Detailed Review
In the shade of the galleries with archways of chiseled plaster, the suites with private terraces open up onto the terraces and gardens.
In the evening, the Villa des Orangers tells the past of Marrakech,. The whisperings at the doors of the Medina blend with the cracking of the fire in the lounge.
Press Quotes
“… a palatial riad hidden away in the medina — 16 rooms, two pools (one on the roof), superb service.” The Times 05
Independent Reviews
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"Probably the best hotel in Marrakech's medina if you value character and atmosphere"
Villa des Orangers
By Joanna Monkhouse
A busy street in Marrakech harbours a discreet entrance tended by a door man dressed in white. Cross the threshold and at the end of a long corridor you will find Villa des Orangers, a quiet and calm haven. For a first-timer to Morocco, it is almost impossible to believe that the sounds of the hustle and bustle can disappear so completely, especially when the courtyard is open to the sky, but the design of the riad is perfectly suited to the compact housing of the busy city, with the rooms opening onto an internal courtyard rather than to the exterior. Built in the 1930s for a wealthy Marrakechi, Villa des Orangers was converted to a luxury hotel at the end of the 90s. Catering to the top end of the market, and much more personally than La Mamounia, this is nevertheless a hotel rather than a maison dhtes a vogue currently dominating the Marrakech accommodation scene.
Decorated using traditional Moroccan techniques, such as carved plasterwork on the pillars and arches and green roof tiles around the edge of the roof terraces, Villa des Orangers two courtyards are filled with fountains and trees where small birds sing. Musicians set the scene in the early evening, and dinner is served by candlelight. Several salons lead off the ground floor, some in open alcoves and others more intimate. Spacious and comfortable, decorated in warm shades of red with carved wooden furniture, all the rooms and suites feature a/c, minibar, tv, safe etc. Located on each level, some are duplex and others have a staircase leading to a private roof terrace, with a convenient shower there in addition to the bathroom below (bath, shower, double basins, separate wc). With a view of the street and the Koutoubia mosque, the refreshing/bracing roof top pool is surrounded by sun loungers. Villa des Orangers new extension has added 3 new super-luxe garden suites in a vogueish modern take on Moroccan style, and a long awaited heated pool in a third courtyard garden. Sun loungers line the 18m pool which catches the sun until 4pm.
More suited to the older generation, Villa des Orangers is by no means fusty, just not as hip as some of the smaller riads. Whilst rates are high, they include many extras such as airport transfers in a gleaming Mercedes 4x4 (rather than a grand taxi ie beaten up old Mercedes), soft drinks, a light lunch, laundry and afternoon mint tea and pastries. Villa des Orangers location is convenient, only a short walk to Djemaa el Fna and it is easy to find being on a main street rather than down one of the medinas many alleys. Staff are friendly and service is faultless, meeting the high expectations of the clientele.
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