Unbelievable Riad in Marrakech: Your Moroccan Dream Awaits!
Unbelievable Riad in Marrakech: Your Moroccan Dream…Maybe? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, so, "Unbelievable Riad in Marrakech: Your Moroccan Dream Awaits!" That's what they say. And, listen, it's Marrakech. Everything is hyped. So, I went in with a healthy dose of skepticism… which, let me tell you, is always a good idea. But, honestly? Mostly, it was unbelievable. In a good way. Mostly. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is gonna be…unfiltered.
Accessibility & The Whole "Getting Around" Thing:
Alright, so first up, the accessibility. This is where things got… tricky. Accessibility and Marrakech aren't exactly best friends. The riad does claim to have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge point in its favor. I didn't personally need them, thank goodness, but the uneven cobblestones, narrow alleyways of the medina, and generally bustling chaos of Marrakech can be a nightmare for anyone with mobility issues. They also tout Elevator, which is huge. So, while Marrakech itself isn't a breeze, the riad seems to make an effort. Check with them directly to confirm the specific features and if they fit your needs. Also, for getting to them, they offer Airport transfer (a godsend, trust me) Taxi service, and Valet parking on-site. Car park [free of charge] is a HUGE bonus if you're driving yourself (and brave enough!). And they have Car park [on-site], too. You could probably get around with their help and some careful planning.
Rooms: My Little Oasis… with a Few Hiccups
Now, the rooms themselves. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Okay, breathe. That's a lot. My room? Magical. Absolutely magical. Think romantic, draped fabrics, intricate tilework (I may or may not have taken a picture of the mosaic in my bathroom… several, actually), and a king-sized bed so comfy I almost didn't leave. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those long days in the souks. But… and there's always a but, isn't there? The Wi-Fi was…spotty. Internet access – wireless was more like intermittent access. And sometimes I had to go to the public area to use it. Internet access – LAN? Didn't even bother. Seriously, this is a first-world problem, I know, but when you need to be connected, it's frustrating. And one morning, the complimentary tea tasted suspiciously like yesterday's tea. But overall? Loved my room. Loved it. Oh, also, they had non-smoking rooms, which is a big win! And additional toilet, so if your partner uses the other, you are good to go.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! (And Happy Hour!)
Food in Morocco is a highlight, and this riad mostly delivered. They have Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], which is awesome. 24-hour room service! Score! I definitely took advantage of that more than once after a long day of haggling. The Asian breakfast was good, as I was feeling adventurous, but I found myself sticking with the Western breakfast or the Breakfast [buffet]. The A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement was great for anyone who couldn’t eat anything, and Vegetarian restaurant was a solid choice. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a good option, but nothing compared to the authentic Moroccan food. However, it was the Poolside bar that I really loved and appreciated, as I'm one of those drinkers who loves to keep it at the pool. Especially the Happy hour!!!
Ways to Relax (or Try To!):
Okay, this is where the "Unbelievable" really kicked in. They boast a Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool [outdoor], Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage. Yes, all of that. I mean, seriously, this riad is designed for maximum chill. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was gorgeous, and the Pool with view was stunning, perfect for a lazy afternoon sipping mint tea. The Spa? Oh, the spa. I indulged in a massage. A real massage. One of those ones where you close your eyes and just… melt. I'm pretty sure I drooled. It was that good. The Sauna and Steamroom were an added bonus. Did I say I drooled? I may also have fallen asleep and snored through parts of my massage, but hey, I was relaxed. The Gym/fitness area looked… intimidating. Sorry, I didn't actually try the gym. I was too busy eating tagine and getting massages.
Cleanliness and Safety - Can You Trust Them?
Absolutely. This is important. In the current climate, you want to know. Cleanliness and safety are a huge priority. They clearly take this seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I felt safe. Really safe. They had Doctor/nurse on call if you needed it, and First aid kit. I observed most of the time that Staff trained in safety protocol were consistently enforcing the rules. Felt great! Also, for the paranoid (like me), they had Safe dining setup which kept me feeling good.
