Riad Mahjouba: A Friendly Gem In The Heart Of Marrakech, Morocco

Rooms filled with traditional patterns and bright colours

Riad Mahjouba has a total of seven guest rooms, each with a private bathroom.

Two guests can stay in a standard twin room, with two single beds, or a standard double room. Prices per night are around 280 MAD (approximately 29 USD).

If you’re travelling as part of an intrepid trio, there is also a triple room. With three single beds, this room type costs around 400 MAD (approximately 41 USD) for a night.

Individually furnished and decorated, you can immerse yourself in the vibrancy that is Marrakech without even leaving your stunning room, although, it would be a shame not to get out and explore at some point! Bold patterns and bright colours create a visually-stimulating space. From the floor tiles and painted doors to the rugs, bed linen and cushion covers, everything is just perfectly charming and attractive.

Good room facilities for a comfortable stay

Beds are soft and comfortable, and you’ll find an extra fleecy blanket in the wardrobe if you feel a bit chilly in the cooler months. In the warmer months, switch on the air-conditioning to keep cool.

Bathrooms have hot-water showers and a large mirror. Towels are provided.

The large wardrobe provides plenty of storage space, and there is a dressing table / desk with a mirror and a chair. Additional storage is available by way of drawers in the bedside cabinet.

Energy-saving bulbs are used in the main light. This can make the rooms feel quite dark and dingy when you first switch the light on. Wait a few minutes though and you’ll be pleasantly surprised when the bulb glows brighter.

Rooms are reasonably clean; my only criticism is that the floor tiles did not look as though they had been washed for at least several months. Apart from the bedroom floor, however, everything else was spick and span.

Open your window to gaze onto the balcony

Riad Mahjouba is located within an old building, known as a riad. A riad is a large multi-floor building that is built around an inner courtyard. Rooms lead onto a balcony that overlooks the courtyard.

The windows of your room at Riad Mahjouba open up onto the balcony. A glass dome at the top lets in plenty of sunshine, and a large shimmering light hangs from the dome, casting gorgeous reflections on the walls.

Admire the delightful courtyard

A fountain sits in the middle of the courtyard, with smaller decorative fountains at either side of the area. Leafy green plants and colourful candle holders are dotted around, some sitting on shelves and others placed directly onto the floor. Patterned tiles cover the walls and floors. There are traditional decorative ornaments, such as large urns, mirrors, and captivating pictures, and everything screams of the exotic.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, although the signal is stronger on the ground floor. With plenty of power points around the walls, the tables and chairs in the courtyard provide the perfect place to catch up with emails, research the next part of your trip, or simply browse the internet.

Arched entrances lead into smaller communal areas to three sides of the courtyard, and the reception desk is situated right in front of the property’s main door.

Relax in one of the inviting communal areas

There are three separate seating areas located around the inner courtyard. Each has comfortable patterned cushions that just invite you to relax, take it easy, and chat with other guests. Low tables, large television screens, and a selection of books mean you can really get comfy and unwind. The areas are all decorated differently, yet each showcasing a wonderful blend of traditional Moroccan designs. Make yourself at home and enjoy the soothing ambience!

Catch some sun on the terrace

At the top of the property you’ll find a modest sun terrace, complete with tables and chairs. For even greater relaxation, and the chance to work on topping up your suntan, there are also a couple of sunbeds for guests to use. You can see the outside of the glass dome and enjoy the plants and ornamentation that add even more character and charm to the terrace.

Escape the frenetic activity of the lively streets below and feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle as you enjoy the sunshine and hear the melodic call to prayer from nearby mosques.

Enjoy a traditional breakfast each morning

Breakfast is included in the room rates, and the staff will ensure that you are well-fed before starting your day, no matter how early you plan to head out and about on your explorations. Tables are laid with traditional tea cups and pots filled with the most deliciously sweet jam and local butter. Breakfast is basic but filling and tasty, with a jug of Moroccan tea and milk that you can add to your taste, and two different types of local bread / pancake. You will be given different types of bread / pancakes each day, and it offers a great chance to taste some of the local food.

Dine on a delicious evening meal

There is a small restaurant at Riad Mahjouba, offering a good selection of Moroccan fare, such as couscous and tagine. The vegetable tagine, filled with olives, potato, carrot, tomato, and temptingly aromatic spices is particularly recommended. Served with bread, it may be slightly more expensive than what you would pay elsewhere but the taste is divine!

The restaurant cooks to order, so if you want to dine onsite you will need to give plenty of notice to the kitchen staff. Ideally, the property asks guests to place their orders for their evening meal around two hours in advance.

You can also buy a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, such as water and cola, from the kitchen.