Atlas Medina & Spa

Set in a modern, five-story clay-colored building in a the new part of Marrakech, the Atlas Medina & Spa appears generically corporate from the outside. Inside, however, the many paintings of local scenes, the terra-cotta, graceful archways, and rich leather make for an overall vibe of relaxed sophistication. The lounge is particularly lovely with criss-cross brown tile floors and large windows. Guests can sit in pale gray and brown leather armchairs and take in the salon-like scene. The lobby's dark wood is somewhat imposing, but earth-toned patterned rugs and burnt-orange paint lend warmth. Pool areas are nicely landscaped with shrubbery, and one has an island in the center with a tall palm tree; the simple stone pool decks are lined with blue lounge chairs. The covered poolside bar combines clay-colored stone with pale brick and blue mosaic tile. Guests are a mix of business travelers and tourists taken with the mostly quiet setting -- pool music can sometimes go on late into the night. 

The hotel is set in Hivernage Square in the new town, where wide tree-lined avenues make walking relatively safe no matter the time of day. The Palais des Congres conference center is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Otherwise, most sights are a bit of a trek on foot, but an easy taxi ride (make sure the meter is on when you get into the taxi, or negotiate the rate in advance) away. The lovely Majorelle Garden, which houses the Islamic Art Museum, is about an eight-minute cab ride, and the old city is about a 10-minute ride from the hotel. Marrakech Airport is just a 10-minute drive away. 

Guest rooms are air-conditioned and decorated simply with gray and white bedding, pale yellow walls, and wood headboards. The overall design looks peaceful and unfussy, if a little dated. All rooms have balconies, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and safes. Some rooms have mini-fridges and deep soaking tubs, but all others have shower/tub combos. Family suites and pool-view rooms are also available. Junior Suites have living and dining rooms, as well as unique arched doors painted with a Moroccan blue and yellow pattern. Some rooms could use a bit more upkeep, particularly with regards to air-conditioning, bathroom door locks, and TV remotes. 

The two pools are both large, surrounded by well-kept shrubbery, and lined with plenty of lounge chairs. The poolside bar serves cocktails, and has tables and chairs beneath umbrellas. Inside there are two restaurants Le Jacaranda and Le Tatawi, but guests have complained that the cuisine is more Western than Moroccan. Daniel Jouvance Spa has several red-tile treatment rooms, a hot tub, and a Turkish hammam. Shops and a salon are other on-site features. The fitness center is small and has somewhat dated cardio machines, but is clean and has wood floors. 24-hour room service is available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.