Hotel le Caspien Review: What To REALLY Expect If You Stay

Pros

Pleasant blend of contemporary and historical design
Located outside of congestion of medina
Colorful and comfortable guest rooms, some with balconies
Private back patio with small but inviting pool
Multiple restaurants serving international and local cuisine
Rooftop bar with cafe tables and pretty views
On-site currency exchange and laundry
Child care services and airport shuttle (for a fee)
Free Wi-Fi throughout

Cons

Outside of historical center (major sights require taxi or bus)
Guest rooms lack coffeemakers or kettles
Buffet breakfast costs extra
No parking on-site

Bottom Line

This 36-room, three-pearl hotel offers a modern take on the ancient city. Meshing Moroccan motifs with a boutique flavor, Le Caspian presents a remarkable amount of amenities for its small size, including multiple restaurants, a rooftop bar, and even a small pool. The guest rooms and suites also come with a bit of panache, such as stucco cornices, carved wooden doors, traditional mosaic tile floors, and often balconies. Although a mile outside the medina, the hotel is still within walking distance of more than a few major attractions and parks, but a bus or taxi is needed to reach most others. Shoppers will love being next to the vast Carre Eden Shopping Centre, not to mention a host of upscale cafes, art galleries, and fashion boutiques. Travelers looking for a step up nearby can consider Hotel Diwane.

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Hotel & Amenities Photos

Single Room

Double Room

Restaurants and Bars

The Hotel

Pool

Amenities

Cribs
Internet
Pool

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Scene

Urban hotel with some boutique Moroccan flourishes

The upscale, modern vibe of the Gueliz filters into the pink-hued hotel, starting with the white marble floors of the lobby punctuated by strategic splashes of reds, oranges, and blues in ceramic, textiles, and paint. Stand next to the fountain with floating fresh rose petals in the center and look up, and the floors above wrap around a central shaft channeling sunlight. Through the doors in the back and side, two restaurants serve Italian, French, Moroccan, and Thai in modern bistro or fine-dining fashion. The couples and friends who tend to stay here often head to the rooftop bar for cocktails with views. Otherwise, they're gathered around the small pool in the back, ideal for a cooling dip but not a swim.

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Location

Outside the Medina but walking distance to some sights

One mile west of the medina’s western walls is the Gueliz district, known for its modern vibe and shopping, particularly at the huge Carre Eden Shopping Centre. Just five minutes away by foot, the Hôtel Le Caspien is also in easy walking distance from a host of cute cafes, international restaurants, art galleries, and the handsome El-Harti Gardens, replete with huge palm trees, bougainvillea, and a rose garden. Public buses do thread Marrakesh, and there’s a stop in front of Carre, but budget time for less than punctual schedules. Otherwise make use of the beige grand and petit taxis, which are also the most convenient way to get to Marrakesh Menara Airport, about a 15-minute taxi ride from the hotel. The hotel does operate its own airport shuttle for an additional charge. Marrakesh’s main train station is even closer, just an 18-minute walk west of the hotel.

15-minute walk to Jardin Majorelle
20-minute walk to Bahia Palace
Eight-minute drive to Koutoubia Mosque
12-minute drive to Saadian Tombs and Dar Cherifa
13-minute drive to Place Jemaa el-Fna
14-minute drive to Bab Debbagh tanneries
15-minute drive to Ben Youssef Medersa and House of Photography
16 minute drive to El Badi Palace, Koubba Almoravid, and Marrakech Museum

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Rooms

Historical charm meets boutique design with modern amenities

Rustic accoutrements spice up the 36 guest rooms and suites of Le Caspien. Expect oriental rugs, Moorish arches, and bright textiles, though traditional details never overwhelm the rooms' modern look. All have either twin or double beds, air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite, DVD players, personal safes, telephones, and free Wi-Fi, though there are no kettles or coffeemakers. Bathrooms are similarly colorful and modern, and come with showers or shower/tub combos, Western-style toilets, bidets, local toiletries, and hairdryers. Beyond sleep, the next best reason to enjoy the rooms is on the balconies attached to several, although the views of the surrounding streets rarely inspire. Suites add separate seating areas and a bit more space, but little else.

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Features

A solid lineup of modern amenities, with multiple restaurants

In many ways, Le Caspian steps beyond its three-pearl rating, starting with its multiple restaurants serving everything from filet mignon and carpaccios to grilled chicken satay and Moroccan tagines. The breakfast buffet (for additional charge) satisfies, but doesn’t wow, with fresh soups, breads, veggies, eggs, meats, potatoes, and drinks, which change daily. Through the windows of the restaurant, the pool is visible and much appreciated on a hot day, although perhaps not as much as cool cocktails on the rooftop bar in the evenings. Other on-site services include currency exchange, laundry, car rental, and a tour desk. Childcare and airport shuttle service incur an additional charge. There is no parking on-site, but it’s available nearby. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

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