Riad Kniza

Riad Kniza, which means "little treasure" in Arabic, lives up to its name. The intimate hotel is the product of owner and antiques dealer, Haj Mohamed Bouskri, who restored the riad using traditional materials and local artisans. The result is an authentic Moroccan hideaway with spacious rooms and suites and plenty of inviting, impeccably decorated public spaces and nooks in which to dine or lounge.

With no children under age 12 admitted, the hotel caters to an upscale travelers and romantics looking to stay within the Medina. Guests can explore the nearby sights -- Jema l' Fna square, the souks, and monuments -- and then retreat at the end of their journey to the quietness behind Riad Kniza's walls. While the hotel has just one restaurant, guests are allowed to choose their dining place within the open courtyards lined with Moroccan lanterns or inside one of the cozy salons adorned with jewel-toned Moroccan chandeliers, fireplaces with intricate tile work, cabinets displaying antique pottery, and furnishings covered in rich fabric. The riad also offers a roof terrace with gardens and oversized day beds, a petite spa, and a courtyard pool with a solarium decorated with colorful blue tiles and a green Murano glass chandelier.

The hotel is in the Bab Doukkala quarter in heart of the Medina (old city), surrounded by narrow passageways and close to a local's market. The hotel is not accessible by car, but there is parking nearby (a five-minute walk). The location is not quite in the heart of the historic center, as it's a 20-minute walk to Jemaa el Fna, the main square and marketplace. 

• 15-minute walk to the Koutoubia Mosque
• 15-minute walk to the Museum of Marrakech
• 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk to Jemaa el Fna Square
• 12-minute drive to the Marrakech Menara Airport
• 13-minute drive to the Royal Golf Club
• 2-hour, 15-minute drive to Essaouira
• 2-hour, 15-minute drive to Casablanca

Riad Kniza offers 11 spacious rooms and suites built around three open-air courtyards. Serene and colorful, the rooms are collaboration between old and new with jewel-toned Moroccan chandeliers, fireplaces with intricate tile work, and floor-to-ceiling carved wood headboards that tower over the beds. The rooms also come equipped with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and safes. Rooms are located on the first or second floors of the riad and are classified in four categories distinguished mostly by size. Deluxe and Superior Deluxe rooms offer separate seating areas while the Junior Suites and Suites have separate living rooms. The colors of Morocco -- red, persimmon, gold, and cobalt blue -- feature prominently in the decor. Bathrooms are finished in cream-colored marble with separate tubs and showers with oversized shower heads.

For such an intimate property, Riad Kniza has an impressive array of features, including a courtyard swimming pool with a solarium. It is small, but then so is the hotel -- though it should be noted that it's shaded by the courtyard walls, so it's not a great place to soak up the sun. For that, guests should head to the rooftop terrace with oversized loungers, which is decorated with cacti and potted plants and feels like a serene oasis. Pergolas with curtains and cushioned patio furniture are also on hand here for those who'd like privacy or a break in the shade. Guests can also take (free) breakfast on the terrace, or in their rooms. Lunch and dinner are only available with advance notice, and can be taken in one of the three open-air courtyards or four private salons (three of which have fireplaces). Cooking workshops are available in the hotel kitchen. 

There's also a small spa with sauna, massage room, and hammam. Roundtrip airport transfers are included in the rate.