Marrakesh: La Sultana (4 Star Hotel)

Address: Rue de la kasbah , Marrakech 40000, Morocco
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Lonely Planet review

The Sultana hasn't forsaken the razzle-dazzle of its Moroccan roots in favour of restrained glamour. No, here you get the whole nine yards: excessive decoration, animal-themed rooms and all the modern and traditional extras you could ever dream up.

With five tons of marble, 12,000 sq m of carved cedarwood, hanging gardens and 18 full-grown palms, La Sultana is over-the-top Moroccan drama in the making. Each of the four cleverly interlocking courtyards has its own theme: Moroccan art deco in one, African safaris in another. But the most stunning patios are the cloistered pool patio and secluded back patio, both featuring the intricate, elegant brickwork of a traditional hammam and private suite balconies shielded with mashrabiyya (wooden screens). Even standard rooms feature extravagant details: red walls, swan-shaped fireplaces, and marbled bathrooms that look like Roman temples. Service is smooth and courteous, if a little slow given all those stairs. Massages and gourmet dinners are available on the rooftop terrace, and the subterranean spa is a marble-lined cocoon - all you need now is a silk robe to swan around in.