Angle Av. Echouhada et Rue des Temples, Marrakesh, Morocco 40000.
The Delano, in Morocco, is a Marrakesh hotel offering a fabulous spa, spacious rooms and easy access to the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fna square. Review by Katherine Bergen.
The king-size beds have headboards painted by local artists and we had a balcony with a view of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Location
Slap in the middle of the Hivernage, the exclusive residential neighbourhood built in the Thirties for French diplomats. It’s a short walk from the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fna square, the lively heart of the old medina, full of food stalls, dancers and snake charmers.
Style/character
The hotel is built around a central rotunda with a retractable roof. From the doormen wearing red capes like Robin in Batman, to the deep red, purple and gold furnishings throughout, with lashings of marble and carved wood, it’s not a shrinking violet. At night the lighting in the public areas is kept low and moody – flattering, perhaps, but not helpful for the myopic. On the lower ground floor is the 20,000sq ft Pearl Spa, with a beautiful mosaic pool and his-and-hers hammam rooms. The hammam treatment was the best I’ve had: an exfoliation with a traditional kessa massage glove, a detoxifying honey body balm and finally a sluice down with orange flower water. Up on the roof is the glamorous Sky Lounge, with huge daybeds, a circular pool and a panoramic view of the city.
Service
Warm and helpful, although room service invariably arrived late.
Rooms
There are 44 rooms and 27 suites. Even the smallest are a good size at 400sq ft, with a charming draped silk and velvet seating area. The king-size beds have headboards painted by local artists and we had a balcony with a view of the Koutoubia Mosque.
Food and drink
The buffet breakfast in taken in the Galerie, overlooking the garden and third swimming pool, where tame birds dart inside and out. Cocktails are served there in the evening. The Pomiroeu is an Italian restaurant, conceived by the Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Morelli: the saffron risotto is his speciality. Up on the roof, Namazake is a first-rate Japanese restaurant, offering traditional sushi and sashimi, Japanese barbecue and inventive tempura dishes.
Value for money
Doubles from £196 per night in low season, including breakfast, £350 in high. Wi-Fi is included.
Access for guests with disabilities
Ramps and lifts make all rooms fully accessible.
