Riad Africa, Marrakech

rooms

Choose from 16 rooms, all decorated in vibrant reds and oranges, with traditional tiled flooring, handmade rugs and stone basins. Families have a good range of options. Three rooms (Casablanca, Lalibela and Ruaha) sleep a family of four, and there are several triple rooms as well as two pairs of interconnecting rooms (Casablanca/Zambezi and Ruaha/Selous) that can sleep either six or eight guests.

A family of five would be well-suited in the Lalibela family suite, which offers greater privacy and a separate staircase leading to the roof terrace. At 37 square metres, it’s the largest room in the hotel, comprising a master bedroom (with a four-poster bed), living room and two bathrooms, and offering guests the option of adding three extra beds.

facilities & activities

There is a good array of amenities on site, including two pools (one heated), parking, free WiFi and a compact library. A small spa will open its doors before Christmas 2017, along with a rooftop restaurant. The hotel already has a wonderful 300 square metre roof garden, featuring citadel tents, lemon trees and sweeping views of the Djemaa el Fna, Koutoubia and the High Atlas Mountains.

The hotel works with a local henna artist for guests wishing to try the natural body art (costing between 100-600 dirhams depending on design), and spa treatments, including argan oil massage and hammam, are available at the Mythic Oriental Spa. Optional activities include walking tours of the medina, camel safaris, quad biking and hot air balloon rides, available at a supplement.

dining

The snug Ashanti Restaurant can seat up to 16 guests in a traditional douriya courtyard, complete with a fountain. Breakfast is included in the room rate. Served between 8-10.30am, it comprises everything from pastries to cooked-to-order eggs and Berber breakfast tagine. Mint tea is available on request throughout the day, free of charge.

The Conakry salon is located opposite the main pool. Decorated in opulent reds and featuring low seating and sub-Saharan African carved masks on the walls, it’s an ideal place for a relaxing beverage or bite to eat.

Food is locally sourced where possible and the dinner menu features everything from lamb tagine and Moroccan-style grilled chicken to crepe a l’orange and creme caramel. A four-course dinner costs 200 dirhams. Latifa, the chef, prepares lighter options for lunch, including omelettes (from 50 dirhams) and sandwiches (from 55 dirhams). A children’s menu offers firm favourites such as spaghetti bolognese, roast chicken and cheese burgers. 

family

Families are well catered for here. There are a number of triple, quad and interconnecting rooms (sleeping up to eight), as well as a family suite that sleeps up to five people. Children are welcome in the main plunge pool, and the restaurant features a children’s menu. Cots, high chairs and child car seats are also available on request.

location

This hotel boasts a stellar location close to the city’s ancient medina, offering both easy access to top sights without compromising on its relaxed environment. The famed Jemaa el-Fna square is just a five-minute walk away, while a taxi rank sits 200 metres from the hotel.

Access from the Menara International Airport takes approximately 15 minutes by road, with taxis readily available, while Marrakech Rail Station lies 9km west of the hotel. Riad Africa can also organise airport transfers, which cost 225 dirhams (£46) for up to six guests.