Le Balcon de Tanger — Hotel in arrondissement de Tanger-Medina طنجة المدينة

Location:|The hotel is located on the northern edge of the medina not far from the Kasbah. The back of the hotel overlooks the sea and a bit of the harbour. It takes a little bit of patience to find the hotel, but that is half of the fun. As I said this is in the medina and has everything that comes along with it. The roads aren't always clean, it can smell and you may feel a little uncomfortable at times. If this isn't something you can handle this may not be the place for you.||The hotel:|Coming in from the medina the hotel is tastefully decorated. It is really well designed throughout offering a nice escape from the hectic pace of Tangier. As said above, the back of the hotel faces the sea giving nice views and the calm of the water. The hotel has an amazing roof terrace where breakfast was served in the morning. The breakfast was the best that we had whilst in Morocco. Even though similar to other breakfasts, the quality was high and the coffee was good.||Staff:|The guys that run the place are great and seem happy to do whatever their guests require. We had an early departure and they pre booked a taxi and got the fixed price. The night before we left we asked for coffee when we got up and one of the guys offered to get up early and have breakfast ready for when we got up. The morning we left, the taxi was there on time and as we came down stairs two cups of hot coffee were waiting for us.||I can't recommend this place enough. I...

We were very disappointed in our stay at Le Balcon Tanger. We arrived in the evening and arranged with the receptionist to have breakfast specifically on the terrace (not included sadly). We were greatly looking forward to it however, at the agreed upon time in the morning, we went upstairs and the staff not-so-subtly tried to convince us that the weather wasn't suitable for outside eating. Despite this we said we'd like to eat outside anyway and we're then told that the owner had flown in late last night and decreed that the spacious two-story balcony be specially reserved for him alone that morning. A balcony that could fit all the guests of the hotel, mind you...

We were then obliged to eat the not-great-value breakfast, on the 1st floor living room. On the floor since that was more comfortable than the couch that was present.

The following evening, we purchased a bottle of wine to enjoy on the terrace at sunset (after checking for permission). The staff assured us there was a bottle opener we could use. 10 minutes later we got a formal text message informing us that by the order of the owner, alchohol was not allowed in the public spaces. And use of the kitchen tools was forbidden to the guests.

If you choose to book this hotel, be ready to the rules to change at the drop of a hat. And for the owner to treat you like an intruder in his home, rather than a paying guest in a hotel...

When I walked to see this small maison d'hôtes, I was instantly amazed at how beautiful, well-decorated and furnished it was. The European owners spent a lot of time and money to create a truly luxurious place to stay, deep in the medina.

There are direct views of the ocean and port from some of its rooms with terraces, all with exceptional decor and beautiful baths, art works on the walls, quality beds, carpets, air-conditioning and heating. There is nothing in the immediate area that comes even close to this small and exclusive maison d'hôtes.

That said, Le Balcon de Tanger probably is not suitable for elderly people with walking difficulties, since it is located some distance beyond the Hotel Continental and it could be unsafe at night without an escort.

The area of Dar Baroud, one time was a bit seedy, but this area has been newly painted and restored and it is now much more attractive. There are new street lights and new water and drainage pipes laid underneath quaint cobblestone alleys.

But if you don’t mind walking to the somewhat distant location, Le Balcon de Tanger is a special place and you may not want to leave.

Once inside, Le Balcon de Tanger is very well decorated with a mix of contemporary furniture and antiques, beautiful carpets and the entire place is comfortable and seriously worth considering for your...