Riad Maison Africa

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Riad |3 bedrooms |Sleeps 8

Medina in Marrakech City

From £1120 per week |  From £160 per night

3 nights minimum stay

Changeover flexible

4 out of 5

1 review | Write a review

Key info  Swimming pool, air conditioning, balcony/terrace, car not necessary, private garden, pets welcome

About the home

Situated in Quartier Riad Laarous, just ten minutes walk north of Djemaa el Fna, in the very heart of the ancient medina of Marrakech, Riad Maison Africa is a fully refurbished 18th century traditional Moroccan house. Available exclusively for private holiday rental this beautifully restored, luxurious and highly sought-after Marrakech home retains many of its original features and is tastefully furnished with rich local fabrics, rugs, pots, metalwork and hand-made furniture. Oozing with authenticity and atmosphere, the riad is a haven of peace and quiet for guests seeking a truly private retreat from the melee of bustling souks. Tastefully enhanced with several stylish features including a courtyard plunge pool for summer cooling and roaring log fires for winter warming, the riad has three spacious en-suite bedrooms and a large salon/living room.

Ideal for one, two or three couples, large family groups or as a luxurious honeymoon retreat, Riad Maison Africa comfortably accommodates 6-8 guests, and can sleep a maximum of 9. For those keen to dine Moroccan-style, a well-equipped kitchen is stocked with a range of spices from the nearby souk, and a selection of Moroccan recipes. A choice of fine restaurants and cafés are only a few steps away. The views from the private roof terrace are magnificent with the trees and public gardens of Sidi Bouamer to the north and, in winter, the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas to the south. Relax under the shade of a Berber tent or savour a sundowner from the rooftop bar.

Due to high demand for Riad Maison Africa we now have a second quality property available for private rental in Marrakech - Riad Arabia. We also own and operate the Moroccan Sahara's first luxury tented eco-camp, 'Sahara Safari Camp', plus a private rental Berber house in Toubkal National Park - Atlas Mountain Lodge. Why not combine 4 or 5 few nights in Riad Africa with 2 or 3 nights in the southern oases and Sahara or Atlas Mountains? Please contact us for further details and prices of our twin or triple centre holidays in Southern Morocco - all holidays are fully bonded with 100% financial protection.

Facilities

Further details indoors:
On the ground floor of Riad Maison Africa is a large beamed salon/dining room with traditional lounge seating, dining table and chairs, feature-fireplace with large open grate for roaring winter log fires plus a TV with DVD and iPod player. An arched double-door leads into a very well-equipped beamed kitchen with dishwasher, washer/dryer, electric and gas-powered cooker and large fridge/freezer. Also on the ground floor is the largest of the bedrooms, the ‘Imperial’ room, complete with king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and hand-built tadelakt-lined bath tub big enough for two! Under the stairs which lead up to the first floor is a WC with washbasin.

Another two en-suite bedrooms can be found on Riad Maison Africa’s first floor along with an understairs laundry area and small ornate fountain. Each first floor bedroom has double-doors opening into bathrooms (one equipped with a corner spa-bath, the other with extra wide bath, and ceramic hand basins). With a King-size bed, a corner-fireplace and a private balcony overlooking the courtyard below, the ‘Sahara’ room is more open-plan and offers intimacy, space and privacy. More suitable for a family with two children, the ‘Atlas’ room has a funky elevated loft-style space with two single beds accessible by a wood staircase, and twin beds below in the main bedroom.

Wi-fi is enabled throughout the riad and each bedroom is equipped with a TV with individually controlled satellite channels. Each en-suite bathroom has a gravity-fed shower above the bath whilst hot water is heated via roof-mounted solar panels. All bedrooms (and the salon) are fitted with top of the range ‘LG Plasma’ air-conditioning/heater units. Another flight of stairs lead from the first floor to the flower-filled roof terrace.

Further details outdoors:
An arabesque-style bab ed dar door opens into Riad Maison Africa’s courtyard from a well-lit medina street to reveal a zelliges tiled fountain and plunge pool, shadowed by an exotic Draa Valley palm tree and a twin-sided three-storey Marrakech abode adorned with numerous Moroccan arches and ornate iron railings. The courtyard is an ideal place for a typical Moroccan breakfast of freshly squeezed juice, coffee, omelette, pancake or croissant serenaded by morning birdsong.

