Riad Zolah

My friend and I, on our first visit to Marrakech, made use of the hotel’s airport transfer, keen to avoid any chance of getting lost before we had even started. Even from the taxi the streets looked exotic, colourful and full of life. Our cheerful and chatty driver Abdul pointed out some of the must-see sights we passed. We were bubbling with excitement to be here at last! Entering the inner courtyard of the riad really was like stepping into an oasis of peace. The arches with cool cloisters and the cushioned chairs and elegant tables looked inviting and comforting, orderly and calm.

Our welcome was warm and friendly, and we were delighted to be offered a cup of tea – mint or English, with little cakes. We were impatient to see our room! The Riad Zolah is a small place, like the large family house it was, and there are only six bedrooms arranged around the inner courtyard. We were shown in, and were very surprised at how big it was. It was more like a small apartment, with one end devoted to a settee, tables and chairs all covered in rich fabrics and exotic colourful cushions, a fireplace, Moroccan rugs and even a separate chess-playing area. The other side of our twin beds, up a few steps, was a gorgeous bathroom with a huge sunken bath and intricately decorated tiling around the basins.

After settling in we gathered our courage and set out for our first foray into the famous medina. Before we left, Khadija on reception gave us lots of tips, maps and recommendations, even a pre-programmed mobile phone so that we could call the hotel if we were lost or needed anything. That really did make all the difference to our sense of being looked after, and gave us the confidence we needed to stride nonchalantly into the throng. What a difference a helping hand makes! Of course our experience of the noise and bustle of the souks was exhilarating and wonderful, and nothing scary happened: far from it, there was a sense of gaiety and fun in the air at the markets.

When we returned to the riad, we found the beds had been turned down in our room, with the addition of little tea-light candles lit and a scattering of rose petals. Nothing could have felt more welcoming and caring. We found these little attentions to detail from the staff all week. They never failed to anticipate any of our needs, and made sure we wanted for nothing. With our new sense of freedom and confidence we had the most wonderful time exploring the city, always safe in the knowledge that the riad was so close, we could pop back for a cup of tea when in need!

Not that we were out all of the time; we needed to enjoy the lovely rooftop terrace, where you can just lounge with a book. We also loved the plunge pool in one courtyard and sitting with a drink in the shady spaces of the second one. The restaurant was excellent with simple and authentic Moroccan dishes. After our vast experience of one week in the city, we realised that the best tagine in town had been the one we had on that first night – at home in the Riad Zolah.