Detailed Review
Riyad Edward is situated in the Zaouia quarter of the Medina, north of Marrakech’s main square, the Djema el Fna. It is a large traditional house and is one of the principal Riyads in Zaouia, formerly the home of the Alaoui family, relatives of the country’s ruling family. The Mosque of Sidi Bel Abbes and a charming square, easily accessible by car, taxi or even horse carriage, adjoin the property. The entrance to the house is by a typical Medina alley which contrasts strikingly with the interior of the house. A strong Moroccan influence runs throughout the property with stunning tile-work, carved cedar ceilings and doors, and various local artifacts and rugs scattered around the rooms.
The terraces and interiors have been lovingly and authentically restored from former neglect using tadillac (tadelakt), a marble type material unique to Morocco. A grand entrance leads into a pretty courtyard dominated by a tall cypress tree that was planted over 300 years ago. A swimming pool (7m x 3m, unheated) runs between the courtyards’ central arches with a traditional Moroccan Hammam next to it. Traditional Moroccan doors open onto the courtyard from a large sitting room and dining room and the master bedroom and bathroom.
The first floor contains the remaining 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, sitting room and two large terraces. The Blue & Stripe bedrooms form part of the private Douriya Suite linked by a sitting room with spectacular ceilings and ensuite bathrooms. There are a number of fireplaces around the house.
The top floor terraces have magnificent views of the town, the Mosques and in winter the distant snow-capped Atlas Mountains. There are a further 3 rooms on these terraces.
Press Quotes
“Riyad Edward... is part Moroccan riad, part English country home, with a relaxed, boho atmosphere and eccentric shabby-chic style.” The Guardian 06
Client Reviews
In Marrakech we were at the Riyad
Edward.which really grew onme. More funky then other riyads (but in a goodway). my only complaint was the price which I thoughtquite steep for what it was - but then again we were there the few days leading up to New Years and maybe prices were higher than usual. All inall. everthing was justgreat..
Posted by Alex Benasuli on 2004-05-19.
We had a fantastic few days at Riyad
Edward.which could not have been a better place tostay. This is a beautiful house which has beensensitively restored in such a way that it retains real character and charm. There is a well kept garden (bourgainvilleaeverywhere) and pool (which was pretty fresh in April but would no doubt be very welcome during the real heat of the summer months). a very comfortable roof terrace and severalhidden away spots on other floors round the courtyard where you can relax in almost total privacy. The staff were all charming and could not havebeen more helpful. rushing around constantly for drinks/food (whichwas excellent)/washing. CertainlyCertainly. things may not arrive the moment you order thembut part of the charm of Riyad Edward is its laid back atmosphere; the stark. fluffy-white-towelness of formal hotels isreplaced here with a much cooler. more intimateatmosphere. Our room was lovely withbeautiful. simple decoration and comfortable bed with crisplinen. The bathroom was wonderfully bohemian and theshower was always hot with surprisingly forceful water pressure! The communal areas of the Riyad may not be spotless and. suresure. you find the odd glass or fallen flower left on atable for a while but we rather liked that and our room and bathroom were well cleaned and tidied every day. We did not look at the suites but at 120 euro anight for our standard room incl a good breakfast. we considered this good value formoney. Theowner. StephenStephen. was entirely unobtrusive but always there tooffer help and advice when you asked for it. We thought he ran a very good househere. We would definitely stay at Riyad Edward againand are tempted to rent the whole Riyad for a week so all our friends can stay in this fantastic place too!.
Ratings
- Comfort:
(3/5)
- Character:
(5/5)
- Location: (5/5)
Posted by Davina Langdale on 2006-05-10.
We had a fabulous
time.Riyad Edward is ratherlovely... Some might find it all too scruffy and 'bohemian'but we were looked after very well...all the staff were utterely charming and the cook was great so we ate in lots with kids. Abduliham (sp) ran around us....bringing specialpastries. preparingfeasts. flowersflowers. candlescandles. etc....really good kind man and could not havebeen more obliging. It was fun and relaxed and easy...and the weatherwas perfect so much sunbathing on the red roof top....the kids adored it and didn't want to leave the house at all ever....
Posted by Nicola Forster on 2005-04-12.
Fabulous
riad.will definitely stay thereagain. My only complaint is that the drain in thebathroom really do smell at certain times of the day. But otherwise it is more homely than a lot ofothers that I have stayed in..
Posted by Clare Spragge on 2005-10-11.
Absolutely
fantastic.our favouriteplace... great friendly staff and very peacefulatmosphere..
Posted by Jemima Francis on 2005-10-21.
We went to go and see the Riad Edward the night
we arrived in Marrakech in part to explain our situation in person.but also to see what we weremissing. but apart from finding the riad quite a way offthe main drag. the room Stephen showed us was very small and hadno windows although there was a fireplace. As it was cold - it's winter - so I was hopingthat we would have a room big enough to retreat to and maybe sit in to read during the day when we were tired. This was notthat..
Posted by Lucy Sisman on 2006-01-04.
We had a great time and everything went
smashingly.especically for such a last minute rush! Steviewas the consummate host and invited us to many Christmas and New Year's parties. We had a blast! Thanks for all yourhelp..
Posted by Derek Seklecki on 2006-01-04.
We had a great
time.thanksthanks. Riyad Edward was particularlyfantastic. Brilliantplace. Hope to use your services againsoon..
Posted by Andrew Stocks on 2006-01-04.
Had a excellent time in Marrakech and at the
Riyad Edward.Thanksagain..
Posted by Bharat Mistry on 2006-01-04.
