La Maison Arabe

One of the oldest hospitality venues in Marrakech, La Maison Arabe has grown from a lauded restaurant to a sprawling property which encompasses seven riads and now offers 37 luxurious rooms and suites. Its history dates back to the 1940s when the property was the first restaurant in the medina that was open to foreigners (and it has attracted some extremely illustrious guests including Sir Winston Churchill, Jackie Kennedy, Rita Hayworth and more); then it changed hands and in the 1990s was transformed into a stunning boutique hotel. And it hasn’t looked back! Its splendid interiors are characterful and evocative — a seriously chic blend of Moroccan and European styles accessorized by beautiful mirrors placed in just the right spots and a fabulous collection of art from watercolours to oils which adorn all the spaces. Rooms and suites continue the theme, though each is unique in design and layout. But all offer the same level of luxurious accoutrements; think marble bathrooms, top notch bed linens and most come with a private terrace or patio for enjoying sundowners.

For those who are here for the sunshine, not only does La Maison Arabe have a stunning courtyard pool (plus rooftop solarium), but they also boast a country club in the Palmeraie which you can reach via a complimentary shuttle. Here you’ll find a huge pool surrounded by olive trees (marvellous for a touch of shade) and a restaurant for refreshments. Back at base many are here simply to enjoy the food (it still rightly has a reputation as one of the places to eat in the medina) and the restaurant enjoys an atmospheric poolside setting for its excellent Moroccan/European/Asian dishes. But if you have time, you really must treat yourself to one of their cookery workshops and learn from the masters. The cookery school is exceedingly well set up (each station has a live streaming of the demonstrated techniques, so there’s no excuse for going wrong) and staff are unfailingly helpful and knowledgeable. Plus you get to enjoy the spoils afterwards! Last, but certainly not least, there's the spa — a beautiful space that just begs you lie down and relax! There are two hammams and a range of signature massages and treatments or bespoke spa programmes if you want the works. For an atmospheric and historic property right in the heart of the city, La Maison Arabe will not disappoint. It is full of verve and there’s a buzzy vibe that can only enhance your stay in this fantastic city.

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Restaurant
• The renowned restaurant is still one of the best in town
• Swimming Pool
• In a lovely courtyard. Plus there's a large pool at the hotel's country club in the Palmeraie
• Parking
• Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 5 per day.
• Spa
• Luxurious on site spa features spa two traditional hammams and five massage rooms.
• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Many of the rooms come with private terrace or patio
• Sit-out Terrace
• Solarium on a terrace above the pool
• Outdoor dining
• Tables are set out around the pool
• Airport transfer
• Surcharge is applicable.
• Bar
• Roof terrace
• Car not required
• Fireplace
• Family Suites
• Shops
• Bath robes
• Library
• Walking distance restaurants
• Sauna/Steam
• Massage

• Bicycle hire
• Good wine list
• Air conditioning
• Garden
• Child friendly
• Sitting Room
• Room service
• Suites
• Safe
• Hot Tub
• Concierge
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Four poster beds
• Wifi
• Free wifi
• Views
• Business Centre
• Conference facilities

• Cooking classes
• On site cooking workshops and courses for learning all the secrets of Moroccan cookery from the experts
• Hotel Entertainment
• Check out the livley jazz bar and famed restaurant, frequented by Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle and Jackie Kennedy.
• Local markets
• Ten minutes from Jamaâ El Fna Square, with plenty of smaller souks nearby.

• Sights nearby
• Right in the centre of the city, so most sights are walkable
• Other Activities
• Head out to Majorelle Gardens for a peaceful stroll.

Why do people love staying in your hotel? At la Maison Arabe, we do not offer rooms and facilities like other hotels, we open to the guest a door where inside they can discover the real morocco : architecture, cuisine, cooking class, services, generosity, culture. In every corner of the Riad Hotel, there are details that remind you of the authenticity of the place.

What is there to do in the area or on site? We are situated in the medina of Marrakesh, not far from Jamma el Fnaa square, Koutoubia Mosque and souks (5 mn walk). All the other monuments are maximum 20 mn walk from la Maison Arabe including Majorelle Garden

What kind of breakfast do you offer? Breakfast at la Maison Arabe is a ritual, it’s a mix between Moroccan and continental breakfast, but what makes it special, is the fact that we have a Moroccan lady, coming every morning and preparing in front of the guests fresh Moroccan pancakes, or Moroccan crepes, and fresh Moroccan bread. Guests can also create their own Moroccan treat.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer 2 restaurants, one 100 % Moroccan called “Le Restaurant “ and second one called “Les Trois Saveurs“ featuring dishes from 3 flavors: Moroccan, Asian and Mediterranean. We offer other flavors because guests staying 2 or more days in Marrakesh are happy to go for a Mediterranean or Asian food for a change.

Which are your most popular room types, and why? All the rooms are different and all have names inspired from 1001 nights book. Each room tells a story about the Moroccan architecture and furniture. Returning guests are happy to discover every time a new type of rooms or suite. Rooms and suites with private terraces are the most popular.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We do not recommend our Riad Hotel to children under 12. All the suites can accommodate extra beds.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Enjoy the facilities of a 5 star hotel in an authentic place where your senses will be amazed! La Maison Arabe is all about the experience from check-in until check-out.