The six-floor Andalusian-inspired building was built in 1985 and features arched balconies and doorways among an array of striking architectural motifs. The hotel’s driveway, lined with trees, leads into the outdoor parking lot. The property’s entrance is decorated with Moorish mosaic tiles and intricate wooden carved doors. Lounge music plays in the background of the bright, marble lobby that’s outfitted with heavy red draperies, crystal chandeliers, Moorish tiles, and velvet chairs. Free Moroccan mint tea is typically offered to guests upon arrival.

The hotel suits both families and couples. A large outdoor area features a main pool and an adjacent circular kiddy pool. The chevron-tiled deck is surrounded by palm trees and cushioned loungers. A pool bar offers ornate patio chairs and tables. Foosball and table tennis are under a poolside terrace. And roaming cats aren’t a problem on the property thanks to the hotel’s resident dog, Bella.

El Andalous is located in an area surrounded by other upscale hotels, with horse-drawn carriage rides directly outside. It’s a few minutes’ drive northwest to Marrakech Railway Station and the city’s center, Jemaa El Fna, is an even shorter drive northeast. Conveniently, a range of local attractions are within easy walking or driving distance, including the Theatro Marrakech, Grand Casino Mamounia, Museum de Marrakech, Medersa Ben Youssef, and Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech. Getting to the airport is about a 10-minute drive southwest. 

Suites and rooms offer contemporary decor and traditional Moroccan designs, including intricate wood carvings and mosaic wallpaper. Suites have living rooms and mini-fridges, and standard features include air-conditioning, free (and reputedly slow) Wi-Fi, and balconies that overlook the pool area or the hotel’s parking lot. Unique architectural designs in suites -- arched windows, spiral columns, and gold furnishings -- are lovely extra touches. Bathrooms are modern as well with separate toilet rooms and, in some cases, whirlpool tubs. 

Chevron floors, crystal chandeliers, and Moorish tiles decorate the on-site restaurant El Amiria. Traditional Moroccan cuisine is served in the bright space, with large windows overlooking the pool. The elegant Cordoba/Granada serves international cuisine while the Palmier offers lighter fare. The hotel’s trendy bar shines with neon lights, flat-screen TVs, and a billiards table.

El Andalous also offers eight modern meeting rooms that can fit 10 to 540 people, with audiovisual equipment available too. There’s also a small Internet corner in the lobby with a PC terminal.

The on-site spa appeals to couples with a sauna, hammam, and several treatment rooms. A small nail station and men’s and women’s hair salon are on the premises as well. Modern cardio equipment and free weights can be found in the small gym. And a gift shop in the lobby has everything from small knick-knacks to embroidered garments.