The roof terrace of Riad Maison Africa is quite unique compared to many other riads in Marrakech due to its height. Standing up high, the views from the terrace of medieval minarets, High Atlas peaks and lofty date palms are unsurpassed. The terrace has a Berber tent providing shade during the day and an alternative place to sleep at night, a barbecue, a marble-topped corner bar area and sun-loungers. 2 zilleges-tiled dining tables and chairs will tempt you to evenings of candle-lit dinners under a star-filled African sky.

Further details

Riad Maison Africa is a high quality heritage house ideally suited to discerning travellers looking for an authentic and private Moroccan hideaway. Although reflective of the past, we've ensured we haven't ignored the present - so the riad comes equipped with luxuries such as a laptop computer plus a mobile phone for local calls and satellite TV - all at no extra charge.

Perfect for couples, a small group of friends and ideal as a private villa for families, Riad Maison Africa can only be rented on an exclusive basis, hiring the entire property over your choice of duration. Our house manager is available locally to provide information and to book local guides, excursions and activities.

We have a private Moroccan cook available to prepare tasty traditional 3-course evening meals in-house including tajines, couscous or mixed grills. A travel cot and high chair are available on request. Firewood is also included in the rental price during winter months.

Conditions

1. We do not ask for a damages deposit. However, any costs incurred in the replacement of any accidental breakages will be billed to guests locally. Please ensure you have adequate travel insurance in place before travel.

2. If your booking is made more than 56 days (8 weeks) before your arrival date, a deposit of 50% of the rental fee is payable to secure your booking. The balance is then due no later than 56 days (8 weeks) before your stay commences. For bookings made within 56 days (8 weeks) of arrival, full payment must be made to secure your booking.

Full terms and conditions are available at our website.

We make every effort to conform with best practice standards in assuring travel is conducted responsibly with consideration for local people, the environment and wildlife. We support local businesses by buying the majority of our fresh food and house supplies from local markets and shops.

Photos

 

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Flower and palm-filled courtyard

 

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Breakfast in the courtyard

 

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Traditional terrace tent

 

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Dining in the Grande Salon

The Marrakech / Essaouira / Marrakech Region region

Like Fes, Meknes and Rabat, Marrakech is one of Morocco's famous Imperial Cities. Renowned for its wonderful climate and for a setting as remarkable as it is varied, it is currently one of the world's top travel hotspots. With palaces and palm groves, rose gardens, and a backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas mountains it is the capital of the Moroccan South, a cultural crossroads and keeper of tradition and folklore. The ancient pink-walled medina contains a wealth of rich architectural heritage, and the real highlight - Place Djemaa el Fna - is like no other square in the world!

Founded in 1062 by Almoravids from the Sahara, this Berber city was once the hub of a great empire that stretched from Algiers to Spain. Throughout its near 1000-year history Marrakech has been the capital of Morocco on several occasions under different dynasties, and is today a favoured city of Morocco's young and dynamic King Mohamed VI.

The Marrakech City / Medina area

Riad Maison Africa is located in a quiet residential area, just 200 metres walk from Rue Riad Laarous. A short walk along Riad Laarous leads into the bustling covered souks of Marrakech, through which you can walk to the very heart of the Medina at Place Djemaa el Fna. Others attractions located close by the riad include the Palace/Museum of Dar El Bacha, the Mosque and Medersa of Ben Youssef, and the Museum of Marrakech.

Marrakech is a city for discerning travellers with a keen interest in culture and a couple of days is simply not enough to fully discover the wealth of attractions this city offers. The minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the landmark and emblem of the city. Other important quarters worth a visit within the old city ramparts include Kasbah and Mellah (the Jewish quarter), both in the south and close to the Royal Palaces (closed to visitors). The Saadien Tombs and Dar Si Said Museum are also of particular interest.

A number of day trips are possible from Marrakech for travellers just spending a few days in the city. Popular options include a day trip to a typical Berber village in the Atlas - Imlil is popular, as is the Ourika Valley. Camel rides are an option, though perhaps best done in the Sahara. Quad bike trips, bicycle hire and a scenic balloon flight are other options. Families may enjoy a visit to Oasiria, a waterpark on the edge of Marrakech with beach, pools, slides and fun for the kids.

A full range of excursions are available through 'Specialist Morocco', an expert UK-based tour operator specialising in private tours and holidays to central and southern Morocco, the Sahara, Atlas and Atlantic. Established by one of the co-owners of Riad Africa, Specialist Morocco offers a choice of 4x4 tours to the Moroccan Sahara's first 'in-style' private tented camp rental, 'Sahara Safari Camp', and beyond. Why not combine a few nights in Riad Maison Africa with 2 or 3 nights in the southern oases and Sahara? Please contact us for further details and rates, or via the holidaylettings enquiry system.

