Ryad Dyor - a nice and stylish renovated Ryad in the middle of medina. A little oasis in the lively Marrakesh with designed rooms and a lounge roof terrace. We had a suite with a great bathroom.
But better don't stay in Marrakesh if you are claustrophobic or asthmatic.

My husband and I just returned from a visit to Morocco and three nights at Riad Dyor.

We just can't adequately express how delightfully friendly and exotic we found Marrakesh, and especially the Riad Dyor, to be. We selected the Riad Dyor based upon internet reviews and perceived value relative to the other Riads. We were not disappointed.

Yassir, the Manager, was tirelessly patient with my multiple advance trip emails with inquiries and changes. In person, our wish was his command -- and like a genie in a bottle, all requests were graciously honored, including airport transfer, wine to enjoy in our room/terrace, bath toiletries, a computer adapter, a hamman and restaurant reservations with sensitivity to our vegetarian diets.

The Riad and our suite, Number 7, were elegant. Lots of space and architectural details. We estimated that the walls of our room were about three feet thick - thus very quiet, something you learn to treasure after a day in the hectic medina. We had some delightful nights' sleep.

We enjoyed a walking tour guide our first day (arranged by Yassir) to help us get our bearings, then the next days, we were comfortable finding our way around the medina. When you first arrive at Riad Dyor, you will wonder how you will ever find your way back, but just ask any of the darling local children playing in the streets and they will be happy to guide you for a small coin.

We just can't say enough good things about Riad Dyor, Yassir and Marrakesh. We are already plotting a return.

PS: We followed our stay with a night at La Roseraie up in the Atlas Mountains - another wonderful experience.

Total culture shock on arrival! Our cases were taken from the taxi into a cart and we were led through seemingly endless identical narrow alleyways teeming with people, scooters, bikes and donkeys. Then we arrived at an unmarked door in the wall and suddenly stepped through into calm and tranquillity. The Ryad is beautiful – palm trees in the courtyard and traditional mosaics and decoration. Yassir greeted us with our first welcome taste of mint tea. The rooms were perfect for our needs (family of four with two children) –two bedrooms, each with ensuite, separated by a central lounge. Breakfast on the roof terrace was very enjoyable. Throughout our stay the Ryad provided welcome respite from the noise and chaos that is Marrakech. Yassir was pleasant and reservations at restaurants went smoothly (with him escorting us to them so we did not get lost). He organised a Grand Taxi hire (with driver Malek) for the day to take us out of the city to the high Atlas Mountains, which was the highlight of the trip. On the downside, we asked him to organise a guide for us on the first morning. The guide turned out to be unofficial and the tour included visits to selected places (herbalist, carpet showroom etc) where we were exposed to hard selling techniques. Make sure your guide is an official one! For Westerners, the alleys were intimidating at first, but we did fairly rapidly find our bearings. Personally, we did not have any hassle but others staying at the Ryad told us that they were approached by begging children. Overall, Morocco has touched our hearts and our stay was a positive experience.

We spent four days at Ryad Dyor over the New Years holiday, and we loved it. Yassir and staff – wonderful – friendly, helpful, just “go beyond” what other staff at hotel usually do. It felt like we were staying with friends who wanted to make sure we had a good time. After we left and were staying at other places, we would say to each other – we miss Yassir; we wish the staff were more like Yassir. Exceptional style, relatively good price, wonderful laid back, hip but also comfortable atmosphere. One thing though it is a little bit of a walk (maybe fifteen minutes) from main square – taxis are very inexpensive, and it is a fascinating and wonderful walk to the main square – so it’s not a problem, but don’t’ come to Dyor if you want conventional and near the central heart of things. Come here if you want something a bit special, magical, more authentic and less touristy – and still very comfortable and lovely. Note: the location is a bit out of the way and can be a bit intimidating the first time to find the hotel, but you get used to it. Also – if you stay here, definitely eat one night at Restaurant Zellij –literally a half minute walk from Dyor, it was the best Moroccan meal we had during our trip – superb service, wonderful feeling – locals told us it was one of their favorites too for special occasions; wear something nice as it is a dressy place.