Hotel Oudaya

The Hotel Oudaya is situated on tree-lined grounds, housed in two classic Moroccan-style buildings that surround a courtyard with a brilliant blue pool. The Oudaya may lack the intimacy and rich character of the many small riads of Marrakech, but there are grand spaces with details that have plenty of Moroccan flavor. Common areas are filled with elements like Berber rugs, Moorish lattice paneling, wood-painted ceilings, and traditional tile and art, and vibrant accents in burnt orange, lapis, and scarlet red add to the overall allure. Most of the action here is around the pool, and in the hotel's main restaurant and bar, and for a quiet escape there's a rooftop terrace with a few loungers and city views. The hotel draws an international crowd of leisure travelers, including many older couples. 

Hotel Oudaya is in Gueliz, the “New Town” of Marrakech, a trendy area that along with next-door Hivernage features boutique shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and wide boulevards built by the French in the early 1900s. A market and small shopping center are a short stroll, and Gueliz — Mohamed V bus stop is a two-minute walk. 

The medina's 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, Jemaa el-Fnaa square and souks (markets), and Saadian Tombs are all about eight to 10 minutes by taxi, which is less ideal for sightseers. But it's only five minutes on foot to Matisse Art Gallery, and 10 minutes to Place du 16 Novembre and the Royal Theatre. El Harti Park, which has a dinosaur-inspired playground, is a 15-minute walk. 

Getting to the tranquil Majorelle Garden, Islamic art museum, and Berber museum is approximately a five-minute taxi ride. Also within five minutes by taxi is the Palais de Congres convention center. Marrakech Railway Station is a little less than five minutes by taxi or 10 minutes on foot, while Marrakech Menara Airport takes slightly longer than 10 minutes by taxi. 

Guest rooms at the Oudaya are generally in good condition but they have a slightly dated feel, with some wear and tear on furniture, walls, and flooring. There are some attractive elements, such as arched doorways, Moroccan-themed art, vibrant violet or orange accents, and tadelakt (lime-based) bathroom tile, but while rooms are spacious, the overall look is spare. On the plus side, some units open to a lovely courtyard with a lawn and blue tile fountains, and other have balconies facing the pool. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, small wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi, but like many Marrakech hotels, there are no kettles. Suites with separate seating areas are available. Bathrooms are generally spacious, and they contain shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and some feature bidets, but they lack toiletries. 

The Oudaya offers guests substantial property features, topped by a large (2,368 square feet/220 square meters) outdoor pool with grottoes at one side. Other highlights include a full-service spa with a sauna and steam room, game room with billiards and ping-pong, and a large rooftop terrace with views of the surrounding area. The hotel’s restaurant serves a breakfast buffet (for a fee), that features pancakes and some cold items, but it gets mediocre reviews from guests. The restaurant also offers Moroccan cuisine for lunch and dinner in a dining room overlooking the garden and pool. Half-board plans are available, and there's 24-hour room service. The hotel also has a second Moroccan restaurant for small groups and seminars, plus a bar with outdoor seating overlooking the pool. 

Services include uniformed bell staff and concierge service, and there's a meeting room, business center, parking (for a fee), and boutique with Moroccan handicrafts, leather goods, and clothing on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and while smoking is banned in rooms, a public smoking area is available. One of the hotel’s two lobbies/reception desks is closed overnight. The hotel allows two pets per room, up to 11 pounds (five kilograms) per pet, for no additional fee.