Semlalia BP 894, Route de Casablanca, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 616-5829
Impressive
Moroccan-style architecture and interiors
Peaceful garden
with large swimming pool
Two restaurants,
bar, and alfresco dining on-site
Most rooms have
balconies overlooking garden
Traditional
hammam with massage treatments
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Some signs of
wear in rooms
No tourist
attractions within walking distance
Breakfast not included as
standard
Some aspects of the decor feel a touch dated
The Hotel Marrakech le
Tichka is a mid-range, 138-room hotel featuring impressive Morocco-inspired
interiors set in a quiet New City neighborhood. Its location a bit away from the medina means it's not ideal for tourists who prefer to explore the city on foot
-- although taxis are quick and plentiful. Simple rooms are adequate with many extending
to pleasant -- though not always furnished -- terraces overlooking the rear garden. The alfresco terrace and pool
make for a particularly peaceful place to unwind and, for those who'd rather
stay away from the more hectic side of Marrakech, it's an excellent value. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
Scene
Quiet, mid-range hotel set in Moorish-style building awash with arabesque features
This is one of the oldest hotels in Marrakech, and the first sight visitors have of
the Tichka Hotel is its pristine, pastel pink facade with lovely Moroccan
architectural features. These include a striking Mashrabiya-style enclosed balcony
and elegant arabesque entrance fronted by a charming blue-tiled fountain.
Stepping inside, the lobby is a superb octagonal atrium decorated with
traditionally styled motifs and pairs of pillars that rise up to an intricately patterned ceiling dome. Originally
conceived by famous American interior designer Bill Willis, the property is a
fine blend of Moorish-style architecture and timeless Arabian influences, with
arched whitewashed doorways complementing vibrantly colored _tadelakt _(polished limestone plaster)
and hanging lanterns. The hotel overlooks pleasant rear gardens with
well-tended lawns dotted with palm trees, where a mixture of leisure and
business guests relax in relatively peaceful surrounds away from the
hubbub of Marrakech.
Location
Quiet and mostly residential neighborhood 10 minutes' drive from the medina
The hotel is located
in a largely quiet and residential neighborhood in the north of Gueliz --
Marrakech's New City district. While there's little in the way of tourist
attractions within walking distance, many of Marrakech's schools and medical
facilities can be found in the immediate surrounds. The 11th-century medina -- which draws most of the city's tourists -- is around a 10-minute drive away,
and there are usually plenty of taxis just outside the hotel which can also
connect to Menara International Airport
in about 20 minutes (though it might be cheaper to hail one from the main
road).
Rooms
Generally well-maintained, simple rooms -- most with balconies overlooking the garden
The hotel's 130
air-conditioned rooms and eight suites are all decorated with a mix of smart, modern furnishings and traditional touches with carpeted flooring and arabesque
artworks. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges while
bathrooms come with modest toiletries, shower/tub combos, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Most rooms have balconies
overlooking the pool, although not all are furnished and birds in the
garden-side climbing shrubbery can be noisy in the mornings. Also, while rooms are
spacious and generally well-maintained, there are a few signs of wear and tear.
Features
Large outdoor pool with loungers and alfresco dining terrace
The hotel serves
a buffet breakfast each morning in the Ambar restaurant, though options are
fairly limited and it's not always included in the rate. The second restaurant
-- Johara -- serves a menu of Moroccan cooking in fabulous Arabian palace-style
surroundings, while the hotel bar has a good range of international beverages. Half-board rates are available. Food and drink can also be enjoyed on the terrace next to the large outdoor
swimming pool -- also lined with loungers -- while a traditional hammam offers
steam baths and massage treatments. Wi-Fi is free throughout.