Grand Hotel Villa de France
The Tangier hotel where Matisse painted Window at Tangier, reopened in 2014
About this stay
Stepping into the Grand Hotel Villa de France is like entering a bygone era, where classic elegance meets modern comfort. The outdoor pool provides a refreshing escape, perfect for a leisurely swim under the Moroccan sun. Beyond the hotel's tranquil grounds, a short stroll leads to a fitness centre, a spa, and a tennis club, offering ample opportunities for activity and relaxation. Evenings can be spent enjoying a meal at the hotel's restaurant, reflecting on the day's adventures. The rooms, each with air conditioning and satellite TV, offer a comfortable retreat after exploring the vibrant city of Tangier.
- Matisse painted Window at Tangier here in 1912, from room 35
- Restored from 2008 and reopened in summer 2014
- 58 rooms and suites
- Outdoor pool and spa
- In the old diplomatic quarter, on the edge of the medina
Our take
Grand Hotel Villa de France is where Henri Matisse painted Window at Tangier in 1912, from what was then room 35. After a restoration started in 2008, it reopened in the summer of 2014 with 58 rooms and suites, an outdoor pool and a spa, in the old diplomatic quarter on the edge of the medina. A score of 8.7 over 1,738 reviews is high for a hotel of this size. I would choose it for its history and its position between the medina and the modern town, more than for resort facilities.
- Ask at reception about room 35, the room Matisse painted from in 1912; it is the hotel's link to the Window at Tangier.
- Walk down to the medina and the Grand Socco rather than taking a taxi: the hotel sits on the edge of the old town.
- For Rabat or Casablanca, Al Boraq high-speed trains leave from Tanger Ville station, a short taxi ride from the hotel.
- Use the outdoor pool in summer afternoons, when the medina lanes are hottest and the souks slow down.
Why we love it
- The refreshing outdoor swimming pool
- Access to a spa and wellness centre
- Proximity to a fitness centre and tennis club
- Comfortable, air-conditioned rooms
Why guests love itAn outdoor pool makes the Villa de France easier with children than a medina riad, and its position on the edge of the old town keeps the Grand Socco and the souks within walking distance. With 58 rooms and suites it stays calm, and a score of 8.7 over 1,738 reviews suggests reliable service. Parents should not expect a kids club or a beach: the hotel is a historic city address, not a resort, and Tangier's beaches are a taxi ride away. For a family who wants a comfortable base to explore Tangier on foot, with a swim at the end of the day, it fits well.
Guest reviews
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