Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier

Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier stands as a beacon of luxury and Moroccan heritage, earning its place as a Michelin Key selected property. Guests consistently praise its opulent design, impeccable service, and breathtaking views, making it one of Morocco's finest 5-star hotels. The palace, originally built in the 1920s for a royal advisor, has been meticulously restored and expanded, blending historic grandeur with contemporary comforts.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "luxurious," "spectacular," and "perfect." It is lauded as an outstanding hotel that provides a regal and profoundly private experience. The property's ability to transport guests to the "expat idyll of 1920s Tangier" while offering modern functionality is a recurring theme in reviews.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make the Fairmont Tazi Palace exceptional:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is a "palace in the literal sense," featuring arches, parapets, and extensive marble. Its design beautifully marries Arab-Andalusian filigree with clean, contemporary aesthetics, using vibrant golds and blues. The interiors showcase lavish Moroccan artisanship with bespoke furnishings, intricate mosaics, carved wooden doors, and ornate plasterwork. Many mosaics and textiles are locally made, incorporating authentic crafts. The Andalusian-style gardens, century-old eucalyptus forest, and groves of various trees further enhance the luxurious and serene atmosphere.
• Views: Secluded high on the hills above the medina, the palace offers "absolutely incredible" panoramic views of Tangier, the forested hillside, the Old City, and distant mountains.
• Amenities: The hotel boasts seven restaurants and three bars, a stunning in-hotel spa offering treatments like aromatherapy and hot stone massages, a health club, sauna, and a year-round outdoor pool. There's also a sun terrace, fitness center, and a kids' club with activities. The property is also Green Key certified, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier are described as luxurious, spacious, and extremely comfortable. Rooms, suites, and exclusive villas offer panoramic views of the city or forest from their balconies or terraces. They feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and modern amenities, with attention to detail evident in sumptuous bedding and state-of-the-art technology. Historic features restored to their 1920s glory add prominent, traditional touches, making guests feel like visiting dignitaries.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Fairmont Tazi Palace is considered an "epicurean journey," showcasing the best of Moroccan and international cuisine. With seven restaurants and bars, guests have unparalleled dining options. Chefs use the freshest local ingredients to create dishes that celebrate both traditional Moroccan flavors and global gastronomy. Breakfast is particularly praised for its "outstanding quality with enormous selection covering a wide range of tastes," including local specialties, warm dishes, and fresh pastries. Buffet breakfast is available for an extra charge of approximately MAD 300 for adults and MAD 150 for children.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier consistently receives glowing reviews. Guests report that "everyone of the staff... was exceptionally friendly and exceedingly helpful." The staff is described as attentive and the service is "out of this world" and "up to 5-star standards." Thoughtful and attentive service complements the graceful luxury of the hotel.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is "secluded high on the hills above the medina," offering a quiet location with beautiful views over Tangier. It is considered one of the key renovations contributing to Tangier's renewal as a luxury destination. While offering a sense of escape, it provides a gateway to exploring Tangier's rich cultural heritage. The hotel is located 6.2 miles (approximately 10 km) from Tangier Ibn Battuta Airport and is near attractions such as the Forbes Museum of Tangier (2.5 miles away).

7. Value & Pricing

While specific room rates fluctuate, the overall sentiment suggests that the experience at Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier is considered well worth the cost due to its luxurious offerings and exceptional service. The buffet breakfast is an additional charge (approximately MAD 300 for adults and MAD 150 for children). There is also a city tax of MAD 49.5 per person, per night. Given its status as a Michelin Key selected property and a top-tier luxury hotel, guests should expect pricing commensurate with a 5-star experience.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor issues have been noted by guests:

• One guest reported a bad smell in their room returning after dinner.
• Another mentioned that the curtains in the bathroom and shower area could not be drawn down, and there was no convertible plug in their room.
• During Ramadan, one guest experienced the swimming pool being under maintenance and felt the $50 buffet per person had a relatively low price-performance ratio due to limited food and no additions.

Sources

1. emilycanham.co.uk
2. fairmonttazipalace.com
3. costar.com
4. booking.com
5. michelin.com
6. youtube.com
7. hotels.com
8. booking.com
9. fairmont.com
10. trip.com