I must be the first to write a review on Riad Zagouda in Marrakech [-----](I stayed there with a friend in December 2005/January 2006 for 4 nights. It is reasonably priced and will not break your wallet. It is owned by french owners but run by locals. The manager speaks very good English. It is located in the medina about 5 minutes walk from Place Jemaa El Fna. Not the easiest place to locate but if you call the riad, they can give directions to the taxi driver. It is accessible by car, yet you can walk to the square easily, negotiating the narrow alleys which at once transports you to a different era and adds to the exotic feel and the delight of staying in such a wonderful little riad.
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>The riad has 3 levels, but the rooms are located in the first and second level. The third level is a roof terrace which was not used when I was there as it was winter. There are not many rooms, so it is quite quiet, peaceful and intimate.The rooms are not that large but adequate and they are well appointed with traditional local furniture. The taps and sink in the bathroom are made of brass/gold. As with other riads, there is a common area in the middle of the riad which is open to the elements. There is a small dipping pool in the middle of the common area which was too cold for use in winter. But I imagine it would be very nice to plunge in during summer.
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>We had our New Year's eve dinner in the riad. It was organised by the managers of the riad for us, the 6 guests who were staying there, at our request because all the restaurants in Marrakech were fully booked. As it turned out, it was the best new year party I have ever had. There were 2 oud musicians and a belly dancer to entertain us. We all danced to the arabic music and tried belly dancing and ululating. Even the cook joined in the celebrations. The atmosphere was simply priceless. Kudos to the management who went all out to plan a party that we will never forget for the rest of our lives!
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>Kathija the riad cook whips us the most fabulous moroccan dishes each day, which puts any of the restaurants in Jemaa El Fna to shame. If you stay here, forget about eating out. The best lamb tagines and chicken cous cous are to be had in house! That is one of the perks of staying in this riad.
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>I would recommend this riad highly. When you stay here, it feels like you are a guest at someone's home. I would most certainly stay there again shd I return to Marrakech.
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