andymo99

Casablanca is not nearly as interesting a city as Marrakesh. This choice is a no-brainer. Casablanca is so inferior that any disparity in hotel quality is irrelevant.

UA-NYC

Doing 2 nights (really a day and change) in Casablanca, then 4 full days/nights in Marrakesh...that seems to be the right ratio, from what I've read.

Staying in both LMs so will review afterwards (mid-April).

ajamieson

Agree, Marrakech far better - so you have it right. This hotel is fine, never had any problems. It's not the best in town, not the worst. Comfortable, reasonable location.

Jesperss

Agreed.

I spent an afternoon in Casablanca and that was an afternoon too much.

No comparison.

GVA

Upgraded to an "executive atlas" room. I'm not seeing the traces of worn put that were mentioned previously, it is very much up to modern standards.

Staff are very friendly and welcoming and the property overall seems in a good state.

postular

Thanks for all the replies! Looks like I will be down from Plat to Gold by the time I have the stay here. Any recognition or upgrades for Golds?

tc fly girl

I had a really nice stay at Le Meridian N'FIS last week. Summary of weekend in Marrakech here:

http://www.frugaltravelguy.com/2014/...h-morocco.html

Oxon Flyer

I've fixed that for you. Thread title updated.

UA-NYC

Did 4 nights here a couple weeks ago - a gem of a property and a steal at category 2. Some highlights:

- Nice grounds overall...spacious, big pool area
- Fantastic employees - Youssef the concierge (with whom I had corresponded ahead of time) is amazing; Said the bellhop was personable, smart, and helped me negotiate taxi ride prices (essential in Morocco)
- Used my SNA to get an Ambassador Suite...despite the name, not THAT big, but nice to have a 2nd room/bathroom
- Location...a 5 minute, $3-5 (depending on time of day) ride to the Medina. Yes, it's not as "in the thick of it" as some of the beautiful riads (able to go inside one via our tour guide we hired, Village L'Orange or something like that, and it was beautiful), but I didn't mind being slightly outside all the action...made it easier to get a cab.

Downsides are few...gym isn't much to speak of. Breakfast is fine (buffet including made to order omlettes and Moroccan pancakes) but isn't amazing. Rooms aren't the newest.

But all in all, a fanatastic stay, and a really nice property (esp given the price!)

SanDiego1K

What did you think of the suite decor? The online pictures show a very gaudy sitting room. We've got one night here, and I just used points to book the "executive atlas" room that GVA mentioned above. It looks easier on the eyes.

It's not clear to me how the executive atlas room differs from a regular room. What do I get for my additional points? The agent didn't have square footage numbers. When I look at my current booking vs the old one, it is only 2 sq m different - 30 vs 28.

UA-NYC

I don't remember it being particularly new d�cor-wise...but I did appreciate the extra room, esp. with a 4 night stay. I thought there were regular rooms that weren't suites?

If you have a spare SNA night, I'd say go for it.

ajamieson

The decor in this hotel won't win any awards, certainly. In particular, the pastiche-Moroccan breakfast area is rather odd. But I think the larger suites are worth it for the extra space and view over the nice grounds.

postular

Since I had to change the dates of my trip, I am thankfully Platinum again. I have written to the hotel politely requesting and upgrade since I will be there for two weeks so I have my fingers crossed for a good experience with my expectations tempered somewhat by the mixed reviews. Since my trip is early March I am hoping for low occupancy and a suite upgrade.

Can anyone tell me more about the Hammam? I understand that they only accommodate one guest at a time which seems odd. Does anyone recall if they have female or male masseuses/masseurs or both? Any comments about the treatment and prices would be most welcome. I think I get free access but I am not sure what that includes. TIA.

postular

I have to echo what others have said: Service and staff at this property are outstanding as are the pool and grounds. The rooms however are very tired and done very cheaply (dare I say a bit tacky?). It's clear that the owners do not want to upgrade the facilities and that is a real shame because it is desperately needed. That said, I would not dissuade anyone from staying here as long as you understand that the rooms are very basic. I found the location to be ideal as the neighborhood is very nice and safe but every place you would want to go is walkable.

As far as the hammam: it is no longer offered for free to Platinums and the prices are not very enticing. There are so many other options in Marrakech though that this is not too big a deal.

kevinflyaway

How long would you stay for leisure in Marrakech? We are going late september en planning on a points stay (since it's so cheap ) and doubt about how many days.