Riad Arocha

I think this dar (and not riad, btw) has a very good potential, unfortunately it is not followed up as it should. Like other guests I felt very uncomfortable with the attitude towards the "guides/stalkers", the receptionist actually insisted for me to give more to the guy that kind of followed me, very reassuring for an alone traveling girl. Internet was (of course!) "momentarily" not working. Room was not ready (despite I specified in my email I would arrive pretty early and probably tired). The GPS system that they offer was not working, and their position is really not the most convenient. At night, the poor guardian would barely speak french or english, but was helpless to advice us for places to go to eat, told us to better stay in house and made us micro-wawe dinner. Otherwise the place is nice, rather clean, pretty decorated.

Initial impression was fab. very atmospheric and traditional. Rooms tastefully decorated. However, we had problems from the outset with the staff. We were 4 people, 2 of us vegetarian. We indicated on booking Vegetarian Breakfast. This was translated that we wanted additional 'Vegetarian Soup'!!!!! FOR BREAKFAST!!! ARE YOU KIDDING!!! This would have been funny had they not tried to charge us the equivilant of £7.00 per bowl of soup!! We also had problems with messages not being passed to us from our ongoing accomodation. Our transport arrived only to be told that we had already left. We were the only people staying and at this time we were having breakfast!!! Also 30 mins walk into Square. This is an hour's round trip each time you leave the Riad. Overall, although it was a pretty place, it was not worth the hassle. They do not speak English, and although my French is quite good, they indicated that they did not understand me!!

Our room (the black room) was really lovely. It was very unique, characterful and very clean. It is about 10 minutes walk to the square, but it is not easy to navigate. If you are worried about getting lost might not be the place for you, but getting lost is all part of being in Marrakech! You can organise collection from the airport which is well worth while and not overpriced. The central courtyard is beautiful, breakfast is served there which is also really nice. Really nice place to stay if you want the riad experience.