Riad Amssafah Hotel, Marrakech, Morocco
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The district of Amssaffah for more than 300 years was under the dynasty of Saàdienne. The house of Amssaffah is synonymous with excellence and remains a place of traditional standing in the centre of Médina. Close to the Riad there are many historic buildings and cultural sites such as the Chrob Fountain, Médresa Ben Youssef, Qobba, the museum of Marrakech, and within 10 min walk from the Riad there is the fabulous complex Soukier Semmarine and the world famous Jamaà el fna square. loading...
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Riad Amssafah Hotel Reviews
" What a place, what a location "
Submitted By: emma **
We found this a fantastic place to stay the rooms are palatial if you pay a little extra (i.e. for a suite) and the staff were always happy to assist. We went low season in February and found that the Riad was a great place to stay and definitely value for money - loved the rooftop area and breakfast setting if a little cold at this time - still there is heating in rooms. People in Marrakesh are friendly however there is the feel that all are deperate for your money. The souks are great make sure you have room to bring a piece of Marrakesh back with you!
Good for: City Breaks
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" READ THIS!!!
Okay, where do I... "
READ THIS!!!
Okay, where do I start. Days off from work and hard earned money are both prescious when you work hard all year so you want to be selective about where you go, after all there are an infinite number of locations and resorts and you want to get the most out of your cash.
Got a taxi that drove us at break-neck speed to the slums ...sorry did I say slums, I meant Souks where the Riad Amssafah is and was wondering where the hell I was. The taxis have no seat belts and overtake at every single given opportunity which isnt a good thing since we later ended up in a head on collision with a van which smashed up my leg and me my girlfriend got very badly knocked about but thats another story!) and you dont want to end up in a Moroccon hospital...trust me.
Im no stranger to roughing it as a climber & I work in the tough iron and steel industry. The taxi stopped in a filthy, muddy, narrow alley at the Northern end of the Souk. Locals eyes light up when you get out. Beady eyes all side glancing you as you walk towards the Riad. I personally found it very much a baptism with fire.
The Riad itself is a nice place. Very tranquil from the nightmare location in the Souks. We dropped our bags in our room and then asked the staff in the Riad how to get around. I think they are accutely aware of the location and its inherent problems from the opportunist filled alley ways that lie waiting for you on the other side of that entrance. We had been in Morocco 2 hours and we had the Riad Staff warning us DO NOT stop to speak to anyone and ONLY go the way we tell you to go . Do not listen to anyone that approaches you and if you get lost (which we did) ask a shop owner or policeman. Okay, with that knowledge we headed out.
Motorbikes, bicycles, donkeys pulling loaded carts, young lads approach you being VERY VERY insistent you are going the wrong way, people calling ''Hey! English? Hey you!!'' These people make looking around in the Souks for potential souvenir purchases an absolute nightmare/ impossible even! One lad was almost shouting in my face telling me to ''look at Berber market...last day!'' After hearing this the tenth time I had to glare this kid in the eye and say ''Look! We are NOT interested!'' ...and still he kept hovering around us at which point Im thinking should I have my fists clenched here because this kid is unerving me and more importantly my girlfriend. We made it to the Main Square and breathed a sigh of relief. Im sorry, but that isnt a holiday. If you are insistent that experiencing the Souks and Main Square then my advice is stay in accomodation outside of the Souks and venture into them as and when you please or better still, get a guide to take you through the maze of alley ways and his presence wil deter any idiots from hassling you.
We were so fed up with it we cut our stay in Marrakech short and got the Supratour Coach to Agadir where our hotel had money stolen from it, ended up in a head-on crash in a taxi, got an electric shock off the Electirc Cooker which was 'Live' when we switched it on and had 2 lads booting our apartment door on the last night to which I had to leap out of the bed and go roaring at them to warn them off.
Moroco isnt safe for families because of the transport risk. Fast erratic driving on chaotic roads with no seat belts just isnt how you want your kids being ferried around.
Ive been. There were good bits...tiny tiny bits. Never again. Next year, Algarve, Italian Riviera, Chamonix, Yosemite Ntional Park, Iceland maybe...anywhere but Morocco.
Okay, where do I start. Days off from work and hard earned money are both prescious when you work hard all year so you want to be selective about where you go, after all there are an infinite number of locations and resorts and you want to get the most out of your cash.
