The Tamesis
Deciding between a lively Riad or a large resort with a swimming pool and extensive gardens on the outskirts of town? La Sultana offers the best of both worlds. The hotel remains centrally located, tucked away in the heart of the old medina, close to some of the city’s most important historical sites, including the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia Palace, while also imparting a reassuring sense of remoteness, not least thanks to the massive rooftop terrace that covers all five adjoining and artfully stitched together riads that make up the hotel. (In fact, it’s the largest hotel rooftop terrace in the area, with about 2,000 square feet of lush gardens, a plunge pool, dining areas, and even an outdoor kitchen for cooking classes.)
However, equally impressive as the scale of the place is the attention to detail. First, dazzling craftsmanship—hand-carved wooden doors, marble staircases, vaulted ceilings, Zelli tiles, you name it—adorns every surface, giving the feeling of stepping into the world’s largest jewelry box. The service was equally attentive and attentive: upon arrival, our luggage was taken away by porters in smart red capes and matching fez hats, and we were taken to a tree-lined seating area overlooking the city to finish checking in while enjoying Moroccan mint tea. While the public areas are exotic and opulent—each riad courtyard has its own eye-popping design scheme—the bedrooms are intentionally cozier, with walls painted in soothing crimsons and purples and plush king-size beds for when you close the blinds, light candles, and kick back after a long day wandering the souks.
Photo: Courtesy Sultana
