"Arrival at Marrakesh airport improved versus last year. Much faster passport control and baggage retrieval. However, not one of the four bathrooms had toilet paper. The airport is under construction, albeit mostly for departures and still has no toilet paper. We had a roll in our backpack that some were even willing to buy ours. The departure area now has over 20 lanes for both customs and passport control and the tax-free shopping area is nearly tripled in size.
Our hotel-provided transfer bus (a high-end van) waited for us just outside the arrival exit and the driver was very accommodating and informative during the 30-minute trip to the hotel.
Arrival at the Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie Marrakech and check-in was a bit slower than last year, but management was actively addressing this staffing issue. Take full advantage of Guest Relations!
The hotel and grounds are kept immaculate. It is also known for its earth friendly approach with a huge compost, herb gardens, the entire roof covered in solar panels, electrical consumption constantly monitored, filtered water fountains everywhere, and single-use plastics non-existent. Creatures (cats, hedgehogs, peacocks, ducks, geese and turtles) freely roam the grounds. A unique experience!
The main heated pool includes a fantastic bar, food truck and professional entertainment team. In the event you are not interested in background music and entertainment, a ZEN heated pool and bar is geared more towards peace and quiet for adults only. The kids’ area and heated pool and grounds were also well maintained and managed with their own kid-friendly staff and entertainment team.
The rooms are spacious and kept immaculately clean with new towels every day. Although equipped with a mini bar fridge, it’s oddly empty. A quick trip to the main lobby bar and one can order various drinks delivered to your room in an ice bucket. I cannot stress this enough… Take full advantage of Guest Relations. She makes sh*t happen ! I will echo the comments of others: The room would be complete with the ability to make coffee and/or tea.
Book the free luxury bus to town and besides all the monuments along the way, spend some time at the market. The bus will both drop you off and pick you up based on the times you booked the day before at reception. From the drop off point plan on a 15-minute walk to the market or take advantage of the taxis or horse-driven carriages. Do not hesitate to barter with the driver. Anywhere from €10 to €20 for three passengers. There’s a large grocery store across the street from the bus stop selling almost anything from local to international goods. Alcohol is downstairs with a huge selection and reasonably priced. For beer lovers, try the Casablanca brand (ice-cold and sold in an insulated bag) nearly 50% cheaper than hotel prices. Alternatively, a taxi ride from outside the hotel into town is faster and reasonably priced at € 15 one way. Do not hesitate to barter with the driver.
Finally, the restaurant offers everything from À la carte to local fare. At the entrance is a specialty island with menus that change each evening. There are more than 10 various salads, freshly baked breads and unique rolls three times per day. There are separate kid’s and Moroccan sections each evening. The dessert “island” is a work of art with unimaginable treats and seasonal fresh fruits.
The staff at this hotel is what sets it apart from all others I have visited in over 45 years. From housekeeping to management – friendly, outgoing, professional and approachable."
