The Sound Of The Souks

Category: Riads In Marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Riad Laila.

    A luxurious riad on the outskirts of the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Laila has a beautiful courtyard garden full of exotic plants, mandarin trees, and hibiscus. It is larger than most of the other courtyards and has a large swimming pool for guests to enjoy. The rooms are tastefully furnished with modern contemporary pieces and generous sized bathrooms. Riad Laila has recently been renovated and refurbished, and I would consider it a luxury riad.

    The rooftop is spacious. It is a great spot for sunbathing or relaxing with a mint tea looking at the views over the medina. There is a Bedoin tent and plenty of seating areas.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Laila is a perfect riad for people looking for a spa like  experience in Marrakech. Staff wear uniforms and  keep a keen eye on the guests. The place is run with an air of precision.

    Everything is spotlessly clean. It’s a place where you can spend ages relaxing by the pool in peace reading a book.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Laila is at the most northern side of the medina. It is close to the bus station and a 25-minute walk from the centre. The Jardin Majorelle is a short walk away.

    Raid Laila was a lovely break from the busy medina for a couple of days. However, I did miss the charm and intimacy of a traditional family run riad. I found the environment slightly clinical. It depends on what kind of experience you prefer. If it’s a restorative setting in beautiful surroundings, Riad Laila is ideal. The garden is exceptional. The regimented presence of staff did take away from the relaxing atmosphere for me.

    Food is served at the riad, but vegetarian options appeared to be limited at the time I stayed there. This may improve in time.

    If you’re looking for a break from the sensory overload of the medina, Riad Laila is a good choice. It is aesthetically pleasing and has one of the largest gardens boasting 840m2. They have a resident tortoise called Laila who loves you to feed her hibiscus flowers.

    The address for Riad Laila is 104 Diour Jdad Zaouia Abbassia Marrakech 40000.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Riad Jardin Lea.

    A riad with a family atmosphere

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Lea is a traditional mid priced riad only 10 minutes walk away from the main square. It is a small cosy riad with a friendly atmosphere.

    There are 5 suites, which are authentically Moroccan. They are comfortable and include all the amenities sufficient for a pleasant stay.

    The courtyard is peaceful with the sound of birds singing. It’s a quiet, relaxed setting away from the busy touristic area. The busy part of the medina is only a short walk away.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooftop is pleasant and has a jacuzzi, which is clean and well maintained.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    The staff at Riad Lea are friendly and attentive. They offered me some food whilst breaking their fast during Ramadan. It’s these little gestures that make staying in a traditional riad charming.

    There are more luxurious riads than riad Lea, but it’s the personal touches that stand out for me. The staff at Riad Lea go out of their way to  ensure guests are happy.

    Reaching riad Lea was like heading down a hobbit hole through the narrow winding alleyway. The doorway was not made for tall people, but you soon remember to duck.

    Dark winding passageways are typical in the medina and part of its charm. Riads are concealed behind red clay walls because in the Islamic faith, everyone is equal, and displaying ones wealth is vulgar.

    The breakfast at Riad Lea was a typical Morroccan breakfast, which is often heavy on carbohydrates. I enjoyed the homemade yoghurt and msemen pancakes.

    The walk to the main square is a pleasant 15 minutes. You pass interesting shops and restaurants along the way.

    I enjoyed my stay at Riad Lea. It’s not 5 stars, but it’s good value for money. It was clean and comfortable, and the staff were a credit to the riad.

    The address is.

    41 Derb Sidi Bou Amar Marrakech 40000.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Palais Dar Donab.

    A restaurant set around a tranquil courtyard.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Palais Dar Donab is a treat for visitors to Marrakech. The scent of orange blossom and the sound of birds in the courtyard give you a sense of stillness. This is one of my favourite places to dine, and I absolutely love it here.

    It’s a place where you can totally unwind and enjoy the sunny courtyard. Tables are positioned around a large pool, and citrus trees line the courtyard. Pretty flowers add an array of colour.

    Image Freebird Tracey.

    The menu is extensive with food to suit all palates.They also serve a selection of excellent wines and beers.

    I was really impressed with the quality of the food.The vegetable tagine was one of the tastiest I have tried in Marrakesh. The smoothies were beautifully presented and full of vibrant fruit.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Palais Dar Donab is also a high-end accommodation. Guests and visitors mingle together, enjoying a quiet break from the busy medina.

