Sally Symons

El Fenn

  • Where:
  • Why:A much needed vacation.
  • When:August 2016
  • Who:My boyfriend Nik and me.
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El Fenn The main courtyard, where tea and cakes are served each afternoon and the hotel’s pet turtles roam.

The main courtyard, where tea and cakes are served each afternoon and the hotel’s pet turtles roam.

El Fenn Heavenly bed.

Heavenly bed.

El Fenn Our room’s sitting area. We’d lounge here while drinking the French press coffee that was outside our door each morning.

Our room’s sitting area. We’d lounge here while drinking the French press coffee that was outside our door each morning.

El Fenn The bathroom—complete with black marble tub and double sinks.

The bathroom—complete with black marble tub and double sinks.

El Fenn A peaceful little corner.

A peaceful little corner.

El Fenn The third pool, right outside the hammam.

The third pool, right outside the hammam.

El Fenn The largest of the hotel’s three pools.

The largest of the hotel’s three pools.

El Fenn Another place to lounge.

Another place to lounge.

El Fenn The rooftop plunge pool—the perfect place to cool off, cocktail in hand.

The rooftop plunge pool—the perfect place to cool off, cocktail in hand.

El Fenn Sitting areas scattered along the second floor corridor.

Sitting areas scattered along the second floor corridor.

Highs & Lows

  • The entire staff was lovely--very friendly and helpful.

  • There are tons of little communal spaces to hang out and read or have a drink.

  • The boutique is amazing. They have a great mix of local crafts and clothing and jewelry by independent designers.

  • We loved the morning breakfast spread and the mint tea and cakes each afternoon.

  • The hotel charges a service fee for any restaurant reservations or bookings the staff makes for you, which we weren’t aware of prior to receiving our bill.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 46/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Super stylish Riad.

  • Vibe

    Relaxed chic.

  • Location

    In the medina, walking distance from Jemaa el-Fna and lots of cultural sites and great restaurants.

  • Rooms

    28

  • Music

    Mix of Moroccan and jazz.

  • Year Opened

    2004

  • Designed By

    Vanessa Branson and Howell James with architect Amine Kabbaj

  • Health & Wellness

    3 pools and a hammam for spa treatments. No gym.

  • Restaurant

    Yes

  • Bar

    Yes

  • Minibar

    No mini bar, but each room has a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival and drinking water that’s replenished daily.

  • Children

    Bring them and book the family suite at El Fenn’s “Little Sister” property down the street.

  • Price

    Very reasonable.

  • Website

    Visit website

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