Since Marrakech has become a Mecca for high-fashion shoots and swanky celebrity parties, the number of stylish riads has rocketed. Award-winning British hotelier Jonathan Wix bucked the trend and spent two years converting three small riads into a holiday home for family and friends. Then he was converted and convinced that his creation should be shared. And so Riad Farnatchi was born in its original incarnation, but Jonathan has since overseen a gentle metamorphosis of the riad into Le Farnatchi, a boutique hotel in its own right.
The original riads stood on one of the oldest parts of this exotic and classy city; some of the walls are more than 400 years old. But there’s nothing ancient about the sleek lighting and crisp decor in this chic retreat. It has the feel of a beautiful private home yet the facilities of a world-class hotel, including a beautiful spa next door. And, rest assured, mere mortals are just as welcome as models and movie stars.
Highs
- Palatial and exquisitely decorated suites; all are pristine and immensely private
- The beautiful white-marbled Farnatchi Spa sits next door to the hotel building; overnight guests have direct access
- Le Trou au Mur restaurant has opened since we last visited, and we can't wait to try the delicious-sounding Moroccan meals and international dishes
- Outstanding service and thoughtful little extras (complimentary Moroccan robes and in-room snacks)
- Two trainquil courtyards, one with a 7m jetstream swimming pool
Lows
- More expensive than most riads (but worth it, as it's much more of a boutique hotel, plus there's lots of free goodies)
- Families with boisterous kids might feel self-conscious amid the peaceful ambiance
- Can get booked up quickly
Best time to go
Le Farnatchi is closed in August but any other month it maintains its chic retreat status. The hotel's powerful air con is most welcome in the hot May to July period.
Our top tips
If you're captivated by the beautiful wares on offer in Marrakech, ask about Le Farnatchi's artisan craft tuition. Ranging from half-day intros to full courses, calligraphy, carpet weaving, embroidery, leather working, jewellery making, brass working, wood carving, zelige mosaic and tadelact (architectural or pottery) are all available.
- Boutique Hotel
- 10 rooms
- Restaurant
- Allowed but not ideal
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
Farnatchi's incredibly spacious suites have been beautifully designed in a classic Moroccan style. With high standards throughout, all have airy sitting areas, hand-made beds with Egyptian cotton sheets and a soothing sense of space.
We stayed in Suite 5, a very large open-plan room accessed via a private balcony. Beautifully tiled, it has a fireplace, a feature bed and his ‘n’ hers basins in the palatial bathroom.
Suite 1 also stood out for us. Thanks to the private courtyard garden (with fountain), it feels like a private riad within the hotel. Suite 9 is also enormous, with its own courtyard and an abundance of ornate plasterwork. Those seeking a serene, pampering stay will love Suite 10. Dressed in calming whites and creams, it has direct access to the Spa and a private roof terrace.
Suite 4 has a modern, almost masculine feel with its stark steel fireplace, black velvet bed-drape and Arabic script wooden headboard. We loved the little balcony overlooking the indoor pool. Across the way, the larger balcony of Suite 3 can be seen. Inside, a stunning olive green interior and twin baths await. If you like to lie in the sun, Suites 6 and 7 have private roof terraces.
It’s the little extras that raise these rooms above the norm. Each space comes with complimentary Fez hats and djellabas, a selection of fresh fruit, Moroccan biscuits, and a mind-boggling array of Molton Brown bath products.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast can be taken anywhere. We opted for the roof terrace to enjoy the skyline and fresh air. It’s a typically mammoth Moroccan spread. Lots of fruit, homemade yoghurt, various breads, fig jams. We recommend the Moroccan spiced eggs – they look a tad underwhelming, but taste amazing. Fresh squeezed orange juice and cafetiere coffee kick-start the day nicely.
Complimentary pre-supper canapés might be eaten in the semi-open-air B'hous (sitting area) overlooking the internal courtyard or in the roof garden, with its traditional Moroccan barbeque.
Lunch and dinner are served in chic, laid-back restaurant Le Trou au Mur - which has opened since our last visit. Guests can either tuck into an early supper on the roof, or head into the small riad setting for an intimate meal. Homecooked Moroccan meals sit alongside international classics: choose from dishes like tihane (offal stuffed with lightly spiced kofta, chopped olives and preserved lemon), lamb cooked in the traditional clay mechoui oven, stuffed chicken with vermicelli and sultanas in a harissa sauce, mac ‘n’ cheese or a pulled lamb burger with spicy ketchup. Or plump for a tagine of the day, which vary from beef branya yo lamb with quince and candied walnuts.
There’s no need to rush off once you’ve cleared your plate: there are Moroccan desserts to be explored (or you can opt for sorbet, homemade ice cream or doughnuts among other sweet choices). Bring your evening to a sophisticated conclusion with one of 12 martinis, though there’s a coffee menu too if you need a little pick-me-up.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Set aside an indulgent afternoon at the Farnatchi Spa - there are 2 marble hammams, massage rooms, a wide range of treatments and healthy lunches on offer. The luxury Ila products are organic and handmade, with ingredients including Moroccan argan oil
- Dine in lavish surroundings at one of Marrakech’s grand palace restaurants - or have the Farnatchi chef prepare a special dish and dine a deux on your balcony
- Take a tour in a horse-drawn caleche around Marrakech’s main sights
- Show off your souk shopping bargains to the other guests over the complimentary canapés in the sitting B'hou
- Swim in the pool and enjoy the underwater jet stream, then lounge about in your djellaba
- Staff can help arrange camel and bike rides, Atlas treks, paragliding or balloon rides, trips to Ait Benhaddou and more
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Camel rides
- Cycling
- Hot air ballooning
- Paragliding
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Trekking
- Well being
Kids
Le Farnatchi accepts children of all ages, but it's not ideal for younger ones as the pool has no attendant and the furnishings are not really kid-resistant.
Family friendly accommodation:
Suites 3, 5, 6 and 9 can hold an extra bed or baby cot; the rest have space for a baby cot only.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots can be provided if necessary.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Le Farnatchi is very centrally located in the Medina, around the corner from the Medersa Ben Youssef museum.
By Air
Fly in to Marrakech Menara (10km); the hotel can arrange a complimentary transfer from here to the hotel.
By Car
Getting around the city on foot or by taxi is easy, but if you want to independently explore the wider area you could hire a car.
Detailed directions will be provided once you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara 10.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 180.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape