Le Farnatchi

Style

Refined comfort

Setting

Medina with mod-cons

You’d never imagine that the nameless wooden door and barely visible bell next to it make up the entrance to a first-class hotel from Jonathan Wix. Every detail of Le Farnatchi has been considered with guests' comfort in mind, making it one of Marrakech's most refined takes on the private courtyard-house hotel. The polished-marble hammam, handmade beds, glass dining table are the essence of modern style in ancient surroundings.

Facilities

Rooms

14, including nine suites.

Checkout

11am, but flexible depending on subsequent guests. Shower room for late flights, luggage storage.

More Details

Rates include breakfast, a one-way transfer from Marrakech Menara Airport to the riad, fez hats and slippers.

Hotel Closed

1–30 August

Fitness Center

Free Internet Access

Laundry

Spa

At the Hotel

Sitting rooms, roof garden, spa, hammam, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: flatscreen TV, iPod dock, CD player, underfloor heating, Molton Brown bath products.

Our Favourite Rooms

Suite 1 used to be where the man of the house received his wives. It has a marble sunken bath and walk-in power shower. Suite 3 has a sunken bath in black granite; the Red Suite is extremely romantic.

Poolside

Framed by intricate mosaics, the 7m courtyard pool is a sparkling shade of emerald green.

Spa

Bright and airy Farnatchi Spa has two marble hammams with vaulted ceilings, restful Moroccan treatment rooms with shower facilities, and a menu of light and healthy snacks and lunches. Choose from eucalyptus-scented hammam experiences, massage treatments with essential oils, rejuvenating facials and mani-pedis. The spa uses local Ila organic products, including Argan oil.

Children

All ages welcome. There's one cot and baby bed available; confirm when booking.

Gallery

Food & Drink

Top Table

The dining room by candlelight.

Dress Code

As you please.

Hotel Restaurant

Just place your order for dinner (Moroccan cuisine) on any given day by 3pm: all produce is fresh from the market.

Hotel Bar

Drinks can be brought to you wherever you like, round the clock.

Room Service

24 hours for drinks and breakfast. Kitchen closed 11pm–7am.

Planes

From the UK and elsewhere in Europe, British Airways, Royal Air Maroc and EasyJet fly into Marrakech’s Menara Airport. The 20-minute transfer from the airport to the hotel is included in the room rate.

Trains

The Moroccan state railway, ONCF (www.oncf.ma), runs inexpensive – although limited – services to Marrakech from Casablanca, Fez and Tangier. Look for TCR (Train Climatisé Rapide) trains to guarantee air-conditioning in summer. You’ll find plenty of taxis waiting at the city’s charming, if slightly dilapidated, station on Avenue Hassan II.

Automobiles

Driving in Marrakech can be horn-filled and hectic, but if you insist, hire a car from the airport. To reach the hotel, follow Avenue de la Menara to the city centre.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Take a soothing dip in the courtyard pool, chill out in the rooftop lounge, or refresh with a eucalyptus-scented hammam in the spa: the hotel offers downtime with a capital ‘D’. The immensely helpful staff are happy to help you make the most of the city and can send you off on a wide range of experiences. Take a guided cycle tour through the leafy Palmeraie, or out to the Atlas Mountains, if your legs allow. Learn how to make a Berber feast with cookery lessons, trek with a professional as they regale you with local lore, or see the city by car, Vespa or horse and carriage. Raid the souq for lanterns, spices, kaftans and such; be whisked around the glorious Jardin Majorelle; and learn how to make your own scent, or practise a couple artisanal crafts: wood-turning, tadelakt pottery, Zellige mosaicking and more.

More active sorts can engage in horse rides, paragliding, zip-wiring, off-roading, quad-biking and white-water rafting – plus, take a dune buggy for a spin or try heli-skiing in season. If you’re staying as a group, ask the hotel to arrange a scavenger hunt; little Smiths can also take astronomy and music lessons, ride donkeys or play 10-pin bowling.

Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt

This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .