Courtney Whitaker stays at a luxurious hotel within Marrakesh's 13th-century kasbah walls.
Location: Les Jardins sits within the walls of the old town and is a beautiful oasis off the dusty and chaotic main road. Lush, green climbers cascade from the roof gardens and hang down into the large courtyard below. The hotel is within walking distance of Jemaa el Fna square, which comes alive at night with souks selling their wares, performers and traditional street food.
Check-in experience: We were very warmly welcomed. Bags were whisked to our room and we were served mint tea and traditional cakes while checking in.
History: Les Jardins, built in 2002, boasts 108 rooms and sits within the 13th century kasbah walls of the old town. From the roof, the Koutoubia mosque - the largest in Marrakesh — is spectacular, especially at night. Established in 1147, it was rebuilt in 1162 by the Almohad dynasty in Hispano-Moorish style. It is also known as the "Mosque of Booksellers", since it was originally located near the souk manuscript sellers.
Room: We were upgraded to a junior suite. And there was really nothing junior about it — a large, curtained balcony faced the mosque's minaret tower rising high above the city. There was a large flat screen TV, fresh fruit platter, Nespresso machine and — most importantly in the sweltering 45-degree heat — air conditioning.
