Riad Tamarrakecht

The charming Riad Tamarrakecht is a work of love by hostess Sara, who restored the 18th-century building with colorful Moroccan textiles and decor. The central courtyard is hung with brightly colored gauze, lined with vivid tilework, and filled with ornate, brightly painted furniture. The lounge area off the courtyard, where residents would traditionally retreat at the hottest part of the day, is more subdued, with black-and-white geometric patterns on the furniture and oil paintings on the whitewashed walls. On the plant-lined, tiled rooftop, the vibrant colors come out again, in the maroon walls and on the cushions and padded benches under the atmospheric Berber tent. The rooftop also has wrought-iron patio furniture, where guests can dine, as well as sun-loungers. The hotel tends to attract couples and adventurous solo travelers, some of whom may end up dining together and socializing with the hostess well into the evening.

Riad Tamarrakecht is hidden behind traditional riad walls among the bustling, winding streets of the northeastern part of Marrakech's Medina. The famous Jemaa El-Fna square is about a 15-minute walk away, and the Bahia palace is about 17-minutes away on foot. Hostess Sara will come meet guests to escort them to the hotel, and can explain which areas of the city to avoid, as well as Marrakech etiquette. The riad can arrange for excursions, tours, and car rentals for day trips. The airport is approximately 15- to -20 minutes away by car; the hotel can arrange transfers upon request.

The six rooms at Riad Tamarrakecht are each individually decorated with Moroccan furnishings, artwork, and textiles. Each has its own distinct color theme, including painted ceilings, some of which can be a bit bright. Each room faces the courtyard and has a small sitting area, as well as a colorful, large bathroom with a walk-in rainfall shower. Some of the largest rooms have furnished balconies over the courtyard, where guests can have breakfast. All rooms have air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Like most riads, Riad Tammarakecht offers limited facilities, but makes the most of what it has. The courtyard has a small plunge pool, and the free homemade breakfast and any other traditional Moroccan meals can be served in the courtyard, in guests' rooms, or on the rooftop terrace with its Berber tent. Hammam and other spa treatments can be arranged upon request, but not inside the riad. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.