Riad le Clos des Arts

The Riad le Clos des Arts is a traditional Medina riad, and once guests walk through its carved wooden doors, the noise of the city falls away and a serene, welcoming haven opens. The central courtyard -- lined with traditional Moroccan tilework, of course -- has a bubbling fountain at its center, flanked by plants and a seating area. Both the intimate lobby and the open-air lounge off the courtyard are decorated with ornate traditional carvings and inlaid wood, and filled with beautiful Moroccan furniture. For those lazy, hot hours, the lobby has chess and shisha, which guests can borrow. In mornings and afternoons, guests also lounge on the rooftop terrace, with its pool, umbrella-shaded loungers, and open-air lounge area. With only seven rooms, the riad is never loud or busy, but many guests take advantage of breakfast, dinner, or sleepy afternoons to chat with the knowledgeable Italian hosts, Massimo and Giorgina.

The Riad le Clos des Arts is located amid the winding cobbled (pedestrian-only) streets of Marrakech's Medina, just over five minutes on foot from Jemaa El-Fna square, just around the corner from the Dar Si Said museum, and a five-minute walk from Bahia Palace. As guests cannot drive to the hotel, the hosts will explain where to park or take a taxi to; they'll meet guests there and walk them back to the riad, helping to carry bags. The airport is about 10-to -15 minutes away by car. For nervous travelers, host Massimo will happily describe which areas of the Medina are safe, and which to avoid.

Each of the seven rooms -- four regular rooms and three suites -- at the Riad le Clos des Arts have been individually designed and decorated with Moroccan furniture, artwork, textiles, and carvings, with a sprinkling of modern art and conveniences. Some rooms can have an extra single bed added, and others can offer two single beds instead of one larger one. Each has a cozy sitting area, Egyptian cotton linens, air-conditioning, and a safe. All rooms look onto the interior courtyard, as is traditional in a riad; higher-floor rooms get more sunlight in the daytime. Each bathroom has ornate traditional tilework, a walk-in shower, all-natural toiletries, and bathrobes.

Riads in Marrakech aren't luxury hotels with every facility one could want, but Riad le Clos des Arts surpasses many in its quality. An extensive homemade breakfast -- with items such as Pomegranate yogurt cake -- is included in the room rate and served on the rooftop terrace, in the courtyard salon, or in guest rooms. The rooftop terrace has a small pool and comfortable seating options. Guests are greeted with mint tea and fresh Moroccan pastries upon arrival, and tea is available at any time. The riad's kitchen is known for being exceptional, and many guests choose to eat in several nights of their stay; dinner is only served upon request. While the hotel doesn't offer hammam services and spa treatments, the hosts can make arrangements with reputable operators; similarly, they can help arrange cooking classes, day trips, tours, and anything else guests may want to do. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the riad.