El Minzah

Top choice in Tangier


The classiest five-star hotel in Tangier proper, this beautifully maintained 1930s period piece offers three excellent restaurants, two equally good bars, a fitness centre, spa and even a babysitting service. It’s shaped like an enormous hollow square, with a tremendous Spanish-Moorish courtyard, and has history oozing from its walls. Nonguests can use the pool for Dh200 or if they buy lunch.

Sashay past the doorman and glide down the stairs to the beautiful Andalusian courtyard where there are dozens of photographs of celebrity visitors around the walls. Most of the photos date from the 1950s and ’60s. A suave Rock Hudson, Aristotle and Jackie Onassis, Winston Churchill, and glitzy Rita Hayworth are just some familiar faces that we spotted.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tangier attractions

1. Galerie Delacroix

0.04 MILES

The exhibition hall from the Institut Français hosts temporary exhibitions. It's easy to locate on Rue de la Liberté and free, so it's worth a stop if you…

2. Terrasse des Paresseux

0.09 MILES

The aptly named 'Idlers’ Terrace' provides sweeping views of the port, Spain and, on a really clear day, Gibraltar. A set of ancient cannons faces the bay…

4. St Andrew’s Church

0.15 MILES

St Andrew's Church is one of the more charming oddities of Tangier. Completed in 1894 on land granted by Sultan Hassan, the interior of this Anglican…

5. Grand Socco

0.16 MILES

The Grand Socco is the romantic entrance to the medina, a large, sloping, palm-ringed plaza with a central fountain that stands before the keyhole gate,…

6. Tangier American Legation Museum

0.16 MILES

This museum, in an elegant five-storey mansion, is a must-see: Morocco was the first country to recognise the United States by opening its ports to the…

7. Sidi Bou Abib Mosque

0.17 MILES

Built in 1917, this Mauresque-style mosque and its colourful rose, green, blue and white minaret is an attractive sight towering above Grand Socco. Only…

8. Musée de la Fondation Lorin

0.17 MILES

This eclectic museum is housed in a former synagogue. Here you will find an open 2-storey room with an engaging collection of B&W photographs of 19th- and…