The central square of Marrakesh, Jemaa el‑Fna, is at the heart of the city’s medina, serving as a gathering place for both tourists and locals. First-time visitors to Marrakesh often spend a good part of their visit exploring this vibrant square — especially at night when music performers and street vendors come out.
The narrow streets and unique ‘old city’ design of Marrakesh, however, leave modern travelers with limited options for accommodations that are directly near the square. While many traditional Moroccan Riads are available, these may not be the top choice for visitors who seek the amenities of a Westernized hotel.
As I browsed endless options on Booking.com when planning this trip, I stumbled upon a gem: Les Jardins de La Koutoubia. This 5-star hotel sits very close to the heart of the Medina, delivering the amenities I wanted in a stay without sacrificing a traditional Moroccan feel. Here’s why this hotel is a great spot to stay for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and proximity to Jemaa el‑Fna square.
Location near Jemaa el‑Fna square
A visit to Marrakesh can be a culture shock for many travelers, especially if you’ve never traveled to Africa before. The chaotic nature of the old city and the square can be overwhelming at times. Even though I absolutely loved the atmosphere and energy of this city, it still took some ‘getting used to’ as I found it to be even more chaotic than your typical big American city. After a long day of shopping and exploring in the souks, Les Jardins de La Koutoubia was only a short walk away. Ordering a taxi in Morocco is a little tricky, especially given the ‘negotiation’ style of the country’s pricing. I enjoyed being able to walk anywhere I wanted to visit instead of having to worry about negotiating a taxi price.
Despite its location situated right within walking distance of the square, the interior of this hotel delivered a tranquil, peaceful vibe. Right in the center of the building is the pool surrounded by traditional Moroccan architecture and design elements. Yet despite the authentic, traditional Moroccan vibe of the structure, I still was able to enjoy modern hotel amenities that U.S travelers demand, like elevator access, an in-room mini bar, room service, and WiFi access. If you seek comfort and amenities but don’t want to sacrifice location, Les Jardins de La Koutoubia could be the perfect luxury spot for your trip.
Tranquil atmosphere
Once you step inside the front door of Les Jardins de La Koutoubia, you instantly escape to tranquility and forget you’re right in the heart of the madness of the city. The serene atmosphere of the property, especially at night, feels like a true Moroccan oasis. I also loved that despite the size of this hotel, small elements of Moroccan hospitality still came through, such as the way the staff greeted us with Moroccan mint tea and pastries upon our arrival. Staff were especially accommodating for special requests, too, such as assisting with directions to a trustworthy ATM (as many of the shops and food stalls in the square only accept cash).
Sky Bar
The lobby and the pool area of this hotel offer a quiet, tranquil atmosphere. At the same time, those looking for a more upbeat and vibrant evening can escape to the Sky Bar. The hotel’s rooftop bar, called the Sky Bar, has great views of the nearby Koutoubia mosque and serves a selection of small plates and cocktails. I enjoyed the espresso martini up here while munching on some nuts and olives.
International cuisine
Tagine is one of the most common dishes in Morocco and an integral part of the dining experience for travelers, too. I loved tagine (especially the sweet prune beef variety) and would probably have willingly consumed it for another three weeks straight. However, tagine isn’t for everyone, and the heavy use of spices in cooking can get tiresome for those who aren’t as huge a fan of Moroccan cuisine. While there are lots of great places to dine, as you roam through the main square of Marrakesh, there’s obviously a clear emphasis on Moroccan cuisine.
If you’re planning on a longer stay in Marrakesh, Les Jardins de La Koutoubia’s international dining options provide a little escape from Moroccan cuisine. The hotel offers several restaurants featuring International Cuisine, Les Jardins de Bala (serving Indian and Asian cuisines), and Relais de Paris Restaurant (serving French cuisine).
During my stay here, I enjoyed Indian cuisine for dinner at Les Jardins de Bala, which offered a nice fusion between Indian and Moroccan cuisine. On the menu, you’ll find Indian traditional dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, yet also find little touches of Moroccan cuisine like Moroccan mint tea & pastries for dessert. I only stayed in Morocco for four days, which wasn’t quite long enough to get tired of tagine. For guests visiting for longer than one week, however, I imagine these other dining options would be especially appreciated.
