The hype
Great potential and architecture, but let down by lack of maintenance and poor management.
Palais De L'o
$90-120/ night
Book this if You want a budget-friendly pool day in the Palmeraie and don't mind a 20-minute taxi ride to the actual city.
Why People Love It
- Large, photogenic outdoor pool (when clean)
- Quiet location far from the Medina chaos
- Spa treatments are surprisingly affordable (~€20 for hammam)
Quick Take: A fading beauty that markets itself as 5-star luxury but delivers a worn-out 3-star experience with a side of plumbing issues.
Reviewed by @mrgodspeed.ss: I stayed here for a weekend recharge and the silence was exactly what I needed. The grounds are massive and the pool area at sunset is stunning. It felt like my own private palace away from the city noise.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The photos are from 2012; the reality is 'tired,' 'neglected,' and 'worn down.'
- You have a rental car and just need a cheap base in the Palmeraie
- You prioritize a large pool over room quality
- You are on a tight budget but want the 'look' of a luxury riad
Cleanliness & Maintenance
4
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Missed spots, dusty corners, and reports of 'daily cleaning' not happening.
- Bathroom hygiene: Major weak point. Complaints of plumbing smells, moldy grout, and lack of hot water.
- Maintenance: Poor. Peeling paint, broken AC units, and worn-out furniture are common.
- Linens & towels: Towels are often described as 'grey' or 'worn'; linens can be stained.
- Odors & scents: Musty smells in rooms; sewer smells in some bathrooms.
Sleepability™
5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Loud, rattling air conditioning units
- Noise from reception echoing into ground-floor rooms
- Thin walls/ceilings (footsteps from above)
Before you book
Good to know
- City tax is approx. 20-30 MAD per person/night, payable at checkout
- Airport transfer is 30€ (300 MAD) via the hotel; taxis may be cheaper if you haggle
- Breakfast is often described as 'barely acceptable' with stale bread
What to pack
- Earplugs (for the AC noise)
- Flashlight (access roads and grounds can be dark at night)
- Snacks (no nearby shops)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Unik Prestige Suite (Upper Floor) - for a balcony and distance from the reception noise
- Suites facing the Atlas Mountains - best views, if you can get one
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the reception (noisy)
- Rooms directly under the restaurant/kitchen
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a 'Unik Prestige Suite' on the UPPER floor, away from the reception area. Please ensure the AC has been recently tested and is quiet.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a free shuttle to the Medina?
No. You will need to take a taxi, which costs ~100-150 MAD each way.
Is the pool heated?
Officially yes, but practically no. Winter guests consistently report it is too cold to swim.
Are there restaurants within walking distance?
No. The nearest options are 1+ miles away on dark roads. You will need a taxi.
Does the hotel serve alcohol?
Yes, there is a bar and lounge, though selection can be limited.
Is it good for families?
There is a children's pool, but the isolation and lack of activities make it challenging for kids.
Is there a gym?
No. There is a spa, but no fitness center on-site.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Haggle with taxis *before* you get in; the hotel is far out, so drivers will try to overcharge.
- ✨
If you want a good dinner, take a taxi to 'Jenan Mayshad' (1 mile away) instead of eating at the hotel.
- ✨
Check the mattress seams immediately for bed bugs—recent reports are concerning.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'garden view' often means looking at a dry, sandy patch where grass used to be.
💡You might be the only guest there; it can feel like a ghost town.
💡Hot water is inconsistent; you may need to let it run for 10 minutes.
💡The 'concierge' is often just the receptionist who may not speak fluent English.
💡The photos on booking sites are over a decade old.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Palais De L'o is located and what's nearby.