com 

 

It's aptly named, this large terrace overlooking the rooftops of the medina. Sitting comfortably on sofas, you can enjoy French-Moroccan cuisine of outstanding quality and variety. 15, souk Cherifia, Sidi Abdelaziz.

Tel.: +212 524 37 59 04 

 

With its hushed ambience, leather club armchairs, ceiling fans and sepia-toned photos on the wall, this cafe-restaurant brings back the atmosphere of the colonial era. Some of the rooms can be made private. Boulevard El-Mansour Eddahbi.

Tel.: +212 524 43 30 38 

E-mail: resa@grandcafedelaposte.com 

www.grandcafedelaposte.com 

 

Set on the terrace at the top of the La Renaissance hotel, this lounge bar offers a breathtaking view over Guéliz. There's even a small swimming pool for a refreshing dip. The backdrop is the lights of the city and the glowing sign of this unique Marrakech venue. 89, corner of Bid Zerktouni and Mohamed V.

Tel.: +212 524 33 77 77

E-mail: info@renaissance-hotel-marrakech.com

 

 

At 48, rue de Yougoslavie, this bright gallery houses works by internationally renowned contemporary artists. 

A pioneer in the field of contemporary art exhibitions, this gallery at 61 rue de Yougoslavie changes its display on a regular basis. 

This designer offers a whole range of creations in her boutique at 139, boulevard Mohamed V. 

 

Hicham Elmadi's boutique, at 474, is one of the few showcases devoted exclusively to contemporary Moroccan crafts. 

The showroom of this ceramics specialist, at no. 505, offers a preview of the studio's creations.

 

Guide du Routard Marrakech ; 

Marrakech in a few days, Lonely Planet ;

Green Guide Marrakech-Essaouira ;

Un Grand Week-end à Marrakech, Hachette ; 

Marrakech, Cartoville Gallimard ; 

Petit Fûté Marrakech-Essaouira.