Nicest Hotel in Marrakech
Sep 13, 2017, 5:01 am
#151
Join Date: May 2001
Location: The Wild West
Posts: 1,334
First time visitor headed to Marrakech for five days over the holidays. Torn between Les Orangers and Amanjena. We plan to explore Marrakech and surrounds but also expect a fair amount of down time in the hotel. Leaning toward Amanjena because of space/amenities although Les Orangers seems to be more universally praised with fewer hiccups. Does Oranger's proximity to key locations make a major difference for touring? Does Oranger's small size make it feel claustrophobic if you spend a day just relaxing in the hotel?
Sep 13, 2017, 5:25 am
#152
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,596
First time visitor headed to Marrakech for five days over the holidays. Torn between Les Orangers and Amanjena. We plan to explore Marrakech and surrounds but also expect a fair amount of down time in the hotel. Leaning toward Amanjena because of space/amenities although Les Orangers seems to be more universally praised with fewer hiccups. Does Oranger's proximity to key locations make a major difference for touring? Does Oranger's small size make it feel claustrophobic if you spend a day just relaxing in the hotel?
I would always pick Amanjena, especially if decent pool, amenities and service come into play. Despite recent hick-ups Amanjena is special and you can get pretty good deals!
Sep 13, 2017, 5:48 am
#153
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
First time visitor headed to Marrakech for five days over the holidays. Torn between Les Orangers and Amanjena. We plan to explore Marrakech and surrounds but also expect a fair amount of down time in the hotel. Leaning toward Amanjena because of space/amenities although Les Orangers seems to be more universally praised with fewer hiccups. Does Oranger's proximity to key locations make a major difference for touring? Does Oranger's small size make it feel claustrophobic if you spend a day just relaxing in the hotel?
Of course
..How about extending so you can enjoy both ?
Be sure to have the Aman team arrange a private dinner & your " excursions " , they really take care of you . Do the impossible
Have a great time !!
Sep 15, 2017, 7:58 am
#154
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: BER
Programs: Amanjunkie, LH SEN
Posts: 750
Being an Amanjunkie, in Marrakech I do NOT recommend Amanjena.
Because there is one very, very big architectural mistake:
Although having the beautiful Atlas mountains in front of the resort, you do not see one glimpse of it! You have to leave the resort, go on a little golf course hill, and only then you see it perfectly.
It would have been so easy to construct a rooftop restaurant with fantastic views! And at least some pavillions with Atlas View balconies. Why did they miss that?
But they choose to hide all the great views behind walls, walls, walls. So sad!
Even if it should be true, that the service declined a bit at MO Marrakech, I would book their Atlas view suites again in a minute. It's so spectacular, so amazing! I think also 2 or 3 other resorts have Atlas view rooms. Go for it, this view is hard to beat!
Because there is one very, very big architectural mistake:
Although having the beautiful Atlas mountains in front of the resort, you do not see one glimpse of it! You have to leave the resort, go on a little golf course hill, and only then you see it perfectly.
It would have been so easy to construct a rooftop restaurant with fantastic views! And at least some pavillions with Atlas View balconies. Why did they miss that?
But they choose to hide all the great views behind walls, walls, walls. So sad!
Even if it should be true, that the service declined a bit at MO Marrakech, I would book their Atlas view suites again in a minute. It's so spectacular, so amazing! I think also 2 or 3 other resorts have Atlas view rooms. Go for it, this view is hard to beat!
Sep 15, 2017, 12:48 pm
#155
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Being an Amanjunkie ' 89 , I would return to Amanjena ! But only when they have redone & sorted the new spa . Delayed as expected ..
Perhaps , they will have rooftops relaxation areas . Like at Sara
We had views of the Atlas Mountains but sadly , as deer says not from our private pavillons
Will the " designers "come to their senses ?
Perhaps , they will have rooftops relaxation areas . Like at Sara
We had views of the Atlas Mountains but sadly , as deer says not from our private pavillons
Will the " designers "come to their senses ?
Sep 15, 2017, 2:59 pm
#156
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,596
I love Ed's Jena design. Your comment regarding the views is valid, although you should consider privacy and also security. Seems like a trade off, as they don't have big, multi-level main structure -- which is refreshing.
Oct 13, 2017, 1:30 pm
#157
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,596
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has a new exec chef, Salim Ait Ezzine, who is taking over from Meryem (effective immediately) for the important fall season in Marrakech. It appears they have decided to keep the name "Mes'Lalla" for their fine dining restaurant and it is still French-Moroccan fusion cuisine, albeit a bit more modern.
Oct 15, 2017, 8:00 pm
#158
Was sydakllon
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: Virtuoso, Rosewood Elite, FSPP, Bellini, Dorchester, MO Fan Club, Oetker Pearl, etc.
Posts: 709
I think people here could cross off La Sultana for Marrakech. Wasn't really up to expectation for me. Service was really hit and miss - soaring highs from the manager/head concierge, real lows from F&B staff and spa. It is a stunningly beautiful property though and it's a shame as they really have an amazing hard product and some good staff. Gave lots of feedback on our last day which was well received and service recovery was good. Location is great. I, personally, would not stay out of the Medina in Marrakech - a Riad is definitely the way to go, just find the one that is right for you. We want to go back - three nights only really allowed a taste of the medina especially given the heat (40+ on one day). We visited Royal Mansour, it was really amazing and basically still in the Medina. We had a good meal here.
