Firstly I'd just like to point out that this was not a luxurious riad, but absolutely excellent value for money! If you are looking for a luxurious riad then search elsewhere and pay more, but if you are on a budget but want a good, basic,clean riad, then this is the place for you! Primarily, the location is spot on. You are two mins by walking from the Koutoubia mosque and main square, but are not subject to any of the noise from the square once in the riad. The rooms are basic, but clean, with a shower, toilet, wash basin, towels, air-con and the password to the free wi-fi on the back of the bathroom door (which worked from the terrace and in your room). Breakfast was extra, but very nice. Omelette, pancakes, fresh juice, pastries, tea/coffee, which we had at a table on a patio just outside of our room. Be aware though that we had to pay for our accomodation and breakfasts in cash on arrival, so ensure you have cash to hand when you check in. We also arranged a pick-up from the airport through the riad for 200Dirhams extra, and was very glad we did (we may have paid more than a usual taxi, but when you're stright off the plane and don't know where you're going, it just makes it that bit easier in the heat!). Our driver was waiting as we came through arrivals at Marrakesh airport, and was more than happy to wait whilst we got some money exchanged. Another guide was then waiting for us at the end of a street to walk us to our riad when the taxi could take us no further through the smaller streets.
The real plus though was the roof-top plunge pool. It's not a huge luxurious rooftop terrace, but the pool was clean and had two sunbeds with towels provided. Unfortunately, after a morning of sight seeing we returned to the riad to find the sunbeds were already taken, however, there was still room for us to sit on some chairs on the terrace by the plunge pool, and a nice cool dip was lovely after walking around in the heat! From the terrace you are able to see the Atlas mountains, but hear no noise at all from the main square - except for the call to prayer. Also be aware that the riad does not sell alcohol, but just around the corner is the hotel 'Les Jardins des Koutoubia'. (You will pass it on the way as you walk to the riad). They had a lovely restaurant on their terrace serving delicious curries and in the bar downstairs they did the most fantastic mojitos (we travelled in Cuba last year and the mojitos here are far better than any we had in Cuba!). So, we used to pop in for a little 'nightcap' and enjoy a drink by their pool of an eve before heading back to the riad. The front door/desk is not manned 24 hrs, but you are given a key to open the front door, as well as the door to your room, so are free to come and go at whatever time of day.
We stayed at this riad because we were travelling around Morocco for almost 3 weeks and were on a budget, but if we were just on a city break to Marakesh for a few days then I think I would pay more to stay somewhere with a few more comforts, but for the budget we had for this particular trip it was absolutely fine. I can only imagine that some previous guests have expected more for their money, but remember riads are not the cheapest option in Morocco. Just don't pay peanuts and then moan it's not 5*!!!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.