Riad Amssaffah

Like many other riads (houses with central courtyards converted into hotels) in Marrakech's medina, the Riad Amssaffah is situated in an old building with an inconspicuous doorway. Guests are impressed with the traditional Moroccan architecture inside, like intricate plasterwork, tiled floors, painted and carved wood doors and shutters, and inset details. The decor is classic Moroccan and features hanging lanterns, large patterned rugs, and little alcoves with long, low couches packed with cushions. It's obvious, though, that the hotel has seen better days. Wear-and-tear is visible throughout -- well-worn couches, dirty loungers, cracked tiles, wobbly wrought-iron railings, and other maintenance issues are readily apparent. But the price tag matches the digs -- this is one of the lowest priced non-hostels in the medina, making it a reasonable option for budget-minded travelers who manage expectations. Guests should take into account extra fees, however, which may include air-conditioning, housekeeping, breakfast, and a daily per-person city tax.

Riad Amssaffah is situated among the labyrinth of cobblestone pedestrian streets and alleys of the Marrakech medina, which dates back to the 11th-century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historical structures and vendors selling crafts. Plenty of popular sights are within walking distance, including the Marrakech Museum and the Medersa Ben Youssef, both a four-minute walk from the property. Jemaa el Fnaa, a giant, popular square full of orange juice vendors, snake charmers, and other Marrakech must-sees, is a 12-minute walk away, while Bahia Palace and Dar Si Said Museum can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot (though this can take longer -- it's easy to get lost). The Marrakech Railway Station is about a 15-minute drive from here, while Menara International Airport can be reached in around 20 minutes.

Like in most riads, guest rooms are long and narrow, with tiled floors, plaster walls, and intricate trim, ceiling, and inset-wall detailing. Rooms feature Moroccan hanging lanterns, traditional red accent rugs, and painted wood doors, wardrobes, mirrors, and shutters. These architectural and traditional details are the rooms' best features, and there are many detracting downsides. Guests complain of wear-and-tear (broken tiles, cracked windows, etc.) and a serious lack of amenities. While it's common for riads not to have telephones or televisions, these rooms also lack safes and the free Wi-Fi is erratic (some guests find that it only works in a few of the first-floor rooms). The rooms have AC and heat, but these may incur extra fees, and there are occasional complaints about malfunctioning units. Most rooms do have mini-fridges, though. En-suite bathrooms get similarly mixed reviews. Some find them small but basic and functional, while others mention clogged drains, lack of cleanliness, or water pressure/temperature issues. Some guests complain about a lack of towels or even toilet paper (though these can be requested from staff).

Many of the hotel's extra property features are not up to standard at this riad. There's a green and white tiled central courtyard surrounded by little sitting areas, loungers, tables, and a small restaurant and bar, but these spots show wear-and-tear and guests report that the central plunge pool is small, cold, and not well kept. The hotel offers a lunch and dinner menu, limited room service, and a daily breakfast, but breakfast is pretty basic and repetitive (e.g. bread, hardboiled eggs, coffee) and sometimes costs an extra fee. There's also a rooftop terrace with loungers and a table, but, again, guests find this area could be better maintained. Wi-Fi is free, but guests say it's spotty or non-functioning, particularly on upper levels of the hotel. Staff service gets widely mixed reviews, and some guests say they were welcomed to the riad with mint tea. The hotel offers airport transfers and laundry service for extra fees.