Marrakech accomodation prices are high and Riad Samarkand falls into the fairly expensive category. It is a very nice property that has been renovated to a high standard and rooms are comfortable. Our room had its own terrace area where we could take breakfast or relax in the afternoon. There is also a spacious roof terrace to catch the evening sun - although there is not much of a view. The small pool in the garden is pretty but impractical and we didn't see anyone use it during our stay. Rooms are traditional in style and therefore quite dark.

We ate one meal at the property - food was reasonable tasty. We also recommend Le Foundouk and Restaurant des Epices nearby.

The Riad would benefit from some small improvements as follows:
Breakfast - a big disappontment and the worst we had on the trip. Fresh orange juice was good but cold pancakes prepared in advance, dry bread, dry cake and a bit of jam - bland and uninspiring.
Wifi is slow and unreliable and regularly gets turned off so you have to go looking for it to be turned on again.
There is a sitting room area where wifi reception is a bit better but staff are usually watching tv there so you feel as if you are interrupting.
It is nice that staff are unobtrusive except when you want to leave the property and need to search for someone to unlock the door. And forget about finding someone to order a drink from!

Overall a nice property that is just a little bit sterile.

I have been to Marrakesh many times and have to say this is my favorite riad yet. The decor is not over the top nor brash or touristy. It is tastefully done and rather grown up. The rooms are huge and there is a reasonable sized pool for once (normally they are just foot baths!). Cyril was very kind and did everything to make our stay as comfortable as possible. I highly recommend this riad and would choose Samarkand again.

We were referred to Riad Samarkand by its companion, Riad Orangerie, because they were full. From the start we were treated with extreme kindness and care. This included being told where to come to within the Medina, and being met and shown where to park, being helped to carry our bags to the Riad, and being welcomed to the most tastefully decorated mini-hotel that we have ever known. The owner has real taste. The rooms are supremely comfortable and the food is delicious. It is not cheap, but if you want a break that is just wonderful in all respects, this is for you. The website is good and you can believe what the write about it. The food is great. The pool is small but a great place in which to have a dip. Bathrooms are unique, If youm are going to Marrakech and want a really gtreat place to stay, give this Riad a try!!! And the staff - including the Manager and Owner - just love the place and their guests.

Like some of the other reviewers, we were referred here because the Riad L'Orangerie was fully booked. We were not disappointed. Cyril was an informative and genial host. The room (and entire Riad) was immaculate and the dinner was delicious. We enjoyed drinks and views on the roof terrace and dipped our feet in the small pool in the courtyard. A very tranquil setting. The only negative I would say about it is that I did not like having to ring the bell and wait for someone to answer the front door to let us in instead of having our own key. Over all, a lovely experience.