There are three restaurants at the Jardins de la Koutoubia in Marrakech, and all of them are worth a visit. On the ground floor, just off the reception, is the restaurant gastronomique, a refined space with an abundance of tables and formal décor that serves a range of sophisticated French dishes. It’s a good place to eat if it’s relatively busy, but when it’s empty its size and starchiness can result in a rather reserved experience.

Next door, on the ground floor, is a new Moroccan restaurant that offers a selection of well-prepared local dishes. A more relaxed option in this instance is to head for the more intimate tables that skirt the pool or climb the stairs to the rather romantic Basque restaurant. This looks out over the Koutoubia Mosque and serves wonderful Spanish-influenced food and freshly prepared fish dishes.

The price is very reasonable at Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, especially the lunchtime deals downstairs, which can be combined with a dip in the hotel pool if the management is feeling liberal.