This was our second visit to Marrakech and the Riad Le Coq Fou. We were met at the end of the medina by Lahcen the manager of the riad. This time he had a man with a barrow with him for our luggage! But we did have to tip him. A short walk brought us to the riad and we were made very welcome by the staff. What a great start! Throughout our week's stay we were looked after royally. Nothing was too much trouble - I could use the internet whenever I wanted to, foc. Breakfasts were delicious, as much coffee as we wanted, whenever we asked. I would recommend this riad to anyone - no pool, no fancy extras but the care and attention by the staff was fantastic.

We stayed for 5 nights in Marrakech and Le Coq Fou made it a pleasure - when you've had enough of people, retire to the roof top terrace for some evening bliss (don't forget to bring your own duty free gin!). When we tell our friends tales of our travels, this ryad is one of the special places.

Riad Le Coq Fou is a quaint guesthouse very close to the souks of Marrakech. On first visit it is not an easy find and worth enquiring if you can be collected at the airport or somewhere central and shown to where it is.
The entrance alleyway might seem a little dark but don't let this put you off. Riad Le Coq Fou is very functional, well designed with air conditioning and fabulous roof terrace.
The staff are very helpful and the rooms are clean and cosy.
Breakfast is bread, cakes and coffee and evening meals are optional.
Unfortunately maps of Marrakech in general don't correspond to the streets in this area and you have to travel their by foot. But it is only 10 or 15 mins walk from the main square. We did get lost on our first night and a man approached us as lots do and offered to walk us back. He then tried to charge us 20 euro for doing so but after discussion and refusal to pay was happy with 10 euro. After this we became very aware of what was the right amount to offer and tip etc and once you feel comfortable talking to those around you and feel that you're not being taken advantage of this is a fabulous city and one which has endless delights and amazing things to see. We will definitely be back and are very grateful to the staff at Le Coq Fou for their kind hospitality.

Le Coq Fou is a wonderful oasis that just has this warm welcome feel to it. Excellent service and staff!!!

If you take a taxi from the airport (15-20 euros) depending on how much the taxi drivers feel like hustling you for, you’ll be dropped off at the Phamarcie Populaire. Walk down the road, and turn right once you past the line of shops and get to a “clearing”. It was a bit hard to find at first, but after you turn right, go through the alleyways until you find #40 with a tiny sign “Coq Fou”. The riad has its own shuttle service too. I would recommend taking the shuttle upon arriving. It’s worth the extra few Euros.

Larsen greeted us at the door and once we walked in, it was absolute peaceful and calming. The housekeeper (sorry I forgot her name!) spoke limited English, but was very kind and friendly and served us mint tea when we arrived.

Our room (“Of the Fossils”) was on the ground floor that opened to the courtyard. The A/C worked so nicely in the hot weather, there's free wi-fi, the room and bathroom were clean (although one of the towels smelled). The doors and windows aren’t sealed completely (it used to be a house), so it was a different experience for us staying at a riad, especially our ground floor bedroom, because you can definitely hear what’s going on outside and in the morning when other guests are having their breakfast.

The only complaint I have is that when we checked in, they were looking for the key to our room. (Our room already has a door latch that closes the door, but no key to lock the door). When we asked a second time if they found the key, Larsen said the previous guest lost the key. We still had the key to the front door of the riad itself, but if there were untrustworthy guests or unwelcomed visitors, anybody could have just walked in and out of our room. But, we accepted it and just tried to trust the riad and the employees.

The rooftop terrace was intimate and cozy. A great place to hang out during the day and take a break from the overpowering heat and sightseeing. At night, it was a beautiful experience to listen to the prayers from the mosque. We also met other guests as well as guests from the other connecting riad Le Coq Berber who are the same owners and where Larsen works also. He saw us one night and brought us complimentary coke and water. Very nice.

The riad is right is at the northern part of the medina, near the middle of the souks. The paths may be confusing at first to the Djemaa el Fna, but just ask the store owners for directions. Do NOT accept help from the locals who suddenly appear and walk with you and act as your friend. They will ask for money. Asking the store owners is a better way because they can’t leave their stalls.

We also tried to come back to the riad early (10pm or earlier) because the streets become more deserted and darker and I’m not sure how safe it can be. I’m sure if you’re traveling in a large group, it should be fine.

I would say if you are a bit on the adventurous side and don’t mind being amidst the hustle and bustle of the medina and occasionally being asked for money, then this place is definitely worth the money. The medina can be a bit overwhelming and the streets confusing. Know what kind of traveler you are. If you are the adventurous type who doesn’t mind getting lost and roaming streets as part of the experience, then it’s worth it to stay in Medina. If you are the type of traveler who likes organized tours, top notch amenities, and aren’t as adventurous, then this may not be the place for you.

If I come back, I would definitely stay here again. The whole experience here was great!!