Hotel Review: Riad Zayane, Marrakech

Although it is well-equipped with modern hotels, arguably the most charming accommodations in Marrakech are to be found in its riads, such as the Riad Zayane. Riads are a traditional style of Moroccan home, named after the courtyard garden ("ryad" in Arabic). Like many styles of urban architecture around the world, riads orient their windows inwards and around the central courtyard, presenting the outside world with solid walls. The result is the exclusion of the chaotic, noisy world of the streets of Marrakech, a virtue which is as relevant to modern Marrakech as it is to the city's medieval past.

Features

The Riad Zayane is a two-story riad with a roof-top terrace, with rooms priced for the mid-range travel budget. The courtyard is furnished with a small pool, and although too small to be properly called a swimming pool, it is just the right size for a refreshing, cooling dip after a day spent out in the arid sun. Adjoining the courtyard is a lounge and a dining room, although meals are more often taken in the courtyard itself. The roof-top terrace serves as a solarium and lounge, and comes equipped with a cold water shower for cooling off.

In keeping with a small, B&B-style establishment, each of the Riad Zayane's five rooms is appointed in their own style, albeit entirely in keeping with a Moroccan aesthetic. The Oasis is the largest of the five, followed by the Africaine and Touareg, all located on the second floor. The Zayane and Warda are on the ground floor, with the Warda being the least desirable of the five rooms, as it has no windows. Many of the furnishings are restored antiques fished out of Souk Khemis, Marrakech's flea market.

Breakfast is included in the bill, and typically consists of local fruit, a variety of bread and pastries, either yogurt or pudding, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and either coffee, English tea and/or "Berber Whiskey," or Moroccan-style mint tea. Dinner is also available through the hotel. While tasty, at 20 euros per meal it is expensive, and is really only worth it as part of a private cooking class.

Location

The one arguable drawback of the Riad Zayane is its location. The hotel is located off a market street outside Bab Boutouil. People who love immersing themselves in the urban life of a developing world city will enjoy making the trip through the crowded hustle and bustle of the vegetable sellers, halal butchers and fishmongers, but for some visitors that transit will become tiring quickly. Furthermore, the Riad Zayane is a full 20-minute walk from the center of the Medina at the main square and the Koutoubia Mosque. Visitors have the choice of either making a 40-minute round trip in the heat and air pollution or haggling over a taxi every time they set out for the day or going out for meals.

However, that drawback must be kept in perspective relative to the city. Only a few hotels are both comfortable and centrally-placed, and for these visitors must pay a premium. Most Riads are set in locations like the Riad Zayane's or in even less convenient areas, while many of the modern hotels are situated outside the Medina entirely. Ergo, anyone staying at a pleasant hotel inside the Medina will face the same locational issues.

Sources: Personal Experience