Firstly please book the airport transfer, this is the start of an exciting adventure! Your escort will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to the square in the Medina where you will be met by a guide from the Riad and a young man with a cart to carry your luggage, you will then be led through the alleyways to the Riad. The location is perfect, main attractions are all within walking distances and you are right in the middle of the medina.
On arrival you are so warmly welcomed by Valentina, who arranges mint tea and homemade pastries and delivers a brief overview of the Riad, the Medina and the unconditional support they are there to offer you should you require. Valentina provides you with a mobile with several contacts at the Riad should you get lost or indeed when you wish to return to the Riad after an evening in the Medina.
We booked the Eucalyptus Suite, it was absolutely delightful, the staff had decorated it beautifully to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The room was warm, the four poster bed very comfortable with crisp quality linen and cashmere blankets, the room is attended to twice daily, with a turn down service in the evening. There is plenty of hot water and complimentary herbal toiletries. There is a mini bar which is replenished daily with small bottles of mineral water, all tea, coffee, water taken in the Riad is offered complimentary, alcohol and soft drinks are charged.
Valentina and Yajaira are delighted to share their experiences and recommendations and will readily make reservations and arrangements for transfer to the restaurants and await your call when you are ready to return.
On our first evening we ate at the Riad, the meal was delicious and plentiful, the other evenings we went to Le Foudouk 10 mins from Riad via a taxi from the square and being met by a hooded gentleman carrying a lamp! we then tried the Dar Zellij 2 mins from the Riad, perfect after a days walking! again unbelievable that behind these tiny alley walls lies such beauty. Both of the restaurants were excellent, food superb, very reasonable 3 courses with bottle of wine and mineral water being around 850dh. Fantastic recommendations from Valentina and Yajaira.
Breakfast at the Riad is so relaxing, you call down to reception 10 mins before you wish to eat and say if you would like to eat indoors or on the terrace, when you arrive the most wonderful selection of fresh fruit, pastries, breads, juice is presented. There is no fixed time 08.30-11.30 ish! The view from the roof terrace is incredible, it is also a wonderful relaxing place to unwind after a busy day.
The staff are welcoming, polite and helpful at all times Ibrahim, Abdul, the Phillipino staff who ensure the Riad is immaculately clean, the aromatherapy oil burners ensure the Riad smells heavenly.
This review would be incomplete without mentioning the wonderful Ishmael, he is an absolute gem, he is a wealth of local knowledge, gives excellent instructions on finding your way around the Medina and points out memorable landmarks to re-trace your steps, his patience is infinite and always with the biggest smile! Thank you Ishmael, you are a star.
Before we left we were delighted to spend five minutes with Valentina to give our opinions, she is keen to hear how they can improve, this is hard when you have had perfection. We certainly did not find this an imposition it just further highlighted the care and attention to detail that Valentina ensures is standard practice for the Riad.
Our transfer back to the airport was as seamless as the rest of our stay. We were sad to depart Marrakech, the beautiful Riad and the wonderful staff. We cannot recommend our experience here highly enough, my standards are very high, they were exceeded!
Dear Valentina and staff thank you all once again for our amazing, unforgettable experience, we will return very soon, but for longer. X