A very beautiful traditional riad retaining some extraordinary original painted stuccowork, situated in a lively part of the Medina. With only four rooms it is small and exclusive and offers highly personal and attentive service.
Situated in the north-east of the Medina, a 15-minute walk from the Djemaa el-Fna. Close by are the Medersa Ali Ben Youssef and the Maison de la Photographie and the neighbourhood of Kaat Benahid is lively and atmospheric. This riad is managed in conjunction with Le Riad Berbère, which is virtually next door and guests can move between the two for dining or to use the hammam. Taxis can be picked up at Place Moqf.
Although the term is much overused, this riad is really a hidden gem. A delightful example of 17th-century Saadian architecture, it still sports its intricate, vibrantly painted stuccowork and one of the most beautiful carved cedarwood bhous (seating alcoves) we’ve seen. Despite the rich features, it is a modest-sized riad, which means when you stay you really feel like you’re residing in someone’s home. The fountain-set patio provides extra living space, while upstairs on the first-floor is a great salon with a hand-painted cedarwood ceiling and windows framed by delicately carved and painted stucco. Most days though are spent on the roof terrace, where there is shaded seating beneath a Berber tent, sun loungers and even a large hot tub.
This pint-sized place offers highly personal service under the guidance of manager, Ingrid, who is a tour de force and full of interesting Medina tip bits. Lunch and dinner are served on request and the house chef, Louba, is happy to shepherd guests around the market and then spend the morning teaching them some Moroccan dishes in a cookery class. The rooftop hot tub plunge pool is also a great bonus in a house of this size. And if guests fancy a hammam or massage they can pop next door to sister property, Le Riad Berbère.
There are just four guest rooms, all of which are huge, while the Chrobouchouf Suite has two bedrooms and a sitting room. All of them are located on the first floor with the exception of the Sidi Bel Abbes Room, which is located beside the patio and comes without air-conditioning (which isn’t necessary on the ground floor). All the rooms have king-sized beds and seating areas and are furnished in a restrained Orientalist style with vintage pictures of Morocco, hand-loomed kilims and Art Deco subtle fittings. Bathrooms are relatively modest by comparison, finished in smooth, earthy-coloured tadelakt plaster and come with showers only.
Breakfast changes daily so you won’t get bored and consists of Moroccan treats like crepes and mountain honey, alongside French pastries and homemade jam. Complimentary tea and cake are also served on the terrace each day beneath the Bedouin-style tent.
Book in advance, if you fancy lunch or dinner. The former consists of subtle meals of salad or marinated meat skewers, while the latter features Moroccan classics based on what Loubna finds in the market each day. A cookery class is also offered here, and is a great way to plug into the culture and experience the local neighbourhood market.
Not suitable.
Extra beds can be made up in rooms at a cost of €20 (£18) per night. Otherwise, the Chrobouchouf Suite has two bedrooms and a small sitting room and is a perfect family unit.
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