29 Derb Sidi Bouamar, Riad Laarouss, Marrakech, Morocco | (618) 248-8274
Within walking distance or a short drive of several historic sites
In a historic nobleman's house, filled with antiques and woodwork
Courtyard has a wading pool and rooftop has a sundeck
Rooms have traditional Moroccan decor and lovely bathrooms
On-site restaurant serves traditional Moroccan dishes
Breakfast with rotation of dishes included in some room rates
Room service available 24 hours a day
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Rooms run small and lack TVs
Bustling Marrakech medina location can be overwhelming
Tucked away in the Marrakech medina, the Riad de la Epoque is an upscale, seven-room riad located in a historic nobleman's house. The renovated interiors are decorated with Moroccan antiques, hand-carved wooden doors and sculpted molding. Rooms are inspired by famous women in history and are lovely and atmospheric, with antique furniture and plenty of dramatic arches. However, they lack TVs and may feel small to some guests. The on-site restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine and breakfast is included in some room rates. There's also a courtyard with a wading pool and a rooftop terrace furnished with lounge chairs for sunbathing. Travelers could also consider Riad Adika, which has similar amenities and antique decor, and often slightly less expensive rates.
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Scene
Old-World nobleman's house renovated into a riad with a traditional style
Once a nobleman's residence, the Riad de la Belle Epoque has an Old-World ambiance that takes inspiration from traditional Moroccan and Art Deco styles. The courtyard is lined with handmade wooden doors and plaster molding carved with Arabic motifs. Near the center of the space is a wading pool that enables guests to cool off and also reduces the temperature of the breeze swirling through the building. The restaurant mixes Art Deco and early-20th century Moroccan decor, making it look almost like a set from "Casablanca." Hammered metal chandeliers give the lobby a magical, otherworldly aura. A roof deck has cafe chairs and tables as well as lounge chairs for sunbathing. Small palm trees and other plants add a homey touch. The style and location are best suited to vacationing couples looking for a getaway near the Marrakech medina.
Location
In the Marrakech medina, near several historic sites
The riad is located in the Marrakech medina, home to stalls filled with spice sellers, craftspeople, and snake charmers. Ambling by the daily clatter may be a bit much for some tourists, but it's also an excellent location for visiting several historic sites. However, public transportation to the hotel isn't available, and most tourists in Marrakech will need to travel by car or taxi. The Jemaa El Fnaa square, an infamous Marakech marketplace, is a 14-minute walk from the riad. The Majorelle Gardens, a 21-minute drive from the hotel, were once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and currently contain the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech. The grand, 16th-century El Badi Palace is a 10-minute drive away, while the Koutoubia Mosque -- the largest mosque in Marrakech with roots dating back to the 12th century -- is only four minutes away by car. The Marrakech Menara Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Rooms
Tiny, quaint rooms decorated with traditional furniture
Guest rooms at the Riad de la Belle Epoque are inspired by great women in history. They sport the names of historic female figures such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, and Coco Chanel, and each room has pictures and a framed biography of the person who inspired it. Rooms are individually decorated. For most, the decor and furniture combine traditional Moroccan and Art Deco design. Headboards are forged out of stained wood and hammered steel. Night tables are carved with intricate shapes. The sculpted crown molding exhibits the curves of Arabic script. While the rooms don't have much space for more than a double bed and a couple of chairs, the furniture has been chosen with a careful eye. Some guests may be disappointed that the rooms don't have TVs. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and their handmade tile-work and copper sinks are more artful than what's found in most hotels. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.
Features
Moroccan restaurant with 24-hour room service, wading pool, and sunbathing deck
The Riad de la Belle Epoque features a popular breakfast included in some room rates, and menu choices change slightly each day. The on-site restaurant also serves traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagines and kebabs, and room service is available 24 hours. The courtyard has a wading pool to get cool in the summer heat, but it's not suitable for lap swimming. There's also a rooftop sun terrace with lounge chairs and cafe chairs and tables. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
