Riad Karmela 

Eager to escape the end of the harsh British winter and keen for some early spring sunshine, we opted to go to Marrakech for a week. We picked this Riad because of its location and aesthetic and it did not disappoint. Situated in the Azbezt area of the medina, it is a few minutes’ walk from all the hustle and bustle of the souks and is excellent for all your needs as a tourist in the city. It is close to most of the main attractions and no more than 10-15 minutes walk from excellent restaurants. We took advantage of the transfers arranged by the hotel which was an excellent idea, as they bring you as close to the hotel as is physically possible. Walking down the narrow street to the fairy lit tunnel entrance, you enter the hotel and find an absolute oasis of peace and quiet. The riad is beautifully decorated in a traditional style, with several small courtyards that guests can rest in and shelter from the sun and the city. The roof of the hotel has many chairs and loungers for people who wish to worship the sun. The rooms were brilliantly furnished, with great facilities. The bed was amazingly comfortable with wonderful pillows we wish we could have kept! The breakfast every day was an excellent buffet, with an enormous range of tasty treats and delights on offer, including a wide range of hot and cold drinks. The frittata and Moroccan bread were particularly wonderful, as were the omelettes and crepes that were made to order. We were thankful for the attention from Rajaa, Jamila, Fatima and all the ladies who prepared the wonderful food. The hotel offers a range of tours and excursions that they can arrange with a day’s notice. We opted for the Luxury Zagora two day trip, which was fantastic and was amazing value for money. The sunset camel ride was unforgettable. The Riad Karmela team were excellent from beginning to end and did everything to ensure we had the best time. They contacted us from the day we booked, with helpful tips about what to expect in Marrakech and how to navigate the arrivals process and the airport. It was clear they put heart into everything they do, from the warm welcome Omar gave us when he met us and took our bags to the hotel, not forgetting his excellence at breakfast and skills as a tea pouring teacher, to the lovely farewell from Hakim. They were all brilliant. We were grateful for the ever patient Said, at reception, who managed our endless pre-trip planning e-mails with kindness, care, and attention. Our check in with Mahdi was clear and well handled and the room service team, including Majid and Mohamed were excellent. Nothing was too much trouble, they were all kind, helpful, and so welcoming. It felt like a home away from home, like being with family! To be honest, we cannot wait to go back and are looking at whether we can squeeze in a return in October!