RIADRIADRIADRIADand candles mark the way to chandelier-lit salons and roof terraces, where celebrity chefs,
noted authors and fellow travellers chat over seasonal cocktails and creative canapés. Brothers
Peter and Lawrence and manager Aziz offer valuable antiques advice and cultural insights
(Peter holds a PhD in kasbah history), and arrange restorative massages, traditional beauty
treatments and eco-adventures.
Riad el Borj $$
Offline map Google map ( 0524 39 12 23; www.riadelborj.com; 63 Derb Moulay Abdelkader;d/ste Dh950/1560; ) Once this was Grand Vizier Madani Glaoui’s lookout, but now you
can lord it over the neighbours in the suite with original zellij, double-height ceilings and sky-lit
tub, or the tower hideaway with a private terrace. Loaf by the pool in the ‘Berber annex’, let off
steam in the hammam, watch DVDs in the salon or take advantage of mountain excursions. A
babysitting service is available, and Djemaa el-Fna is just around the corner.
Dar Attajmil $$
Offline map Google map ( 0524 42 69 66; www.darattajmil.com; 23 Rue Laksour; d inclbreakfast Dh880-1100; ) This riad is rosy and relaxed, and you will be too after a few days
within these Marrakshi pink tadelakt walls near the heart of the souqs. Lucrezia and her
attentive staff offer a warm welcome and an even warmer rooftop hammam, plus Moroccan-
Italian dinners, cooking classes, tadelakt workshops, music concerts, Arabic calligraphy lessons
and Essaouira escapes.
Riad Eden $
Offline map Google map ( 0672 04 69 10; www.riadeden-marrakech.com; 25 Derb Jdid; d incl
breakfast Dh500-1000; ) Generous cooks, a homey living room and energetic young
French family owners make the Eden, off Rue Riad Zitoun el-Kedim, a magnetic, sociable spot.
Pull up a chair in the air-conditioned kitchen and watch culinary magic happen. Families prefer
the spacious Cannelle room, while couples snag the snug, rooftop Orange room; all rooms are
air-conditioned except the naturally cool, ground-floor Berber room.
Riad Magellan $$
Offline map Google map ( 0661 08 20 42; www.riadmagellan.com; 62 Derb el Hammam,Mouassine; d incl breakfast Dh770-990) The long and winding derb leads to your door at this
hip hideaway behind the Mouassine Fountain. English-speaking French owner Philippe has
anticipated every world explorer’s needs: tadelakt hot tub on the terrace, multilingual library
stocked with Tintin adventures in the fireplace salon, and deep-tissue massages to soothe
away economy-airfare kinks. Antique globes, steamer trunks and rocking chairs add retro flair
to sleek tadelakt guest rooms strewn with rose petals.
TOP TIPS FOR RIAD BARGAINS
» » Avoid major European holidays Especially avoid Christmas to New Year, Easter/Passover, and the end of April/first week
of May. Low season is summer (mid-June to August) and winter (mid-January to mid-March). Mid-season rates cover most of