Description
Maison Arabe has always been known for its fantastic service and legendary food, and now it is one of the very best places to stay in the Medina having been transformed into one of the area's finest riads. It is located close to the Bab Doukkala Mosque and the Jemma El Fina Square, so is perfectly positioned for an evening gander before returning for sumptuous Moroccan cuisine.
All of the rooms and suites here are different, each with their own quirks and charms. Many have private terraces and open fireplaces, and all have a great deal of Moroccan authenticity, using local art and decorations. The overall feel at La Maison Arabe is of elegance and style.
The riad has several cosy living rooms dotted around a delightful inner garden courtyard and large swimming pool (by riad standards) to retreat to when the mayhem of Marrakech’s colourful expressionism gets a little bit too much. Head down to the fabulous new spa and automatically switch off with a massage or hammam accompanied by the sound of trickling water fountains. The staff are outstanding; always on hand when you need them, and never too intrusive.
Maison Arabe was originally renowned for its legendary cuisine and this lives on at the two restaurants and jazzy Piano Bar, which together serve an excellent assortment of tapas, Moroccan, Asian and French dishes in beautifully styled locations. An added bonus to a stay at Maison Arabe is easy access to their excellent cookery courses. Indulge in mixing the herbs and spices to make the perfect tajine. You also have the option of retreating from the medina to spend some time at their country club, a 15-minute drive away by complimentary shuttle – a wonderful place for lunch and a swim at the larger swimming pool.
In short, we think Maison Arabe is right up there with the best in Marrakech; it combines three things that make for a wonderful hotel experience – amazing food, fantastic service and a wonderful atmosphere.
Guide price
£1,120 Per person
£1,120 price per person for 4 nights in a Junior Suite, including Royal Air Maroc flights, private transfers and one cookery course.
Accommodation
All of the 12 rooms and 14 suites at La Maison Arabe are set around the patio or on the garden side of the hotel and are unique in layout and design. Most have private terraces and fireplaces and bathrooms are designed with Moroccan marble and granite and are extremely luxurious. All rooms have air-conditioning, heating, TV, mini-bar, safe and telephone and the suites have the addition of a separate seating area. For the ultimate in luxury, stay at the mezzanine Royal Suite which has a private rooftop terrace with jacuzzi and medina views.
Childcare
Children are welcome at La Maison Arabe but are asked to respect the privacy and tranquillity of other hotel guests - it is fair to say that this is largely an adult's hotel. There are no specific facilities for children but babysitting can be arranged on request.
Facilities
Breakfast at La Maison Arabe is either continental with homemade pastries or traditional Moroccan, and can be enjoyed in your room or at the buffet by the pool. Meals in The Restaurant which specialises in Moroccan fare are memorable not only for the quality of cuisine but also the sumptuous ornate surroundings. Les Trois Saveurs provides equally astonishing food with French, Moroccan and Asian dishes being served in the restaurant or on the terrace overlooking the pool and gardens. The Piano Bar is an atmospheric spot for drinks and tapas accompanied by jazz in 1930's leather panelled room. The hotel's new spa has two hammams and 5 treatment rooms for massage and other spa and beauty treatments and there is a heated 15m x 6m pool on the hotel's patio. Alternatively take the complimentary shuttle 15 minutes to the hotel's country club to spend an afternoon by the larger swimming pool. There is also a cooking school for those wanting to take some of Maison Arabe's culinary secrets home.
Activities
While staying at La Maison Arabe it is worth taking a day of afternoon to enjoy the hotel's country club which can be reached in 15 minutes by complimentary shuttle - the pool here is lovely and it is so decadent to do very little and enjoy the food, service, swimming and sunshine. There is also a renowned cooking school at the hotel and the workshops, where you cook in class and the enjoy the fruits of your labour, are highly enjoyable.
When to travel
Weather-wise, the best times to go are spring and autumn, when temperatures are 20°C to 25°C by day and at least 10°C by night, and November to February, with cooler nights but similar daytime temperatures and light rainfall possible. The weather in March and April features sporadic, light rainfall with some sandstorms in April, while June sees dusty siroccos (desert winds) sweep through the city. From mid-June to August temperatures rise into the 30s and occasionally 40s.
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Location and directions
Marrakech, Morocco
Nestled down a small side street in the northern part of the medina in Marrakech, just two minutes walk from the souks and approx. ten minutes from the main square of Djemma el-Fna.
How to get there
3.5 hour flight to Marakech Menara Airport. La Maison Arabe is a 20-minute drive from the Airport.
