Riyad Al Moussika

One could reasonably argue that the experience of staying at a historic hotel, an ancient castle, say, or a converted country mansion, can be improved by a bit of familiarity with the heritage of the place, a passing acquaintance with the story of whatever medieval friar or Victorian earl used to own the place. In the case of the Riyad al Moussika, however, the point is open for debate: if you wish, read up on its original owner, the infamously brutal Moroccan ruler (and genuine villain) El Glaoui, and tell us if you sleep any easier in his old palace for knowing the sort of things he was up to in there.

So never mind the old pasha, let’s discuss the riyad. The whole point of these things, the converted inside-out walled-courtyard mansions in the old quarter of Marrakech, is that they offer a little island of serene opulence amid the clamorous bustle of the medina. And if serene opulence is your thing, you’ll be delighted to find that you can’t possibly do much better than the Riyad al Moussika.

This entire palace (which happens to be roughly the size of an American roadside chain motel) is divided into just six lodgings: three suites, two double rooms, and, charmingly, a single. The idea is that you’ll feel like a royal guest, and the experience is designed around this effect, from the incredible detail of the architecture and décor to the friendly and solicitous service to the remarkable feeling of privacy — you might pass an entire stay at the Riyad without noticing that there are in fact other guests.

Custom-made mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets, English lambswool blankets; the creature comforts are among the best you could ask for, and a damn sight better than the treatment El Glaoui’s guests got — you, for example, are free to come and go as you please. Not that you’ll necessarily need to get out — the Riyad serves stunning French, Italian and Moroccan food, and the endless patios, sitting rooms and courtyard corners would be hard to leave behind.

There is a 3 night minimum stay requirement at Riyad Al Moussika.

How to get there:

Riyad Al Moussika is approximately a 15-minute drive from Marrakech-Menara Airport. Please contact customerservice@tablethotels.com to arrange complimentary airport transfers.

• 6 Rooms
• Style: Contemporary Classic
• Atmosphere: Quiet
• 17 Guest Reviews

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