Marrakech is full of beautiful little riads but El Fenn really stands out. With its eclectic style – colorful and inviting design, it’s a bit like Marrakesh meets rock n’ roll. Perhaps not so strange because Vanessa Branson, sister of Sir Richard Branson is a co-founder and has left her mark on the hotel.
El Fenn now spans twelve interconnected riads and comes with a stunning rooftop terrace where you can lie in the pool, sip El Fenn’s signature hibiscus margarita and look out over the Koutoubia Mosque in the foreground and all the way to the Atlas Mountains. If you are in need of a spa treatment after a long day of exploring the medina’s winding lanes and avenues, there is a beautiful spa where you can indulge and unwind. As for the rooms, they won’t disappoint – this is true luxury – a group of 70 local craftsmen shaped this hotel to perfection.
This hotel is also one of the few in Marrakech that supports the local community, hires locally, embraces Moroccan culture and minimizes its environmental impact.
Perfect to combine with hiking in the Atlas Mountains, desert safari or surf & beach in Essaouira.
This program is a source of inspiration — each trip is unique and tailored to you.
Here you can expect warm, welcoming rooms in colors such as emerald green, cherry red, turquoise and soft pink to name a few. The interior is a delightful mix of English art and hand-carved Moroccan furniture and textiles. Some of the rooms come with their own terrace facing a splendid courtyard, others have room for the whole family or if you want something smaller, it is included.
© Kasia Gatkowska
©Cécile Perrinet
© Kasia Gatkowska
© Kasia Gatkowska
at El Fenn there are three pools to choose from – just choose where you want to hang out.
©Cécile Perrinet
©Cécile Perrinet
At El Fenn you can either enjoy simpler dishes in the bar or lunches and dinners in the restaurant.
©Mitchell van Voorbergen
El Fenn’s street-level shop offers fantastic creations, jewellery, art and china – a feast for the eyes just like the hotel.
©Cécile Perrinet
Treat yourself to a nice spa treatment and some peace of mind – Marrakech is an intense city.
_(c) Igor Demba
Eco rating: 3.0
Season: Year round
Airport: Marrakesh International Airport Menara (RAK)
The price of the trip includes: Accommodation including breakfast, transfer Marrakesh
The price of the trip does not include: International flights, travel insurance, etc.
Good to know about Morocco: Morocco is a Muslim country and every year they celebrate Ramadan, a religious holiday that falls in August.
Travel ethics: In the cities, the European dress code applies, but in the countryside you show your respect by wearing long sleeves and shorts, skirts or dresses that go below the knees. In many parts of Morocco clean water is in short supply, use it sparingly.
Visa: A passport is required for all destinations outside the Nordics. The passport must be valid for 6 months after departure from the country. In cases where a visa is required for Scandinavian citizens, this can be seen from information sent to the traveler after booking. The traveler is responsible for the visa application. Swedish citizens do not need a visa to Morocco.
Time zone: GMT +1
Packing: It’s a good idea to bring a good pair of walking shoes or jogging shoes. A sun hat, cap and sunglasses as well as a warmer sweater in the evening are recommended.
Local Currency: Moroccan Dirham
Tipping: It is not mandatory. But if you want to leave a tip it is fair to give the driver 10 to 15 euros per day and the camper 20 euros per couple per day.
The mobile network works great in Morocco. However, you probably can’t expect to be able to surf out in the desert.
Water: The water in Morocco is drinkable but tastes very chlorine so it is recommended to buy bottled water. In the Kasbah, the water comes from a mountain spring and is also purified, here you don’t need to buy bottled water.
Safety: Avoid public gatherings and demonstrations.
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
AUTHENTICITY
Authenticity is at the heart of El Fenn. Brick by brick, person by person, Marrakesh’s ancient traditions are honored: whether it’s artisanal cedar wood and tadelakt lime plaster in the bedrooms, or cuisine based on the rich traditions of Moroccan cuisine. The hope is that by honoring the key elements of traditional life here, guests can experience it through sight, smell, taste and touch.
LOCAL COMMUNITY
No matter how beautiful a hotel is, no matter how seamless it is, it’s the people who make it feel like home. And for many of the guests, it is the warmth, generosity and hospitality of the El Fenn team that is the highlight of their stay. The staff of 90 come from the local area and we are proud that many of them have been with El Fenn for several years. Just like a family, you work, eat, celebrate and support each other.
SUSTAINABILITY
Minimizing its environmental impact in a country facing challenges such as water shortages is crucial and El Fenn strives to operate as sustainably as possible. For example, four years ago, a water filtration system was installed that enabled the hotel to eliminate single-use plastic bottles and replace them with reusable glass. The hotel bathroom products are made from local, natural ingredients and are supplied in large refillable containers. The kitchen works seasonally and thoughtfully to minimize food waste. Local ingredients are used to create classic El Fenn dishes, such as the daily homemade tagine, in addition to a new daily changing plant-based menu with optional meat and fish dishes.
The hotel is also developing initiatives to offset aviation’s carbon dioxide emissions by planting trees in the Atlas Mountains and sponsoring three children from local orphanages through the school.
