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A historic eighteenth century palace, Riyad El Mezouar is one of the most beautiful mansions of Marrakech and this boutique guesthouse, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, offers the simple, airy elegance and refinement of traditional Moroccan architecture along with impeccable service and modern comfort.

The Riyad was owned by the Alaoui royal family until 1945, and the art objects from Africa, Europe and Asia that decorate the rooms and halls, the subtle tones of the colours and fabrics, the refinement of silverware and tableware all help to recreate the atmosphere of an ancient palace.

The Arabic word "riyad" designates an enclosed garden, evoking the Garden of Eden, but in a wider sense it refers to a residence of a certain architectural style, classically composed of two main buildings facing each other around a large rectangular patio adorned with plants and a fountain or a basin - in this case, El Mezouar's magnificent swimming pool. In accordance with the same tradition, the courtyard-garden is planted with fragrant plants - jasmine, myrtle, laurel, rosemary, geranium, basil, lavender, white roses and fruit trees such as orange, quince and grapefruit. These smells and flavours also feature in the cuisine of Morocco, which is prepared to perfection in the Riyad's kitchen.

You'll enjoy blissful tranquillity within the Riyad's pure white walls and harmonious proportions, with its arcades and galleries running on all four sides on both levels of the palace, surrounding the garden and pool. The 250 square-metre roof terrace offers plenty of opportunity to relax on the open air lounges and sunbeds while your eyes drink in the panoramic view of the medina and the Atlas mountains beyond. You'll wake in your beautifully decorated rooms at the call to prayer, and enjoy the birds' hum as you relax in a luxurious bathroom, with its tadelakt walls, the traditional Moroccan limestone plaster. You can even unwind with the help of the in-house massage and beauty therapists - all this while soaking up the rich cultural, architectural and artistic traditions of Morocco.

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When converting Riyad El Mezouar into a guesthouse, the owners attempted to preserve the character of the original residence; minimal changes were made to the house in order to turn it into a guesthouse and rooms were kept to their traditional size and layout and. Traditional construction methods and materials were used and local labour was employed. Environmentally unfriendly anachronisms like air conditioning were eschewed, and as a small hotel, it's negative environmental impact is moderate.

Rooms

Food

Once chef to King Hassan the Second's sister, Lalla A•cha, El Mezouar's culinary maestra mingles the Oriental, Asian and French culinary traditions to create truly outstanding food.

Breakfast is included in the rates, and includes tea and coffee, Moroccan breads with jams and honey, fresh fruit and fresh fruit juice.

The lunch menu goes for 200 Dirhams while dinner is 400 Dirhams.

Your meals can be served either in the grand salon, the courtyard or the terrace - whichever you prefer.

Features & Facilities

• Swimming pool
• Satellite TV
• WiFi internet connection
• Safe
• Library
• Gift shop
• Grand salon with open fireplace
• Beauty and health treatments

room facilities

• Hairdryer
• Electric heating
• Electric fan
• Complimentary products elaborated exclusively for Riyad El Mezouar by Nectar™me
• Incense and flowers
• Bottle of water, bowl of fruit and dried fruits

Local Info & Activities

Riyad El Mezouar is located north east of the medina (old city) of Marrakech, close to the Ben Youssef Medersa and the Museum of Marrakech. This area, one of the oldest parts of the medina, was formerly chosen as a place of residence by eminent families from the city of F s and has kept its authenticity.

The location of Riyad El Mezouar offers a very convenient access to the souks and the Place Jemaa-El-Fna.

The Riyad offers the following activities to guests:

Culture and nature

• Tours in and around Marrakech with an official guide
• Cycling excursion in the Atlas mountains
• Visits to the city's industrial area where designers have their show rooms
• Visits to the Bio-aromatic Garden of Ourika
• Private concert of Arabo-Andalusian musicians
• Cooking lessons in Moroccan cuisine
• Beauty care and massage with essential oils
• Shiatsu massage
• Yoga
• Relaxing foot baths
• Aquagym lessons

Sustainability

With just five double guest rooms, the environmental impact of this hotel is modest. Energy-sucking air conditioning is absent. The hotel earns its sustainability points chiefly for the careful restoration and preservation of a precious historical building. Local builders and craftsmen were employed for the restoration, and traditional methods were honoured. The El Mezouar has been converted into a hotel without compromising its historic design or character, so that Moroccans and guests from the world over can appreciate the beauty of the riyad and fine tradition that the building represents.

Getting There

Riyad El Mezouar is located north east of the medina (old city) of Marrakech, close to the Ben Youssef Medersa and the Museum of Marrakech.

As Riyads are notoriously difficult to find, hidden as they are behind high walls, the owners of this Riyad are happy to meet guests at a suitable central location in Marrakech and guide them to the Riyad. Transfers from the airport can be arranged for a fee of Euro20. Arrangements will be made on confirmation of booking.

For information on getting to Morocco, please look at the Transport section of this site for information on flights and offsetting your carbon emissions.

Visit our Transport section for flights, hybrid car rentals and train bookings.

Rates & Bookings

standard room

Euro180

junior suite

Euro205

Exclusive rental (5 double bedrooms)

Euro950

***Higher rates apply at Christmas and New Year, please enquire for further details.

included:

• Rates include breakfast, taxes and service.
• Supplementary bed for a child: 20 Euros per night
• Airport transfers: 20 Euros.

booking & cancellation policy

• A booking is confirmed on the payment of a 15% deposit.
• Cancellations at any time will result in the loss of 10% deposit.
• Cancellations made closer to the time of arrival will result in further cancellation fees. Full details will be provided before a booking is confirmed.

Want to avoid cancellation fees? Visit our Insurance section for information on travel insurance.