4 Derb Lahbasse, Riad Zitoun, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 708-2081
Typical riad guesthouse with central
courtyard
Medina location
within walking distance of souks
Rooftop terrace
with panoramic views
Clean, simple
rooms with colorful Moroccan touches
Hearty breakfast
included in rate
Cozy lounge with
satellite TV and fireplace
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
No hammam or spa
facilities
MonRiad is a
small, mid-range guesthouse located in the southern end of Marrakech's ancient medina, about a 20-minute walk to the bustling
Djemaa el Fna square, and a five-minute walk to the Bahia Palace. Retaining the style and design of a typical Moroccan house, the white-walled MonRiad is charming but not overly lavish. As in most riads, which are designed around an interior courtyard, rooms are narrow, and decor is colorful but simple. A hearty breakfast is served daily, and a lovely rooftop terrace offers panoramic views.
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Scene
Riad guesthouse with relaxed, intimate ambience
Tucked away at the end of a narrow alley, a wooden door studded
with brass rivets and an "hamsa"
knocker leads into the secluded and colorful interiors of MonRiad. The owner,
Manuela, opened the guesthouse in 2010 and has recreated plenty of the traditional
touches of a typical Moroccan house, from "tedelakt" polished limestone plaster to intricate wrought-iron balconies that rise up
through the quiet courtyard to the rooftop terrace, affording views of the Koutoubia mosque and across the medina. More traditional than lavish, with a few modern
pieces that detract from the "authentic" Moroccan feel, the vibe is unfussy and relaxed, intimate and personal -- like a home.
Location
Situated in the south of the medina about a 20-minute walk to Djemaa el Fna
The hotel is
situated in the Riad Zitoun Jdid area in the south of Marrakech's bustling
Medina quarter -- the 11th-century Old City, parts of which have been recognized by UNESCO. The famous Djemaa el Fna square, with its snake-charmers,
fortune tellers, and orange juice sellers, is about 20 minutes away on foot, and the renowned souks just beyond. MonRiad is closer to the Bahia Palace on the medina's southern end, and the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter and its spice market. As is the case with riads, there
no direct car access to MonRiad, and it's tricky to find. Guests
should organize their arrival in advance with the hotel. An train or airport pickup can
be arranged for a fee -- it's about a 15-minute ride from Marrakech Menara
International Airport.
Rooms
Simple and clean Moroccan-flavored rooms
The hotel has 11 rooms, individually decorated with typical Moroccan touches, such as "tedelakt" plaster walls, traditional hanging lamps, and carved wooden furnishings. While some are relatively sober in decor, others are bursting with color. As part of the riad style, there are no TVs, minibars, or telephones, though rooms are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are large but basic, with hairdryers and minimal toiletries.
Features
Hearty breakfast and rooftop terrace with panoramic views
MonRiad provides
a filling breakfast each morning consisting of various pastries, Moroccan pancakes,
yogurt, and fresh coffee -- all included in the rate. Lunch and dinner can also
be arranged (but needs to be ordered in advance) and can be taken on the
rooftop terrace with lovely views of the surroundings. There's a pleasant, if
small, lounge area with fireplace and satellite TV, as well as a small plunge
pool in the courtyard -- though no hammam or spa facilities. The hotel supports
a female Argan oil production cooperative, which guests can visit on
the way to Essaouria.
