There are many nice Riads in Marrakech and many get top scores here at Tripadvisor. So, how to make a choice between them? Our choice was done for us beforehand, by our excellent guide Ali (see Sahara-Exploring-Expedition.Com) and it was a good one. First, let me confirm the reviews of others regarding this hotel, it is all true. I would like to emphasize a couple of things. First and foremost, it feels totally safe once you're inside the doors. The front door is always locked and the staff is always there, or at least that was our impression. There was total silence at night. While we were there the temperatures were good, below 20 at night; I guess it might become rather hot in summer. The rooms are not air-conditioned and have windows to the central hall. However, we slept with open windows without being disturbed at all. Although very close to everything, after dark, the walk to the hotel might not be that pleasant, especially if you are alone. Some parts of the street are dark and people are hanging around seemingly without purpose, some begging for money. Probably not as dangerous as perceived - Moroccans are generally very honest and service-minded!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here in March 2012. It provided a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the nearby souks and main square. Latifa and Zacaria were very welcoming and friendly and very helpful. The transfer from the airport was effortless, as it was arranged by the riad and we were met from the taxi by Zacaria. Latifa had mint tea and cakes ready for us when we arrived, so we immediately felt at home and couldn't believe how beautiful the interior was. Our room was superbly appointed with stained glass windows and hand-painted wardrobe. The bathroom was also very attractive with lashings of hot water.
The atmosphere in the riad was very calm and quiet. It was lovely to be woken in the morning by the sound of exotic birdsong and to watch the swallows soaring overhead at breakfast-time. The rooftop garden was a lovely place to sit and look over the city to the snowcovered Atlas mountains or the Koutoubia. We will definitely return to this riad when we next visit Marrakech.

I stayed here at the end •••• •••• •••• 9821of December 2011. The riad was in a great location and an easy walk to the main market square in Marrakech. The room was a bit small but very clean and comfortable. The bathroom was nice and the hot water was plentiful. The best part of my stay was the wonderful breakfast in the morning with probably the best coffee compared to the other places I stayed at in morocco. Finally, the people working there were some of the most friendly and helpful people that I've met during any vacation. This is definitely a riad I would love to return to.

Having been recommended to us by a friend we were not disappointed on arriving at Riad de l'Orientale. They arranged for us to be picked up from the airport and we were greeted on arrival by the very lovely Latifa with mint tea and cake.

Latifa and rest of the staff were more than helpful during our stay bringing us drinks, booking restaurants and arranging a trip up the Atlas Mountains. They were always on hand to to point out where things were or recommending places to eat.

The Riad itself is extremely quiet and tranquil which i still find hard to understand as it is located just off the medina which is very loud.There is a lovely roof terrace if you want to chill out and catch a few rays in the peace and quiet. The room was very clean and comfortable and bed sheets and towels were changed every day.

Mimi the resident cat is adorable and made us smile every day when she snuggled up with us in the bed.

Thanks for a lovely, welcoming stay!