Riad Rafaële

Riad Rafaele is a small boutique hotel hidden behind the facade of an old weathered building. Through the entrance, guests enter into a tiled courtyard filled with trees and plants, a fountain overflowing with flowers, and iron seating with cozy padding. This is where a small pool is open during the summer, though it looks more like a large pond. Look up, and you’ll find a clear covering high above the atrium and intricately designed wood railings and outdoor hallways that lead to the rooms of the different floors. Off the courtyard, through columns are small enclaves filled with red cozy seating topped with pillows and reading materials. While the courtyard is the loveliest of outdoor spaces, there’s also a rooftop solarium with some potted plants and rooftop views of Marrakesh. Be aware that a cat lives on-site which could be a con for those with allergies. While the spaces are lovely, it’s not upscale by any means, and some areas appear weathered. Couples and groups of friends are the primary guests. 

One of the highlights of Riad Rafaele is its central location in the ancient city of Marrakesh. It’s only a 15-minute walk to the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa market. Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace take 24 minutes on foot to reach. Surrounding streets are filled with restaurants and shops. Marrakesh Menara Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Rooms here are certainly colorful with a traditional style that blends Moroccan and French influences into each unit. While the rooms are in fairly good shape, there is some wear and tear to the furniture and in the bathrooms. The overall vibe is Moroccan, with colorful drapery and bedding, printed rugs, and lovely hand painted vases and decorative elements. However, the hodgepodge of artwork and portraits on the wall feel a bit more classical in design than the rest of the decor. Amenities are severely limited here as rooms only include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and safes. Suites have minibars, but beyond that, they all lack coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs -- which is pretty common in a riad. The tasseled lamps and blue painted vessel sinks in the bathrooms are lovely, but the showers are not separate from the rest of the room and there’s a bit of grime in the corners. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. 

Guests might feel a little nickled and dimed at Riad Rafaele, as many amenities come with a fee. About the only free things are the Wi-Fi, a rooftop solarium with loungers, and a small pool that’s open seasonally. A breakfast buffet is offered in the mornings for a fee and the meal includes pastries, Moroccan pancakes, yogurt, and fruit. Though there’s not really a full restaurant on-site, a Moroccan dinner can be reserved for a fee or included in a half-board package. To relax, the hotel has a hammam and massages upon request, both of which incur charges. As rooms are not equipped with TVs, the hotel provides a flat-screen TV and DVD player in a living room. Guides, excursions, transfers, and cars can be arranged by the hotel for a fee.