In this article, we collect some of the most famous artist hotels in Morocco: this country has always attracted the attention and presence of creators of all kinds, especially in the 20th century, and the result is palpable today. Knowing where some of these characters stayed gives a special charm to the accommodation, but also to the trip in general, with evocations of the cultural environment of each moment.
Claudio Bravo’s house-workshop-hotel in Taroudant
South of the High Atlas, in Taroudant, the city called ‘little Morocco’, the Chilean artist Claudio Bravo found his corner in the world, his place of inspiration: he had a large villa built, with architecture and a garden inspired by the Menara in Marrakech. In addition, he used its different areas as a workshop and even a warehouse for works of art and antiques, as Bravo distinguished himself as an avid collector. Today, the entire site has been converted into an inspiring hotel called Palais Claudio Bravo. But its artistic atmosphere is so striking and evocative that it is also open to tourist visits.
Yves-Saint Laurent and his mark on Morocco
Yves-Saint Laurent and Marrakech are closely related, as can be seen in Marrakech, where his museum is located, but also the Majorelle Garden, whose house and green area were purchased by this French designer and his partner. He resided in this city for long periods, but in his first stays they chose the prestigious La Mamounia hotel, which still stands today as the main luxury hotel in Marrakech.
But Yves-Saint Laurent was not satisfied with Marrakech: he traveled through many other cities in the country, including Tangier, which always had a special charm due to its location on the Strait of Gibraltar. Here they acquired a villa, which has recently been converted into a hotel of the highest category: Villa Mabrouka, recently restored and adapted by interior designers who have sought to combine the local Moroccan style with a modern and minimalist touch, making it one of these magnificent artist hotels in Morocco.
Matisse and the Hotel Ville de France, in Tangier
Henri Matisse was another of the great artists who felt attracted to Tangier, especially at the beginning of the 20th century, when the city was not under French or Spanish protectorate: it was a kind of city of international protection, with an open and cosmopolitan spirit, bathed by the light and waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, but also imbued with the traditional Moroccan atmosphere.
The French painter Henri Matisse moved here, choosing the Ville de France as his hotel. Specifically,
But in reality, these are not the only examples that can be cited of artist hotels in Morocco. In Tangier, many recognized creators stayed in places such as the Hotel Cecil, now in ruins, such as the British Francis Bacon, who composed numerous works during his long stays in the city. And if we move on to music and the southern Atlantic coast, the Hotel Al Madina proudly explains that this was the place of accommodation for Jimi Hendrix in 1969, when he decided to take a period of certain retreat in this beautiful Moroccan city.
And if you want to organize a trip with an artistic background through Morocco, sleeping in charming accommodations like these or visiting museums and art galleries, you just have to contact us: we will create a tailor-made experience for you to enjoy every detail.