    The pace is slow and relaxed. The staff are always attentive but allow you to enjoy the peaceful setting without feeling pressured to leave.

    The gentle sound of leaves on the trees and the trickle of water make dining here a calm experience. Tangerines drop from the trees, and  birds sing happily.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Palais Dar Donab is an excellent setting for a romantic dinner. Music plays subtly in the background, allowing conversation to flow and creating an atmosphere of intimacy.

    Relaxing with a glass of wine, admiring the restaurants fine craftsmanship is a perfect way to recharge your batteries in the  afternoon.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    I highly recommend Palais Dar Donab. Not only for the quality of the food or the friendly service, but for the peace and serenity it offers. You come away feeling de-stressed and ready to tackle the overwhelming souks. It’s an oasis in comparison to the over stimulating Jamaa El Fna.

    Opening times are Monday-Sunday 10.00am-10.30pm. The address is 53 Dar el Basha-Bab Doukkala Marrakech, Morocco.

    The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly and accepts credit card payments.

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  • La Pergola Rooftop Bar.

    A popular cocktail bar and restaurant in the medina

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    La Pergola rooftop bar is  a little jungle, situated in the medina,close to Jamaa El Fna. It’s a popular restaurant serving food and alcohol, including a wide range of cocktails. The beautiful palm trees that grow from the courtyard of Le Bistro Arabe give it a jungly, exotic vibe.

    Part of Riad Monceau, La Pergola is a busy place, so booking for a meal or cocktails is recommended. It is usually heaving with tourists looking for alcohol near the main square.

    I spent an hour enjoying some peace and tranquillity in the afternoon. It was a quieter time to visit than during the evening.It was very relaxing, sat amidst the exotic palms listening to gentle background music. I enjoyed a fresh smoothie, which came beautifully presented with attention to detail. The energy was completely different from the loud noise and crowds in the evening.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Like most places serving alcohol in the medina, it is quite pricey. That is because Marrakech is a Muslim country, and alcohol is not widely consumed.

    The quirky surroundings of La Pergola make it worth a visit. Although I didn’t try the food, the menu looked very good. I am tempted to go again and indulge myself.

    The  Jazz bar Bistro Arabe is situated below La Pergola in the courtyard of Riad Monceau. They also serve food and alcohol. La Pergola is on the rooftop terrace.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    During the evening, you can hear the live jazz band in Le Bistro Arabe below. The atmosphere is lively, and if you haven’t booked, finding a seat is not easy.

    Seating at Le Pergola is on different tiers. There are views across the medina, and you are looking down on the people below. Comfortable couches around the bar attract people to relax with friends and family.

    La Pergola is open daily from noon until 11.00pm. The address is 7/8 Riad Zitoun Lakdim Marrakech 40000 Morrocco.

    There are plenty of shops in the area near La Pergola. It’s close to Dardar rooftop bar and Dar Essalam.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Pepe Nero Italian Restaurant.

    An Italian restaurant in the medina.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Pepe Nero is a  popular Italian restaurant tucked away on a quiet street in the medina. They also cook delicious Moroccan cuisine.

    Inside the restaurant, there are two pretty courtyards surrounded by lush green foliage and ornate trickling fountains.

    I ate here several times and  enjoyed the food immensely on each occasion. The menu is creative. They prepare interesting pasta dishes suitable for vegetarians. I had pasta with truffle, and it was beautifully presented and cooked to perfection.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The restaurant serves alcohol, including a selection of  good wine, cocktails, and spirits.

    The ambience inside the restaurant is relaxing. It can get livelier in the evening, but it never becomes too noisy. Despite the tempo of the music, I never had to raise my voice to be heard. The atmosphere is still conducive to a romantic, intimate dining experience.

    Pepe Nero is open for lunch and dinner. As well as two courtyards, there is a nice enclosed dining space. Guests can sit inside or around the pool where bougainvillaea drapes down the wall.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The staff at Pepe Nero are professional and friendly. They are knowledgeable about the food on the menu and help you to make the right choice.

    At Pepe Nero, excellent food, elegant surroundings, and friendly service ensure guests receive the perfect dining experience.

    The address is 17 Derb Cherkaoul Marrakech 40000 Morocco. Opening hours for the restaurant are 1.00pm until 4.00pm then, 6.00pm until 11.30 daily.

    There is a small car park close to the restaurant.

    Booking is advisable as this is a popular restaurant and can get busy, especially during the evening.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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