Riad Ksar Anika — Hotel in Marrakesh Prefecture

We stayed for two days while transitioning to another location. Overall, there was nothing significant to worry about, and I can only speak to my family's experience in our room and the surrounding space. The staff were friendly, approachable, and clearly hardworking. The food was satisfactory, and the service was good. I have always felt safe in Morocco, and I felt particularly secure at this Riad. It lived up to its advertisements.

The air conditioning was adequate, especially given the intense heat outside. I appreciated the refreshing change in temperature upon entering the cool Riad. The receptionist welcomed us warmly, even though we arrived an hour before check-in, and briefed us on the dos and don'ts of the city. She also arranged a taxi for us two days later.

However, the bathroom in our room was somewhat outdated, and the stains on the walls would benefit from refurbishment. The pleasant scent in the Riad was calming, and I inquired about it. Bathrooms without windows require extra attention to prevent moisture issues, especially when they lack full tiling and ventilation. The light in the dining area was not functioning, and the light in the bedroom was flickering when dimmed. Fortunately, we didn't spend much time indoors, so these issues did not significantly affect our stay.

I rated this Riad three stars instead of five based on my travel experiences and standard comparisons, taking cultural differences into account. I write reviews because I understand that people invest their hard-earned money to travel and seek enjoyable experiences, whether alone or with loved ones, and deserve a truthful opinion from others traveling, so they can have a full picture of what to expect.

While a taxi was booked for us, we inquired about the fare to the train station and were told that the driver would provide that information. Although haggling over taxi fares may be a cultural norm, the increase in prices can leave a negative impression. If Riad Ksar Anika could partner with a taxi company to offer fairer rates, it would enhance their overall service quality.

Despite these concerns, I would consider returning.

Thank you...

Riad Ksar Anika is an Oasis on the southeastern edge of the Medina. The public areas are beautiful and well maintained. The staff were very nice and helpful. Taxis were able to stop directly in front of the Riad. The staff flagged down a taxi and negotiated a price with the driver each and every time that we needed a taxi. We reserved a suite for our 5 night stay. The first two nights we stayed in room 12A on the second floor. I was surprised they called it a suite. It was sparsely furnished and nothing like any of the photos. There were two small windows facing the street and the AC unit blew directly onto the bed. Additionally, the street noise was loud and the deal breaker was that the car and motorbike exhaust seeped into the room. Big cushion like devices were provided to plug the windows to block out the noise but then made the room stuffy. We asked to be moved after the 2nd night and they were able to move us to room number 1. What a difference!! Room number 1 was beautifully decorated and furnished. It had six windows. Two overlooked the water fountain and the other two the pool. There was a private outdoor terrace too. I loved the terrace. Breakfast was nice but basic. A variety of breads/crepes, beans, yogurt, grits/oatmeal soup, eggs made upon order, very good coffee. The location of the Riad is not very pedestrian friendly. It is about an eight to ten minute walk to the nearest restaurant and if you take the main path going west there are very narrow sidewalks and at least three narrow archways at blind turns to negotiate. The sidewalks end and begin before and after each archway so you must carefully share the narrow area under the archway with the cars and speeding motorbikes. In summary, the Riad is very well maintained and we loved our second room. The location is car friendly but a pedestrian challenge. We found that the motor bikes, and their exhausts, throughout the Medina to be a pedestrian hazard especially in the narrow and crowded areas of the Souks. Except for the location, I would stay here again if I could have...

Amazing looking hotel, boutique feel and look, the traditional elements in lobby area are just fantastic. The greeting and check in is unorthodox for western travelers; they sit you in the nice lobby area beside the pool, serve hot beverages and treats, and you wait for the guest services to come and welcome you. They did take my passport the moment I arrived before asking to be seated which surprised me. The person goes through a lot of details.||The room was super spacious, and very traditional. Rose petals laid in different locations to welcome you. Even a bowl of fruits were there for you to enjoy! There is no TV, so have some music on hand if it feels too quiet. ||This hotel is located in the old city of Marrakech, so the building is old and not very sound proof. There was an interesting thick pad which was designed to fit the window and they asked me if I wanted it super quiet, I should put that at night to block the noise and light; although Marrakech is very noisy place due to thousands of motorcycles which wander around the city from very early morning to late. So have a good pair of earplugs on hand. ||The bed was comfortable. The cover was too hot for summer time. The AC works really well. Shower and bathroom was functioning well and well maintained.||The breakfast was great: very individualized, traditional choices, including delicious Moroccan soups. ||A beautiful swimming pool in the lobby to get yourself wet, although I did not use it, but even sitting beside it was very relaxing. The greens in the lobby was fantastic, and the decors and artwork were very pleasing to look at. ||The location is not too far from old city, 15 minutes walk, but be prepared to navigate through narrow old streets with lots of commute and traffic. Be extra careful with bike drivers. I wish the city somehow control them. ||I want to thank all staff at the hotel, the reception, breakfast and lobby staff. All very friendly, super nice and kind. They made my stay at this hotel very memorable. Thanks again and if I come back again, I may stay at your hotel...