Those who appreciate clever design will love this unique new bolthole in the heart of the Marrakech medina. Its shell is an authentic 3-storey townhouse, but the insides were gutted and completely rebuilt to give a modern take on traditional Moroccan design. A central lightwell floods the one-dark house with natural light, as well as fresh air if you open the sliding glass top. A roof terrace lords it over neighbouring, slightly lower, rooftops. And contemporary tiling and lattice woodwork blends old and new influences beautifully.
Hidden 30 seconds' walk from its sister riad, the offshoot rental is ideal for a couple, 2 couples, or a small family with older kids; there are 2 king or twin ensuite bedrooms. Staying here really is the best of both worlds: you get the privacy and independence of a rental, combined with brilliant service and the perks of the riad. A delicious breakfast served to you on your rooftop. Daily cleaning. Tips for the area. A mobile phone with pre-programmed numbers. And use of the riad's pool for a cooling dip after a morning's haggling.
Highs
- An ideal location in the heart of the medina yet tucked away down a peaceful sidestreet
- Design and decor; we loved the ingenious floor-to-rooftop lightwell and the contemporary-Moroccan styling
- Owner Cyril is a delight
- A great price for all that space and privacy
- A delicious breakfast is included in the rate and served on your rooftop terrace; other meals are available on request
Lows
- Stairs are steep and there are several unprotected drops; not ideal for toddlers, though families with older kids will love it
- No pool but you can use the pool at the nearby sister riad
- Boutique Rental
- 2 bedrooms
- Breakfast + other meals on request
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Laundry Service
Rooms
The house is spread over 3 storeys: an open-plan ground floor, with kitchen and sitting room; a middle floor with 2 ensuite bedrooms, and the top-floor roof terrace, complete with sunloungers and a dining table.
Decor is modern Moroccan: muted greys, blacks and whites, with splashes of colour from bamboo plants and occasional cushions. The kingsize beds are wrapped in crisp white linens; Berber blankets and rugs add a stylish twist. Floors are a feature in themselves - beautifully tiled with chic, geometric patterns. We also loved the traditional-style lattice windows, and the modern wicker basket chairs and headboards.
Bathrooms are separated from their bedroom by a half-wall, and decorated in a modern style with chrome taps and polished concrete shower stalls.
Black-and-white photography and rattan lampshades complete the carefully curated style.
Features include:
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served on your roof terrace (or inside if you prefer) at a time of your choosing. It's delicious: a Franco-Maroc combo of pastries, homemade yoghurt, fruit, cakes and freshly-squeezed orange juice (a Marrakech staple).
Whilst there's a full kitchen in the house, you'll probably prefer to request homemade meals from the sister riad. Their speciality is pastillas, delicious filo-crust pastries layered with meat and eggs and laced with cinnamon, almonds and sugar. But the tagines and terjla are delicious too. Meals will be brought to the house and served to you.
Of course, eating out is one of the main pleasures in Marrakech. Ask Cyril for his top recommendations.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Lunch by arrangement
- Meal delivery service
- Microwave
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- The city's characterful souks are a quick stroll away. Barter for traditional babouche slippers, fragrant spices, hand-stitched pouffes and incredible rugs
- Spend an evening in the vibrant Djemaa el Fna, the mad must-see marketplace with everything from fire-eaters to snake-charmers
- We loved the Jardin Majorelle, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, with an Art Deco blue house, trickling fountains and towering cactuses
- Ask Cyril to arrange a half-day local cooking course; you'll dine on your creations and learn traditional spicing secrets to take home
- Cyril can also arrange city guides for Marrakech, quad biking and hot-air ballooning, or further-afield excursions to Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains or the desert
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
Best Time to go
March, April and May are busy months in Marrakech because of Easter and the clement weather. June is fine but it starts getting very warm, and July and August are extremely hot. September is the coolest and most comfortable of the summer months. October-February is colder, but it's generally sunny.
Our Top Tips
There's a traditional public hammam (bathhouse) next door, which gives a very real insight to local life. Ask for a 'gommage' - a thorough wash from the attendant using a rich, olive oil soap - or buy your own 'sabon beldi' (black soap) and kiis (scrub glove) in the souks beforehand.
Location
The house is in the heart of the medina, in the Mouassine district.
By Air:
Fly into Marrakech (10km) then take a transfer (book in advance) or jump in a taxi.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Marrakech 10.0 km MAR
Other:
- Beach 180.0 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape