This stunning riad, in the heart of the medina, is not only a luxurious haven designed in authentic style, but also a foodies’ paradise, where your taste-buds will be tempted by exquisite local delicacies.
In fact, food is very much at the heart of the unique warm and welcoming character of La Maison Arabe.
It was originally opened as a restaurant in 1946, when two enterprising French women settled in Marrakech, and applied to the Pasha for special permission to open it as a restaurant for foreigners– the first of its kind in the medina. He provided a palace servant to tutor them in the intricacies of Moroccan cuisine, a tradition which continues today with the cookery classes offered by La Maison Arabe, led by a dada, a traditional Moroccan chef.
Not content with being the first restaurant in the medina, in 1998, La Maison Arabe opened as its first boutique hotel, renovated and spread over the adjoining riad. Although it has now expanded to 26 rooms and suites, it still retains the same intimate ambience. Today guests can choose from two restaurants, ‘Le Restaurant’ which carries on the tradition of the original establishment and features Moroccan cuisine, and ‘Les Trois Saveurs’ which has a more varied French and Asian-inspired menu.
La Maison Arabe is within a few minutes’ walk of the famous Jemaa el Fna. A peaceful oasis in the heart of the medina, its relatively large swimming pool is the perfect antidote for a hard day’s sightseeing. Guests here also have the choice of visiting the hotel’s exclusive Country Club annex, just 15 minutes’ drive away, and reached by a free shuttle service. It too has a swimming pool, set in extensive gardens. The organic vegetable garden here provides most of the herbs and vegetables used in the Figuier Restaurant.
Overall this property is not suitable for those with mobility restrictions.
The spa boasts two large hammams (Turkish Baths) and a number of treatment rooms. Its speciality is local treatments, including skin-nourishing black soap made from olive oil and eucalyptus, and the rassoul mask, made from desert crystals softened with orange or rose water.
Transfer & Distances
In heart of medina, within 5 minutes’ walk of Jemaa el Fna,
20 minutes transfer from airport.
Double room
This air-conditioned room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
This room cannot accommodate an extra bed.
Junior Suite
This suite has a private terrace with a patio view.
This suite can accommodate an extra bed.
Standard Suite
This suite features air conditioning, tea/coffee maker and minibar.
Rooms
Total room: 26 rooms and suites
Room Facilities
All rooms are beautifully furnished and decorated many with a fireplace and private balcony.
- They are air-conditioned and have telephone,
- flat screen TV,
- minibar,
- wireless Internet access,
- safe box,
- fireplace, sitting area and
- en suite bath, shower and WC designed using Moroccan marble and granite.
Hotel Facilities
- A large pool, heated in winter, is located at the hotel in the Medina and an even larger pool is a highlight of the Country Club,
- 1 restaurants in the Medina, 1 restaurant at the Country Club,
- spa with hammam,
- Club bar and wine bar.
Facilities subject to charge include
- cookery workshops,
- massage and other spa treatments.
Marrakech is often the first port of call for any visitor to Morocco, its magnificent architecture off-set by the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. It is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of the country, bright colours, fragrant spices, the hustle and bustle of everyday life all combining to form a veritable symphony for the senses.
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