Frequently Asked Questions
LOCATION: The house is centrally located between two famous ancient palaces -- the «Palais Bahia» and the «Palais Badii» -- in one of the most authentic areas of the Medina (old city) of Marrakesh. The famous «Jemaa El Fna» Square is only seven minutes away and a guarded car park, where you can easily get a taxi to discover Marrakesh and its surroundings, is located close by.
THE HOUSE: This riad from the 17th century was recently renovated with traditional Moroccan construction techniques. Examples of Moroccan handicraft, such as Tadelakt (Moroccan wall painting technique with colors), sculpted plaster and wooden ceilings are found in every room. Lamps, furniture, mirrors, bedspreads, curtains, etc. found in the riad have all been crafted by Moroccan artisans, some of them living next door.
PRIVACY: When you rent our riad you always book the entire house. There will be no other guests, just you and your family and friends.
RENT: The rental price includes the exclusive use of the entire house and cleaning upon your departure. We provide bed sheets, towels and usual amenities such as hairdryers. There is a French/English-speaking caretaker. She is available any time during your stay to assist you and make sure you are enjoying your vacation.
HOUSEKEEPER: A French and English-speaking housekeeper is available during your stay to assist you and make sure you are enjoying your vacation. A Arabic-speaking cleaning-lady comes in regularly to clean the main areas and, if you wish, can also clean the bed rooms at no extra costs.
ROOMS: The total surface of the house is about 400m2 and it can accommodate up to 16 persons in 8 beds. The dining room, a large kitchen, a Moroccan chill out area (bouh) and two bedrooms are located on the ground floor. Two large suites of about 50m2 and a large bedroom are on the first floor, while an apartment with two bedrooms is located on the roof terrace. Each bedroom and suite has its own bathroom and is equipped with reversible air-conditioning.
LIVING OUTDOOR: a large patio with two fountains and four orange trees occupies the ground floor. On the first floor, there is a chill out balcony with a view on the patio. On the top floor, the large roof terrace of about 200m2 is the best place to enjoy the sunshine during the day and the deliciously breezy evenings of Marrakesh. This is a place for relaxation and meditation, where you can watch dozens of storks nesting on the nearby walls of the «Palais Badii». All plants found on the terrace and in the patio are typical of Morocco. The house is the home of bougainvillea, hibiscus, cactuses, orange trees, laurels and palms trees.
ARRIVAL BY CAR: The house is located in the old town of Marrakesh and there is no direct access by car. After booking, I will send you information about a guarded parking nearby.
ARRIVAL BY PLANE/TRAIN/BUS: We can pick you up at the airport, the train station, or the bus station. A transfer costs 15€ for or up to 6 persons. Ask for the price if you are more than 6 persons.
ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE: Our house is available from 1600 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 1000 on the day of departure. If possible, though, this will be flexible depending on your final flight arrival and departure times.
INTERNET ACCESS: Free Internet access through a Wi-Fi connection is available.
BREAKFAST: We will be happy to serve you a delicious Moroccan breakfast for a small fee. Each breakfast (fresh orange juice, Moroccan crepes, fruits, omelets, bread, butter, jam, tea and coffee) costs 5€ per person and is served on the roof terrace or in the patio.
DINNER: For the first evening, we recommend you have dinner in the riad to spend a relaxing first evening in Marrakech before exploring the sometimes overwhelming Medina. A Moroccan dinner includes various Moroccan salads as a starter, a Tagine as the main dish, and a Moroccan dessert. The Tagine is made with beef, chicken, lam or vegetables only (you can pick one).
DAY TRIPS: We know many good drivers that can be rented for a day trip. Currently, the daily rental price for a car with driver is 130€. The car can fit up to 7 persons. Please ask us for a quote. Booking our transfer from the airport is a good way to get to know the driver and the vehicle in case you plan such a trip and want it to be arranged by us.
GUIDE: If you are interested, we can organize a guide who will help you discover the many cultural and historical aspects of Marrakech. A half-day tour costs 50€.
SMOKING: Smoking is allowed on the roof terrace and in the patio.
VISITORS: No local visitors are allowed entry to the Riad during your stay. This restriction is necessary because of the Moroccan legislation.
NEIGHBORS: It is expected that our guests do not make excessive noise that could disturb our neighbors. Furthermore, it is not allowed to be naked on the roof terrace. We also ask our guests not to unnecessarily look at the terraces and patios of the riads in the neighborhood. The roof terraces in Morocco were originally reserved for women.
NOT TO BE MISSED: walking is the best way to explore the medina (old city) of Marrakesh. Here are a few ideas of where your steps should take you:
- «Souks», 5 min walk.
- «Jemaa El Fnaa» square, 7 min.
- «Place des Épice», 10 min.
- «Place des Ferblantiers», 2 min.
- «Palais Bahia» and «Palais Badii», 3 min.
- «Musée de Marrakesh», 15 min.
- «Medersa Ben Youssef» (old Koranic university), 15 min.
- «Saadian tombs» (Kasbah area), 10 min.
- Restaurant/bar: «KosyBar» (beautiful roof terrace), 2 min.
- Restaurant: «Tanjia» (with belly dancing), 2 min.
- Restaurant/bar: «Café Arabe» (beautiful terrace), 15 min.
- Restaurant: «Terrasse des Épices» (large terrace), 15 min.