La Maison Arabe

Marrakech [Bab Doukkala]

About La Maison Arabe

A short walk from Jemaa el Fna Square this intimate retreat is a legend in itself. Originally a restaurant in the 1940s it was lovingly restored in the 1990s by Italian aristocrat, Count Fabrizio Ruspoli, to become the first boutique riad-style hotel in Marrakech.

Walk in the footsteps of many famous visitors from celebrities to dignitaries who came to dine, including Ernest Hemingway, Jackie Kennedy, Rita Hayworth, Queen Ingrid of Denmark and Sir Winston Churchill, and rest amidst the aristocratic splendour of a traditional riad, graced with all the amenities and services of a luxury hotel.

Transfer Time from Airport:

  • 15 minutes (private transfer).

Hotel Location

Get travel advice from someone who's been here

Send an enquiry

Facilities

  • Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Spa
  • Cookery classes
  • Family rooms

Category

  • Boutique
  • 21-50 rooms

Ideal for

  • families
  • couples
  • walking
  • fly drives

Accommodation

La Maison Arabe’s 32 spacious rooms and suites are havens of comfort and refinement. Set around the patio or on the garden side of the hotel, or in the privacy of the adjoining douiria, each room is unique in layout and design, combining contemporary elegance with Moroccan decorative elements. Most have a fireplace and a private balcony or terrace where you can enjoy a drink under the stars. Bathrooms are crafted from Moroccan marble and granite, immersing you in the highest levels of luxury.

Each room or suite is en suite with a King size bed (with the option to split into twin beds), air conditioning, central heating, wifi, fireplace (most rooms & suites), telephone, satellite TV, DVD player, minibar, Espresso machine, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes. 

Please note that patio view rooms and suites are only accessible by stairs. The garden view rooms and suites can be reached by either stairs or elevator.

Facilities

Breakfast and afternoon tea are served in one of the shaded courtyards to the soothing sounds of small fountains; the Piano Bar evokes a luxurious private club from the 1930s – it’s a cosy place to enjoy a drink before dinner and savour delicious Moroccan and Asian-inspired tapas; Le Restaurant offers a refined dining experience that celebrates the mouthwatering finesse of Moroccan cuisine.  Dine in ornate surroundings adorned with antique palace doors and Italian lamps beneath a sumptuous, handpainted zouaké ceiling, accompanied by live Arab-Andalusian music; Les Trois Saveurs (the three flavours) offers a menu of French, Moroccan and Asian dishes prepared by three chefs, which can be savoured indoors or on the adjoining terrace overlooking the swimming pool and gardens as live Arab-Andalusian music plays.

The hotel also has a pool situated slightly out of town in a private oasis-like garden (a shuttle service makes the regular journey). The poolside bar, Le Figuier, serves light meals of Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine.

The spa at La Maison Arabe offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary treatments including two hammams (steam baths), and a choice of massages and treatments.

Cookery Workshops at la Maison Arabe

La Maison Arabe today offers cooking workshops designed for the amateur and professional alike - indeed for anyone who wishes to discover the pleasures of Moroccan cooking and to become familiar with one of the great cuisines of the world.

La Maison Arabe’s long culinary history dates back to 1946, when two enterprising French women, Hélène Sébillon-Larochette, and her daughter, Suzy, were granted the right by the pasha Thami el Glaoui to set up the first restaurant open to foreigners in the medina. The pasha provided a servant from his nearby palace to teach them the intricacies of Moroccan cuisine, and La Maison Arabe quickly became one of the leading restaurants on the African continent.

La Maison Arabe has since become renowned for its cooking workshops, which are open to in-house guests and all food lovers visiting Marrakech. Learn step-by-step the secrets of authentic Moroccan cuisine from our dadas (traditional Moroccan cooks), using modern, everyday kitchen equipment to make precious recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Reviews

Things to do

Berber Trails - 4WD Excursion from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains.

Berber Trails day trip - 4WD excursion into the High Atlas from Marrakech. Our driver will take you into Berber villages and off the beaten track, lunch included, pick up from your hotel or riad; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

Day Excursion to Essaouira from Marrakech.

Essaouira day trip from Marrakech. Our driver will take you west to the Atlantic coast so you can have a full day to explore Essaouira's sights - this includes the old Portuguese harbour, the medina, beach and fresh fish stalls. Included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

Chez Ali - Fantasia Show & Dinner in Marrakech.

Fantasia live entertainment and dinner at Chez Ali in Marrakech's palmeraie. Our driver will take provide round trip private transfers from your accommodation; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

High Atlas Adventure Day - Excursion from Marrakech with short hike and lunch.

High Atlas Adventure day trip - excursion into the High Atlas from Marrakech. Our driver will take you on a tour of the best scenery in the foothills of Toubkal National Park, includes Berber villages and a guided short hike, lunch included, pick up from your hotel or riad; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

High Atlas Excursion & Hike to Tinmal Mosque.

Tinmal Mosque hike and day trip - excursion into the High Atlas from Marrakech. Our driver and guide will take you into Berber villages and off the beaten track en route to Ijoukak and Tinmal; lunch included, pick up from your hotel or riad; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

Hot Air Balloon Excursion from Marrakech.

Hot Air Balloon flight from Marrakech in sight of High Atlas. Our driver will take you out of Marrakech for arly morning launch. Snack and tour of a Berber village included, pick up from your hotel or riad; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

Imlil Valley Hike - Trekking in High Atlas from Marrakech.

Two day hike in High Atlas from Imlil. Tailor made trekking holidays in Morocco. Short and lower level hikes in all areas of High Atlas including Mount Toubkal. Fully supported treks with english speaking guide; accommodation in Berber Houses or camping.

Excursion to Kasbah Telouet in High Atlas from Marrakech.

Kasbah Telouet and Tichka Pass day trip - a 4WD excursion into the High Atlas from Marrakech. Our driver will take you high into Berber country and to the Glaoui Kasbah at Telouet. Lunch included, pick up from your hotel or riad; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

Private City Tour of Marrakech [full day] - Tailor made holidays.

Private full day guided city tour of Marrakech. Tour includes all major sights such as Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Medersa and gardens; also includes lunch and walking tour of souks and Djemma el Fna. Transport, entry fees and official guide included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short breaks in Morocco.

Private City Tour of Marrakech [half day] - Tailor made holidays.

Private half day guided city tour of Marrakech. Tour includes all majory sights such as Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Medersa and gardens; also includes walking tour of souks and Djemma el Fna. Transport, entry fees and official guide included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short breaks in Morocco.

High Atlas Guided Day Hikes from Marrakech.

Guided day hikes in High Atlas from Marrakech; our driver and guide will take you into Berber villages and off the beaten track on a full day's experience; lunch included, pick up from your hotel or riad; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

Cookery classes in Marrakech at La Maison Arabe.

Cookery class / workshop in Marrakech at the excellent La Maison Arabe. Meal of your own handiwork included, pick up from your hotel or riad; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls

Cascades of Ouzoud day trip - an excursion into the High Atlas from Marrakech. Our driver will take you into Berber country and to the waterfalls at Ouzoud. Lunch is not included but good food available, pick up from your hotel or riad; included as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.

Quad Biking in Marrakech - tailor made holidays.

Quad biking half day trip into the palmeraie from Marrakech. Full instruction, insurance and safety equipment included; pick up from your hotel or riad. Available as part of a tailor-made holiday or short break in Morocco.