As soon as my friend and I landed in Marrakech, we experienced Joelle's famously warm welcome. We had arranged a taxi transfer via the riad, and helpfully, the driver was waiting for us after baggage reclaim. He took us to the door of the riad, helping with our bags and introducing us to Joelle who instantly offered us a refreshing mint tea.
The rooms are spotlessly clean, and very tastefully decorated, as is the rest of the riad. The first room we stayed in had the 'open' bathroom that other reviewers have mentioned, but the second room had a door, allowing myself and my friend at least *some* privacy.
During our stay it was insanely hot, pushing 50 degrees some days. There was some air con in the room, but it wasn't as effective as it could have been, and was quite noisy.
In terms of advice, Joelle helped us choose somewhere to eat, and a few bars, providing us with a very useful map, and directions. As others have also said, the breakfasts in the morning are lovely, everything is homemade, and it really sets you up for the day.
However, the reason I say that this is *almost* perfect, is just because some things could be improved to make the stay less.....awkward Sometimes it feels a bit like you are in someone's house, and that you are putting the staff out by asking for food and drinks. One morning, we headed out early for some sightseeing and haggling in the souks. By midday it was far too hot in the medina and kasbah to be outside, so we retreated to the riad for some lunch, a sunbathe and a rest.
We ordered some salad, which although lovely when it arrived, took a long time to prepare, and when we received the bill, it must have been made from very expensive ingredients, as it was far beyond the cost of anything else we had eaten in Marrakech.
The same goes for the drinks, it was so hot that we needed to keep hydrated, but the drinks were warm, expensive and slow to arrive. I think this could be improved by Joelle introducing a drinks fridge or something on the rooftop terrace, with an honesty box, or a book to record what you have eaten/drank, so that you don't have to disturb the staff who seem to be busy from dawn til dusk.
To be fair, we did have an evening where we returned very late, and Joelle was lovely with us, but again it felt like we were staying with someone's Mum. Maybe this is just a matter of taste, and this is just not the place to stay for younger people who want to stay out in the evening, or want to have a holiday on their own terms.
I would recommend this property for couples, and families, but not those who want to be able to come and go as they please. The location is great, in the old kasbah area of Marrakech, located at the end of La Rue de La Kasbah, which although intimidating at first, is a thriving, fascinating street. Marrakech is a fabulous city, but extremely busy- this riad does offer a tasteful, peaceful retreat from that crazyness, and with some small changes could be perfect.
- Also Known As:
- Riad Les Orangers d`Alilia Marrakech Hotel Marrakech
- Riad Les Orangers d`Alilia Marrakech Hotel
Phone Number:
Region:
Morocco >
Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz Region >
Marrakech
Amenities:
Free Breakfast
Free High-Speed Internet
Pets Allowed
Restaurant
Room Service
Wheelchair access
#15 Romantic Hotels in Marrakech
#23 Best Value Hotels in Marrakech
#33 Family Hotels in Marrakech
Price Range:
$
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
-
The Moroccan hospitality is legendary and at Riad les orangers d'alilia you have the opportunity to experience this fine tradition. Riad les orangers d'alilia is a home with lots of atmosphere and a dedicated staff at your disposal.Riad les orangers d'alilia has been entirely restored in accordance with traditional Moroccan materials and architecture.
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