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
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 4 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Staff were all fantastic, they have had to make a huge effort to overcome all the post earthquake damage. The first week of December seems a really good time to travel to Marrakesh - cold or cool at night but sunny in the day. The self catering accommodation that we stayed in, was fabulous and only a very short walk to the main Riad. Don't be put off by the bare looking side street, there's an oasis behind the front door!
We loved our time here and wished we could have stayed longer. The staff were incredibly friendly, kind and helpful and we were taken care of from the moment we stepped out of the airport. Arriving at the main Riad on an unusually wet evening, we were greeted by a lovely log fire and a delicious meal! Our house was just round the corner and it was very comfortable and beautiful - gorgeous tiles, a carved ceiling in the main bedroom and many other delightful details. The roof terrace was a lovely place to sit and soak up the views of the rooftops and the Atlas Mountains in the distance. We also thoroughly enjoyed our breakfast on the main Riad roof terrace each morning. Marrakech was an exciting and enthralling city to visit and through two fascinating tours - a day trip to the Agafay desert and into the Atlas Mountains, and a walking tour with Najet, a very interesting and knowledgeable guide - we felt like we were on a wonderful adventure. We very much hope to return.
Outstanding customer service, especially from Aziz on the front desk. Great breakfast on the roof terrace and the Hideaway was very well equipped and tastefully furnished. Loved Casablanca film on the back wall of the road our first night. Great location for seeing the Medina. Transfers professionally handled. Great supper our first night. Nice toiletries too. And a stunning photo in our sitting room of an Arab girl form 1926
We stayed in the house rather than in the Riad as we were travelling with two young children. Having the extra space for us was perfect and I would recommend the set up for anyone else travelling with children. Although note ours are 7yrs and 5yrs and they were fine on the stairs which was steep so think twice with toddlers. We were able to use all of the facilities at the Riad and had breakfast each morning on their sunny roof terrace. Breakfasts were fantastic and plenty of choice. The service was first class. A seamless airport transfer was arranged for us and each day they were happy to suggest an itinerary if you wanted any suggestions. All the staff were SO kind and accommodating to our two children it made their trip - that and the resident tortoise called Valentino that our children happily fed for hours! The small pool area is very cute but as we travelled in April the pool water was v cool! Would highly recommend and would not hesitate to return.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape