For a secluded and sultry haven in the middle of the bustling Medina, slip through the discreet door of the exclusive Riad Farnatchi, a nine-suite hotel set within five traditional courtyard townhouses. This is a riad with wow factor, and it’s ultra-romantic (don’t bring the kids). It is one of only a few Riads I recommend highly-due in large part to the very professional management and caring owner who set high service standards. Staff is seamless, food is wonderful, they have the best masseur I’ve ever encountered in Moroccan staff and the medina location is a particularly good one.
Each suite is unique; some have fireplaces and private terraces, and all feature huge beds, custom Moroccan furnishings and colorful carpets, Bose iPod docks and WiFi (which only sometimes works). You even get your own djellaba robe and babouche slippers to take home with you. Our bathroom and bathtub was one of the most remarkable I’ve seen anywhere-you’d have to see it to believe it! The courtyard’s small green swimming pool is a delight.
After shopping the souk, you’ll love to chill out with a massage after a steam in the hammam, then dine by candlelight and fireside in their bijou dining room or head out for a night in Marrakech (Room service highly recommended fireside with a dvd too!). In the morning a gorgeous breakfast is served on their sunny roof terrace or in-room. This is an ideal getaway for groups of friends; better yet, you can rent out the whole place and host an unforgettable private party. One of my favorite, memorable places to stay-especially being I’m not a huge personal fan of staying in the bustling, frenetic souks! It’s an oasis of calm within … with every guest’s care at the top of the staff’s priorities. Believe the hype.
Suites start from $844.
Insider tip from Mr & Mrs Smith, one of my trusted sources:
“Suite 3 has a sunken bath in black granite; the Red Suite is extremely romantic.”
Get more tips, see photos, and book the guaranteed best rate on Mr & Mrs Smith:
www.mrandmrssmith.com/riad-farnatchi
Rue Souk el Fassis, Qua’at Ben Ahid | Marrakech Morocco