Got a taxi that drove us at break-neck speed to the slums ...sorry did I say slums, I meant Souks where the Riad Amssafah is and was wondering where the hell I was. The taxis have no seat belts and overtake at every single given opportunity which isnt a good thing since we later ended up in a head on collision with a van which smashed up my leg and me my girlfriend got very badly knocked about but thats another story!) and you dont want to end up in a Moroccon hospital...trust me.
Im no stranger to roughing it as a climber & I work in the tough iron and steel industry. The taxi stopped in a filthy, muddy, narrow alley at the Northern end of the Souk. Locals eyes light up when you get out. Beady eyes all side glancing you as you walk towards the Riad. I personally found it very much a baptism with fire.
The Riad itself is a nice place. Very tranquil from the nightmare location in the Souks. We dropped our bags in our room and then asked the staff in the Riad how to get around. I think they are accutely aware of the location and its inherent problems from the opportunist filled alley ways that lie waiting for you on the other side of that entrance. We had been in Morocco 2 hours and we had the Riad Staff warning us DO NOT stop to speak to anyone and ONLY go the way we tell you to go . Do not listen to anyone that approaches you and if you get lost (which we did) ask a shop owner or policeman. Okay, with that knowledge we headed out.
Motorbikes, bicycles, donkeys pulling loaded carts, young lads approach you being VERY VERY insistent you are going the wrong way, people calling ''Hey! English? Hey you!!'' These people make looking around in the Souks for potential souvenir purchases an absolute nightmare/ impossible even! One lad was almost shouting in my face telling me to ''look at Berber market...last day!'' After hearing this the tenth time I had to glare this kid in the eye and say ''Look! We are NOT interested!'' ...and still he kept hovering around us at which point Im thinking should I have my fists clenched here because this kid is unerving me and more importantly my girlfriend. We made it to the Main Square and breathed a sigh of relief. Im sorry, but that isnt a holiday. If you are insistent that experiencing the Souks and Main Square then my advice is stay in accomodation outside of the Souks and venture into them as and when you please or better still, get a guide to take you through the maze of alley ways and his presence wil deter any idiots from hassling you.
We were so fed up with it we cut our stay in Marrakech short and got the Supratour Coach to Agadir where our hotel had money stolen from it, ended up in a head-on crash in a taxi, got an electric shock off the Electirc Cooker which was 'Live' when we switched it on and had 2 lads booting our apartment door on the last night to which I had to leap out of the bed and go roaring at them to warn them off.
Moroco isnt safe for families because of the transport risk. Fast erratic driving on chaotic roads with no seat belts just isnt how you want your kids being ferried around.
Ive been. There were good bits...tiny tiny bits. Never again. Next year, Algarve, Italian Riviera, Chamonix, Yosemite Ntional Park, Iceland maybe...anywhere but Morocco.
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- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Select
" just got back from the riad... "
Submitted By: Mr S Walters
just got back from the riad yesterday.
having never felt the need to write a review before-this was my exception.
having being picked up from the airport and whisked through the streets of marrakech to our riad-i have to admit we were a little bit terrified about where we were-and what we would find when we got inside-as the riad is in a pretty dirty part of town.
couldnt have been more wrong-the place is a little paradise,a haven from the bustling
streets outside,beautifully furnished with an amazing ceiling(look up!!!!)
the staff there work really really hard and i cannot recall ever seeing any more than about 5 of them at any time of day-there seems to be a core of staff that live there and will attend to your every need(albeit at a marrakech pace)once you have asked them in a way they can understand(speak slowly and use lots of hand gestures!)
our room wasnt brilliant-but the aircon worked fine,the showers were warm,and the bed and the sheets were clean and comfortable.
people in marrakech work for nothing,and the service industry are badly paid,so look after the staff,and the comeback will be tenfold in your favour.
be prepared to get lost often-and be prepared to pay people for their intimate knowledge of the streets-but dont pay the hangers on-just the first guy you ask!
a fee of about 25-50 dirhams will usually suffice-dont pay til you get there naturally.
visit all of marrakech and see if you can get to the coast(essoiuria)for cheaper shopping and a cool breeze off the sea.
in summary-this place is amazing-not for the faint hearted and not for people who dont like to walk a bit.
coming back to the ryad late on an evening through dark and narrow streets was a great deal less threatening than doing the same thing in this country-and we found the people to be master hustlers,but show them a kindness,and they will share their last
cup of tea with you.
eat in the square or off the streets of you dare!but go for the hot stuff and avoid the orange juice and salads as there is no cooking process to kill the bugs that the morrocans are very immune to-but you will not be-so beware.
