Palacio Al Andalus is a small hotel on Rue Etarghi in the heart of the Chefchaouen medina, about a minute on foot from the kasbah and Plaza Uta el-Hammam and two minutes from the Grand Mosque. Few places in town are better placed for a first visit. Guests score it 9.2 out of 10, with high marks for cleanliness and staff. A free breakfast built around local dishes is served each morning, and there is a rooftop terrace for evening mint tea with views over the blue rooftops. The hotel also offers laundry service, luggage storage, help with tours and tickets, multilingual staff and a front desk that is staffed around the clock. Rooms have air conditioning, free wifi, satellite television, showers with hair dryers and hypoallergenic bedding, and cribs are available for families with infants.
Rooms and who they suit
The range runs from economy singles for solo travellers on a budget, through standard, comfort and deluxe doubles with a king bed and twin rooms with two large beds, up to deluxe suites with mountain views. Because the hotel is small, rooms differ in size and outlook, so check the room type and view when you book and ask for a quieter room if you are a light sleeper. The hotel is a sensible pick for couples, friends and independent walkers who want to be in the middle of the old town without paying riad-spa prices.
Location and getting around
The kasbah and the main square are about a minute away, the Grand Mosque about two, and Bab el Ain and Place Haouta within five minutes. Ras el-Maa park is around six minutes and the waterfall about eight, so the best evening stroll in town starts almost at the door.
There is no parking at the hotel, so plan to leave a vehicle outside the medina or arrive by taxi and walk the final stretch with a light bag. Tangier airport is a little over two hours away by road and Tetouan airport is closer, so arrange a transfer in advance if you land late.
What to check
The square is lively in the evening, and guests mention music and entertainment that can run until around midnight, so ask for a room away from the lane if you want an early night. Pets are not accepted. Check-in starts in the afternoon and check-out is at noon, so use the luggage storage if your bus leaves later.
The hotel suits visitors who want local hospitality, a good breakfast and a short walk to everything, and it works well as a base for a two- or three-night stay with day trips to Akchour and the Spanish Mosque. Book early for spring, autumn and Moroccan holiday weekends, when the small hotels near the square fill quickly.
Why stay here
- ✓Free breakfast of local cuisine
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓Air conditioning
- ✓Free wifi
- ✓24-hour front desk
- ✓Laundry service and luggage storage
- ✓Tour and ticket assistance
- ✓Multilingual staff
Good questions
How close is Palacio Al Andalus to the kasbah?+
About a minute on foot from the kasbah and Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and two minutes from the Grand Mosque. Ras el-Maa park is around six minutes away.
Is breakfast included?+
A free breakfast of local cuisine is served each morning. Confirm what your rate includes when you book.
Is there parking?+
No, the hotel does not offer parking, so arrive by taxi or leave a vehicle outside the medina and walk in.
