Les Borjs de la Kasbah

Stepping in from the frantic and frenetic streets of Marrakech through its unassuming pastel-pink facade, Les Borjs de la Kasbah is a genuine oasis of calm. While the lobby is a busy jumble of garish rugs and decorative tile work, the open-air courtyard just beyond is a particularly peaceful and spacious example of its kind -- complete with tidy citrus trees, potted palms, and wrought-iron furnishings accompanied by the gentle trickling of a centerpiece fountain. The hotel is owned by a French-British couple who bought a complex of seven properties and rebuilt and renovated them over four years -- using a local young architect and a team of entirely Moroccan craftsmen -- to finally open their doors in 2006. The emphasis and effort to recreate the ambience and elegant interiors of a traditional Moroccan riadis on display with colorful bejmat tiles, vibrant tadelakt polished plaster, and real sense of calm throughout. 

The hotel is situated on the edge of the Kasbah area of Marrakech just south of its old Medina quarter -- an 11th-century UNESCO recognized district abuzz with bustling souks, cafes, and even the occasional snake-charmer. For those keen to explore the city on foot, the location of the hotel is excellent with all of the old city tourist attractions well within walking distance. The Royal Palace is practically next door to the property while the famous Djemaa el-Fna square and bustling heart of the Medina is about 20 minutes' walk away. Its position also makes easy access to Marrakech Menara International Airport, located just 10 minutes' drive away. 

The hotel's 18 air-conditioned and soundproofed rooms are spread around the property's four patios, five on the ground floor and the rest one level up. While each room is individually designed, the styling in all follows a similar modern take on traditional Moroccan decor with tiled floors, colorful polished plaster walls, and pretty hanging lanterns -- though some furnishings and decor is starting to show signs of wear. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, minibars (not offered in some competing riads!), and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, while marble-topped bathrooms include wall-mounted hairdryers. 

The hotel serves an excellent buffet breakfast with cooked-to-order items such as eggs and Moroccan pancakes -- all included in the room rate. The charming Le Jasmin restaurant also provides a dinner menu of Moroccan cooking with a strong French accent and a good selection of local wines. There's also a small heated pool that benefits from plenty of midday sun, which is lined with loungers and a poolside bar serving drinks and snacks. Just up from here is the on-site spa; while it lacks a little in decorative finesse, it has a lovely domed, marble-clad hammam. Wi-Fi is free throughout.