After heading into the desert scrubland of the Palmeraie, driving down a bumpy dirt track, pushing past a large gate, and walking up a long garden path, you're not sure what to expect. An imposing tower with a silver door looms above you... open the door and you enter an entrancing fairytale of fountains and flowers. This is not your ordinary hotel; Ksar Char Bagh is a palace.
Set in 4 hectares of Persian-style gardens, with water and streams criss-crossing to symbolise the rivers of paradise, Ksar Char Bagh is close to heaven on earth. Luxurious suites more closely resemble apartments, plus there's a billiard room, a library, a cigar room, a huge vaulted marble hamman, a pool, and an exceptionally discreet staff of 65, who will move heaven and earth to arrange anything you want.
Highs
- Being just outside the city affords a lot more space, 5 acres to be exact, and the palm-lined pool is irresistible - we spent a whole afternoon lounging and swimming
- Grand proportions, stunning architecture and the attention to detail is phenomenal. Every single object, piece of furniture and furnishing has been designed by the owners
- You're surrounded by the soothing sounds of water and birdsong, creating an enchanting Arabian Nights atmosphere
- The spacious suites balance simplicity and sumptuousness, all have private outdoor space and some have pools
Lows
- To stay in this palace certainly doesn't come cheap. Only breakfast is included in the room price and the extras can really mount up
- This is where the rich and famous come to get away from it all, so don't expect a very social atmosphere. It's tranquil, private and very discreet
- Marrakech's city centre is a 15-minute drive away, but the hotel has its own air-conditioned cars to get you there
Best time to go
Marrakech is baking in the summer months of July and August, when a dry but relentless heat beats down on the city. The best times to visit are spring and autumn. By the end of October the evenings are cold, although the midday sun is still warm enough to bask in. The weather in winter, from November to March, ranges from cold and rainy to sunny, but days are often warm enough to sit outside.
Our top tips
Take breakfast or dinner on your private terrace at least once during your stay - it's incredibly peaceful and at night the stars are mesmerizing.
Location
Ksar Char Bagh is in the Palmeraie (the palm-groved outskirts) of Marrakech. It is less than 10km from the city centre.
By Air:
Marrakech Menara (14km away) is the closest airport and is served by several airlines. Click on the links below for a list.
From the Airport
Airport transfers are included in the rate, or you can take a taxi - the journey will take approximately 30 minutes.
By Train / Bus
Marrakech has good rail and bus connections to the rest of Morocco, including Casablanca and Agadir.
By Car
If you do want to hire a car (for your travels outside Marrakech) see our car rental recommendations.
Getting Around
The hotel has a fleet of air-conditioned cars which will chauffeur you around in style. Taxis to nearby restaurants and the Medina are also readily available.
Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Morocco and getting around
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara 14.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 200.0 km
- Shops 6.0 km
- Restaurant 6.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
What an amazing find. A beautiful building and one of the best suites I’ve ever stayed in. The staff were perfect, available and helpful and not at all intrusive. The food is excellent and the quiet and calmness is the perfect antidote to a day in the souks. We wished we had had longer and am thinking about booking the entire hotel for my 50th.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape