the best hotels in Rabat
Our selection of five ultra-tidy addresses in the Moroccan capital to live as close as possible to the heritage and nature of the most oceanic of imperial cities.
Rather oriented towards business travel until now, Rabat is increasingly asserting itself as a tourist destination, as illustrated by the recent opening of the latest generation 5-star resorts such as the Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé on the right bank of the Bouregreg river facing the estuary or the Conrad Arzana, on the Atlantic coast. Ideal destination for a short cultural stay, its medina has also become a hotbed of riads, more boutique-hotels than guesthouses, at affordable prices far from those of Marrakech.
Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé, Art Deco liner facing the Bouregreg estuary
Lines of liners, a refined design with an Art Deco flavor and a VIP location, facing the Kasbah of the Oudayas overlooking the estuary: boarding the Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé is like a cruise! The only luxury hotel on the right bank, this urban resort with 186 elegant rooms (including 27 suites) is also the latest hotspot in town with its beautiful spa in the basement and its restaurants and bars. At 4e floor, guaranteed wow effect, let yourself be caught up in the flamboyant sunsets over the Casbah of the Oudayas aboard the Deck, huge rooftop with lounge bar, heated swimming pool (19m x 8m) and Asian fusion restaurant with panoramic views of the city . Special mention also to La Verrière, a dazzling atrium on the ground floor where you can sip tea (exquisite pastries) or cocktails.
Which room to book? Preferably a room with a view of the estuary and/or the ocean, in the Fairmont View or suite category.
At what price ? From €330 for a double room, €400 for a Fairmont View room, €810 for an Ocean suite.
Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé. The Marina, avenue de Fez. Rabat 11000. Tel. +212 5 37 82 08 00.
Read alsoHotel Fairmont La Marina in Rabat, the expert opinion of Le Figaro
Story Rabat, a little nugget in a big garden
A relaxing setting popular with business travellers, but suitable for leisure travellers. Press picture
Rabat green city? The proof if needed with this chic boutique hotel which spreads its 27 Premium rooms (40m2), 10 XXL suites (85m2) and private villa, in a superb lush garden (1.5 hectares) with swimming pool (heated) of 25m long. A relaxing setting popular with business travellers, but suitable for leisure travelers (small spa, fitness), especially golfers (Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, 45 holes 3 mins away). The decor, neat and contemporary with Orientalist accents reinterprets the Arab-Andalusian art of living in the footsteps of Zyriab, poet, musician and scholar of the 9th century. Under the direction of Olivier de Kermel, a seasoned professional, the service is impeccable and the restaurant, a haven for gourmets with its cuisine mixing Mediterranean and Moroccan flavors. Slightly out of the way of course, but quiet 20 minutes by car from the city center and the medina.
Which room to book? In a separate building with a dedicated garden, the spacious and comfortable Premium rooms are a good option. For more space and views of the large garden, choose the suites.
At what price ? From €270 for a Premium room with breakfast, €450 for a suite.
STORY Rabat Boutique Hotel & Spa, corner rue Bani Yader and Jebala. Souissi district the Ambassadors. Rabat 10120. Tel. +212 5 38 05 08 00.
Conrad Arzana, a balcony on the ocean
This very first Conrad hotel in Morocco opened its doors near the small seaside resort of Harhoura. Press picture
This is an unprecedented location: this very first Conrad hotel in Morocco opened its doors at the end of 2022 near the small seaside resort of Harhoura, 30 minutes from the city center. Built on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean, we find the style dear to the brand, design, and little focus on local references. Pale tones and modern lines make up a soothing, somewhat impersonal universe in the 92 rooms (38 to 47m2) and 27 suites (58m2 to 235m2). Among the 4 restaurants and bars, the 99 Sushi Restaurant & Bar, a Japanese gastronomy franchise, the first in Morocco, is already attracting external customers, as is the 1360 m2 Spa with relaxation terrace with ocean view. Good point: one of the two outdoor swimming pools is dedicated to adults and the space only welcomes residents. Traffic in the resort, including the rooms, is carried out from the outside, tricky in the event of rain, but golf carts are available, including for access to the public beach 5 minutes away.
Which room to book? A Deluxe room with sea or garden view, preferably to the entry-level Deluxe room with a view of the residence, or a suite.
At what price ? From €252 per Deluxe room with breakfast, €297 per Deluxe room with garden view, €342 per Deluxe Room with ocean view, €523 per King Junior suite with ocean view, €794 with private pool.
Conrad Rabat Arzana, Val d’Or Harhoura beach. Such. +212 5 37 74 99 99.
Euphoriad, an exceptional boutique hotel in the medina
We can just as easily speak of a boutique hotel for this former house of Pasha in the medina. Press picture
We can just as easily speak of a boutique hotel for this former house of Pasha in the medina, an exceptional residence renovated by a group of esthete friends, including the architect of the place, Chafik Kabbaj. The eight rooms and suites, including a duplex (42 m2), have been designed with a rare degree of refinement and creativity (and comfort with an unusual use of home automation), in particular the furniture and decorative objects made to measure. . A large landscaped terrace (accessible by lift) with jacuzzi swimming pool (5m x 5m), bar and sculpted white marble hammam invites you to enjoy the sun and the panoramic views of the city. Moroccan cuisine meals, just as neat and inventive, can be served there as an alternative to the dining room on the ground floor, opening onto the beautiful main patio, with sculpted arcades and columns with Arab-Andalusian capitals.
Which room to book? The standard and Deluxe rooms are spacious (25 m2) but you can also afford one of the magnificent suites (35 m2) at a more than affordable price considering the quality.
At what price ? From €105 for a standard room, €129 for a Deluxe room, €164 for a suite and €200 for a duplex, breakfast included.
Euphoriad, 7-9 Impasse Caïd Bargach, Medina, 10030 Rabat, Tel. +212 5 37 73 42 09 or +212 6 62 11 69 76 (whatsApp).
Riad Zyo, riad-garden and art gallery
In this former post office in the medina that has become a riad, everything is neat. Press picture
In this former post office in the medina that has become a riad, everything is neat, from the welcome to the dapper decor. All different in size and design, the 12 comfortable rooms (air conditioning, heating, beautiful bathrooms, good soundproofing) are built around two patios, one ultra-modern and bright with swimming pool (unheated), the another traditional, lined with zelliges and adorned with carved wooden doors. Manicured green spaces like an English garden occupy the terrace at 1er floor, and an art gallery on the ground floor for an immersion in the color and creativity of local artists. Riad Zyo is a family affair, managed as such, the whole team goes out of their way to provide attentive service to customers.
Which room to book? At the entry level, the rooms are charming but small (9/12m2). We love La Pacha (17m2) opening onto the garden of 1er or the Favorite (20m2), to get comfortable. Fans of zelliges will opt for Jasmine or Chahrazad.
At what price ? From €108 per double room with breakfast.
Riad Zyo, 5 rue Moreno Legza, 10000 Medina Rabat. Such. : +212 6 61 11 08 96.