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
They have a lot. I'll list a few I noticed and appreciated - Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace. The Concierge was incredibly helpful, booking tours, recommending restaurants (definitely take their suggestions!), and just generally making life easier. That Daily housekeeping? Heavenly. Coming back to a clean room after a day in the souks is absolute bliss. The Laundry service was also a lifesaver, especially after all that sweating (and sometimes, dirt). Invoice provided. Easy.
For the Kids - Family Friendly?
They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't have any kids with me, but it seemed like a great place for families.
Internet - The Whole Picture
As I said before, the Internet access – wireless sometimes lagged. Which is a problem. However, for special things and to make sure you don't forget the important things, Wi-Fi for special events is available.
Things to Do - Beyond the Pool
Okay, so you've got the spa, you've got the pool, you've got the amazing food. But what about outside the riad? They offer **Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Indoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Shrine. And they have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property. You could arrange basically anything there.
Security and Features
They have CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain (if you are into that), Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
The Verdict: Would I Recommend It?
Yes, absolutely. Despite the spotty Wi-Fi (seriously, fix
Cebu's Dreamiest Ocean View: Dalaguete Seaview Mansion Apartment!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is my attempt at surviving, thriving, and possibly slightly losing my mind in Riad N'S, Marrakech. Prepare for chaos, delight, and a healthy dose of "What the actual f*ck?"
Riad N'S Marrakech: My Moroccan Mayhem - An Itinerary (Sort Of)
Day 1: Arrival & Dazed Delights (Plus a Side of Mild Panic)
- Morning (Early! Like, before the sun even bothers getting up): Arrived at Menara Airport. The first "OMG, I'm in Morocco!" moment was quickly replaced by "OMG, where's my damn luggage?!" Seriously, the baggage carousel was a vortex of confusion and a few sad-looking stray sandals. Finally, victory! Found my bag, escaped the airport sharks (taxi drivers – they're persistent!), and hopped in a cab. The drive into the Medina was a sensory overload… scooters weaving, donkeys carting, and enough dust to coat a small planet.
- Afternoon (Around Lunchtime): Arrived at Riad N'S. The photos? Lies! Beautiful, glorious lies! The riad is even MORE stunning in person. The courtyard, a tranquil oasis… a promise of peace after the airport chaos. Quickly checked into my room (which, by the way, smelled faintly of roses and something I couldn't identify, but liked).
- Late Afternoon: A Wandering & A Wandering (and My First Tagine!)
I tried, oh, how I tried, to stick to a plan. I envisioned myself, a sophisticated traveler, mapping out the souks with a steely gaze. Instead, I wandered. Lost. Found. Lost again. The souks are pure, unadulterated chaos. Vendors calling out, spices piled high, the smell of leather, the haggling… It's intoxicating and exhausting all at once. Found a charming little stall and ordered a tagine (chicken with preserved lemons and olives - to die for!). The owner, a man with a twinkle in his eye, kept trying to sell me a carpet. I nearly caved.
- Emotional Reaction: This first wandering? Utterly terrifying at first. My immediate thought was, "I'm going to get lost and never be seen again!" Once I surrendered to the chaos, it became wildly entertaining.
- Evening (Sunset & Sundowners): Had a rooftop drink at Riad N'S. The sunset over Marrakech was breathtaking. Seriously. Like, speechless-making beautiful. The only thing marring the moment? That bloody mosquito that seemed determined to eat me alive.
- Quirky Observation: Seriously, how do the cats in Marrakech survive? They're skinny, they sleep everywhere, and they seem completely unfazed by the scooters and the chaos.
- Imperfection: Didn't get the promised "introduction to the Medina" tour the staff provided. They were busy, I was distracted… It's fine, I'll wing it
Day 2: The Hammam & the Haggling Humiliation (aka, My Ego Took a Beating)
- Morning: Hammam time! Okay, so I'm not exactly a fan of being completely naked in front of a stranger. But… the hammam at Riad N'S was amazing. The steam, the scrubbing, the massage… pure bliss. Left feeling like a new person. (At a price of my modesty).
- Doubling Down on the Experience: The hammam massage… okay, let's be honest, I didn't realize how much stuff had been accumulating on my skin. The scrubbing was intense (and occasionally a little painful), but seriously… the aftermath was beyond belief. My skin felt soft like a baby. For the next 24hrs, I kept touching myself.
