Riad Elizabeth

Passing through an unassuming entrance, visitors enter a riad like few others in the medina. The British owner has deviated from the traditional Moroccan-style interiors and opted for a smart, contemporary design. Traditional, intricate geometry and warm terra-cotta tones have been replaced with chessboard checkered tiling, crisp whitewashed walls, and pieces of modern art. Heavy velvet drapes and plush low-profile furnishings exude an air of decadence, while a mirrored black-tile pool occupies most of the ground-floor courtyard. But this riad isn't devoid of local flavor: Filigree lamps, potted palms, and ornate wrought ironwork add Moroccan touches. The rooftop terrace provides plenty of space to relax in the sun or by the lounge's log fireplace in cooler weather. 

The hotel is located among the labyrinthian, cobbled pedestrian streets in the oldest part of the medina, near the Marrakech Museum and the Mederesa Ben Youssef, considered one of the finest examples of Moorish architecture in Morocco. Most of the main tourist attractions of this 11th-century UNESCO-recognized district are within walking distance, with the entrance to the city's famous souks about five minutes away on foot. The lively Djemaa el-Fna square -- full of snake-charmers, fortune-tellers, and orange juice vendors -- is a 15-minute walk from the riad, where guests can also find horse-drawn carts to explore beyond the medina walls. There is no direct car access to the riad, but parking and taxis are less than a five-minute walk away -- an airport transfer organized through the riad is highly recommended. It's about a 15-minute drive to Marrakech Menara Airport.

Like the riad itself, each of the six guest rooms bears a feminine name and the property's chic, black-and-white design. Jet-black doors, cabinets, and bed frames are set off by glossy white walls. Local touches include carved plaster trim and traditional Moroccan hanging lamps, while bathrooms are finished in "tadelakt" polished plasterwork. Typical of riad rooms, there's no TV or telephone, but all have iPod docks, Egyptian cotton sheets, and free Wi-Fi, as well as free mineral water and bath products. All rooms have air-conditioning units and one room, Olivia, features a lovely fireplace. Relatively unusual for a riad, some of the rooms overlook the street and are prone to noise from passing pedestrians and scooters.

Breakfast, which is included in the room rate, includes fresh fruit, yogurt, bread and jams, and a hot item such as Moroccan pancakes or omelets -- usually taken on the rooftop terrace. There's also a small rooftop bar serving alcohol and soft drinks, as well as a few sun loungers. There's a courtyard plunge pool for cooling off. A lounge with comfy seating and a chessboard makes a cozy place to hole up when it's cold out. But there are no hammam facilities. A dinner of Moroccan specialties can also be arranged (in advance), as well as airport transfers.