A riad is a type of building with a garden courtyard that is rectangular in shape and with a fountain in the center.
Riads are generally found in the Maghreb (northern Africa composed of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya) and in the Andalusia province in Spain.
In Marrakech riads have evolved into guesthouses and inns usually found in the old city, also known as the medina. When you come here just about every guide and blog will tell you that you should spend at least a couple of nights in a riad in the medina to have an authentic Marrakech experience.
Our home for this part of the trip is a riad called L’Hotel. Designed by Jasper Conran it is known for its’ Moroccan craftsmanship with pieces of antique furniture, textiles, lighting, and art from Jasper’s own collection.
I have been a huge fan of his father, Terence Conran, since he opened his Habitat furniture and furnishings stores in London in the 80s. Whenever I was in London back then I would make it a point to visit Habitat. He singlehandedly changed the face of British home design.
We are staying in the Casablanca Suite, which has a terrace overlooking the courtyard.
A particularly lovely place to enjoy breakfast with the seeming thousands of songbirds that congregate in the courtyard trees.
Also lovely in the late afternoon for cocktails when they play Billie Holiday in the courtyard.
The lobby of the riad has a roaring wood burning fire in the nippy morning which is very cozy.
We can highly recommend L’Hotel if you come to Marrakech, definitely a refuge from the busy medina.
We’d suggest booking in advance, there are only six rooms.
1 comment
No Erica tub?