go to the riad-ignore the bad reviews-theyre just from the people who expect a 5 star hotel for a one star price-unrealistic and unfair in my opinion.we had a blast and were
very very sad to say goodbye
having never felt the need to write a review before-this was my exception.
having being picked up from the airport and whisked through the streets of marrakech to our riad-i have to admit we were a little bit terrified about where we were-and what we would find when we got inside-as the riad is in a pretty dirty part of town.
couldnt have been more wrong-the place is a little paradise,a haven from the bustling
streets outside,beautifully furnished with an amazing ceiling(look up!!!!)
the staff there work really really hard and i cannot recall ever seeing any more than about 5 of them at any time of day-there seems to be a core of staff that live there and will attend to your every need(albeit at a marrakech pace)once you have asked them in a way they can understand(speak slowly and use lots of hand gestures!)
our room wasnt brilliant-but the aircon worked fine,the showers were warm,and the bed and the sheets were clean and comfortable.
people in marrakech work for nothing,and the service industry are badly paid,so look after the staff,and the comeback will be tenfold in your favour.
be prepared to get lost often-and be prepared to pay people for their intimate knowledge of the streets-but dont pay the hangers on-just the first guy you ask!
a fee of about 25-50 dirhams will usually suffice-dont pay til you get there naturally.
visit all of marrakech and see if you can get to the coast(essoiuria)for cheaper shopping and a cool breeze off the sea.
in summary-this place is amazing-not for the faint hearted and not for people who dont like to walk a bit.
coming back to the ryad late on an evening through dark and narrow streets was a great deal less threatening than doing the same thing in this country-and we found the people to be master hustlers,but show them a kindness,and they will share their last
cup of tea with you.
eat in the square or off the streets of you dare!but go for the hot stuff and avoid the orange juice and salads as there is no cooking process to kill the bugs that the morrocans are very immune to-but you will not be-so beware.
go to the riad-ignore the bad reviews-theyre just from the people who expect a 5 star hotel for a one star price-unrealistic and unfair in my opinion.we had a blast and were
very very sad to say goodbye
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- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Select
- Tour Operator:travel republic
" Ohhhhhh my gosh Riad Amssaffa (i... "
Submitted By: Miss C Miranda
Ohhhhhh my gosh Riad Amssaffa (i think that is how u spell it) was amazing. I brought this holiday for my boyfriend for his 30th b'day present and i went with him for a week. The Riad was great and the people were amazing, i live in London and you never (i bet you) you never get staff like this at a hotel. They were fantastic. We were right in the centrel of the medina which when i booked i didnt know what it was, its basically in the centres of the capital which in fact was great. If u want any info or advice email me at celia.miranda(@)haymarket.com, i didnt like it to start but its actuallya great place. I was in the center so it was full of really really poor people but they were alll lovely and where i was staying Riad Amsaffah it was great and all the staff were just amazing they would do anything for you. And not just that the place was amazing. If you ever go to Morocco or Marrakesh in fact you have to stay at a Riad, its such an amazing experience.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" The position of the hotel was spot... "
Submitted By: Mr D BELL
The position of the hotel was spot on. It forces you to explore the Soukes in the heart of the Medina in Marrakech, because that's where it's positioned - right in the middle. It was a bit daunting at 7.30pm on our first night walking through the Soukes but we had a guide.
The staff in the hotel were friendly and helpful - a hand-drawn map essential to help us look around the old part of the city and to find the main square.
The room was small but OK for the two of us and the facilities basic but adequate. To be honest, at £14 per night, I think the hotel was fantastic. The air conditioning didn't work for the first two nights although we never reported it - the hotel staff spotted it and it was repaired the next day. We never needed the air con anyway but the heater part of it was a boon - temps a bit low in the night in mid February!
The beds were comfortable and clean. Breakfast consisted of a Morrocan bread cake with butter, spready cheese and marmalade, a yoghurt, a hard boiled egg (but not every day) and Morrocan pankakes (nice). All rounded off with a coffee.
Get a grip people. It's the heart of an ancient city where the population earn less than 20 pence per day on a good day. This hotel is fine (I've just spent over £80 a night to stay in a youth hostel in the UK and this hotel outclasses that by miles. Try it and see a lifestyle that will shock and stimulate your senses.
The staff in the hotel were friendly and helpful - a hand-drawn map essential to help us look around the old part of the city and to find the main square.
