Riad des Orangers

We absolutely loved our stay at this charming and authentic riad. The place is lovely with attractive furnishings, a courtyard full of orange trees, birds and a fountain.The staff are attentive, courteous and delightful and the food is delicious. However, taxis cannot go to the door because of the narrow streets( so you have to walk about 200 meters to get there), and the hotel is in a poor residential neighborhood ( dark at night but seemingly safe). You must be able to walk a ways to get anywhere and must have a sense of adventure. We would definitely go back to the Riad des Orangers.It is about a 10 minute walk to the the marvelous souks and about a 20 minute walk to the big squares.

The Riad has a good location within Medina,but it is very hard to find and easy to get lost.Unfortunately the locals can be intimidating when asking for directions and usually ask for money.Best to get directions from the hotel owner and also for them to arrange airport transfers which is about 15 euros each way - well worth it.The hotel can also arrange tours of marrakech and visits to the Sahara desert about 400 kms each way

Staying at Riad Des Orangers is like staying with family. The patient and gentle hostess Atika, and her sister, mother, cousins and friends will assist with shopping through the souks, touring, and will spoil your young ones. Take the children with you. The open air courtyard where most living takes place is lovely, especially in April when it is packed with oranges, and the surrounding bedrooms are nice. They added small beds for us to keep the family together. The best(and safest) food we had in Marrakech was what mama or cousin cooked for us at Atika's suggestion. Mama's couscous is beyond compare. I advise renting a car to go to the Atlas mountains, and to the waterfalls, and stopping along the way at the Rug dealers in the Berber villages. The driving is not bad once you get outside the Medina, and cousin Jalila will arrange the car rental. The riad will graciously arrange a good hamam, manicures, shopping trips. Speaking some French (or Arabic)helps. Arrange your own taxi to the Palmiere for camel riding, or have cousin Jalila take you -- don't take the first camels you see or accept the first prices-- look for well-kept ones further inside the park, and bargain for the rides. If language is a problem, they will call in a friend to assist. You may find more luxurious places to stay in Marrakech, with swimming pools, restaurants and spas, but it won't be more personal or more pleasant than this lovely place managed by this gentle sweet family. We were stranded during the Iceland volcano episode and despite the stress, we always felt well cared for. Make sure you arrange to be met at airport or at the Maderasa Ben Yousef which is close to the riad or you won't find it.

A very small riad (5 rooms), but well designed and furnished. It is well managed by a friendly and generous young man who went out of his way to help us in restaurant and hammam reservations. Somewhat difficult to find, so make sure you call manager to arrange a meeting.