El Fen is a spectacular Moroccan boutique hotel owned by Vanessa Branson, Richard Branson’s sister. When Vanessa first discovered the riad, it was nothing but a ruined courtyard. It has since been restored, along with neighboring homes, to feature beautiful living quarters that are unlike any other. Here, you will be swept away by creativity as you sink into the charm of riad-living that has been designed for royalty.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
You will find the riad tucked away next to the medina’s Bab El Ksour gate, providing access to the heart of the ancient city. The Djemaa el-Fna, favored for its bustling souks, bars, and restaurants, is an easy 10-minute walk away. Marrakech Menara airport isn’t too far off either and is a pleasant 15-drive. Overall, El Fen is ideally located for those seeking to explore the authentic beauty of Marrakech, accommodating guests in exerted luxury and style.
Facilities
Continuing to think out of the box, El Fenn provides numerous unique facilities, including a mini cinema, heated reading pools, and painting kits for the creatives. A spa with a hammam and a heated marble swimming pool encourage indulgent relaxation and a large roof terrace is where you can sit back and enjoy tantalizing Moroccan and western meals.
Rooms
There are 28 rooms in total, each one unique and bursting with character. The units vary in size but even the smaller rooms are spaciously accommodating. Most of the rooms are fitted with fireplaces, roll-top bathtubs, Egyptian cotton bedlinen, and contemporary artworks, all of which meld together to create a lavish setting that graces you with comfort and style.
Activities
Book a yoga or Pilates lesson, soak in the rooftop pool, shop in the curated boutique or indulge in a spa treatment – these are just a few of the things you can do at El Fenn. The hotel staff and concierge can recommend hiking or bicycle routes and will direct guests to the best souks nearby. Landmarks that are easy to access include El Badi Palace, the Ben Youssef religious school, and Bahia Palace. If you speak to the head of staff, you may even be able to organise a mystery food tour of Marrakech’s markets, followed by a cooking class. Head to Maison de la Photographie to experience the Medina as it once was.
Bed & Breakfast
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
The weather in March is much like the start of spring in any country. With flowers coming out and the sun shining, the weather is generally between 10°C and 20°C depending on the region, although it can become cooler. Snow and rain become rare at this time of year, but it would be best to pack clothing for all scenarios, as it can be unpredictable.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
June is one of the hotter months in Morocco, however, different regions like Essaouira and Tangier still stay relatively cool because they’re situated on the coast. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Morocco is great to visit in June because tourism is relatively low compared to some of the other months. This is the last month to visit the desert region before there's an influx of insects and snakes in July and August, as well as often unbearable heat.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
Cooling down after the hot summer months, September is an ideal time to visit Morocco as you can enjoy the pleasantly warm weather and clear blue skies the country offers as it heads into autumn. The beaches are not as busy from local holidaymakers, the cities welcome gentle breezes, and exploring the desert becomes pleasant again.
October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast, with temperatures dropping in November and Essaouira becoming very windy. As such, October is a month that books up quickly, and trips for this time of year should be organised far in advance.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
