We recently stayed in the fantastic riad zenithya for our first trip to morocco. We were met by a private driver who transported us to this oasis of calm. When we arrived we were given a little intro by the lovely chamisa with a standard cup of mint tea (everywhere you go you are offered mint tea!!) She asked us exactly what we wanted to do and offered help on everything..from suggested itineraries for our time in marrakech and beyond....it is very rare that you get a hotel manager who does not try to sell you packages to do x, y and z. She found us a fantastic guide called abdul (good to do if your time is short) and helped us arrange car hire for the week.She even qdvised us on how much tourist items should cost!All advice was very honest and extremely helpful for first-time visitors! Cleanliness - fantastic, bathroom spotless and fantasic power shower with lots of hot water. Service - always someone there to help or give you a beer (2 euros a pop). Location - very near the bus station and jardin marjorelle - interesting 15 min walk to the square. You are in a "local" area but that adds to the charm..once you have walked out and back once you know where you are going.Last thing - excellent cous cous & tagine....definitely book a meal in the riad. Breakfast on the terrace is great too! Majority of visitors are french but more english people should stay in this little gem...i would recommend to anyone visiting marrakech.

I stayed here with a friend for a week. The staff here, Khamissa, Abdou and Fatima couldn't be more helpful and frindly. Khamissa and Abdou do speak English but if you know any French then they speak that fluently.
The place was very clean and breakfast was excellent. . If you get the chance to have dinner here then do. Fatima's food it terrific. It has a roof terrace which is lovely to come home to after walking for miles around the Souks, and breakfast could be served up here if you wish.
The Riad is situated out of the hustle of the Souks and night life. It's in a local community (but most Riads are) and you get to experience the locals at first hand.
We took a taxi to the coast, Essauuira, which is a lovely fishing port. We also took a taxi up to the Cascades at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, this is not a stroll so do wear adequet footwear. We shared both taxis with a French couple who where staying at Zenithya, so it can't hurt to ask if there are others staying there who might be up for sharing.
If you are an animal lover then this might be an upsetting holiday. The cats and horses that are everywhere are not in the best of health, and this was the only thing about this holiday that I didn't like.