Maison Mnabha is part 17th-century palace, part contemporary new-build, owned and run by two English half-brothers. Rooms are a mix of the traditional and the modern, with Asian décor and Moroccan ornamentation and the roof terrace has great views over the Kasbah, Les Jardins Agdal and the Bahia Palace.
Opening Times: (closed August)
Telephone: +212 (0) 24 38 13 25
Price: 800dh-1,040dh
Receive a free Hg2 guide when you book a room online
Maison Mnabha is operated by English half-brothers Peter Dyer and Lawrence Brady. They have occupied the house for a decade, but three years ago decided to open it up to the public as a guesthouse. The biggest attraction is the reception area, part of an old 17th-century palace that boasts original architecture complete with carved wood, calligraphic plasterwork and painted pillars and ceilings.
The appeal of the house – or at least of the downstairs – is one of royal refinement; the upstairs area, which is brand new, has a much more modern, breezier feel, containing four main bedrooms and private and public roof terraces. The rooms are not large, but they are modern and comfortable, and with their complementary mix of south-east Asian décor – Buddha heads from Thailand, silks from Laos – and Moroccan ornamentation, are good value for money.
The main terrace has great views over the Kasbah, Les Jardins Agdal and the Bahia Palace. Peter rather handily has a PhD on the Kasbah and is a fountain of local knowledge. Snacks and dinner are made to order, a digital television offers programmes in English and wifi connection keeps you in touch with the rest of the world if necessary.
