Saasdia Travel Gid

I’d never had a visit to Marrakech high on my list – it had always intrigued me, but I’d just never quite got around to going. Then the husband promised me Japan as a tag on to his work trip, but ended up in Casablanca, so I decided the time had come to get myself to Morocco and explore Marrakech.

As I pulled up in my taxi at the entrance to my hotel for the week, I knew instantly I was in for a treat. I love finding hotels like this – small, overshadowed by famous neighbours (La Mamounia), but utterly, utterly stunning. Easily sailing in to my top 10 hotels of all time – enter The Oberoi.

Location

My husband was in Casablanca, but was coming to Marrakech for his next set of meetings (one of which as it happens, ended up happening in Paris last minute so he had to dial in – I lose track of the man). I decided Marrakech was the place for me, and I boarded a flight direct from London.

I had initially planned to stay in a hotel central to Marrakech, but then I found The Oberoi. Situated around a 25 minute car journey from the Old Town (Medina) of Marrakech, it looked like something out of a fairytale. I couldn’t resist and in I booked.

Getting in to central Marrakech from the hotel is easy, with the hotel running a free daily shuttle and offering cars if the shuttle times don’t suit. It’s also close enough for day trips to the Atlas Mountains and forays in to the desert.

The hotel also offers airport transfers included within the price for accommodation so arrival and departure is also simple.

Accommodation

There are only 60 villas at The Oberoi, built in traditional Moroccan style with the famous red clay and having no windows to the outside. They are situated around a courtyard housing 4 villas each, full of flowers and greenery, plus a water feature.

The villa itself was spacious, comprising a large bedroom/living area, a beautifully ornate hallway, dressing area and walk in wardrobe, leading through to a large bathroom with separate toilet, soaking tub and the biggest show you ever did see. The accommodation was kept pristine, with daily room cleans and a nightly turn down service. The service was really attentive. As an example, on the first day, we both had our laptops in the safe but mouses (mice?) out on the desks. The staff left us 2 mouse mats and a note saying they hoped we weren’t working too hard!

I also absolutely loved the details everywhere, the sink being my favourite (not a sentence I often write). There was also patterned wood, carpet and fabrics in the room which were really beautiful. Another nice touch was that you can access the villa’s pool from both the main living area and via the shower, perfect for getting clean after a day on the sun loungers!

Speaking of the pool, the outdoor patio area to the back of the villa stole the show. It was incredible to sit and have breakfast at the table, and enjoy the loungers with our books before a dip to cool off in the pool. It was also completely private, in the traditional Moroccan style, in a closed off garden – a bit like our own private Riyad courtyard area.

Food & Drink

The food and drink at The Oberoi is amazing. There are three restaurants on site – Rivayat (Indian), Tamimt (Mediterranean) and Azur (lunch time by the pool area). There is also a cocktail bar, Vue.

We found Rivayat to be our favourite and were absolutely blown away by the menu in there – the Aloo Tikki and Black Olive Chicken were so tasty we had them twice. We also had such incredible service from our waiter, Imad, who was so kind and helpful.

Tamimt provided the most beautiful views out over the hotel garden, and the pool bar Azur served such a tasty burger – so you couldn’t go wrong with any choice.

In general we found the service at The Oberoi a level above, even for a luxury hotel. We both agreed it’s the best service we have ever had, highlighted by the fact that Mamdouh (who was in charge of the hotel while we stayed), was at pretty much every meal, talking to every single guest and knowing all by name. He was constantly asking for feedback which he actioned, and I was so impressed at the personal nature of it. I’ve never seen that same attention to guest satisfaction at every level of management before – it must take a lot of effort and is a testament to everyone who works at the hotel.

We also had a special food experience whilst staying at The Oberoi, as we visited during Ramadan. We participated in a day of fasting and then sharing Iftar in the evening to break the fast. This was held in the hotel’s central courtyard.

Amenities & Experiences

I’m going to start with architecture as an experience. I can’t tell you how breathtakingly beautiful this hotel is. Everywhere I turned, I felt like I was in a royal palace. Architecturally, it’s set up as a traditional Moroccan building – unassuming from the outside, opening up in to numerous courtyards (Riads) with rooms off them. I loved it. The main courtyard (pictured above by night) takes inspiration from the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, built in the 14th century; one of Marrakech’s most famous historic monuments.

The truly special part was off the main Riad, with sweeping views down the garden, reminding me of a cross between Moroccan Royal Palaces and the Alhambra in Spain. The first time I saw the view it literally made me stop and exclaim.

The Oberoi’s gardens are also something to behold. Set up with beautiful symmetry, the views up and down the central part were ‘pinch myself’ moments every time I saw them.

As if that wasn’t enough, the hotel is full of intricate and beautiful little details in corners and colours everywhere. It also offers a large outdoor pool, which has day beds, hammocks and a bar that you can enjoy.

There is also an indoor pool and spa, with a nice sun deck next to it, overlooking a natural pond full of fish and turtles. We had a massage in the spa, and I have to admit mine wasn’t that great. They didn’t ask if I had allergies and I came up in a big reaction to the oil, nor did they ask where I wanted the massage to focus or what pressure I liked so I didn’t get as good an experience as I have in other hotels (but please don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining!)

Finally, as if that wasn’t enough, the hotel also offers a number of experiences outside of the hotel. These include tours around Marrakech, as well as further afield such as in to The Atlas Mountains or the famous Ouzod Waterfalls. We didn’t take any trips with the hotel, but I can only imagine they would be absolutely amazing.

So what do you think of The Oberoi? We absolutely fell in love with it and I plan to bring one of my best friends back here with me at some point in the next couple of years as I know she’ll love it. She saved my life back in 2021 and I promised her when her children were old enough I’d repay her with a special girls’ holiday – she wanted that to be ‘somewhere hot without a long flight’, so I think I’ve found just the place.

Stay safe and happy travelling everyone!