Lonely Planet Review
Maison Mnabha is a quirky place to stay. It is concealed behind the royal palaces, but Peter can fill you in on all that - he has a PhD on the history of the Kasbah (the Royal citadel). Surprising details like this and the irrepressible character of Lawrence make this place very popular.
Once part of a larger courtiers house, Maison Mnabha is rather different from the traditional riad (town house). For a start, the main reception room is a grand first-floor affair with a soaring cedarwood ceiling and lavishly laid rugs. The five rooms, arranged over three floors, are simple and stylish but the communal spaces can be awkward. Still, what sets this place apart is the personal service you receive from Peter and Lawrence. From textbook history to hot shopping tips they are a fountain of information. The smaller spaces also mean that guests are more social, creating a convivial atmosphere, especially on the terrace at sundown. Vegetarian meals and a resident Thai masseur for six months of the year also add something different. Its location in the Kasbah is a point to consider, however, although many people enjoy the more authentic Moroccan atmosphere away from the Djemaa el-Fna.
Review by author
Paula Hardy