Who's Going
Richard Branson, Twiggy, Jean-Paul Gaultier
Reason to Stay
Design Property, Hip Clientele, Gourmet Eatery
Hotel Type
Luxury Riad
It’s the quintessential riad-experience in an idyllic townhouse location on the edge of the Medina accessed via the Bab El Ksour gate just a five minute walk from Jemma El Fna. Off the main tourist circuit of chain hotels and better known riads, Vanessa Branson (yes, Richard’s sister) & Howell James have created a stylish getaway that fulfills the decorating expectations of even the finickiest travelers in a historic location full of period details and native architecture that brought you to Marrakech in the first place. Hidden behind a walled façade and hushed entryway easily mistaken on the first find, long corridors lead to trickling fountain courtyards laid in marble surrounded in pristine plaster archways and handcarved loungers conducive to leisurely afternoon naps. <br /> <br />Like it’s own fortress of luxury, hefty antique wood doors and period light fixtures lead to endless communal lounges like a library with lively chess following, screening room with shelves stocked by visiting Hollywood execs and surprisingly modern restaurant with organic garden and bar home to periodic live musicians from the medina. The riad is home to two pools including one in a lower garden setting with arrangement of sun loungers as well as a rooftop location, with views of the Atlas mountains and Marrakech mosque, tossed in more eclectic décor of boho pillows and built-in banquettes that is home to an evening bar scene. The in-house spa with hammam and 4-person dipping pool offers two resident beauticians equipped for pedicures, massage and facials even on a last-minute basis. <br />
The Room
With a reception and pool decks we couldn’t find a fault in, except maybe a crowd that tended toward the retired, Riad El Finn’s collection of 21 guest rooms is one of the smallest of any Marrakech luxury property and also one of the best. Large, renovated but still thoroughly authentic rooms are located in dramatic spaces of exposed beam ceilings and mosaic stone floors in earthy grey colors offset by brighter color walls with wooden shutters that lead to private terraces and occasional plunge pools in the hotel’s two largest suites. Furnishings are cut with western dimensions but with colorful local fabrics and Moroccan tailoring that never feels out of its elements. Rooms are magically quiet of any noise from neighboring rooms or even the mosque’s call to prayer, the combination of 10-foot thick walls and wall air conditioners with a silencing hum. Bathrooms are mini-spa spaces with dramatic 15-foot rain showers and soaking tubs lined in black Carrera marble that gives the traditional spaces a sexy feel of the 21st Century.
Preferred Room
Suite
Special Features
Celebrity-Owned, Hammam, Medina Location, Private Guides
Amenities
Restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Pool, Spa
