El Fenn

El Fenn is one of the best-known boutique hotels in Marrakech, assembled from a group of linked riads in the Bab Ksour quarter, a few minutes' walk from both the Koutoubia and Jemaa el-Fnaa. Its name means art in Arabic, and the hotel is known for its bold use of colour, its contemporary art collection and interiors that mix Moroccan craftsmanship with modern design.

There are 41 individually styled rooms and suites, no two alike, spread around courtyards planted with trees and climbing plants. The property includes three swimming pools, a spa and a shop selling clothes, homewares and local crafts. A family of resident tortoises wanders the courtyards, which children tend to enjoy.

The roof terrace, around 1,300 square metres, is the hotel's centrepiece. It has a rooftop bar and restaurant with views over the medina to the Koutoubia and, on clear days, the Atlas Mountains, and it is a popular place for sunset drinks with non-residents as well as guests. In total the hotel has two restaurants and two cocktail bars, serving a menu that draws on Moroccan and Mediterranean influences.

El Fenn suits couples, design lovers and friends travelling together, and it combines the intimacy of a riad with the facilities of a larger hotel. Because it is popular, rooms and rooftop tables should be booked well ahead, particularly in spring and autumn. The hotel also runs a programme of retreats and events, which may affect availability on some dates.

The hotel is in the western medina near Bab Ksour, around five minutes' walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa and the Koutoubia. The Pikala Bikes workshop is close by for cycling tours, Mouassine and its souks are a short walk north, and taxis can be found on the roads by the Koutoubia for trips to Guéliz or the airport. As with all medina riads, the final approach is on foot through the lanes, and the hotel can help with luggage. Guests who plan to eat on the roof should mention it when booking, since sunset tables are in high demand. Because the hotel is made up of several connected houses, rooms differ considerably in size, light and outlook, so read the descriptions carefully and ask the team for advice if you have particular needs, such as a ground-floor room or a quieter position.