Our family of 5 just returned from 5 days at Riad el Ouarda and were welcomed with excellence at every level ! The rooms are spacious and immaculate. The decoration was tasteful, modern and comfortable preserving all the antique charm of the architecture. We had meals served on the terrace and in the garden and the quality of the meals and the service were both superior. The location is north of the frenetic souks in the medina near the Bab Taghzout. We were happily driven around and accompanied by Adil, the hotel manager when we wanted and became fast friends. He and the staff are a treasure, discreet and helpful. Our stay in Marrakech was delightful and largely due to the experience of living in this delightful riad. Choukran et à bientôt inch`Allah !

We only came upon Riad El Ouarda by chance, but the establishment was the making of our five days in Marrakesh. The entrance is hidden away next to the Zaouia el Abbasia mosque at the frenetic north end of the walled city. But through the anonymous grey door and you are on another planet of calm, quiet and beauty. The riad was built in the late seventeenth century, predating Georgian and Queen Anne architecture. But the lay-out is timeless : three floors of loggia looking over a flowing pool, decorated with bouganvillia and alive with little birds. Open to the sky above so that the entire building is bright yet cool. And a furnished roof for early morning and evening, for breakfast of fresh fruit and warm pastry, for an evening meal of tagine, couscous and local wine. The rooms are magnificent, well over 20 feet high, plainly decorated except for the ceilings which are covered in coloured motifs and arabesques. The service matches the building, quietly perfect, organised by Adeel, the manager, and his team. They are there to assist with anything you wish. Adeel took us a long journey out of town to source candles not found in the souk, and he arranged two mornings of study for me, to discuss Morocco, Arab politics and history with an expert.
The only mild problem is that the riad is a little out of the way. But Fana'a square is no more than 15 minutes distance on foot and the entrance to the souk is closer. Or Adeel will arrange a taxi for any longer trip with average fares of around $2.50 for most destinations in the city.
El Ouarda, and drinks in the Churchill bar of the Hotel Mamounia were by far the best part of our stay. paul@paulgrieve.com

I still can't get over the feeling I experienced crossing the threshold from the hot street outside to the tranquility inside the Riad el Ouarda. The general manager, Adil, met us a distance away where we were dropped off and we immediately felt welcome in Marrakech, hotels across the world could learn a lot from Adil and his staff at the Riad - nothing was too much effort for them.
I found the accommodation, service, meals, hospitality and general atmosphere to be way above extraordinary. I was relaxed and comfortable throughout my week-long stay there. Adil was helpful to the extreme, never interfering but always ready and willing to advise and he put us in touch with the most incredibe guide who took us around the city.
From the Riad we went on a five-day desert excursion and then back to Marrakech for a few days. Unfortunately the Riad was closed for renovations when we were back in Marrakesh so we had to stay elsewhere.
The only downside of having stayed at Riad el Ouarda was that I compared every other hotel to this experience and none of them came even close.
I would highly recommend the Riad el Ouarda to anybody wanting to stay in Marrakech. I will go back and I certainly wouldn't stay anywhere else in that magical city.
Lynne Larsen [--] lynne@ideco.co.za

We returned from Marrakech last night where we spent our honeymoon for 5 nights (I know you're thinking why is he on his lap top when he has just been on honeymoon!).

The riad absolutely made the trip for us. We both adored Marrakech but you can only really appreciate the manic beauty of the city when you have an opportunity to retreat from it. In terms of the riad itself, it is stunning. All the beautiful, authentic features that you expect of Morocco and a wonderfully serene atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and there are loads of other places to relax such as the pool, the side rooms with chess, etc and the great roof terrace.

However, as with all accommodation, it is made or broken by the staff. They made us feel truly welcome and comfortable and were genuinely friendly. They provide incredible food, keep the riad spotless and give priceless advice on how best to get about, how much to tip, etc.

We will definitely return!