15 Derb Zaari, Medina, Marrakech, Morocco | (618) 248-8274
Warm and
welcoming traditionally styled riad
Set in the heart
of the ancient medina, within a two-minute walk of the main souks and Djemaa el Fna square
Charming, individually decorated rooms
Rooftop terrace overlooking
Djemaa el Fna
Moroccan breakfast included in rate
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
No hammam or plunge pool
Rooms are on the small side
Riad Andalla is a
mid-range riad-style guesthouse featuring beautiful traditionally styled
interiors. It's in a prime location -- smack in the center of the medina -- with Djemaa el Fna square and the main souks within a two-minute walk. The hotel's lovely rooftop terrace even
overlooks this bustling square, and the night view is spectacular. The eight air-conditioned rooms, including two suites, are tastefully decorated, though a bit on the small side. There's no on-site hammam or plunge pool, but Riad Andalla, with its fireplace lounge and ornate courtyard, offers a cozy, traditional-style accommodation at exceptionally low rates.
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Scene
Lavishly decorated traditional riad with a warm, homey ambience
At the end of a narrow pastel-pink medina alleyway, a
typical studded wooden door leads into the secluded Riad Andalla. Like most
riad properties, Riad Andalla has been lovingly renovated to recreate an
18th-century Moroccan home -- in this case with unbridled enthusiasm. Starting
in the ground-floor patio, there's an almost dizzying array of geometric
detailing in the form of superb "zellige" tiling, traditional patterned rugs, and intricately carved cedar-wood paneling. A
centerpiece fountain is strewn with rose petals, and the open-ceilinged courtyard
stretches up past lovely wrought-iron balconies. There's little
plant life beyond vases of freshly cut flowers, though the busy interiors and
furnishings give the place a genuinely homey and authentic ambience. Steps lead up two levels to the lovely rooftop terrace, which is full of potted herbs
and shrubbery, superb "bejmat" floor tiling, a wooden pergola, and impressive views
of the Djemaa el Fna
square. Owner Christophe provides a warm welcome to guests, and he's
particularly helpful in providing all the information needed to navigate the
labyrinthian surroundings.
Location
Set in the heart of the medina quarter, two minutes from Djemaa el Fna
The hotel has a
particularly prime location in the heart of the medina -- an 11th-century
UNESCO recognized quarter awash with bustling souks -- though it still feels
peaceful and secluded inside. The famous Djemaa el Fna square -- full of snake-charmers,
fortune-tellers, orange juice vendors, and nighttime food stalls -- is two minutes away on foot, and most of the major medina sights are within walking distance. There is no direct car access to Riad
Andalla, but taxi ranks can be found
on the south side of Djemaa
el Fna. From here, Marrakech
Menara Airport is about a 15-minute drive (alternatively the hotel has an airport
shuttle service for a fee -- which is recommended when first arriving).
Rooms
Distinctive and individually styled rooms with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi
There are eight rooms at the Riad Andalla are on the smaller side, but each is individually decorated and genuinely distinct, from
Berber-styling with warm terra-cotta tones to vibrant colored "tadelakt" walls to fresh blue-and-white "zellige" tiling with intricately carved
plasterwork. As in most riad-style accommodations, there are no in-room TVs or minibars, but rooms are air-conditioned, well-maintained, and come with free Wi-Fi. One of the Suites offers views of the Koutoubia Mosque, while other rooms overlook the courtyard fountain.
Features
Excellent breakfast overlooking Djemaa el Fna -- but no spa facilities
There's no hammam or plunge pool here, but guests are treated to an excellent Moroccan breakfast each morning, which is included in the room rate and can be taken on the
rooftop terrace when the weather is warm, and dinner is also available if
booked in advance. In addition to the roof garden with superb views
over Djemaa el Fna, there's also a couple of snug lounges with plush seating, one with a fireplace, which is welcome during the cooler months.
