Bab Hotel

Marrakech

Marrakech, the imperial city that gave its name to the entire country, is one of the true highlights of any trip to Morocco. Founded in the 11^th century by the Almoravides, it’s the finest example of a Berber city.

Surrounded by ochre colored ramparts, which is at the origin of its nickname of “the red city”, Marrakech has an extraordinary architectural and cultural heritage acquired over many centuries and under numerous sovereigns. The El Badi Palace, the Saadian tombs, the Bahia Palace and the famous Koutoubia mosque are all spectacular sites for history lovers.

Visitors can also enjoy losing themselves in the colorful souks on streets perfumed with spices, and admire the day and night attractions at the Place Jemaa el-Fna. For a calmer and fresher atmosphere, there’s the Majorelle and the Menara gardens. It’s between these two lovely green areas that the Gueliz quarter is located.

Commissioned by French Morocco’s military governor, Lyautey, to house administrative buildings, it was created outside of the Medina so as not to modify the harmony of the old city.Its wide avenues still contain houses and buildings from the city’s colonial past.

A design hotel

In the heart of the Gueliz quarter, on a quiet street, the Bab hotel is the first 100 percent Moroccan design hotel. Formerly the Grand Sud hotel, somewhat run down over the years, it was taken over by the young and vivacious interior decorator, Clemence PIrajean, who transformed it into a modern, minimalist, chic and comfortable hotel jewel.

The 45 rooms spread over 5 floors, are decorated in the style of black and white mini lofts. The same colors are used in the marble or slate bathrooms. In this sober urban décor, we find 1950s furniture purchased at flea markets, collections of photographs on white walls and a locally made pouf especially created for the Bab.

The spirit of the Bab includes an accessible sense of design with a surprising, playful, slightly off the wall aspect, sprinkled with references to the great names in design, like the bathroom of room 404 which pays tribute to Andrée Putman.

In the common areas and the restaurant, the decor contains touches of color. Designed by Clemence Pirajean, the furniture was built in the purest tradition of local craftsmanship. And to keep with the Bab spirit, objects by Moroccan creators have a very special place reserved for them here.

Carpets with strips of leather by Soufiane, Amira oil lamps, metal cacti painted by Orenzo, colorful patchwork like poufs and lamps by Lalla Mika all reflect the wealth of Moroccan culture which combines the traditional with the modern.

Clemence Pirajean has given the hotel a powerful identity and an intelligent distribution of the different spaces. And of course, she has included a space dedicated to the body. In partnership with Carlota Paris, a spa offers guests the complete range of a beauty institute including manicures, hair removal, and face care and since we are in Morocco, a hammam.

A must at the Bab is the Cocoon restaurant whose youngChef Hadrien Villedieu fits in perfectly with the spirit of the hotel. The menu includes “lobster spring rolls” or “roast scallops with tomatoes confites”, and original desserts with original names like “destructured lemon tart” or “mellow white chocolate.”

And if you want to prolong the evening, there’s the rooftop Sky Bab, an open air bar with a breathtaking view of the red city. It’s the ideal spot for a last drink as you listen to the carefully selected music with your head in the clouds.

The hotel’s boutique space created by stylist Fadilla El gadi regularly holds exhibits of contemporary Moroccan art.