You can see why people fall for Tangier. The sun beams through crisp Atlantic air, creating a light that makes everything dazzle: a natural draw that has attracted artists and eccentrics for years. And it's still working its magic. The wonderful Saba's House is spearheading a creative renaissance in a city that has long celebrated modern Moroccan art and design. This is a fresh reminder to the world of why Tangier is so spellbinding.
In the whitewashed lanes of the medina, a shiny glass door is the only hint of what lies beyond. Owner Roya has created an intimate hideaway within two old riads, stripping and starting from scratch to create her vision of bold north African art alongside familiar Moroccan design. A classic geometric fountain and zellige tiles adorn the inner courtyard, with a louche-style cocktail bar, a grand piano and modern art mixed in. Black and white tiled floors lead you to six opulent rooms, each named after a famous character from the city's notorious past.
The art is bold, the décor dramatic, but it will always be Tangier itself that steals the show. Head up to the roof terrace, pull up a chair and take in the pièce de résistance.
Highs
- The owner's passion for Tangier is infectious and rubs off on all the staff - they really can’t do enough to help you
- Those terrace views: bright, white and invigorating
- The art is a real shift from your standard Moroccan style and showcases a very modern side to the country
- Tangier itself: an incredibly interesting melting pot of people and culture
Lows
- Some of the themed decor in the rooms might not be to everyone's taste - check the photos and be sure to pick one that suits you
- The Signature rooms lack natural light, but their bold colours more than compensate
- No children - a bonus for some
Best time to go
Tangier is very much a year-round destination. The Atlantic breeze takes the edge out of summer heat, and with so much happening in town you're not totally reliant on the weather in winter months.
Our top tips
Check out what's on at the art deco Cinema Rif on the Grand Socco - it's the epicentre of the local arthouse scene and has a lovely café.
- Boutique Riad
- 6 rooms
- Restaurant and bar open daily
- Adults only
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
The six rooms are spread over two floors around the inner courtyard. Each is named after synonymous figures of the city's colourful past, with unique décor to reflect their character.
We loved our light and airy Ibn Battouta Junior Suite, which enjoys classic views over whitewashed riads to the sea - taking a shower while gazing out across the Medina all the way to Spain is a glorious start to the day.
If you're looking to stay a while and need a bit of extra room to relax, opt for one of the larger suites (Malcolm Forbes Senior Suite and Barbara Hutton Senior Suite). They have lounge areas with L-shaped sofas to kick back and relax in and come with massage bathtubs for a long soak after a day's sightseeing. The two smallest rooms (Gaudi Signature Room and Mick Jagger Signature Room) lack a bit of natural light, but their bright décor and large ensuites make up for it.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast on the roof terrace with those dazzling views was a real highlight. Expect an elegant affair, with artistically presented fruit alongside bowls of pastries, homemade jams, local cheeses and eggs cooked any way. It's a feast for the eyes - and gives that view a run for its money!
Lunch is available at the riad, but we opted for a change of scenery whilst exploring. Nearby Macondo, a funky Italian restaurant with killer views, serves up zingy mozzarella salads and fresh pasta.
Dinner is ordered in advance and can be taken on the terrace or down in the cosy cocktail bar. The menu reflects seasonal produce and catches of the day from the local fish market. We feasted on fresh seafood salads and John Dory fish. Make sure you leave room for pudding, the pannacotta was out of this world. If you fancy a nightcap, the bar can rustle up cocktails - or stroll to El Morocco Club with its intimate drinking den vibe and live piano music.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Shop 'till you drop - Tangier is blessed with some wonderful antique and local craft emporiums. Ask the team for recommendations. We loved Las Chicas concept store and Les Tisserands (weavers market)
- Take a short drive to Cap Spartel, the point in which the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. The Caves of Hercules are also nearby
- Cafe hop around the famous cafes - it's a masterclass in people watching
- Head to the golf course at the nearby Hilton hotel, overlooking the sea
- Relax in the onsite hammam
- Take a day trip to wonderfully sedate Asilh, with its picture-perfect waterfront walled medina
- New high-speed TGV trains place Rabat firmly in day trip territory: the city is only an hour away
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cooking classes
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
- Well being
- Windsurfing
Kids
This is an adults-only hotel (16+) and all rooms have a maximum occupancy of two guests.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Saba's House is in the heart of Tangier’s Medina, on Morocco's north coast.
By Air:
Fly into Tangier Ibn Battuta (14km). The riad can arrange a transfer from here or you can grab a taxi (agree a price before you get in).
By Car:
Hiring a car is a great idea if you want to see more of Morocco. Tangier has fast and easy connections to the Atlantic coast via the IP-1, which runs all the way south to Casablanca and makes the trip south a breeze. See our car rental recommendations.
By Boat from Spain:
There are regular fast ferries from Tarifa (45 mins) and from Algeciras (1 hr 15 mins) as well as lots of normal ferries from Algeciras which take three hours to make the crossing.
By Train:
There's a good train connection from Fes and Marrakech: in both cases the first class fare is a steal and the sleeping compartments, should you choose to travel at night, are excellent value. See Seat 61 for more info.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Tangier Ibn Battuta 14.0 km TNG
Other:
- Beach 0.2 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km