For those who want to plunge into the Moorish culture and the true spirit of Marrakech, staying at a hotel boutique riad is the perfect experience. The streets and narrow alleys of the old medina is walled with occasional heavy wooden thresholds, but no windows. This is the traditional home-style riad that has ever represented here.
Open the door and enters a reception area that opens out onto a courtyard. Will traditionally a tinkling fountain in the middle and dark cypress trees. Potted palms, the pink bougainvillea climbing the pillars striking, orange trees and even a dry olive are likely to be part of this oasis of greenery. The rooms of the riad form the sides of a fence in the courtyard, each with a pleasant prospect on the green green. This unique design meant that households were kept cool and dark, with thick walls and few windows. They are also safe and quiet, away from the clamor in the streets. The haunting call to prayer at dawn and the sounds under the market can drift over the rooftops, but add something to the atmosphere of peace.
Many of these riads now been sympathetically converted into boutique hotels. Surrounding a pool in the courtyard, often with private decks or patios, there are usually only 6 to 10 guest rooms. The main part of the riad has lounge areas, sometimes with TV rooms, libraries under the leadership of the class, steam rooms and spa, called hammams. Best of all, the chef will cook or Moroccan cuisine inspired to order. They even offer cooking classes unambiguous so you can try your hand at one of the authentic dishes - a great memory to recall home.
Although some standards are cheap riads and amenities "local" best outweighs the beautiful décor, carved screens, hand-painted tiles and antique furniture. These are the real bargains to be had and are often former palaces and harems right at the heart of the city. Here you can enjoy deluxe rooms and superior service at bargain prices. Check some of our recommended favorites:
Dar Les Cicogna is named after the storks roost on the banks of Royal Palace nearby. The riad is a rich merchant before, Charles Boccara has returned to its former splendor of Moorish.
Riad Zina is conveniently located at the entrance to the souks. One of the smaller boutique hotels of Marrakesh, the Riad Zina has just 4 rooms. Beate Prinz entirely renovated in 1998, this charming hotel now offers all the modern comforts of a luxury hotel within the original architecture and style of a traditional Moroccan home.
Riad Mehdi this hotel group member from the collection of harmony and is well known for its spa, Les Bains de Marrakech. The rooms of this boutique hotel is on the small side, being situated in a traditional home of the riad, but are supplied and are comfortably air conditioned. The rooms are more spacious and some have a romantic bed imperial bed, sunken tub and a private area of the terrace.
Riad Edward was the former home of the Alaoui family was close relatives of the rules of Marrakesh. The Moroccan influence is preserved in this boutique hotel was completely modernized. The beautiful ceiling "tatoui" the local colorful tilework, ornate carved doors and many local artifacts adorn the halls and guest rooms.
Dar Al Kounouz barely managed riad 6 bedrooms in this home-style traditional Moroccan Dar Al Kounouz is a true boutique hotel. Once part of the king, took six years to turn 130 years old riad in the comfortable boutique hotel it is today. The thoughtful service at the Dar Al Kounouz is absolutely incomparable to any other boutique hotel in Marrakesh. Coffee is served in thermos jugs and ice buckets are carefully bottled mineral water. Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly brothers who welcome guests warmly.
Alex Brey Luxique co-founded and has had a passion for travel for over 20 years. So much so, he convinced others to join him in his quest to create a travel documentary that highlighted some of the world's finest destinations. During an almost three years, he managed to remain in some exceptional luxury hotels, soak up some vibrant cultures and enjoy some of the world's finest kitchens. He realized that the decision making process to plan the perfect trip - from choosing the destination to get the right room - it was something that could be improved. And so came the birth of Luxique, the website that caters to the discerning traveler.
