Riad Armelle

“ We arrived at the Riad Armelle at about 8.30 pm and were too late for dinner, we were shown our room which was lovely, very clean and a very comfortable bed, our chef booked us into another hotel for dinner and we were kindly taken there and brought back to the Riad afterwards. It was very nice but the 20 minute walk there and back felt a bit too much at the end of a days travelling. We found out next day that we had not been booked in and the Riad was unaware of our arrival, but we were welcomed. This eventually got sorted out.
Every night from then on we dinned in the Riad and were cooked delicious three course meals by the chef, each night being a complete but happy surprise, often dinning in the salon next to a roaring open fire, roses and rose petals on the table. beautiful ambience. The Riad is so very quiet, such bliss after days filled with sightseeing and the madness of Marrakech. Driving is something else, scooters, bikes and donkeys all to be avoided, but we did not see one accident.
Breakfasts were great, plenty of tea and coffee, fruit juice, yoghurt, pancakes, bread and jams, also often dishes finely chopped fruit.
We were sorry not to have found out sooner that our Riad Manager could organize excursions for guests, as we could have enjoyed our visits to the Atlas Mountains and the Ourika Valley more if we had had a good English speaking guide, but we still enjoyed these visits and saw and got the feel of what was beyond the city of Marrakech.
We enjoyed coming back to the Riad at the end of the day and just relaxing and enjoying a wonderful meal. We can definitely recommend the Riad Armelle. as a place to feel at ease. All the staff were really helpful, if you speak french it will be an advantage, but the manager speaks very good English.

“ Top Tip: The Riad Armelle is near the walls of the Medina, at Bab Doukkala, and very near the passage to the Riad Armelle is a busy market selling all manner of Vegetables, bread, meats, herbs, besides all the other every day essentials. Very much a locals market. You are near the bus station in the new Marrakech, and you can catch local buses. We did and went one day to Essaouira, a long three plus hours but the journey was interesting and the fort walls and the fishing harbour were worth visiting, and the artisans working within the old walls showed their original art and crafts.
Marrakech is a facinating city, large modern hotels in the new city and Riad's and small hotels in the Medina, something for everyone. We loved the Jardin Majorell, (Yves Saint Laurent). The Palais Badi, Palais Bahia, The La Medersa Ben Youssef,
and Musee de marrakech, but so much we didn't have time to explore.
You will always be asked for money, for any little thing, but it is country with low wages. Just take it all in you stride and enjoy all that this city has to offer.

“ The hotel is very clean and tidy.The decor throughout was gorgeous. The manager Saad was very helpful with arranging taxis and a day trip to the atlas. Samir the chef was also very friendly and cooked us an excellent meal one night. The roof terrace was a good place to relax after wandering the streets of Marrakech.

“ Top Tip: Good value and tasty lunches at Chez Yassines. Head right through the bab doukala market from the riad armelle towards the Koutoubia and it's on the right, just after the old hamman.

“ Relaxing the moment you step through the door from a somewhat unpromising alley. Plants trail down into courtyard from terrace two floors up. Staff very friendly and helpful - 'This is your home'. Breakfasts very civilised. Daughter and I shared a very tiny twin room - others are much larger. Awoke each day to birdsong and muffled calls to prayer from local Mosque. We had one evening meal in riad. It was beautifully cooked and presented; not cheap but made into 'an occasion'.
Manager very thoughtful when asked to suggest appropriate activities and sights to visit.
Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants something other than an anonymous hotel.

“ Top Tip: Local souq is one used by local people and an experience!
Watch your back - mopeds swerve everywhere!
Trip into Atlas mountains was very enjoyable, informative and beautiful.
Most people try to be very helpful but hate to admit they can't answer a question. If you ask for directions (we did all the time) you can be sent the wrong way!
It is very helpful if you can speak French

“ A super Riad hotel! Muhammed the manager couldn't do enough for you and was always ready to give advice & help. Samir was a fantastic cook and could even rustle up a superb meal, beautifully served at 8.30 in the evening when we were feeling disorientated on arrival. Nothing was too much trouble. The young lady who worked there during the day kept the riad spotless inside and out. A very restful oasis in the hustle and bustle of the old town. We met the owners who have created a lovely home for visitors and even put themselves out to give us a lift up to the busy main square one evening. Very personal service. Riad Armelle is well worth visiting and on your first visit [and any subsequent ones] is the place to be, both new and old town are very accessible and help and advice ensure you get the most from your visit. Jennie

“ Top Tip: Ask the staff for advice!