Riad Malika
29 Arset Aouzal, Quartier Dar el Bacha , Marrakech, Morocco, 40030
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expert-rated hotels in Marrakech- Recommended for:
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Expert review of Riad Malika
The coolest riad in the medina.
It’s rare that a building moves me, but my first tour of Riad Malika was a genuinely emotional experience - so special and so lovingly crafted a place is this. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re in the spell of its passionate, creative vibe. Unlike with so many riads in Marrakech, this is the owner’s home – Jean-Luc Lumee has lived here for 35 years, allowing plenty of time for his unique and uncompromising taste to stamp its mark organically on the place.
Riad Malika is actually two riads, out of which Lumee has carved two prestige suites, two junior suites, and five standard rooms – not to mention a beautiful courtyard garden, stunning roof terrace and the funkiest plunge pool in Marrakech. Packed to the rafters with design brilliance, the Malika’s marble walls, antique carved plaster and gold leaf ceilings offer a dramatic backdrop to a stunning collection of furnishings and art, which includes everything from Art Deco tallboys to Verner Panton sofas, Joe Columbo chairs and a fantastic Chafik drinks cabinet…everywhere you turn there’s a fantastic example of 20th-century design.
Location:
Riad Malika is in a lovely quiet street off Rue de Bab Doukkala, near the Dar el Bacha – about 15 minutes’ walk through the souks to the Place Jemaa el Fna.
Bedrooms:
The five standard rooms are all just as uniquely furnished and decorated as you would expect in this fantasia of a hotel…the junior suites are around 50 square metres, have windows onto the garden or terrace and feature TVs, CD players and WiFi, with the prestige suites similarly well-equipped but around twice the size.
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Public areas:
The Malika’s comfortable public rooms, including the downstairs salon, dining areas and computer room, continue the riad’s tasteful, colonial vibe. The mature gardens, filled with palms, banana, papaya, orange, jacaranda, bougainvillea, fuchsia and jasmine, create the perfect visual and aromatic foil to the fixtures and fittings of this magical home – and the terraces feel spacious and yet with enough intimate spaces to ensure private relaxation time.
Eating and drinking:
As one would expect, the food in the Malika is prepared with care, and combines the comfort of traditional Moroccan cooking with the delicacy and style of French cuisine. Many guests describe their meal at the riad as the best they had all holiday. Breakfast is served on the terrace, lunch by the pool and dinner in the candlelit garden.
Leisure facilities:
There’s a small hammam room near the pool, and a massage room just off the main courtyard.
Service:
Jean-Luc is an affable host, although he is not a big English speaker; his wife has good English, as do many of his excellent and well-trained staff.
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Who stays there:
Couples, families and groups of friends; there's no anti-children policy or vibe, but if you have toddlers you might want to save this one for a getaway without them!
Price advice:
Prices don’t include local taxes.
Pros:
Packed with character
Quiet, convenient location
Good quality food
Cons:
It's vintage, not perfectionist
More information on Riad Malika:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 29 Arset Aouzal, Quartier Dar el Bacha , Marrakech, Morocco, 40030
- Amenities:
- High-Speed Internet, Restaurant, Swimming Pool
