Riad Dar Anika

The heavy black doors of the Riad Dar Anika open onto a marble floor entryway with an unassuming front desk tucked into a quiet nook, but just beyond an archetypal Moroccan fantasy blooms in the light-filled courtyard. Tile mosaics, antique furniture, and local handicrafts fill quiet sitting areas under painted arches and balconies, overgrown with potted palms and creeping vines sprouting purple flowers. There are almost endless nooks where well-heeled guests can sip mint tea and listen to the call-to-prayer from nearby mosques. 

Riad Dar Anika is toward the southern end of 11th century medina, not far from the Mellah, the Jewish quarter, with its age-old spice market, where tapestries, jewelry, and metal objects are also sold. It's also within a five-minute walk of Place des Ferblantiers, which has plenty of bars and restaurants that serve alcohol (many places don't in Morocco). A major avenue is right around the corner, allowing for easy transportation and even parking (a rarity within the medina). The Royal Palace, Bahia Palace, Jamaa el Fna, and Dar Si Said Museum,  are all within a 20- to 20-minute walk. Marrakech Menara International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. 

Like most riads, the rooms here don't have TVs, but are instead quiet places to lay one's head away from the hectic streets outside. The 12 rooms are small -- most have just a bed and private bathroom, with guests expected to spend most of their time in the communal courtyard. They're decorated in a traditional style, with rich wooden furniture, local crafts, and brightly patterned textiles. Ornate lamps and chandeliers cast warm light across walls with intricately carved designs. The bathrooms in the smallest rooms have tiny walk-in showers, while larger rooms have shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads.

The pampering begins on arrival with warm towels and rose water to refresh guests from their travel, followed by Moroccan tea, dates, and fresh goat's milk. At check out, local products like argan oil or crafts with the hotel's name on it are handed out as take-home treats. The small courtyard pool is bigger than most found in the medina, and it's heated. There's also a small hammam off the courtyard; guests can arrange for in-room massages and spa treatments. For entertainment, local music and belly dance performances are regular occurrences, and the restaurant has a full (though pricey) bar. The traditional Moroccan breakfast spread with fresh fruit and pastries is free, and all meals are served on the rooftop terrace under Arabian-style tents.