La Villa des Orangers – Hôtel

Built in the 1930s by a Marrakech judge, the Villa des Orangers was completely renovated by its current French owners, Pascal and Veronique Beherec, before they opened it in 1999. Appealing mostly to couples, the Relaix & Chateaux approved luxury hotel is set within the walls of the Medina, and is walking distance to the Koutoubia mosque and the bustling Jemaa el Fna square. Despite its location in the thick of the action, the historic riad conveys a tranquil atmosphere. Within the hotel's walls are courtyards shaded by orange trees, and equipped with bubbling fountains and private lounge areas with fireplaces where guests can relax, snack on dried local fruits, and sip mint tea.

Two pools deliver more options for lounging. The main pool, set in a courtyard lined with olive trees, is surrounded by neat rows of plush lounge chairs with accompanying umbrellas while a second pool (on the hotel's rooftop terrace) delivers a sunnier and more scenic vibe, offering views of the Koutoubia Mosque and the bright blue sky.

After breakfast in the garden, guests typically head out to explore Marrakech and the surrounding landscape. Those who make it back in time can take their (free) lunch poolside or beneath the shade of an orange tree on the patio, and nibble on fare such as omelets, orange salad with cinnamon, and sea bream tartar. The hotel's restaurant, led by a French chef, is open to outside guests for dinner, serving French, Mediterranean, and Moroccan fare.

This is easily one of the top riads within the Medina; Riad Farnatchi is comparable (and even smaller, with only nine rooms) but the richness of the decor isn't quite as impressive as what is found here. It also doesn't offer the perk of free lunch. Riad Kniza is similarly luxurious and often less expensive, but its location is a bit more removed from the historic center. Those who want a more hotel-like experience in the Medina could consider the much larger La Mamounia Marrakech. The top option in the Medina is the Royal Mansour, but expect prices to be more than double what they are here. 

The hotel's location within the Medina is convenient to must-see sights and markets in Marrakech. La Villa des Orangers provides free transfers to the airport, a 15-minute drive from the hotel.

• Five-minute walk to the Koutoubia Mosque
• Five-minute walk to the Royal Palace
• Six-minute walk to the Saadian Tombs
• Six-minute drive to the Bahia Palace
• Six-minute drive to Dar Si Said Museum
• 10-minute walk to Jemaa El Fna Square
• 10-minute drive to Majorelle, Gardens
• 10-minute drive to Menara Gardens
• 15-minute drive to the Marrakech Menara Airport
• 45-minute drive to Agafay Stone Desert

Sheltered from the bustle of the surrounding streets, all rooms at La Villa des Orangers face the hotel's interior courtyards, offering views of the pool, gardens, and the top of the Koutoubia Mosque and distant Atlas mountains from private terraces. Entry level Deluxe Rooms are the smallest and come equipped with queen-size beds and a location on the ground or first floor. Guests can upgrade to Deluxe Rooms with terraces, which provide access to private rooftop terraces via indoor staircases. The split-level Junior Suites feature living areas and bathrooms on the first floor, bedrooms on a mezzanine level, and views of the hotel's main courtyard and its orange trees. The larger Suites, some which occupy two floors, are located on the top floor of the riad and offer private rooftop terraces, separate bedrooms, and living areas with fireplaces. The hotel also offers a private riad located on the first floor with a private pool and a courtyard with banana trees.

All of the rooms are individually decorated in plush Morroccan style with arched doorways, carved wooden doors, antique wooden furnishings, local artwork and photography, and rich color palettes with bedding and fabrics in tones of ochre, purple, red, orange, and blue. The private terraces are enclosed with half-walls and feature potted trees and shrubs, cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas, and small tables with chairs, ideal for relaxing with a cup of tea or glass of wine.

The bathrooms vary in size according to the room category, but all are spacious and stocked with amenities that include claw-foot tubs, fireplaces, separate walk-in showers with two shower heads, water closets, double marble vanities, and plenty of thick towels and spa-quality toiletries. Other modern amenities found in all rooms include air-conditioning, robes and slippers, stocked minibars, and Wi-Fi.

The hotel's two heated swimming pools offer guests the opportunity to relax and refresh after a day of shopping and exploring. The long courtyard pool is ideal for leisurely laps or lounging in a protected environment surrounded by ivy-strewn walls and rows of olive trees. The smaller, rooftop terrace pool delivers views of the Medina as well as the distant Atlas Mountains.

Breakfast and a light lunch are included in the hotel's room rate, and guests are given the choice of enjoying a menu of salads, club sandwiches, omelets, and daily pasta specials anywhere within the hotel -- poolside, on the roof terrace, or in the shady courtyard, for example. In the evening, the hotel's resident chef Jean-Claude Olry showcases a menu of Moroccan, Mediterranean, and French dishes as well as an extensive wine list.

The candle-lit Spa NUXE features a traditional Moroccan hammam, two treatment rooms, and three massage cabins, one dedicated to couples. Treatments include scrubs and a variety of massages that incorporate Huile Prodigieuse products.