Hotel & Ryads Barriere Le Naoura Marrakech

 The U-shaped property surrounds a large pool surrounded by plenty of deck space for lounging on spring-loaded padded lounge chairs. The hotel's ochre-colored grounds are beautiful, especially at night when the large outdoor pool is illuminated in soft blue light. The lobby and reception has Art-Deco style elements, with curtains in dramatic golds contrasting nicely with the black curtain tie backs and black scatter cushions, giving the room a slick, sophisticated look and feel. 

The property is between the old area of the Medina and the new town of Gueliz, a 10-minute walk from Djemma el Fnaa square. Cyber Parc is about five-minutes on foot from the hotel while the Koutoubia Mosque takes closer to 10 minutes. It takes about 15-minutes to walk to the Ben Youssef Mosque and Madrasa, which has gorgeous buildings covered in glistening mosaics, and Amajorelle Garden is about the same distance away. Marrakech Menara Airport is a 10-minute drive via taxi. 

Rooms are huge and have luxurious bedding and sitting areas, and most have pool views. Ryads include kitchens and anywhere from three to seven bedrooms; some have private pools. The decor is contemporary and relies on a black and gold color palette, and while furnishings are plush, some rooms could use a fresh coat of paint. The dark tiles and wood floors help keeps the rooms cool, which is especially beneficial during the humid summer months. Bathrooms are contemporary and some feature double-basin vanities. Most have separate tubs and rainfall showers. Butler service is available for those want to amp up the luxury factor. 

Children are especially welcome at the Naoura Barriere and their needs are more than met, with welcome gifts, toiletries, and special menus. Smaller children can attend the baby club whereas four to 12 year-olds can hang out at the Diwi Club.

Along with two bars, the property has two restaurants: Fouquet’s Marrakech, a Parisian style bistro with Moroccan and European fare and Le Wardya, a more casual pool restaurant with a buffet and a la carte options during the day. Le Wardya is only open to guests staying at the hotel, which helps keep crowds down. 

The hotel's large central pool is heated all year round and is a great size for swimming lengths, but the gym, with a couple of outdated machines and weights and weak air-conditioning is in need of refurbishment. The spa is much better and there are plenty of treatments on offer, including a hammam and traditional black soap scrubs or rhassoul clay wraps.