This cosy six-bedroom riad, with its pretty citrus-planted patio and gorgeous domed sitting room, offers top-drawer service and charming accommodation in an authentic location. A secluded lounge with Berber rugs and sofas, intricate stucco work and a magnificent glass dome steals the show.
Buried deep in the old city in the ancient neighbourhood of Kaat Benahid near the Museum of Marrakech and the Medersa ben Youssef. The narrow alley leading to the house may look intimidating, but it’s perfectly safe, and the area is an enjoyable, lively locale on the doorstep of the souks.
Taxis can be picked up at Place Moqf and the Djemaa el-Fna is a 10-minute walk south through the souks.
This delightful guesthouse, sensitively restored by architect Christophe Siméon, incorporates a classic riad with a planted patio and a second, snug douiria (classic guesthouse). Clever styling and a soothing grey-and-white palette have turned the snug proportions into a strength.
Instead of feeling small, the dappled patio with its burgeoning bitter orange trees feels secluded. There’s a deep bhou (seating nook) to one side, which invites heat weary travellers to retreat into its shade. Also, downstairs is a snug salon which is used as a dining room in winter.
But it is the upstairs lounge in the adjacent douiria that really steals the show. This large, square room is super cosy and quiet, strewn with thick woollen Berber rugs and sofas, and trimmed with stucco work and topped by a stunning glass dome.
In the downstairs salon, there’s a dining table and fireplace for indoor eating on chilly winter nights. Upstairs, the second salon focuses on a feature fireplace and is stocked with books. An honesty bar lends the riad the feeling that this really is a home away from home. It’s a small detail, but a smart one, as is the good selection of books and CDs.
For hammams and massages, you can nip next door to Hanane’s sister riad, Tzarra. And, afterwards, retreat to the loungers on the roof terrace from where you can spy the Atlas mountains and Koutoubia minaret. Manager Youssef and his fellow staff are endlessly helpful and can arrange all manner of activities and tours.
There are four narrow double bedrooms and two delightful large suites, all with shower rooms in creamy tadelakt plaster. Again, architect Siméon has made the most of the space.
The neutral palette makes the rooms feel larger than they are and the décor is simple and smart: thick-pile Berber rugs, plump slipper chairs and a well-edited selection of decorative objects and pictures.
The two suites are an absolute bargain. The Grand has a four-poster bed and can sleep four, while the Douiria Suite – the most delightful – is set just off the upstairs living room making it feel like a delightful apartment.
Hearty Moroccan home cooking is served up by Hanane and Cherifa. Breakfast, which is served on the roof terrace in summer or in the downstairs salon in winter, is a buffet of fruit, pancakes, yogurt and jam, while lunch and dinner need to be pre-ordered.
Lunch tends towards subtle omelettes, salads and brochette, while dinner is a three-course Moroccan meal usually featuring a tagine. Alcoholic drinks are available from the honesty bar.
Not suitable.
The riad is very family-friendly and the douiria can be rented as a separate apartment. Otherwise, both suites include extra beds.
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