Detailed Review
The world-famous “Jama el Fnaa” square of Marrakech with its colorful Arab market stands, food stalls, and snake charmers is only a 10 minute walk away from our charming and different “riad” guesthouse, tucked into the traditional center of one of the world’s most picturesque city. Two very distinct decors are apparent. Our main house, with its softer, creamier tones, offers a relaxing central courtyard with tumbling bougainvillea and orange trees, a dining room with vaulted ceiling, a sitting room with sound system and two bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms. For unequaled panoramic views over the sprawling “medina” of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, there is cozy seating on the verdant roof terrace. A step through a beautifully handcrafted wooden door leads into the courtyard of our new guest wing with its brighter design. A green tiled swimming pool, a dining room with fireplace for chilly evenings, additional private roof terraces for sunbathing and five bedrooms with bathrooms en suite are features of this distinctive second “riad”. Both are decorated in an imaginative mix of traditional and modern Moroccan craft, and all rooms feature original art. The house is located at the end of a narrow lane in a quiet, low density area of the old walled city, accessible by car. There is a French-speaking housekeeper/cook experienced in looking after foreign guests who heads a team of nine local staff. Renowned for its cuisine, the guesthouse’s chef Fatima prepares on request either traditional Moroccan or international gourmet meals.
Press Quotes
“One of the first riads to open, Noga has had a facelift and is back to its charming best. If you’re looking for a traditional riad, they don’t come much better; the door, at the end of an alleyway, opens into a courtyard with olive and citrus trees (and a raucous parrot). A second courtyard has a small pool; above it are two roof terraces with comfortable loungers and terracotta pots dripping scarlet bougainvillaea. Incredibly difficult to leave.” The Guardian 06
“An oasis of calm ... ” The Times 04
Independent Reviews
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"Colourful German owned riad of two parts - one traditional, one more modern"
Riad Noga
By Joanna Monkhouse
Unlike some riads that hide anonymously down a dusty alley and identifiable only by the number on the door, Riad Noga announces its cheerful presence on the outside walls and inside the colourful explosion continues unabated. Centred around two large courtyards are seven vivid rooms, named after the colour in which they are decorated, with large tadelakt bath or shower rooms, satellite tv and hifi in most. Like the Red Room, the dining room has a fireplace. Modern and traditional Moroccan craftwork jostle for your attention with original art and photography. The two salons and alcoves off the courtyards provide comfortable areas for guests to unwind in, and perhaps read one of the selection of coffee table books on Morocco, and there are three roof terraces on which to soak up some sun. One courtyard contains a good sized green tiled pool and the other is home to a parrot and a couple of tortoises. Riad Noga is an imaginative and welcoming sanctuary.
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