We booked the whole riad for a week in May. We were two families with three children between us (aged, 5, 4 and 2). It was everything that was promised, although possibly even more lovely, than the website suggests. Everything was thoroughly scrubbed by Najet each morning, the rooms were cool and spacious, the breakfasts each day were a highlight and the attention and assistance from Mohammad, Hagiba and Najet was outstanding. They were a delight. There was an added attraction of two resident tortoises on the roof terrace that the kids loved to 'play with' (they survived the week). The pool was freezing, but that didn't deter the children from getting in at every opportunity.
The only downside to the trip was that the temperature exceeded May averages by 10-15 degrees! The riad really was an oasis on those hot 40+ days (as we still felt compelled to sight-see each morning) and the rooms remained cool. We only needed the AC on the final night and only in the upstairs rooms. Philip had suggested that we spend a day at the very beautiful boutique hotel called Jnane Tamsna. It was truly relaxing (and comparatively cool) lounging around their beautiful pool and enjoying a fantastic French lunch. We returned for a second afternoon and stayed for dinner this time which was also wonderful.
We indulged in a hamman and massage at Les Bains Des Marrakech which was truly divine and highly recommend. You need to book well in advance and Mohammad arranged this for us.
We celebrated my husband's birthday whilst in Marrakech and Mohammad arranged a great restaurant meal for us whilst Najet babysat (only took us about the first 5 mins of meeting her and Hagiba to feel comfortable leaving our children). However, we only took advantage of the babysitting that one night as the food at the riad was superb so we stayed in a lot, feeding children early and then adults eating after the kids were in bed - very civilised.
It was a truly wonderful and memorable trip and we loved Riad Porte Royale.
- Also Known As:
- Riad Porte Royale Hotel
- Riad Porte Royale Marrakech
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
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An oasis of calm in Marrakech, Riad Porte Royale dates from 1750. Lovingly renovated, it has a plunge pool in the courtyard. Rugs, textiles and objets d'art from the caravan routes of Africa and Asia accent the white rooms. Sleeping 10 to 12, it is perfect for the discerning traveller, families looking for a home from home, or a group booking a special occasion. Excursions and meals can be arranged, and airport pick-up is complementary
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