- Afternoon (and the Haggling Debacle): The souks, again! This time, armed with a bit more confidence (and a terrible grasp of the local currency exchange rates). I wanted a rug. I found the rug. I haggled. I thought I was doing well. I was not. I ended up paying way, way too much. The vendor, a smiling fox, probably made enough to buy a small island. Now my bank account is crying.
- Emotional Reaction: The haggling experience? Humiliating. I felt like a complete idiot. But, hey, at least I have a gorgeous (and outrageously expensive) rug to remember my folly by. That vendor? Brilliant! I'm still trying to figure out his tactics!
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant in the Medina. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was magical. The entire evening was lovely until I realized I was a few hours late to my planned date.
- Messier Structure: I don't feel bad about it; the whole day was a jumble of experiences that didn't really go as I'd planned. Even when things went wrong, I loved it!.
- Late Evening: Back at the riad. Bedtime.
Day 3: Jardin Majorelle & the Snake Charmer of Doubts
- Morning: Jardin Majorelle. Beautiful. Seriously, the color blue just explodes in your face. It's a visual feast and a welcome escape from the souk craziness. Yves Saint Laurent's former garden is a must-see.
- Afternoon: Back in the Medina… I saw a snake charmer. The snake was, frankly, a bit pathetic-looking (probably also exhausted by the crowds). I felt a pang of guilt for the snake. I did, however, take a photo. (Sorry, snake).
- Rambling on the Emotional: The snake charmer incident? It was a moment of cognitive dissonance. On one hand, it's a tourist trap. On the other… I'm a tourist. I did feel a bit sorry for the snake. It was probably exhausted.
- Evening: Cooking class at Riad N'S (finally! I thought they'd forget me!). Learnt to make tagine and couscous. I burned the onions. But, hey, the end result was still edible.
- Late Evening: More tagine and a good book. I am seriously addicted to rooftop views.
Day 4: Departure & the Sadness of Saying Goodbye (and Definitely Buying More Spices)
- Morning: Last wander through the souks. Buying more spices. Because you can never have enough spices. And tea glasses. And maybe a few more rugs… (Nope. Budget is shot).
- Afternoon: Time to check out. Saying goodbye to the riad staff. The staff were so helpful and kind. The riad felt like a home.
- Late Afternoon: Head to the airport. Last-minute bag check, more airport sharks, more goodbyes.
- Evening: Take off. Sad and happy with my trip.
- Quirky Observation: The best souvenirs aren't just things, they're the stories and the smells you bring home with you.
- Final Rambling: Morocco. It’s a sensory assault. It’s a constant negotiation. It’s beautiful. It’s frustrating. It’s a place that will stick with you long after you've left. The thing that will stick the most? My ridiculously expensive rug. And the fact that I'll be back. Soon. Because, despite the chaos and the haggling humiliations, Marrakech has a way of getting under your skin. Morocco is so many things, so many memories. Farewell, until next time.
Unbelievable Riad in Marrakech: Your Moroccan Dream (Maybe?) Frequently Asked Questions (and Random Rants!)
Okay, first things first: Is this Riad *really* as "unbelievable" as you say? 'Cause, you know, Instagram lies practically live here...
Alright, alright, pump the brakes on the hyperbole just a *smidge*. Unbelievable? Well, it depends on your definition. It's *damn* impressive, that's for sure. Think… Instagram-worthy courtyards overflowing with bougainvillea (yes, seriously, the stuff is everywhere and it’s beautiful in a slightly overwhelming way), intricate tilework that’ll make you want to lick the walls (don't), and a rooftop terrace where you’ll swear you're a queen/king. But...and there's always a but, isn't there? The "unbelievable" part also included a rogue gecko that absolutely *terrified* me one night (he was just minding his own business, I’m sure, but I shrieked like a banshee), and the occasional plumbing mishap. So, yeah, maybe "mostly unbelievable" is a more accurate description.
What’s the deal with the location? Is it easy to get around? And more importantly, is it safe?
Location, location, location! This Riad’s in the heart of the Medina, which is both amazing and potentially terrifying, depending on your comfort level with chaos. Getting around is a *bit* of an adventure. Forget Google Maps. You'll be navigating a maze of narrow alleyways, dodging motorbikes that seem to materialize out of thin air (seriously, where *do* they come from?), and haggling with the overly-friendly donkey cart drivers. And yes, I did get lost. Repeatedly. But that’s part of the charm (sort of).
