Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr

Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr: A Majestic Blend of History and Luxury

The Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its breathtaking historical setting, impeccable design, and exceptional service. Housed within a magnificently restored 18th-century Sultanic palace, this urban resort offers guests a refined and tranquil escape in Morocco's capital.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing their experience as "exceptional" and "amazing." The hotel frequently receives top scores for cleanliness, comfort, facilities, and staff, often scoring 9.0 and above out of 10. Reviewers highlight the seamless blend of Moroccan heritage with modern luxury, creating a true sense of place. While some initial feedback during its soft-opening phase mentioned minor issues, the sentiment generally points towards a truly five-star experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of the Four Seasons Rabat:

• Historic Ambiance & Design: The hotel's past as an 18th-century Sultanic palace is meticulously preserved, featuring Moorish architecture with arched porticoes, intricate plasterwork, historic zellige details, domed rooftops, and fountained courtyards. The restoration effort is lauded for blending historic elements with contemporary comfort and a calming, neutral palette. The impressive art collection, showcasing nearly 500 pieces, further enhances the sophisticated atmosphere.
• Exceptional Service: The staff is frequently praised for being "amazing," "attentive," "warm," and "intuitive," providing a heartfelt sense of hospitality. Many guests specifically commend individuals for their professionalism and welcoming gestures.
• Luxurious Amenities: The property boasts an infinity swimming pool, a tranquil garden pool, and an inviting indoor saltwater pool within the spa. A comprehensive spa and wellness center includes a traditional Moroccan hammam and a 24-hour gym with ocean views. Other amenities include multiple dining venues, bars, and beautiful landscaped gardens.
• Tranquil Resort Feel: Despite its urban location, the hotel provides a serene, resort-like atmosphere, perfect for relaxation.

3. Room Quality

The 200 rooms and suites, spread across both modern and historic buildings, offer a comfortable combination of classic Moroccan touches and contemporary comforts. Many rooms feature furnished balconies or terraces with picturesque views of the ocean, gardens, or cityscape. Guests appreciate details such as tall windows, soft morning light, and the sound of distant waves. Interiors are beautifully understated, incorporating local elements like zellige patterns, handcrafted lighting, and textured fabrics. Spacious bathrooms often include custom-made zellige tiles and freestanding baths with appealing views. Standard amenities include air conditioning, private bathrooms, bathrobes, iPads, and designer toiletries.

4. Dining Experience

Dining is consistently highlighted as a strong point of the hotel. The family-friendly restaurants offer a range of culinary experiences:

• Breakfasts: Described as "long and indulgent," breakfasts feature fresh local pastries, eggs cooked to order, fruit platters, and traditional Moroccan items like msemen and harira soup. Various options, including continental, American, buffet, halal, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, are available.
• Flamme: This restaurant raises Moroccan fare to gourmet heights, with dishes such as lobster tagine. It's also a popular spot for relaxed Mediterranean-influenced lunches by the pool.
• Verdello: Offers Mediterranean dishes like lobster salad, seafood pasta, and burrata, with terraces providing stunning views of the illuminated property at night.
• Laila Lounge: Housed in one of the oldest buildings, this piano bar offers an atmosphere of effortless glamour.
• Atlantique Bar: A "sexy" bar known for its creative cocktails.
• Afternoon Tea: Moroccan tea, served with delicate pastries and accompanied by live local music in the Lobby courtyard, is a cherished daily ritual.
• Sunday Brunch: Described as lively, generous, and cosmopolitan, featuring live stations and a mix of Moroccan, Mediterranean, and Asian flavors.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Four Seasons Hotel Rabat is frequently lauded as exceptional. Guests consistently praise the staff for being "warm and intuitive," "attentive yet never overbearing," and always willing to go the extra mile. From front desk personnel like Hajar, Asmaa, and manager Mohamed Magdy, who make guests feel at home, to the overall professionalism of the teams, the hospitality is a standout feature.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is set on cliffs where the Atlantic meets the city, offering impressive views. Located in Rabat's Hassan neighborhood, it provides a more refined and less frenetic alternative to cities like Marrakech.

• Proximity to Attractions: It is a short drive from Rabat's medina and the Oudaias gardens. Nearby attractions include Plage de Rabat (2.1 km / 1.3 mi) and Hassan Tower (3.6 km / 2.2 mi). The Kasbah des Oudaias, Chellah, and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V are also easily accessible.
• Transportation: While walking to the medina via the seafront promenade is possible, car transfers are recommended, especially on hot days. Taxis are readily available, or guests can opt for the hotel's Mercedes-Benz limousines. Rabat-Salé Airport is approximately 12 km (7.5 mi) away. Public transportation, including tram stops, is also within a short walk.

7. Value & Pricing

As a Five-Star, Michelin Key Selected property, the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr is positioned as a luxury destination. While not the cheapest option, many guests consider it "worth the cost" due to the unparalleled experience, exceptional service, and magnificent setting. Prices for a standard room can range significantly depending on the season and booking platform, with some indications of average prices around HKD 6814 (approximately 870 USD) per night. Buffet breakfast is available for a fee, around EUR 40 for adults.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted, particularly during the hotel's soft-opening phase:

• Soft Opening Issues: Early reviews mentioned that some facilities were not fully operational, such as parts of the spa.
• Staff Training: A few initial comments noted that some staff members were undertrained or slow. However, more recent reviews emphasize excellent staff service, suggesting improvements have been made.
• Construction: One guest reported construction in front of their room window.
• Dining Quality (early): A very limited number of early reviews found the food to be below average or not worth the money in the Italian restaurant. However, the overall sentiment regarding dining is highly positive.
• Main Pool View: The main infinity pool overlooks a busy coastal road, with the garden pool or indoor spa pool offering more tranquility.

Sources

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