Hotel Kenzi Farah

Although just a block from busy Mohammed VI Avenue, the property feels like a serene oasis from the outside. It is set on seven-and-a-half acres of lush gardens dotted with trees, flower beds, and wrought-iron benches, and the main building is partly hidden behind towering palm trees. A grand entrance with a red carpet and a long roof with a painted wooden ceiling makes for a pleasant first impression. Security is tight here, and guests are asked to walk through a metal detector before being allowed inside the building. The lobby is spacious, airy, and appealing, with large windows overlooking the lovely grounds, and a beautiful hand-painted wooden ceiling decorated with stars and geometrical patterns in the traditional Moroccan style. Several poufs and low stools with leather finishes placed around a small tea table add to the local charm. 

All of this may give a feel of luxury and attention to detail, but the hotel doesn’t live up to its advertised five-star rating beyond the reception area. This is a large property that can get busy and loud during peak season, when families flock to this hotel drawn by the competitive rates and resort-style facilities. The property is also a popular venue for large business meetings, and it can feel overcrowded at times. The Kenzi Farah has all the amenities expected of a large hotel, but many of them come for an extra charge, service is just average, and interiors lack character.

The Kenzi Farah is located on a residential street a block from Mohammed VI Avenue, one of Marrakech’s main drags. The area is mostly quiet, but there are several shops, restaurants, and cafes within an few blocks. Although not in the heart of the action, this location is convenient for those looking to explore both the historic and the newer parts of town, and the hotel is a five-minute drive from the city’s main train station. Popular attractions such as El Badi Palace and the Menara and Majorelle gardens are all a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Other major sights, such as Jemaa el Fna Square, the Koutubia Mosque, and the bustling souk can be found within the Medina (the old city), which is a 20-minute walk away. The hotel is a 12-minute drive from the airport. 

The hotel has 380 rooms spread out in four buildings set around the outdoor pool. They’re all spotlessly clean and spacious, but there have been complaints of maintenance issues and malfunctioning air-conditioning units. Decor is generic throughout, with simple dark wood furniture, a couple of tan armchairs around a silver-colored tea table, and terra-cotta floors. Bedside rugs in red hues, and small portraits above the bed in some rooms add local charm, but the neutral palette is a tad bland. Standard amenities are average for a hotel in this price range, and include flat-screen TVs, safes, and empty mini-fridges. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Bathrooms are basic and a little dated, with simple shower/tub combos, a handful of toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Light sleepers may want to request a room on a high floor and overlooking the gardens, as street-facing units can get traffic noise. 

The property’s centerpiece is the small but pleasant outdoor pool, complete with a bar serving snacks and drinks. It has shaded areas, a kiddy section, a several seating areas, but loungers go fast in the morning during peak season. The Orangerie is the main restaurant here, serving an average but free buffet breakfast in a loud and busy dining room with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering garden views. There are two other dining options here, including a poolside Mediterranean eatery and a Moroccan restaurant. Food gets mixed reviews in all, and some guests complain of lack of variety. The spa has a relaxing atmosphere and traditional Moroccan decor, and features four treatment rooms, as well as a sauna, a steam room, and a hair salon. There is also an long indoor pool with garden views, and a well-equipped fitness center within the spa, but there is a fee for use of both facilities. The hotel features a large ballroom that can be divided into five smaller meeting rooms, all equipped with audiovisual equipment. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.