Riad Aya is a small cosy Riad in Marrakech, a little on the outskirts of the Medina but that makes it more accessible than the maze of streets in the Medina.

Very helpful and friendly staff, they made us a feel like family.

I must however say that the breakfasts got a bit monotonous. We stayed for 6 nights and eating pancakes and cakes for breakfast everyday wasn't exciting. The freshly squeezed orange juice on the other hand was divine.

After booking the hotel directly through www.riadaya.com contact email, we communicated back and forth with Michèle a few times to finalize arrangements. She was very pleasant and made sure we were picked up at the airport. Good thing as we would never have found it without Bahja, the driver! This little gem of a riad is tucked away down a couple of narrow, featureless alleys. When we arrived at the door (very striking and refined), we were welcomed in by Maria, one of the staff, and Michèle. the manager. Once inside, the beauty of old Marrakech surrounded us - gone were the dusty alleys, the traffic noises, the hustle and bustle of a very busy city. We were in an oasis of tranquility. The small fountain in the courtyard was bubbling softy, the staff was quietly going about their business, everything was peaceful. We knew instantly we had made the right choice of accommodations for our seven-night stay in Marrakech. Madame Michèle was great at providing us with maps and recommendations in the area and making arrangements for excursions and local restaurants. Majda was always puttering around doing a wonderful job keeping the place spotless and comfortable. Abdul stood ready to help make our stay more enjoyable with whatever we needed (and he is a great pastry chef, too!). The creme de la creme of our stay was Maria. She is fantastic! We ended up having dinner 5 of the 7 nights at the riad because Maria is such an excellent chef! The meals were completely moroccan and very well executed. She also put up with our endless requests for mint tea (even made the concession of not adding sugar to some orders, as my wife likes it without sugar). The Saffron room, where we stayed, was large and airy and very comfortable. The rooftop terrace was very pleasant and afforded a view of the surrounding area, being a little taller than most other buildings. We walked to Djemma el Fna several times, as well as visited the souks almost every day of our stay. The riad is very well located in the medina and close to many places of interest. I very highly recommend the Riad Aya and my wife and I are already looking forward to staying there again.

As we got out of the taxi the look on my husbands face was a picture. Stunned at what looked like a a warren of small tunnels. As we walked through the tunnels we saw the entrance to the Riad Aya.....formidable a place of tranquility with beautiful rooms and the attention we received from the staff; Maria, Majda, Abdul and the owner Madame Michelle was without doubt one of the best experiences, we are well and truly hooked by Maraakesh and the Riad Aya. Maria's care and attention to our needs was outstanding, we stopped in Marrakesh for five nights and were spoilt by the superb food prepared and cooked by Maria on three nights. We miss her already, if anyone really wants to see the real Marrakesh then Riad Aya is the place for them.
The terrace and plunge pool were relaxing and secluded and we were able to purchase drinks on site, we did leave the Riad to visit the souks and markets which were all within walking distance and took trips to the cascades seven lakes (walked to the first one only but it was beautiful) and Casablanca (courtesy of Jamel a worldly wise and interesting gentlemen who catered to our every whim). Jamel organised two meals out which were again superb. Yes we would definately stay there again.

This is a hidden riad. You never will find this if you do not know were to look. It is close to Dar el Bacha, a walk of 10 minutes from the souks. Jemaa el Fna is a little further. A taxiride from the riad to the square should cost you ± 7 DHM (70 eurocents) The Riad is beautiful, very well taken care off and decorated very nice. The service and friendlyness of Maria (one of the servants) is memorable. It is also very clean. Breakfast can be served on the roofterrace.The staff speaks French. The caretaker speaks English very well.
We stayed for 3 nights. We booked directly by contacting the hotel by their website [--]
The hotel is rather expensive (for Morrocco) but we thougt it was worth it.

Although you can hardley hear any citynoise in the riad, you can hear other guests very well because of the open structure with a centered patio. But I guess every Riad will be noisy then.

When we stayed there was a group of french people also staying. One of them was one of the owners of the Riad. You think they would especially be considerate to other guests, but they were explicit present. Dining till midnight right in the patio. We waited till they finished before we went to bed because of the noise.

The big bath can hardley be called a swimmingpool (3x3 meters). The hammam is not much (we didn´t use it).