Ibis Marrakech Centre Gare

This simple hotel occupies an ocher building with blue trim that blends in well with the city. A large courtyard with a green lawn surrounds the outdoor pool, and it's sheltered from the surrounding streets by walls lined with hedges and palm trees. A casual atmosphere pervades, with sun loungers pulled in every direction by guests. A walkway laid with decorative blue-and-white tile leads to the front entrance, and to a bland lobby with a simple reception desk. Less popular with travelers looking to immerse themselves in the medina, it can be a convenient spot for budget-minded couples and families, especially those who plan on visiting other destinations by train.

The hotel is in Gueliz, directly across the street from the Marrakech railway station. Casual dining and fast-food options, like McDonald’s, are within close walking distance, and the huge Carre Eden Shopping Centre is a 15-minute walk away. The historic medina and most cultural attractions require a drive to reach. Jemaa El Fna Square, the Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech, the famed Almoravid Koubba structure, and the Museum de Marrakech are all 15- to 25-minutes east by car. Marrakech Menara Airport is a 10-minute drive to the southwest.

Ibis Marrakech Centre Gare has 103 guest rooms that are about as basic as they come for a hotel in this range. Decor consists of dark carpets, simple light-wood furniture, and plain walls, though some are painted in light accent colors or have decorative hangings behind the beds. Rooms have either double beds, or two twin beds, with no seating areas other than built-in desks along walls with tiny blue-framed windows. Built-in shelving and storage corners provide space for belongings and a narrow space for hanging clothes. Free Wi-Fi comes standard, and there are small, older flat-screen TVs mounted on the walls. Some bathrooms are dated with small walk-in showers but they have decorative traditional tile that adds character. Others have been updated with modern gray tiling and larger walk-in showers.

Highlight features include a garden courtyard and heated outdoor pool surrounded by a wide sunbathing lawn with loungers and shade umbrellas. There's plenty of space, but there may not be enough loungers and seating for all guests. The small cocktail bar is open 24-hours and it has an outdoor terrace near the pool. For dining, a buffet restaurant serves Moroccan and international cuisine, in addition to breakfast for an extra charge. There's no fitness room on-site. Some public parking is available in front of the hotel, but it can be hectic parking there. Wi-Fi is free throughout.