Lonely Planet Review
La Maison Arabe is part of Marrakesh history and was the first boutique hotel to open in the medina. It offers a sumptuous level of accommodation with some of the best service in town. Furnished with the handsome art collection of Prince Frederic Ruspoli, the atmosphere is sensuously oriental with a dash of colonial chic.
With 65 members of staff catering to a maximum of 34 guests it's hardly surprising that the level of service is top-class. Look slightly thirsty and a waiter is immediately on hand to offer you a drink. Arrive at the pool unprepared, never mind, here is a towel for madam. It's all so effortless without being intrusive. Unsurprisingly, the rooms are supremely comfortable - artworks and objet d'art adorn the whole house. What's more, given its size, the Maison offers an impressive array of facilities: a beautiful marble-faced hammam (bathhouse) and adjoining spa, a jazz bar where the barman knows how to mix a drink, a fabulous 18m pool in the palmaraie (palm grove) and even an on-site cookery school. It's hardly surprising then that this is the hotel of choice for many diplomats, writers and the odd celebrity.
Review by author
Paula Hardy