Hotel Snapshot
A stay at La Sultana in Marrakesh is a heightened sensory experience with the alluring wafts of orange blossom, the sounds of local songbirds in its open-air patios, and the touch of freshly laundered and pressed linens, towels, and robes. But it’s the sense of sight that benefits most from the building’s architecture and decor, which has taken nearly every square inch into careful design consideration. From hand-carved wooden walls, desert-colored slabs of stone, and flora-lined atriums that cast shadows among the Moroccan sun, this visually remarkable property is not only a symbol of the utmost in creativity, construction, and splendor, but also the blueprint of what luxury boutique hotels should strive to be.
Design & Character
Built from five restored 19th-century riads owned by a former palace worker, La Sultana was born in 2001 with a mission to preserve and elevate its historical structures. From arched and framed entryways to fountain-fed rose gardens, hidden libraries, and cozy seating rooms, there is plenty to explore, with each area anchored in Moroccan antiquity and influence. La Sultana is also situated down a private corridor from the bustling main road, so that visitors feel as if they’re removed, at least temporarily, from the trademark energy of Marrakesh’s souks.
The Rooms
Calling these rooms ornate would be an understatement, as practically every nook and cranny has been thoughtfully filled with furniture, paintings, statues, and decor accents to embody five-star, over-the-top opulence. No two accommodations are the same, though guests will likely find high vaulted ceilings, marble columns, etched precious wood, and delicate copper accents in all 28 of its offerings. Many arrangements also include patio-view balconies, personal concierge service, as well as a fully-stocked minibar with an assortment of Morocco’s signature dried fruit and nut-based confections.
The Food & Drink Situation
La Sultana is home to two eating establishments. Its ground-level, poolside culinary oasis, La Table de La Sultana, hosts a breakfast buffet, as well as the hotel’s evening fine dining venue with live music. Its chefs work exclusively with a network of local producers and their bounties (which they disclose on the menu with a helpful map) to craft seasonal menus teeming with traditional dishes like Harira soup, monkfish pastilla, and lamb knuckle with caramelized apricots. Breads and pastries are also baked on-property, and guests can pick from nearly 250 wine labels to wash everything down.
Its rooftop oasis, The Odette, serves an assortment of cleverly concocted cocktails incorporating Moroccan spices like cumin, saffron, and paprika, as well as notable lunch bites like a citrus lobster salad piled high with fresh avocado. At night, a predominantly Asian-inspired menu serves as a necessary palate respite for those who may tire from tagine.
Amenities
Though Morocco demands exploration in the form of shopping, garden tours, and a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, practically everything a weary-eyed traveler needs can be found on-site. This includes two restaurants, a rooftop bar, a heated pool, a spa, and a fitness center. Guests can also book day trips and experiences like urban safaris, mountain biking, cooking classes, and hot air ballooning to supplement their stay.
Spa and Wellness Scoop
A lavish spa incorporating the grandiosity of Roman baths and the precision of Asian artistry serves as the backdrop to a day of self-indulgence and relaxation. Treatments range from traditional hammams and a four-hand massage to an argan body scrub and a men’s facial.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
The heart of Marrakesh’s Medina neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bustles with its iconic souks, lined with open-air stores that range in goods, from produce and spices to rattan furniture and leather apparel. It can be overwhelming to take in, but pockets of natural beauty can be found at gardens like the Jardin Majorelle, Agdal Gardens, or Menara Gardens. The museum of designer Yves Saint Laurent is also a fascinating departure from city chaos, though exploration of the Bahia Palace, known for its sculpted stucco and zellij tilework, is a must for anyone who appreciates meticulous craftsmanship.
Fast Facts
Location: Marrakesh, Morocco
Vibe: An ultra-luxurious, visually striking respite from one of the world’s most notoriously busy city centers.
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 28 guest rooms and suites
Pricing: Prices start at $540/night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Not a single detail has gone unnoticed, from wood-carved elevator walls to rose-lined fountains. It is an architectural masterpiece that will give pause to anyone who’s stayed in the most exquisite of hotels.
Dining: Two on-site restaurants, including a rooftop bar
Amenities: Pool; gym; spa; restaurants; rooftop bar; butler service; free wifi
Nearby Attractions: Bahia Palace, Jardin Majorelle, Jamaa el-Fnaa Square, Medersa Ben Youssef, Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
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