72 Riad Living

Owned and run by Italians, 72 Riad Living is one of the trendiest riads in the medina with its authentic Moroccan interiors, contemporary design and brilliant location. You’ll find this hip hideaway in the renovated Bab Doukkala district of the medina which is now dotted with fashionable shops and new boutiques. Comprising two houses, one a building dating back to 1920 with its original features still intact and the other a new addition in 2016, the Riad is home to 13 (soon to be 14) rooms. Space is the name of the game in each of the rooms, all of which have contemporary en-suite bathrooms decorated in traditional tadelakt and which come with complimentary organic nectarome toiletries. Some also feature intricate Moroccan carvings. Add to this a basket of terrace towels, fresh roses, fruit and plenty of complimentary water you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in a 5-star hotel (and it’s one of the few that offer a turn-down service). Book room 8 on the ground floor. It's huge with a massive bed and a large, luxurious en-suite bathroom. If it's a private rooftop hot tub you're after, then go for either the Junior Suite or the Arte Suite. The original owner of the riad was a close friend of the Pasha and thanks to this relationship, permission was granted for the exceptional height of the property (usually only reserved for the Royal Palace). As a result, the rooftop skybar enjoys incomparable views across the city to the Atlas Mountains. It's well worth lingering here - they make a mean cocktail and at a very reasonable price! As the light dims and the sun sets Riad Living is transformed into a romantic stage with twinkling candles everywhere. The atmosphere in the dining room is moody and enticing, the perfect spot for a romantic dinner à deux; with a great selection of dishes on the menu (some of these traditional plates can take up to six hours to prepare) it’s easy to see why La Table du Riad restaurant is one of the hottest tickets in town. 2022 sees the opening of a large restaurant, offering casual and fine dining with a contemporary Mediterranean menu. There’s also going to be stunning new spa and a very large pool, a first for a riad of this size. The spa will boast a second rooftop pool and a second sky bar, all of which will connect with the current roof terrace. Expect a double hammam, 3 massage rooms, relaxing area and Jacuzzi, finally a luxury riad with a real spa, not just a hammam. On the subject of hammams submit yourself to Aisha’s expert hands and she’ll transform you into a new person in just 40 minutes. Aisha has been at Riad Living for 17 years and is one of the most experienced therapists when it comes to this Moroccan ritual. Riad Living is proof that the riad experience can expand without losing charm and service which it delivers on every level.

 

Written by Lulu Townsend

• Spa
• There's a traditional hammam with the best therapist in the medina, Aisha, who has been here for 17 years.
• Private Hot Tub
• Book the Junior Suite or Arte Suite for a private terrace with outdoor hot tub.
• Bar
• The Sky Bar is on the roof terrace and has a great value cocktail menu.
• Airport transfer
• Transfers can be arranged. The airport is 15 minutes by car.
• Restaurant
• Eat in the candlelit courtyard or the ambient dining room.
• Views
• Jaw-dropping views from the roof terrace.
• Hot Tub
• With amazing views from the roof tops.
• Roof terrace
• One of the highest in the medina.
• Massage
• There's a massage/treatment room.

• Sit-out Terrace
• Air conditioning
• Laundry
• Fireplace
• Bath robes
• Free wifi
• Wifi
• Suites
• Sitting Room

• Sights nearby
• Shops, restaurants, cafés, souks and Place Jemaa El Fna are all within 5 minutes walk.
• Local markets
• 72 Riad Living is a 5 minute walk from the souks.

• Museums

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Great location in one of the Medina’s best areas, close walking distance to everything in the medina and the new city. Spacious beautiful rooms with refined and modern design while keeping the vibe of Marrakech. An expansive rooftop terrace, one of the highest in the Medina for sunbathing, relaxing, sipping a cocktail and dining. Our in-house restaurant, La Table du riad, serving high quality and beautifully prepared food. Our service, from the check in every need is ready to be taken care. Every team member is ready to make our Clients stay as wonderful as possible.

What is there to do in the area or on site? The best shopping The best cafés/restaurants Dar El Bacha palace, some minutes walk The secret garden, 5 minutes walk The main souks, 5 minutes walk Jemaa-el-Fna square, within 10 minutes walk YSL gardens, within 20 minutes walk On site Traditional SPA rituals Sunbathing, relaxing Dining experiences

What kind of breakfast do you offer? A complimentary breakfast is served anywhere in the Riad (including rooms and terrace). It’s a rich combination of Moroccan and Italian ingredients daily arranged by our morning Chef and daily changing: seasonal fruit salad, organic yogurt, fresh squeezed orange juice, tasty Moroccan pastries and cakes and fresh baked bread. As well as cheese, jam, honey and à la carte menu of eggs with bacon and ham. Gluten free and dairy intolerance items are available on request.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? Our on-site restaurant, La table du riad, always rated by TripAdvisor among the first restaurants in Marrakech and often fully booked, offers lunch and dinner. An elegant and intimate culinary experience, seasonal and natural, respecting traditional Moroccan dishes and flavours reinvented with a unique presentation. While our à la carte menu seasonally changes according to the fresh ingredients arriving in our kitchen, signature dishes include our tender lamb or beef Tanjia and our special hand rolled cous cous, requiring 6 hours to be prepared. End your meal with a selection of local organic cheeses or with the sweet taste of our Tiramisu design served with caramelised pears. Dinner and lunch menus are available for in-room service too. We provide customers with a detailed and personalised map of the old Medina and the new town. The map includes the hottest shopping spots and our tips for dining

Which is your most popular room, and why? The heritage grand suite, with its intricately carved wooden ceiling with an impressive sky lights cupola. The Arte suite and the Junior Suite, come with their private terraces and (heated) jacuzzis

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We can fit extra beds into the deluxe rooms XL , the grand suite and the Arte suite. Honestly we do not have special facilities for children.

What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? We do not just create experiences, we create memories.