Riad Cala Medina — Hotel in Marrakesh Prefecture

We didn't expect much for the price paid , and there certainly wasn't any luxury . However the people were doing their very best to meet our wishes and they were lovely . Hamed , Hassan , Mohammed , Abdul and the maid really do try for you . The Riad was very cold although we did get some sun in the afternoons up on the roof terrace . The Riad is very difficult to find and if you were not met by a member of staff you would never find it .You have to walk through very narrow alleys to get there and it's very easy to get lost .It's inside the city walls in the very poor part of Marrakech . many people would not want to go walking these alleys especially at night when it's very dark . My wife would never have gone out on her own . There are people trying to get money from you in many many ways by either begging in the alleys and streets , trying to be your guide , or selling fake watches , phones , pictures and all sorts of rubbish things . Just be firm and say no or ignore them because if you touch anything they have , or stop to talk they will follow you hoping you give in . There is lots of animal cruelty with horses and donkeys being openly whipped and snakes and monkeys having to perform for photos . In fact if you openly try to take a photo of anything or anyone they will expect a payment for it . They don't even want you taking photos in the markets . Because of the religion there are no bars inside or outside the hotels , they don't agree with alcohol . We found 2 places that sold alcohol in their restaurant but when they told us it was £6 for a small bottle of unknown lager we declined and walked out . Could not get on with their food at all , they all thought that potato's , green beans , carrots etc. should all be served cold . Food , clothes , souveniers etc. are no cheaper than here . In all , lovely people in the Cala Riad Medina and not a bad breakfast of bread , a pancake or rolls and preserves with either a mint tea or spiced coffee . We bought our own coffee as we couldn't drink theirs , but they did try to please . Inside the walls of Marrakech can be a frightening place at times , but we are glad we went for the experience , but wouldn't ever do it again . It was like going back hundreds of...

We arrived the first week of November and it is actually a lovely time to visit, as long at one has warm clothing as evening start being cool. There are far less tourists at this time of year. Riad Cala Medina is only 10 minutes walk from the Jemaa el-Fnaa square which we visited each evening, especially from 5pm to 10pm when tens of amazing drum bands compete for peoples' attention. ||||For the very first time Riad Cala Medina is not easy to find and it is advisable to ask to be picked up at the airport or at least have a basic map in order to find ones way. However, the route is through the souk and the people, lights, smells and sounds were lovely. Just watch out for the bicycles and motorcycles that whizz by and it is the pedestrian's responsibility to get out of the way. ||||Riad Cala Medina is a Riad that offers lovely and comfortable ensuite rooms that are all differently decorated with all the basic necessities. We used the communal patio and roof terrace a lot even in November. Our Moroccan dinners were different each evening and breakfast varied daily. All meals were abundant and served in the patio under the orange tree.||||Service was warm, attentive and professional. The owner Hussein, the director Salima and the two staff assistants speak fluent English and French and made us feel really welcome, helped out with any query, accompanied us to the taxi/s and nothing seemed to be ever too much: kindness embodied. I had to leave before 6 am and breakfast was waiting for me! ||||If you look for a glamorous place then this is probably not the Riad you are looking for, but if you want a great place to stay and to return to after a busy day and then relax while having a lovely dinner then I can warmly recommend this Riad which also happens to be great value. I will certainly be back! And I will then also look at the other places this family owns, Riad 34 and Riad Amiris, nearer the main square. ||||I have never greeted the owners and staff through my reviews but am doing so now: thank you so much for making our stay so special and see you...

Spent a few days here between Christmas and New Year and enjoyed it very much. The Riad itself is tucked away and difficult to find if you are not familiar with Marrakech, I understand the Riad can now arrange a taxi to bring you close to the door and this is something I would very much recommend having not used the service and arriving late at night in an unknown city. We used their taxi service to get back to the airport and it was much less stressful.|The Riad itself is beautiful, with old world charm. It is not the Four Seasons, but we thought, for the price paid, it was perfect. It was a little cold in the evenings and mornings, but not unexpected for the time of year, extra blankets were available at night and we had to wear warm clothes for breakfast until the sun reached high enough to shine down in to the courtyard. The staff unfailingly helpful, friendly and polite and also made our children feel very welcome. Lovely breakfast each morning with different Moroccan breads and pastries each day and we ate dinner in the Riad one night, which happened to be the nicest food that we had whilst in Marrakech (recommend the Kofte tagine). Also, the best mint tea...