Safety? I felt generally safe. The Riad itself has locked doors and seemed secure. But the Medina at night… let's just say I stuck close to the Riad after dark. Trust your gut, and be aware of your surroundings. Don't flash expensive jewelry, and be prepared to politely but firmly decline persistent vendors, or you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a human swarm of sales shark (and, oh my god, the snake charmers…)
The pictures look gorgeous! Is the reality the same? What about the rooms?
The pictures *are* gorgeous. Seriously stunning. And yes, much of the reality lives up to the hype. My room was a riot of color (maybe a *little* too much sometimes) with a ridiculously comfortable bed and a bathroom that felt more like a miniature hammam (minus the steam and the…scrubbing). BUT… and here's another (slightly embarrassing) confession: the air conditioning was a bit wonky in the first two days, and one of the decorative tiles in the bathroom (gorgeous, hand-painted, mind you) had a very mysterious crack. Not a deal-breaker, but evidence that, you know, real life doesn't always play out perfectly.
My partner, bless his heart, tried to fix it, but he's got less plumbing experience than a goldfish.
How's the food? I'm obsessed with Moroccan food!
Oh. My. God. The food. The food is basically a religious experience. Breakfast was a daily ritual of fresh-squeezed orange juice (seriously, the best orange juice *ever*), flaky pastries, yogurt with honey and nuts, and strong, sweet mint tea. Dinner? The Riad offered amazing home-cooked meals. Tagines bursting with flavor, couscous that was light as a feather, and the most tender lamb I've ever tasted. I’M drooling just thinking about it. The staff were incredibly helpful, especially when I tried (and failed miserably) to replicate their tagine recipe. I ended up with something vaguely resembling a culinary catastrophe, but hey, at least I tried!
What about the staff? Are they friendly and helpful?
The staff is a complete and utter delight. Seriously, they made the trip. From the moment you arrive, they're all smiles and helpfulness. They'll help you with anything – booking excursions, giving directions (even if those directions lead to another adventure in getting lost!), offering recommendations, and just generally making you feel completely welcome. I even attempted to learn a few phrases in Arabic, which resulted in a lot of laughter (mostly at my expense) and ultimately an even stronger feeling of connection. One of the guys working there, *Abdel*, was an absolute legend – he literally rescued me from a particularly aggressive merchant who *wouldn't* take "no" for an answer.
Okay, the hammam! Tell me *everything*!
Ah, the hammam. Prepare for an experience that is simultaneously incredible and slightly… embarrassing. The Riad offers their own private hammam, which is a *highly* recommended splurge. First, you are wrapped in a fluffy robe (thank god!). Then, you're led into a steamy chamber. You lie down on a heated marble slab while someone covered you in black soap. Then, the scrubbing begins. It's… intense. They use a *kessa* (a rough mitt) and scrub away every single dead skin cell. It’s invigorating, really. Then, the mud mask and the massage…pure bliss. You emerge feeling cleaner than you've ever felt, and your skin glows. I was so relaxed and completely de-stressed that I could have floated out the door. The only downside? You're completely naked and being scrubbed by a perfect stranger. But hey, when in Rome…or, you know, Marrakech.
Any advice for first-timers in Marrakech? Things you wish you’d known?
Oh, where do I even begin? Okay, here’s the truth: Bring earplugs. The call to prayer is…persistent. Bargain. Seriously, haggle like your life depends on it. Everything – and I mean everything – is negotiable in the souks. Learn a few basic Arabic phrases; it will be appreciated. Don't be afraid to get lost (it’s part of the fun, really, right?). Ladies, be prepared for some unwanted attention (nothing too aggressive, but it's there). And most importantly: Pack light. You'll be doing a LOT of walking. And don't drink the tap water. And finally, get away from the tourist areas, explore the secret gardens, and try to at least *attempt* to embrace the chaos. Marrakech is an assault on the senses, but in the best possible way.
Was there anything *really* bad? Any downsides? Get real with me!
Okay, real talk time. As much as I loved the Riad, it wasn’t perfect. The Wi-Fi wasBook Hotels Now
