It’s interesting, but we always find ourselves coming back to Marrakech. It could be the food, the magical light in the evening, the sound of msemen being cooked in the streets, or the unspoken rule that it’s absolutely okay to sip sweet mint tea at any hour of the day. Whatever it is, this place has its grip on us. But this time, the pull was this quite unique hotel:
The hotel is a masterpiece made up of three distinct houses nestled in Marrakech’s Medina. It features a palette of earthy tones paired with a stunning art collection – from Leila Alaoui’s iconic “Les Marocains” series to contemporary digital portraits from Africa. As you wander through the hotel, you feel as if you’re exploring a private, expertly curated gallery.
We loved this vibe.
A unique highlight is its tribute to Moroccan design history. The interiors draw inspiration from Bill Willis, a designer once described by AD Magazine as a “lanky, cranky, often substance-fueled interior designer of the Moroccan party scene.” His original style lives on here, even in the library, where you’ll find a replica of the fireplace from his own home.
Originally comprising three separate riads, the hotel offers more space than most accommodations in the Medina. It also boasts three pools: a main pool, a secluded plunge pool in a quiet courtyard, and another one on the rooftop terrace.
The rooms
Each of the 14 rooms is a little different, but they all have a clean, neutral look with bursts of colour and warm texture. They are named after Bill Willis’s close friends. We stayed in the Marianne room, which felt very cosy and tucked away. It’s not huge, but it’s comfortable, and there’s just the right amount of natural light. If you need more space, there’s the Yves Suite, which sleeps three, or the IZZA room, which is more like an apartment with its own courtyard.
The Restaurant
The IZZA restaurant is located on the rooftop. What a place! New York meets Moroccan style. We had dinner there and went for the grilled octopus with quinoa and the fried calamari. 100 points! The calamari came with a citron confit sauce – quite an experience.
Breakfast is included if you’re staying here. We ordered eggs benedict, a fresh fruit salad, and traditional mint tea. It’s the kind of breakfast that’s satisfying without feeling heavy – perfect for kicking off the day.
The Wellness
The spa is small and simple – just what you’d expect for a boutique hotel. If you’ve never had a traditional Hamam, this is a perfect place to try it. We also recommend booking a massage while you’re staying; it’s a nice way to wind down after a day in the Medina. We also loved the design of the Spa.
Ideal for
We’d say, IZZA is not the typical family-friendly spot – it’s much better suited for couples or friends. Think of it as a mini getaway with an art gallery and stylish people, perfect for a few days exploring Marrakech (before heading to Essaouira to relax at our other member hotel Villa Laba).
Prices
Rooms from €220 including breakfast.
Contact & Booking
IZZA Marrakech
46, Driba Laarida,
Sidi Ahmed, Soussi
Medina 4000
Marrakech / Morocco
