The Sound Of The Souks

Category: Where to stay in Marrakech

Exploring The Red City Of Marrakech.

  • Riad Blue Berber

    An authentic 17th-century riad.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Blue Berber is an authentic riad in a strategic location. It is close to the Bahia Palace, Dardar rooftop bar, La Pegola, and Tinsmiths Square. It is situated on a quieter side of the medina central to many popular sightseeing spots.

    Riad Blue Berber has a very pretty courtyard. The floor is the original floor dating back to the 17th century. There is an intimate feel about this riad because it’s smaller. The rooms are quite dark inside, but that adds to its authenticity.

    The owner, Habi, is a very knowledgeable man who enjoys chatting with his guests. He is very hospitable, and the riad has a homely family feel about it.

    Mona, the cook doesn’t speak English, but she prepares a hearty breakfast for the guests each morning. She manages to interact well despite the language barrier.

    The rooftop is large with different tiers and great views over the medina. It was being modernised during my stay.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Blue Berber is a cosy riad that has character and charm. Waking up to the sound of birds chirping in the courtyard was a lovely way to begin each day.

    There are four rooms. Three of the rooms have air conditioning, and the other two have fans and heaters. The riad is clean and humble, offering an authentic experience of riad life.

    I liked this side of the medina. I always felt safe walking to and from the riad even at night time. There’s always plenty going on. It’s perfect for solo female travellers. It is located 200 metres from the lively Jamaa El Fna, yet inside, it is peaceful and calm.

    The address is 5 Derb Jdid, Riad Zitoun Lakdim, kadim، 40040 Morocco.

    The riad can organise tours and cooking classes are available to teach you how to create a traditional tagine.

    I had a pleasant time at Riad Blue Berber. It’s a traditional riad, and I liked the location. The staff were happy to look after my luggage after I had checked out. It’s small details like this that make staying somewhere extra special.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.
    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
    (more…)

  • 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
    (more…)

  • 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
    (more…)