How to get there

Riad Maison Africa What's nearby: Attractions Restaurants Click map icons for more information

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Morocco is well-served with flights from the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Germany. Several low-cost carriers including www.easyjet.com, www.ryanair.com and www.thomsonfly.com operate from a growing number of the UK's regional airports including Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. For scheduled air services, Morocco's national airline is www.royalairmaroc.com. Try and book 6 months in advance for the cheapest deals with low-cost carriers. Early morning flights are compensated by a full day in Marrakech after your arrival.

Several ferries operate daily from Algeciras and Tarifa in Spain to Tangier in northern Morocco. With Morocco's rapidly improving infrastructure Marrakech can now be reached by motorway from Tangier in a little over 5 hours. There is a wide choice of car-hire companies in Marrakech, ideal for touring Morocco's southern oases, Sahara, Atlas and Atlantic coast. Driving in Marrakech can be a little frenetic but taxis are plentiful and cheap.

Activities near Marrakech City

Reviews

Review: 1 to 1 of 1

18 Oct 2011

“A perfect spacious comfortable riad on the edge of the Medina, with all amenities” We (2 parents and 3 children, aged 14, 12 and 11) stayed for 8 days in Riad Africa. It is a beautiful, well equipped, quietly situated riad, with all equipment you need. The riad was larger than we expected based on the photo's, with more than enough space for us. This includes a spacious living with enough (comfortable) seats and 8 dining table seats; 3 bedrooms (1 on the ground floor) with their own bathroom; a well equipped kitchen ; a courtyard with a plungepool (about 1,5 x 2,5 m) which is nice if temperature rises; a small separate toilet downstairs ; and a roof terrace All equipment you wish on a holiday are available, like TV, laptop, games, dvd, good working wifi-internet etc. In the kitchen you can find a washing machine, dishwasher, magnetron, refrigerator with small freezer, coffeemaker, etc. The real hidden gem of this riad is the femme de ménage Zhour. She is a very nice lady. There's not too much trouble for her. She serves breakfast, which is fine. She keeps the (whole!) riad very clean, which is a relief in the filth of the Medina. On request she cooks dinner. This is something that you should not miss. We enjoyed her 3 course dinner so very much, that we asked her to cook a second time (and watched her, so we could try is ourself in Holland) The only (small) disadvantage is that she doesn't speak English and also her French (and ours) is not splendid, but with non verbal communication we both menaged very well (she showed us some places in the Medina and took us to a hammam). The riad is located in the northwest part of the Medina, on the edge. After 2 blocks of houses a 15 minutes walk leads through the' shoppingarea' to Jemaa el Fna. The location of the riad itself however is very quiet. You will not hear the liveliness and business of the Medina. We did enjoy our stay in Riad Africa very much, because of the rest and privacy, while the liveliness of the Medina is near. During the booking the owner pleasantly answered all our questions . He also arranged another location on the countryside for us and various transportations. We recommend this riad for its size, its femme de ménage, the equipment and location. We also recommend Marrakesh for the beautiful Medina with the various musea, gardens and palaces to visit.

Review: 1 to 1 of 1

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Guestbook for Riad Maison Africa

We were a group of 6 ladies on their first visit to Marrakech and to be honest were just a bit apprehensive beforehand. We needn't have worried though as the trip was fantastic and Riad Maison Africa played a huge part in this. We were picked up by minibus from the airport and then met by the Manager, Mustapha to take the short walk from the drop off to the Riad. Initial impressions of Marrakech are a bit of an assault on the senses with the noise, the colours and the smells and then the door to the Riad opens and its just a haven of peace and tranquility. We had mint tea with Mustapha and then dinner which was delicious, our best meal of the trip. The rooms were all great, all with their own bathrooms, and beds were comfortable - one of our party wanted to take the mattress home. On our first morning after a lovely breakfast from Fatima, Mustapha returned to check everything was okay and was kind enough to walk us to the main square - think we would have got lost without him! It can be difficult to buy alcohol in Marrakech and we had bought some at duty free on the way out but the Riad also has a stock which you can buy from. We made use of the rooftop terrace and dipping feet in the small pool at the end of a hard day shopping at the souks was delightful! From my early conversations with the owner Nick to the service and friendliness offered by both Fatima and Mustapha, we could not fault anything and would thoroughly recommend (Galleon, June 2010).

