Riad Noos Noos

The riad is accessed through a gorgeous traditional brass-studded door onto a courtyard lined with Moorish arches and cosy bhous (seating nooks). Meter-thick walls block out street noise and there are plenty of tucked-away alcoves crowded with busts, books, and objets d’art. The space features intricately carved plaster arched porticos and eye-catching bejmat tiled floors. The Arabo-Andalusian courtyards zig-zag with marble tiles bordered with zellij; carved ceilings mirror multi-colored Boujad rugs; and hand-painted Zouak doors frame other comfortable seating areas. The architecture stands out against a desert palette of sand and beige. Watch out for the huge shoe rack of multicolored Moroccan slippers near the front desk. The other main hang out is the sun terrace, which has quirky straw hats with Riad Noos Noos written on them in funky red writing and so many plants that is feels like it could be in the middle of the jungle. Although there are plenty of outdoor spaces, smoking is not allowed. Riad Noos Noos is popular mostly with couples as nearly all of the rooms have double beds -- although there is one room which has two sofa beds that could be suitable for a family.

The medina (old town) is steeped in history and is filled with beautiful old architecture and plenty of monuments, including the Jemaa el Fna Square -- a 10-minute walk away -- where snake charmers, acrobats, and potion peddlers mill about, selling their wares. At sunset, hundreds of chefs and their portable grills spill out under huge white tents and cook up delicious tagines. A Halqa (street theatre) also takes place here nightly. Right by the square are the medina's famous souks, full of traditional handicrafts, cookware, and clothing. 

A five-minute walk from Riad Noos Noos, El Bahia Palace is an ornate and beautiful palace that's been partially taken over by stray cats. The palace is well worth a visit and gives a great impression of what it must have been like to be a 19th century nobleman in Morocco. There's also a nice garden with tranquil courtyards, banana flowers, and other interesting plants.

A 10-minute drive from the riad sits Jardin Majorelle, the former residence of Yves San Laurent. The house is the most beautiful shades of bright blue and yellow and the gardens have a collection of plants from across the globe, including hundreds of cactuses.

The Marrakesh-Menara Airport is a 15-minute drive away and transfers can be arranged through the hotel. 

The nine suites at Noos Noos have Moroccan touches that include lanterns, rugs, and curly metal window grills, but the decor is not excessive and is balanced out against neutral bedding and upholstery. All rooms have air-conditioning and views of the interior courtyard. Rooms are cosy and glow in the soft light of fretwork lanterns. Each room has a distinct color and decor scheme, and all are furnished with large antique beds, sumptuously upholstered ottomans and chairs, inlaid tables and unusual textiles and throws, and some have quirky radios from the 1940s. In some of the rooms, luxe fabrics create a soft, sequestered atmosphere. Bathrooms are stunning, with hammered copper sinks and gorgeously patterned tiles around the basin. The sinks and tubs might be slow to drain, likely due to the medina’s creaky plumbing.

The riad offers a rooftop terrace and can organize cooking and belly dancing lessons. There's a library with a large selection of books and a snooker table. While the riad lacks a plunge pool, there is a beautiful hammam (Turkish bath). Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.

There's an on-site bar and although there's no proper restaurant, the riad can provide Moroccan cuisine on request. The menu of available options is extensive, although what can actually be made will be limited by seasonal availability, and meals are usually are tagine based. A free breakfast is served that includes fruits, yogurts, breads, and jams.