The welcome
My airport pick-up is prompt, the hotel shuttle a sleek black Mercedes and the drive less than 15 minutes. I’m swiftly checked in and my room is ready, which is a relief as it’s only noon and I have flown all night.
The neighbourhood
The hotel is perfectly situated on Avenue Mohammed V in the heart of Gueliz, which is based around a bustling Moroccan high street filled with shops and cafes. It’s in the Carré Eden shopping centre, which has 60 shops, although that’s the least exciting aspect of its location. The surrounding neighbourhood is where it’s at, with Moroccan restaurants, cafes, French bistros and a mix of shopping: curio/thrift-style and tourist tat to modern. It’s a pleasant 20-minute stroll to the Medina and Djemaa El Fnaa, where you can spend hours unearthing market treasures or dine at one of the many restaurants that appear each evening.
The scene
I stay on a late September weekend during the hotel’s grand opening. Other guests are a mixture of young and old, most from Europe and the United Kingdom, on holiday. More than a few of the well-shod appear to be in their 60s.
The room
My one-bedroom suite is roomy, complete with a Nespresso machine, luxurious deep tub with separate shower, and a balcony with a clear view of the sunset and onto the happening street below. The bed is downy soft, and I sleep like a rock, with the soundproof windows mostly blocking out thumping music, which I think emanates from the bar. My only complaint is the pillows, which flatten so quickly that I have to use two to achieve the height and substance of one.
The food
The breakfast buffet is in Lila, the hotel’s only dining option, with indoor and outdoor seating by the pool. It offers an array of options, including an omelette bar and selection of Moroccan pancakes. The lamb tagine with prune, apricot and cinnamon (250 Moroccan dirhams [Dh90]) is delicious, as is a hearty portion of harira soup (90 Moroccan dirhams [Dh32]).
The service
Staff throughout the hotel are incredibly friendly. Room service is swift, but while dining alone by the pool at Lila, I have to flag down a busy waiter more than once for a menu. I’m confused when, after polishing off my lunch, a basket of warmed bread with butter appears.
Loved
Quite unexpectedly, the decor reminds me of a Canadian ski lodge; it’s probably the dark wood and bright-red room numbers, combined with low ceilings and thick carpeting. The vintage Marrakech film posters and plant-filled lobby bar, complete with DJ, really set the tone. After arriving, I have a hammam and hour-long massage in Eden Spa, a combination that’s well worth the price tag (1,700 Moroccan dirhams [Dh613]) and washes away my long Abu Dhabi-Casablanca-Marrakech journey.
Hated
The relentless playing of house music at a just-too-elevated level in the common areas. It makes me want to escape to my room, but other guests seem to like the vibe.
The verdict
A hip and modern vibe makes the Radisson Blu a great respite from the madness of the city, with a prime location that makes sightseeing easy.
The bottom line
Rooms at the Radisson Blu Marrakech Carré Eden (www.radissonblu.com) cost from 1,328 Moroccan dirhams (Dh479) per night, including breakfast and taxes.
This review was done at the invitation of the hotel.
amcqueen@thenational.ae
