Labranda Rose Aqua Parc

The designers of the leisure traveler-focused Hotel Les Idrissides took inspiration from traditional Arabic and modern Western design. The pale salmon facade has a mix of cusped and horseshoe windows. Inside, the lobby has a black-and-white tiled floor and a smooth wood reception desk topped with Mid-Century Modern-style light fixtures. Decorative painting enlivens the exposed ceiling beams and intricate tile-work accents the walls. The outdoor pool deck is lined with clay tiles and palm trees are planted in between the lounge chairs. An emerald-green tiled fountain nods to the history of Moorish-style decor. In the restaurants, Zellige-style geometric terra-cotta tile-work covers the walls and floors. Chairs with domed backs echo the archways. This large property draws an even split of couples and families on vacation, with the occasional solo traveler or group of friends joining the mix.

The Hotel Les Idrissides is located in the Hivernage section of Marrakech, which is more modern than much of the city, with wide streets lined with palm trees. While several clubs make the Hivernage nightlife thumping, it isn't particularly well-known for restaurants and shops. A few cafes sit opposite the hotel, though, that serve pizza and juices. Trips from the hotel to the Marrakech sights will likely require driving or a taxi since public transportation in the area is limited. The drive to the Jardin Majorelle takes about nine minutes, while Jemaa el Fna market is about the same distance away. Marrakech's medina is an 11-minute drive. The Ben Youssef Madrassa takes 15 minutes to reach, as does the Marrakech Menara Airport.

The 310 rooms at the Hotel Les Idrissides are more modest than the common areas or restaurants, and some are underwhelming. Standard Rooms have a homey style, with large, firm beds and sofas built into the walls that add a nice traditional touch. But the glass-topped desks and floral bed runners feel too basic and unsophisticated for a four-pearl hotel. Bathrooms feature a mix of polished marble and inlaid tile, but are worn, and some have patchy grout around the shower/tub combos. 

Deluxe Rooms notably improve the decor and increase the space, adding carved wooden furniture and sofa beds. Dark tufted headboards and tripod lights add some luxe touches. Bathrooms are also upgraded with wooden mirrors and prettier tile-work. All rooms have minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, and safes, but no Wi-Fi. Cribs are available to borrow free of charge.

Amenities at the Hotel Les Idrissides are geared toward tourists, and all-inclusive packages are available. However, some guests say it's unclear which features are included without asking the staff. For example, there are three buffet restaurants at the hotel that serve Moroccan, Italian, and international meals as well as a free breakfast buffet, and while most of the dishes at the restaurants are included, a few costs extra. Guests also complain that the drink sizes -- alcoholic or not -- are tiny. 

The outdoor pool is  big enough to swim laps and has an adjacent deck with lounge chairs for sunbathing. There's also a tiny outdoor pool, a smaller, heated indoor pool, and a whirlpool hot tub. Spa services include massages and beauty treatments. The large, modern gym has weightlifting and cardio equipment, and there are two clay tennis courts for guest use. Kids can hang out in an activity center or at the playground and babysitting services are also available for a surcharge. A conference space is also available for small meetings and larger presentations. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas, but it's unreliable. On-site parking is free.