This is the perfect place if you want to make the most of your stay in Marrakesh.

First things first: Arrival and location.
Our driver had to phone the riad to get directions, a common issue in Marrakesh being such a caotic city. The manager was very helpful and willing to meet us at the entrance of Dab Doukkala (which is not the street name but the name of the quarter of the old town where the riad is located) to help us carry our luggage and show us the way to the riad.

The location is perfect a 3 minute walk away from the wall separating the old and new town. So if you want an authentic view of the life in the old town and still wish to be close to supermarkets, taxistands and train station as well as the conveniences of the new town, this is the place to stay!!!

the old town is hectic and loud but the riad is located in a quiet street and this leads me to the next point:

The riad, service and interior:
This must be one of teh most beautiful places I stayed in ever!
It has been renovated and deocarted by the couple owing it with a great sense for detail, you can see easily the passion, skill and love they invested into this old townhouse. You'll find yourself in the middle of an oriental dream. Stained glass windows, ornaments, plush bed covers, mosaiques, great decors, I could go on forever, look at the pictures, they really don't lie - I was impressed!
The roof offers many little separées and the patio is typical for the old town houses and beautifully renovated as well.

We were greated with a glass of tea and genuine kindness. All staff as well as the manager and the owners are very friendly and polite!

Breakfast is simple but very tasty.

If you leave the riad and walk to the bigger road of the old town (medina) turn right for the souks (10 min walk) and left for a supermarket (5 min walk behind the wall, closes at 18h), and park majorelle (15 min walk)

Everyone working there will be happily assisting with any questions you might have and you will be provided with a map upon arrival!

Don't let the medina scare you, you can walk around freely and won't be bothered!
The Djemaa el Fna square was rather stressfull, so were the souks, they target tourists with "Special offers" all the time which makes it a bit hard to relax.

I'd recommend to take some time and just walk around the city and enjoy the atmosphere away from the tourist spots. And try some of the meat skewers sold just outside in the medina, they are delicious... They also sell sth that seems to be an equivalent to haggis, we didn't feel like trying it not being beig fans of haggis either, maybe you'll be more daring...

Departure:
The manager called us a taxi to the airport and arranged payment and all, I'd recommend that. There are different types of taxis, this one was a big and comfy one, and had enough space for our luggage which is not the case with all of them, so best aks the mananger for help!

After all, I can only repeat myself: A great riad and if any of the staff or owners should be reading this: Thank you so much, my fiancé and I had a wonderful time!

If we shoud be able to come back to Marrakesh we will definitely be staying there again!

Land in Marrakech. Taxi to the medina. Walk past market stalls with meat hanging, chickens flapping, dates for sail and motorbikes whizzing past. Turn right, through metal gate, knock on the door and ....... Wow! You are transported into another world. So relaxing, staff were amazing ( even going out to get us food and drinks when we wnted a meal!). The French owners were so welcoming and even gave us a guided tour of the new bedrooms which are to open in sept 2012. They really have paid attention To details and the craftsmanship to make the rooms look authentic. Superb riad.

If you really want to spend in a 1000 and one night hotel. Take the riad armelle in marrakesch.Only 5 totally arabic rooms. The service is incredible, and at least stay there one night for dinner.You feel like a millionaire . and the food was the best of whole marrakesch. and when you open you door after this oase of peace, you find yourself in the middle of colourful ,hectic marrakesch

a small cosy Riad in the Medina easily reached from the next road in a few meters walking distance, the few rooms are all individually designed and ours even contained a private hammam. The quiete atmosphere and the small dip pool help to relax after an exciting day in the bustling medina before heading out again for more experiences. The home cooking of Samir is also a great and very delicious experience. Helpful hints by the manager Said are also contributing to the excellent service.
André and Frauke