Riad les Orangers d’Alilia Marrakech

Even before walking through Riad les Orangers d'Alilia Marrakech's carved wooden door, guests are greeted with the fragrance of orange trees that grow on the property. This historic riad, with the signature central courtyard and water feature, has been restored with breezy, modern decor. The shaded tiled courtyard is filled with white wooden and rattan furniture, iron lanterns, and natural wood tree ornaments. An indoor lounge off the courtyard has, like the rest of the hotel, a white and cream color scheme, and is outfitted with simple, modern furnishings, including a large mirror, bookshelves, low sofas, and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player for guests to use. There's another shaded lounge area off the courtyard, as well as a sunny rooftop terrace with umbrella-shaded loungers, more orange trees, and a shaded dining area with large rattan lanterns. With only five suites, the riad is quiet and serene at all hours, although guests -- discerning European couples, families, friends, and groups, for the most part -- socialize over breakfast and in the lounge areas.

Riad les Orangers d'Alilia Marrakech is located on a quiet cobbled street near the edge of Marrakech's historic, pedestrian-only Medina, in a pretty area away from the hustle and bustle of the center. Jemaa El-Fna square is a picturesque 20-minute walk away, and Bahia Palace is just under 20-minutes away on foot. Other sights are closer; the Saadian Tombs, for example, are a five-minute walk. Thanks to the hotel's location, there's parking just around the corner, and the staff will come meet guests and help out with carrying bags. They'll also offer guests information on which areas to avoid and which areas are safe. Car, scooter, and bike rental can all be arranged through the hotel. The airport is a 10-minute drive away; the hotel can arrange transfers upon request.

The five suites at Riad les Orangers d'Alilia Marrakech are each individually designed with Moroccan-inflected modern decor in a soothing white color palette. Unlike at many restored riads, the rooms here are simple, accentuating the detail of the tiled floors and carved walls rather than adding heavy textiles and artwork. All rooms have double beds -- although, in some, they're two single beds pushed together -- and an either indoor or outdoor sitting area; second-floor rooms have furnished balconies overlooking the interior courtyard, while ground-floor rooms open onto the courtyard. Bathrooms are similarly simple, with modern chrome fixtures, walk-in rainfall showers, and carved windows for ventilation. Note that none have a solid door between the bathroom and bedroom. All rooms have air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Like most riads, Riad les Orangers d'Alilia Marrakech's most impressive feature is the building itself, with its many comfortable spaces where guests can relax with a good book or cup of mint tea. Unlike most riads, this one doesn't have a plunge pool or hammam. A homemade breakfast with pastries and cakes (included in the rate) is served each morning on the rooftop terrace, in the courtyard, or in guest rooms. Authentic Moroccan meals prepared with market-fresh ingredients can be served for lunch and dinner upon request, with advanced notice. There are a flat-screen TV and DVD player in the courtyard lounge, and spa treatments can be arranged at the spa next door. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.