Riad Karmela

The Riad Karmela's interior projects a peaceful air of calm far from the bustling souks that surround this property. On entry, guests are welcomed with mint tea and pastries, and given a map and advice on how to best navigate the city. Renovated in 2009, the property is comprised of two riads whose crisp white-washed walls provide a canvas for lovely carved cedar wood doorways and intricate "zellige"  patterned tiling. One of the area's larger riads, it has three interconnected courtyards, the largest of which features a fountain and plunge pool, four orange trees heavy with fruit, and abundant potted palms. Resident tortoises, Timmy and Tommy, can also be found wandering the grounds, while numerous secluded nooks are filled with local handicrafts and curios, handpicked from the Marrakech flea markets by Joel, the owner. 

The hotel is in the heart of the medina, right in the thick of its boisterous souks. The famous Djemaa el-Fna square -- full of snake-charmers, fortune-tellers, henna tattooers, and the nighttime food stalls -- is within a 10-minute walk, and the Marrakech Museum, the Museum of Photography, and the 14th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa, considered one of the best examples of Moorish architecture in the world, are within a five- to 10-minute walk. As with many medina properties, there is no direct car access and an airport transfer arranged in advance with the riad is highly recommended. 

Riad Karmela's 19 rooms are individually styled with a mix of traditional carved wooden furnishings, colorful fabrics, and varying amounts of Moroccan art and handicrafts. Shuttered windows, terra-cotta herringbone floors, and filigree hanging lanterns also figure in most rooms. Bathrooms are finished in polished "tadelakt" plasterwork with hammered metal basins. But not all rooms have the same level of ornamentation, and some are a bit more basic. As with most riad-style properties, rooms do not have TVs, minibars, or coffeemakers, but they are air-conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi. Junior Suites and two- bedroom apartments are also available for groups or families of up to five people. There have been reports of mustiness in some of the rooms, and rooms on the ground floor off the courtyard can feel less private than those on higher levels. 

Guests are served a daily breakfast of breads, cheeses, cold meats, jams, juices, plus an omelet -- all included in the rate and taken on the rooftop terrace during warmer weather.  A three-course traditional Moroccan dinner menu is also available; it must be requested in advance, as the ingredients are bought the same day -- and it's a bit more expensive (about $6 more) than a similar meal in other riads.  There are several cozy lounges hidden around the property, one of which has a log fireplace. The rooftop terrace is scented with jasmine and has a hot tub that operates during the warmer months. The hotel also has a hammam steam bath with a choice of scented eucalyptus, or argan oil massage treatments.