We share all the previous reviews and can't fault this riad together with Latifa and also the guy who was always on night duty. They were always so caring and concerned. But let me add how close this riad is to the souks and Jaama Square - about a 1.5 minute walk but when relaxing in the courtyard or on the roof terrace you could have been a million miles away. For 18 euros per person, Latifa (and team) will cook you the most amazing Morrocan meal - the best we had during our stay. Amazing quality and the most beautiful surroundings in which to eat it. This is truly a beautiful riad.

The Riad de l'Orientale was the perfect getaway for our long weekend in Marrakech. We arrived in the morning having been collected from the airport and accompanied through the myriad of streets to the riad. We were then brought breakfast and helped with maps and suggestions of which sites to see by Latifa the lovely housekeeper. Our room was beautifully presented and we took full advantage of the sunny roof terrace for relaxing after a hectic visit to the souks or for having breakfast. Luckily the riad is very close to the main square in the Medina so easy to find - this is a big bonus in Marrakech considering how easy it is to get lost! The location, food, facilities and staff were second to none and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Latifa and Zaccaria were both so helpful including assisting us with bookings and directions, etc. And Mimi the cat was great company on the sun terrace! We definitely plan on visiting Marrakech again and will definitely be staying at the Riad de l'Orientale when we do.

We don't think we can add much more to the other reviews about this riad - we had a wonderful stay here during the Easter holidays. The riad was recommended to us by friends who had stayed a couple of years ago. Latifa replied very quickly to my initial email enquiry about availability - we are a family group of seven adults, and we needed four rooms - and she was very helpful throughout. She arranged for us to be met at the airport and driven to the main square, Jemaa El Fna. She was waiting for us when our taxi dropped us off and showed us the way to the riad, which is only a short walk from the square tucked away down some narrow alleys. The riad is a gem - the rooms and en suite bathrooms are traditionally decorated, comfortable, and incredibly quiet given the riad's proximity to the souks and the main square. Latifa and Zach looked after us very well - nothing was too much trouble. Breakfasts are delicious, and we asked Latifa to cook dinner for us on our last evening which was superb.

We spent two and a half days just walking everywhere - through the souks in the Medina, exploring all the little alleys, streets and shops, avoiding the mopeds, scooters and bicycles, and soaking up the atmosphere. We ventured into the New City and visited the Jardin Majorelle, went to the tanneries, rode dromedaries, and saw some of the old palaces. We walked miles and miles and never once felt unsafe or threatened. Weary and a little footsore, we'd return to the riad at the end of the day - an oasis of peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle.

Latifa also arranged for us to go on a day's excursion to the Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains which was great fun if a bit "touristy", and the scenery was lovely with snow on the highest peaks in the distance. Our driver, Hamid, found a very good local mountain guide called Moustafa who accompanied us up to the cascades - quite a scramble over the rocks and, at one point, up a metal ladder onto a steep rockface! Very pretty, though, and worth the effort.

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!