To arrive at La Mamounia is to step back in time, to an age far grander than we live in today. So many hotels have everything on a small scale, small corridors, small bedrooms, but La Mamounia has everything on a grand scale. From the moment you drive in from the airport, and pass through reception into the hotel, you are aware that everything is grand, appearing like huge marbled auditoriums.

It really has the feel of an old palace, and whilst some complain that it is tatty and not modernised, I’d rather have it that way, it is definitely part of the charm we went for.

Our room overlooked the gardens, and the balcony was a good size the room comfortable, and old fashioned, and again we like that.

In common with most weekenders we spent a lot of time exploring Marrakech, and in truth apart from dinner on our arrival, and breakfasts we ate out. The breakfast was lovely sitting outside, but my goodness was it warm.

We tended to go out early, and come back as it got hotter, and one of the benefits of La Mamounia is the centre of the city location, so it was easy to come back and go for a swim in the deserted but lovely pool.

The pool boy told us on one occasion that it was over 50 degrees, but being a dry heat it was OK.

If I were to go to La Mamounia again I would need to wait until 2007 as the hotel is closed for refurbishment, and I hope they don’t lose the Art Deco, Edwardian feel.

Also go in July, it’s not as hot as the thermometer tells you, and it is quiet because that is low season.