Riad Maison Africa was everything I was hoping for and more. After extensive searching I selected this riad from a large selection and am so pleased that I did. I was travelling with my husband, 3 daughters (8, 13 and 15) and my parents and wanted somewhere that we would have to outselves and that would be big enough for the 3 generations to relax in. The Riad is beautiful both day and night and the pool was a real treat as it was hot when we were there. The laptop and plug in internet for the laptops was great and a real necessity with teenagers. We had dinner prepared for us on the night of our arrival and another night and that was perfect. Lovely to have a meal cooked for us and then not have to go anywhere. Also really good for us to have use of the kitchen so we could cook for ourselves when we wanted. The manager was helpful with arranging activites including a balloon ride. The location was good. Wonderful to stay in the Medina, can't see why you would go to Marrakesh and then not stay right in the old area. It was easy to buy some basic food (water, flour, eggs as well as fresh ingredients) and we were close to the souks for shopping and watching. The owner was very helpful before the trip, organising train tickets for us, sorting a day trip and arranging for us to be collected from Casablanca (Casper, Nov 2009).

It was a lovely short break. We were greeted with a warm welcome from the start of our stay at the riad till the end. We all enjoyed our time in the riad, it's so beautiful, and a relaxing place to stay. We were all happy we picked your riad. Some of us have already discussed amongs ourselves if we ever up go back to Marrakech we would like to stay in Riad Africa. We were also all happy with your staff. The driver was so welcoming and polite, your manager was so welcoming and professional. If was our first time in Marrakech and they really made our time there memorable. Many thanks Nick for being very helpful and also responding back to my 101 questions so quickly. We wish you and your staff the very best for the future. Khadra (March 2009).

As a honeymoon spot maybe a 3 bedroom luxury riad is not the obvious choice, but we wanted space, privacy, service and luxury – and riad Africa delivered it all. The local staff were friendly and unassuming, leaving us to really feel that we had the whole place to ourselves with support whenever we needed it. Carl and Kim Nolan, July 2008.

We found Riad Maison Africa to be a wonderful place to stay for our recent family holiday. The kids loved the plunge pool and the kids ‘loft area’ in the Atlas room plus all the mod-cons of DVD player and TV. Thanks to Fatima for wonderful food and local support – and the inclusion of the local mobile phone, nice touch! Wonderful, from the Biggs family (May 2008).

Rental prices

Prices for group size 8
Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Standard Season	12 Jan 12	1 Apr 13	1120£ 1120	160160	160160	3 Nights

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Rate quoted is for 1-4 people. For 5-6 people add an additional £25 to the above rate, for 7-9 people add an additional £50 to the above rate.

All rates shown on this website are our direct booking rates... which include a 20% discount from our published website rates.

Private airport transfers - £15 per transfer each way.

3-course Moroccan dinners - £17 per person (groups of 4 or more discount rate).

Full range of day trips and activities can be pre-booked through our fully-bonded tour operating company - details provided on request.

Contact us for details of seasonal special offers.

Our rates include exclusive private rental of Riad Maison Africa, traditional Moroccan breakfasts, bed linen, towels, services of housekeeper, services of our multi-lingual fluent English-speaking house manager, use of local mobile phone for local calls with riad manager, wireless internet access and logs for open-fires in winter months.

Riad Maison Africa is a British-owned riad, and also a registered Moroccan company. Payment can be made via credit card, by bank transfer, or by cheque. TTA and ATOL-bonded flight-inclusive packages are also available.

Riad Africa S.A.R.L – Société A Responsabilité Limitée

Patente No: 45628749 - RC No: 36021 - ID FIS. No: 40276030

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Availability notes:

As well as offering much to do and see over a full week, Marrakech is also an ideal place for short break holidays. In respect of this we also accept bookings for short breaks with a minimum stay of 3 nights (4 nights if booking over popular holiday weekend periods). If booking within 1 month of travel we do accept bookings of 1 or 2 night stays, should we have availability.

Riad Maison Africa is available from 1600 on the day of arrival and must be vacated by 1000 on the day of departure, though this is very flexible depending on your final flight arrival and departure times, and the times of outgoing or incoming guests. We can arrange luggage storage and day rooms if necessary.

Contact the owner

* Required fields Please check the following errors: First name * Last name * Email *   Did you mean ""? Yes / No Phone number Arrival date Departure date   Ignore calendar - enquire anway No. of adults No. of children Message * Email me special offers and holiday ideas T&Cs

3 years listed You are contacting Nick Anstead Landline +44 20 7193 2461 Mobile +44 7733 367513 Payment accepted Credit cards accepted PayPal accepted Languages spoken The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2008. This riad has received 1 review from previous guests.

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