Also had good meals at Le Jardin (lunch), Le Tobsil (dinner, our favourite) and Comptoir Darna (this was fun, entertaining and had a good vibe upstairs after dinner - we ate downstairs).
Also had good meals at Le Jardin (lunch), Le Tobsil (dinner, our favourite) and Comptoir Darna (this was fun, entertaining and had a good vibe upstairs after dinner - we ate downstairs).
Oct 17, 2017, 2:56 pm
#159
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,596
I think people here could cross off La Sultana for Marrakech. Wasn't really up to expectation for me. Service was really hit and miss - soaring highs from the manager/head concierge, real lows from F&B staff and spa. It is a stunningly beautiful property though and it's a shame as they really have an amazing hard product and some good staff. Gave lots of feedback on our last day which was well received and service recovery was good. Location is great. I, personally, would not stay out of the Medina in Marrakech - a Riad is definitely the way to go, just find the one that is right for you. We want to go back - three nights only really allowed a taste of the medina especially given the heat (40+ on one day). We visited Royal Mansour, it was really amazing and basically still in the Medina. We had a good meal here.
Also had good meals at Le Jardin (lunch), Le Tobsil (dinner, our favourite) and Comptoir Darna (this was fun, entertaining and had a good vibe upstairs after dinner - we ate downstairs).
Also had good meals at Le Jardin (lunch), Le Tobsil (dinner, our favourite) and Comptoir Darna (this was fun, entertaining and had a good vibe upstairs after dinner - we ate downstairs).
I think the discussion to stay in or outside the medina is deeply personal, as many people (including myself) want a bit more space and resort from the hustle of Moroccan daily life inside the Medina.
La Sultana has been downhill for a number of years now and I think right now is the time where many of the resorts are either going downmarket to 4* or show their excellence. I think a number of properties could potentially be deflagged/changed, while others go from high to high.
Oct 17, 2017, 5:19 pm
#160
Was sydakllon
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: Virtuoso, Rosewood Elite, FSPP, Bellini, Dorchester, MO Fan Club, Oetker Pearl, etc.
Posts: 709
How was Le Jardin? It was really special when I was there last time, but then they changed a few things from what I gather.
I think the discussion to stay in or outside the medina is deeply personal, as many people (including myself) want a bit more space and resort from the hustle of Moroccan daily life inside the Medina.
La Sultana has been downhill for a number of years now and I think right now is the time where many of the resorts are either going downmarket to 4* or show their excellence. I think a number of properties could potentially be deflagged/changed, while others go from high to high.
I think the discussion to stay in or outside the medina is deeply personal, as many people (including myself) want a bit more space and resort from the hustle of Moroccan daily life inside the Medina.
La Sultana has been downhill for a number of years now and I think right now is the time where many of the resorts are either going downmarket to 4* or show their excellence. I think a number of properties could potentially be deflagged/changed, while others go from high to high.
Agree it's personal re riad vs resort. I think next trip we'd do riad for a few nights to spend some time again in the medina and then perhaps a resort to relax and see area around. One good thing about La Sultana was our suite was very big and given it is a combination of 5 riads, there is actually quite a bit of space and areas to relax.
Oct 31, 2017, 8:42 am
#162
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: LHW membership
Posts: 24
Birthday in Marrakech
Well, luckily myself and MacMyDay will be spending a few nights at the Royal Mansour and Amanjena in November. Brace yourself Royal Mansour, you better stock up on Haribos and Candy Kittens.
Oct 31, 2017, 10:41 am
#163
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,596
Especially recommend the Andalusian trio to accompany (plus camel, belly dancers, etc.).
Last edited by scented; Oct 31, 2017 at 10:47 am
Oct 31, 2017, 10:42 am
#164
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 297
If you haven't already, check out the recent BBC special on Royal Mansour. It really helps you appreciate what they are trying to achieve here.
http://ihavenotv.com/royal-mansour-m...yond-the-lobby
Oct 31, 2017, 10:59 am
#165
Join Date: Jun 2017
Programs: LHW membership
Posts: 24
If you haven't already, check out the recent BBC special on Royal Mansour. It really helps you appreciate what they are trying to achieve here.
http://ihavenotv.com/royal-mansour-m...yond-the-lobby[/QUOTE]
We are very cheeky, as the birthday is on the 20th November, we are checking out of Amanjena on the 20th, transferring to Royal Mansour on the same day. This means double celebration, double cake, double trouble
As for the documentary, we saw it a few months ago, absolutely stunning. One of my friends stayed there and ranked it as his TOP property ever. It worths mentioning that he is a hotel inspector.
http://ihavenotv.com/royal-mansour-m...yond-the-lobby[/QUOTE]
We are very cheeky, as the birthday is on the 20th November, we are checking out of Amanjena on the 20th, transferring to Royal Mansour on the same day. This means double celebration, double cake, double trouble
As for the documentary, we saw it a few months ago, absolutely stunning. One of my friends stayed there and ranked it as his TOP property ever. It worths mentioning that he is a hotel inspector.
