Maison Mnabha

An inexpensive, beautifully restored guest house in the heart of Marrakech’s Royal quarter (5 rooms)

Maison Mnabha is an exquisitely restored townhouse, built over 800 years ago by Sultan Yacoub el Mansour in the centre of Marrakech’s Kasbah. If you are looking for an inexpensive and authentic base from which to explore the city, Maison Mnabha is ideal.

Owners Peter and Lawrence will treat you as friends in their home, picking you up from the airport and familiarising you with Marrakech. They're a fount of local knowledge - Peter has completed a PhD on the Kasbah - and they'll give you the low down on the best places to buy Moroccan furnishings.

As the owners note, Moroccan houses are designed to conceal their interiors from the outside gaze, and Maison Mnabha is no exception. Once inside, this small maison d'hotes boasts sumptuous fittings and classic Moroccan architecture.

Highs

• You won't get better value in the heart of the old imperial city
• The owners are highly knowledgeable and hospitable and will add a great deal to any stay in Marrakech
• Because of its small size guests tend to socialise, so it's particularly well-suited to solo travellers

Lows

• While the central chamber is highly elaborate, it has a rather sombre feel
• The rest of the house is fairly narrow and some of the bedrooms are cramped