LES JARDINS DE LA KOUTOUBIA Luxe

We had booked a taxis from airport via hotel for 200 Dirham – met just outside terminal – easy journey until entering the medina when traffic congestion hit home – arrived down a narrow street to find unassuming entrance to hotel Once through the doors the experience began – check-in formalities included form filling mint tea a sweet cake and back to the desk – some whispering followed and then it was announced that we had been upgraded from booked our mini suite to a junior one – then followed a trek from the old hotel through what appears to be a narrow street to the more modern extension to the room overlooking La Palais de Paris restaurant – thank you We stayed in room 77 – otherwise known as Les Palmiers - first floor junior suite - for 5 nights from 11 October 2017 – set in its own block with a room below – as a result it was generally quiet Being a junior suite it was spacious with a separate sitting area with flatscreen TV and what looked like a working fireplace – separated by a curtain is the spacious bedroom with very large firm but comfy bed opposite hanging and storage space with another flatscreen TV – separate toilet – very large bathroom with walk-in shower – good flow generally well controlled with decent toiletries and large soft towels – outside there is a terrace with deck chairs an awning and curtains for privacy The air conditioning worked well and could supplemented by a ceiling fan - the passworded wi-fi did the biz and passed the newspaper download test – there is a decent size fridge and an Nespresso coffee machine offering expresso sized portions – there was a turn down service on 3 of our 5 night stay which was appreciated Breakfast is served on the ground floor next to the pool – egg and pancake stations plus extensive hot and cold buffet – good coffee and juice served to the table – however during our stay service levels dipped and became erratic – fewer items were replenished – coffee arrived cold more than once There is a bar and alcohol is served throughout the building which is not the case in many places elsewhere – whilst it is reasonably well priced it can’t beat supermarket prices – there is a Carrefour within a 15 minute walk away just past the Cyber Park – the alcohol section is extensive and is on the lower floor – well worth the walk We had a guide arranged by the hotel – 300 dirham for about 2 hours’ worth of guiding and chat including stops at perfumery and carpet shop – good introduction to the Souks and the history of Marrakech and Morocco and its relationship to the wider political world and Islam – for first timers like us we got a very good introduction and enabled us to better understand the guide book Where we ate more often than not in the hotel – best food was provided by the lunches – good choices and tasty – dinner less so especially in Les Jardins de Bala – we did eat dinner outside the hotel – Kit Kif – did not disappoint with great views across to the Mosque – Portofino – safe European option – and the Red House which was a good experience The hotel is in a very central location within the Medina and within easy walking distance of Place Jemaa El Fna and the Souks but still directly accessible by car which many of the Riads are not Drivers in Marrakesh appear to follow a Highway Code that defies understanding and especially in the Souks you have to watch out for motorbikes and cyclists who are threading their way through the crowds at speed In the main the hotel was a good choice for what we wanted - the room was well appointed quiet and comfortable – the restaurants offered choice – service was generally ok if a little patchy at times – the prices for food and drink reflected the hotel status and local customs – it was very popular particularly with the French – thank you

Fabulous hotel right by the square...an oasis of calm and relaxation. We stayed in a standard room overlooking the central pool...all mod cons...all it conditioning and a ceiling fan. Toiletries provided, along with robes and a proper hairdryer. Safe provided in the room free of charge. The room was perfect..comfy bed and beautiful linen. Sofa in the room and a tv...not that we used it! The rooftop pool is cool and great for a relaxing afternoon after exploring the city Breakfast was good and you could even get bacon..not something I've ever had in a Muslim country. Fresh juice and fresh coffee/tea served to your table The staff were courteous and friendly...sometimes a little slow service wise...but you're in Morocco - just chill and enjoy !

I can't give this hotel 5 stars even though it designates itself five. A very solid 4 1/2 though. It is situated on the edge of the very noisy, crowded and frenetic souks. As one walks back into the hotel the pool and gardens of this Riad are immediately in view and are most welcome. The front desk staff were very helpful with all we asked (booking restaurants, arranging tours and giving advice about prices and tipping). I'd advise availing yourself of such help since costs are remarkably fluid in Marrakech. Contrary to what I read on other reviews everyone on the desk and the restaurant manager spoke very passable English. Not as prevalent with secondary staff. A little French will take you far. Pool was clean and refreshing with ample shady spots on the main level with a second lovely, albeit less shaded, rooftop pool. Nice breakfast on the patio by the pool. We had dinner there one night and as good as most of the restaurants we tried in the Medina without the craziness of traversing the busy evening souks (or more imposing empty souk when side alley shops are shuttered. Main thoroughfare only was open and populated when we passed through post-dinner at 11:00). Losses points on slightly tired finishings, limited rooms with balconies, no peephole in the door (helpful when "someone is knocking on your door at 4:00am - "Sorry. Wrong room"), no coffee in room and non-obsessive poolside service. All in all recommended for location, pool/garden and comfort at a reasonable cost.

The hotel is located centrally, close to Djemaa el Fna, which is a great plus. Given its central location, we were able to get to all the main attractions within walking distance during our stay in Marrakesh. However, the location itself was not the only plus. Friendly staff, nice and spatious rooms and the pool area as well as the inside garden did make our stay in Marrakesh an enjoyable memory. I would definitely recommend the hotel, especially if you do not want to spend all the money on a riad - we paid approximately $ 250 for our room.

The hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the Media - a 15 min taxi from the airport. Try to pay 140 dr for a taxi....they will push for 200+. If you don't speak French or Arabic - you will really struggle as the staff speak basically no English. If i didn't speak French we would have had a very tiresome week of Falty Towers explanations. They need to address this urgently to justify 5* hotel rating. Pools: It has two good pools - they do get busy if the hotel is full. And the downstairs pool is only 30% sun at any time as in a courtyard. The roof pool was better in our opinion - more breeze and lots of sun. PLEASE BUY A COUPLE MORE CDs - the music is on repeat all week!! The lady who looked after the bar at the top pool was really lovely - but mostly they rest all hid in the bar rather than keeping an eye on the guests. It would be good if the team helped with parasols proactively- you have to hunt them down and ask for help. Food and Drink The snack menu is fine but limited and a bit basic - sensibly priced. The Relais is ok - not bad, but not great and a bit soulless. Breakfast is a simple normal hotel continental with fresh pancakes and omelettes - with the usual. Service is a little inattentive or chaotic - never once was a clean table ready for us to sit on. That said, when you get to talk to someone they are all friendly and helpful. Rooms We had a mini suite with a little terrace. It was lovely. Best bathroom for a hotel in last couple of years with great shower. AC was sadly a real let down - not cold enough and we raised it the management but nothing could be done to improve it - they did offer a new room but with a couple of nights to go it was more hassle than it was worth - our laziness! There is free wifi but had hotel had huge problems with it this week and it didn't really reach our room. Gave us a 4G router which was perfect after we asked. In summary - a great option due to location and pools. Better service (and language skills), AC and more variety on breakfast and menus would get it to 5*.