Nobu Marrakech

Nobu Marrakech: A Fusion of Japanese Elegance and Moroccan Charm

Nobu Marrakech, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a sophisticated and lively luxury experience in the heart of Marrakech's upscale Hivernage district. Seamlessly blending Japanese minimalism with Moroccan craftsmanship, the hotel is often praised for its exceptional service, vibrant rooftop, and world-class dining.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Nobu Marrakech generally garners excellent reviews, with an average rating of 8.8 out of 10 from over 670 reviews on Booking.com. Guests frequently describe their stays as "impressive" and "excellent," highlighting the hotel's ability to provide a luxurious and memorable experience. The overall sentiment is highly positive, emphasizing the attentive staff, beautiful facilities, and prime location.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Nobu Marrakech:

• Service & Staff: The staff receives widespread acclaim for being amazing, attentive, helpful, and professional, with many guests specifically mentioning individuals like Jamal the concierge and Nasima at breakfast for their outstanding service.
• Rooftop: The hotel's rooftop is a major draw, featuring a circular pool, a lively bar, and a restaurant offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the Atlas Mountains. It's described as amazing, lively, trendy, and a perfect spot for sunset drinks or socialising with international DJs.
• Design & Vibe: The design elegantly fuses Japanese minimalist aesthetics with traditional Moroccan details, including intricate tile work, carved stucco, and a terracotta color palette. The ambiance is often described as polished, refined, and exuding laid-back luxury, appealing to a "younger, hipper clientele" and couples.
• Spa & Wellness: The subterranean Pearl Spa is a significant highlight, offering a serene oasis with a 25-meter heated mosaic pool, hammam, sauna, and a wide array of treatments, including traditional Moroccan therapies and Japanese-inspired options.
• Food: The dining experience, particularly at the signature Nobu restaurant, is consistently praised as excellent and a standout feature.

3. Room Quality

Nobu Marrakech offers 71 chic rooms and suites, designed with oriental influences and Nobu's signature minimalist aesthetic, incorporating wood and neutral furnishings. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-designed, featuring private balconies, seating areas, king-sized beds, and marble bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers, and Nuxe toiletries. Many rooms offer views of the mountains, mosque, or street. Deluxe Junior Suites and larger one-bedroom and family-size suites are available, some with separate living rooms and dual sinks in marble bathrooms. Amenities include Nespresso machines, large televisions, high-speed Wi-Fi, and nightly turn-down service. Guests appreciate the excessive natural light in the rooms.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Nobu Marrakech is a significant draw. The hotel boasts two restaurants, a lounge bar, and a poolside sushi bar.

• Nobu Restaurant: This flagship restaurant offers Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's famous Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, including signature dishes like Black Cod Miso, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. It's described as sophisticated with moody lighting, an open-cooking station, and live music or dancers. Dining here is often highlighted as a "culinary revelation" and "spectacular."
• Rooftop Garden Restaurant: This venue offers a more casual dining experience with sushi, salads, pizzas, and cocktails, alongside Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine, all with panoramic city and Atlas Mountain views.
• Breakfast: A comprehensive continental buffet is served daily, including homemade cakes and pastries, Moroccan delights, granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, meats, cheeses, smoked fish, and an egg and omelette station. Guests appreciate the variety, though some have suggested better labeling of food items.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Nobu Marrakech is consistently rated as excellent and attentive, being one of the most frequently praised aspects of the hotel. Staff members are described as professional, helpful, and going "above and beyond" to ensure a memorable stay. Specific mentions include seamless check-in, quick arrangement of transfers, staff remembering coffee orders, and providing excellent local recommendations. The hospitality is infused with the Japanese spirit of omotenashi (anticipatory service).

6. Location & Accessibility

Nobu Marrakech is strategically located in the well-heeled Hivernage district, often referred to as the "Golden Triangle." This upscale neighborhood is known for its high-end restaurants, nightclubs, luxury hotels, and casinos. The hotel is conveniently situated just outside the Medina walls, offering a different vibe from the bustling old city but still within easy reach.

• Proximity to Attractions: It's a 15-minute walk to the Royal Palace and Jemaa el-Fna Square, and about a 10-minute walk to the Old Town and the historic Medina. Other nearby attractions include Theatro Marrakech and Casino de Marrakech.
• Transport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is a 10 to 15-minute drive away, and transfers can be arranged through the hotel. The hotel also offers free parking and valet service.

7. Value & Pricing

Nobu Marrakech is considered a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Room rates can vary significantly, starting from around $190 to over $4,000 per night, with typical King rooms in the range of $443 to $707. While some might find the wine menu expensive, many guests believe the overall experience, including the food, service, and facilities, justifies the cost. It's viewed as a good value compared to European luxury standards, particularly for its suites. The hotel is considered a "5-star" establishment, offering an exclusive feel due to its 71-room count.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Noise from Rooftop/DJ: The lively rooftop, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings with a DJ playing until 2 am, can be a source of noise, audible even on the second floor. Some guests feel the hotel should prioritize guests' well-being and consider capping the music earlier.
• Spa Cleanliness/Separation: Some guests have found the spa area and pool to be less clean, and mentioned that the jacuzzi/saunas are separated by gender, which may not appeal to everyone.
• Room Maintenance: A few reviews mention minor issues with the maintenance of some items in the rooms.
• Dining Room Temperature: One guest noted the dining room being cold on some days.
• Suitability for Children: The hotel's lively and sophisticated vibe is often highlighted as being better suited for couples and groups of friends, and potentially less ideal for families with young children.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. independent.co.uk
3. thehotelguru.com
4. expedia.com
5. booking.com
6. slh.com
7. luxuriousmagazine.com
8. hotelmarrakech.net
9. hotelsabovepar.com
10. swissluxurymagazine.com
11. voyage-prive.co.uk
12. experiencesluxe.com
13. mrandmrssmith.com
14. nobuhotels.com
15. prevention.com
16. noburestaurants.com
17. wanderlog.com
18. travelated.com
19. hilton.com
20. nobuhotels.com
21. trip.com
22. momondo.com
23. kayak.com
24. kayak.co.uk