Located in Riad Laarousse just north of the souks (markets) in the ancient Medina of Marrakech, Riad Ma'ab opened earlier this year after being painstakingly renovated to combine traditional design with modern facilities - lighting, power points, hot water, en-suite bathrooms and wifi internet access. It is a beautifully restored traditional Riad centred around a courtyard with fountain and cool, relaxed seating areas with clean, airy, air-conditioned en-suite rooms on two floors plus a roof terrace with shaded lounging areas, tables and seating.

It's easy to get to the souks and to walk through (or round) them to the main square, Djemaa el Fna (10-20 mins depending on route) and on to the Palaces and Kasbah. The Riad is very close to the Musée de Marrakech and Ben Youssef Mosque and Medersa (essential visits), handy for the Hammam el Bacha (for an authentic Hammam experience), with the modern quarter, Gueliz, and the beautiful Jardin Majorelle (YSL Garden) a short taxi ride or walk.

Riad Ma’ab is also very near to one of the best French/Moroccan restaurants in town - Restaurant Terrasse des Epices. This roof-top restaurant provides fine dining at sensible prices with discrete and attentive service. Way better quality and value than places near the main square, and relaxing too - highly recommended.

The Riad itself is tucked away from the busy streets and provides a calm and peaceful haven at any time of day. The service is excellent, from being met at the airport to the free water, tea and coffee, and the personal, friendly and relaxed breakfasts served on the roof terrace by Houssain and Sara.

John, the owner, provides all the info you’ll need in advance of your stay and accepts Paypal transactions, making booking straightforward and secure. There are copies of all the current guidebooks to Marrakech and Morocco for you to browse in the courtyard.

We really enjoyed our stay in Marrakech, and much of that has to be down to the hospitality we were shown at Riad Ma’ab. Houssain, Sara and Najat were great - so friendly and they made our stay relaxing and comfortable. It also helps that the Riad has been so well renovated and is peaceful and calm – great for unwinding after a day’s sightseeing.

I've already passed details of Riad Ma'ab on to friends and colleagues as a recommendation, and would not hesitate to return.

There are many Riads in Marrakech, but look no further because you will not find accommodation of this quality at this or even double the price....

What a delightful surprise Riad Ma'ab was - tucked away in the crazy hustle and bustle of the Medina, this beautiful riad is a complete sanctuary. The simple Morrocan decor in neutral tones would be difficult to surpass but the best feature was the amazing service. As I see other reviewers have commented, the staff were so helpful that we almost felt guilty! Our trip was a complete success due to help, patience and organisation of Houssain. I have reccomended this riad to all of my friends and family!

I couldn't ask for a better experience at Riad Ma'ab. John, Houssain, and Sara were so hospitable and helpful I almost felt bad. The Riad is completely gorgeous: the fountain in the center, the artwork and furniture, the terrace on the roof. I enjoyed my time in Marrakech but I know I will make an excuse out of Riad Ma'ab to come back. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a place to decompress after a busy day in the souks or Jma el Fna.

Our family of 11 stayed at Riad Ma’ab in September 2009, and its our honor to write this review and thank John for the amazing time we all had.

The incredible customer service and attention began before we even arrived. John answered emails and questions we had within hours, and was always incredibly attentive and informative. In fact, he was proactive and considerate enough to actually contact ME a few weeks in advance of our stay to ask if the children in our family would require any special dietary requests. I have never experienced such wonderful customer service.

The website and pictures certainly raised my expectations about what to expect at Riad Ma’ab…but nothing could have prepared me for the beauty that was revealed when Hussein let us into the beautiful courtyard. All 11 of us, including 3 children, were completely awestruck and the exhaustion and tension from a long journey instantly eased away. We spent our first evening in Marrakesh lounging on the roof top terrace, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and regaining our energy. The rooms were equally lovely, each with their own special touches that made them truly authentic.

The Riad staff, Hussein, Sara, and Najat, were more attentive than I thought possible. Hussein was very pleasant and eagerly assisted us with our (many!) requests. Najat’s cooking was sumptuous, and made it difficult for us to tear ourselves away from the Riad and go out into the city at all! They were all so patient and tolerant of the children in our group.

The only way I can summarize our experience is to say that Riad Ma’ab truly goes above any beyond any possible expectations I ever had of a ‘hotel’. It felt like home, and certainly feels like a place to which we all want to go return.