El Fenn

from CA$369
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“Unique understated bohemian hipness meets flawless service in this sprawling interlinked 12-riad strong hotel owned by Vanessa Branson, on the edge of the Marrakech medina. Lounge out in one of the vast colourful suites, sprawl across the roof terrace and restaurant with views of the Atlas Mountains”

Hotel review

Taking up a whole acre of the medina, El Fenn (meaning ‘fine art’) is a gloriously colour-blasting, glamorously bohemian bolthole — albeit a sizeable one. The discreet entrance gives way to a sublime jewel-hued, atmospheric interior where convivial staff, chicly attired in red, usher guests along lofty corridors past sun-dappled courtyards, cushioned alcoves and into fabulously spacious rooms, many with 17ft high ceilings, idiosyncratic features, king-size beds and huge bath tubs. Originally bought in 2002 as a holiday retreat by Vanessa Branson and business partner Howell James, it gradually morphed into a labyrinthine hotel as adjoining buildings were snapped up. It now comprises a masterful maze of 12 inter-connecting riads that house 31 rooms, two cocktail bars, spa, library, boutique, rooftop restaurant alongside a 1300 m2 roof terrace with pool, and unimpeded views past Koutoubia Mosque to the Atlas Mountains beyond. It perfectly balances modernity (there’s an impressive contemporary art collection) with informality and laid-back comfort.

Laura Campbell
Laura Campbell Review published: 2024-09-20

Recommended for

  • Honeymoons

    • Stunning suites and spectacular views, spa treatments and belly dancers plus unbeatable food — what more could you want?

  • Chic

    • An arty riad filled with British modern art and Moroccan collectables.

  • Local exploring

    • On the edge of the Medina there is no end to the exploring to be done.

  • Wellbeing

  • Restaurant

    • Restaurant serves local seasonal fare with an emphasis on plant-based dishes (though meat and fish are available too)

  • Great walks

    • Take a guided tour through the souks and medina of Marrakech and explore what this vibrant city has to offer.

  • Cooking classes

    • Cooking classes start at the market to buy fresh local ingredients and learn the history of the food.

  • Sights nearby

    • The Riad overlooks the famed Kotoubia Mosque, which is five minutes away.

  • Spa

    • El Fenn spa offers luxury treatments and a traditional hammam

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • On request El Fenn will organise belly dancing performances.

  • Child friendly

    • All children are welcome. Babysitting on request.

  • Family Suites

  • Wedding license

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Designer

  • Organic food

  • Barefoot Luxury

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Traditional

  • Townhouse

  • Artworks

  • Boutique

  • Antiques

  • Quirky

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Views

  • Gourmet

Facilities

  • Rooms

    31 rooms in this hotel

  • Roof terrace

    Magical views at night.

  • Restaurant

    Restaurant serves local seasonal fare with an emphasis on plant-based dishes (though meat and fish are available too)

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 3 per day.

  • Bar

    There are two cocktail bars. The rooftop bar is ideal for sundowners and Atlas Mountains views

  • Swimming Pool

    El Fenn boasts three different pools: one rooftop, one plunge pool and one in the spa

  • Spa

    El Fenn spa offers luxury treatments and a traditional hammam

  • Child friendly

    All children are welcome. Babysitting on request.

  • Shops

    Authentic Moroccan Interiors Boutique

  • Airport transfer

    Surcharge is applicable.

  • Sauna/Steam

    Hammam

  • Family Suites

  • Wedding license

  • Car not required

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Outdoor dining

  • Meeting Room

  • Cots available

  • Massage

  • Views

  • Library

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Garden

  • Room service

  • Suites

  • Bath robes

  • Concierge

  • Four poster beds

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Safe

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Take a guided tour through the souks and medina of Marrakech and explore what this vibrant city has to offer.

  • Cooking classes

    • Cooking classes start at the market to buy fresh local ingredients and learn the history of the food.

  • Sights nearby

    • The Riad overlooks the famed Kotoubia Mosque, which is five minutes away.

  • Hotel Entertainment

    • On request El Fenn will organise belly dancing performances.

Map & Location

Other reviews

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In 2002, Richard Branson’s sister Vanessa purchased a ruined riad in the heart of Marrakech and rebuilt it into an elegant boutique hote

Originally published by Forbes

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