The room was small but OK for the two of us and the facilities basic but adequate. To be honest, at £14 per night, I think the hotel was fantastic. The air conditioning didn't work for the first two nights although we never reported it - the hotel staff spotted it and it was repaired the next day. We never needed the air con anyway but the heater part of it was a boon - temps a bit low in the night in mid February!
The beds were comfortable and clean. Breakfast consisted of a Morrocan bread cake with butter, spready cheese and marmalade, a yoghurt, a hard boiled egg (but not every day) and Morrocan pankakes (nice). All rounded off with a coffee.
Get a grip people. It's the heart of an ancient city where the population earn less than 20 pence per day on a good day. This hotel is fine (I've just spent over £80 a night to stay in a youth hostel in the UK and this hotel outclasses that by miles. Try it and see a lifestyle that will shock and stimulate your senses.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Never in our 30 year of travelling... "
Submitted By: K Peters
Never in our 30 year of travelling have we experienced such a hotel. We were well aware that this was not a 5 star and expected it to be a little funky. On arrival the greeting was pay now for the airport transfer, we were staying for a week. After reading various reviews we were not suprised to wait while our room was made ready, what was a suprise was to be given mint tea made with old dried mint, awful. We had booked a suite but the room was really a large double and it was freezing (10.30am), still we thought they would have heating. Wrong. The aircon didnt work even after Rashid tried to fix it. The shower was broken, one bedside lamp didnt work, the other had no socket any where near. The tv (12in)had only one channel, with a picture so bad it was unwatchable. The minibar was an empty fridge, (not even a bottle of water) unplugged as the tv was plugged in. So shower was fixed, we can live without the lamps. We mentioned during the day that the room was cold but no heater was offered. At night when the temperature dropped, as it does in January it was the coldest room I have been in since I couldnt afford to heat my bedsit in the 70's. Cold is an understatement. We had all three spare blankets on which warmed up the bed but did nothing for the room. The next morning we told the receptionist ,Fatima, that if they could not provide heating we would have to leave, then an electric heater was produced from another room. When we told her we would like to see the Lastminute rep she very rudely told us we had missed him and got very angry when we asked her to ring him, telling us to go out on the street and call him ourselves. When we said this was not acceptable she proceeded to shout and tell us we should have seen him earlier. She was well aware we wanted to see him before he arrived but failed to inform him. For the next 10 minutes she continued to shout and abuse us in a way that made us realise she had to be a family member, nobody would have willingly employed her, turns out she is the owners daughter. At one point she threatened us with her husband and brothers. By this time it was a case of get us out of here, now. Another rep from lastminute was there and he was as shocked as we were by her appalling behaviour. She is truly a nightmare and should not be allowed within a mile of a hotel reception, anywhere. I found out later that this is not the first time she has behaved this way with guests. This is the worst accomodation ever. And she tried to charge us for the awful mint tea when we left. Dream on Fatima. I wouldnt recommend this place to my worst enemy. Needless to say the common rooms of this riad were very neglected, the terrace hasnt been cleaned for weeks, broken chairs and sunshades, dirty covers. Do not go.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" Riad Amssaffah is an absolutely... "
Submitted By: Miss A Thomas
Riad Amssaffah is an absolutely lovely hotel. We found the staff to be friendly and very helpful. Do remember this isn't a Western chain hotel - for example, when you arrive, expect to wait about 30 mins while your room is prepared. During this time we were shown to a sitting room with a fire, offered mint tea and biscuits and the TV was put on for us (on an English-language channel, thoughtfully). The wait seems to be part of their hospitality culture, and if you're not in a rush anywhere, take it for the act of hospitality it is - I've read reviews by other travellers who were annoyed by this.
On arrival we were upgraded to a mini-suite after booking and paying for a double room. This was beautifully decorated, the shower was a bit temperamental, but again - this isn't a posh hotel, it's a very beautiful and traditional guest house in the Medina - be prepared.
Breakfast was simple but lovely - fresh local bread rolls with butter and jam, hot homemade little pancakes, sometimes vanilla yoghurt with freshly-squeezed orange juice and coffee (though English tea is available if you prefer).
One of the receptionists (who speaks very good English) drew us a map from the riad to the Jemaa el-Fna square, complete with landmarks - it's an easy route after one or two two goes. The staff are happy to give you invaluable advice on the best things to do, including booking us a hammam (WHAT an experience!). My advice? Try and memorize the landmarks on the hand-drawn maps first. It also generally includes directions in Arabic for taxi drivers if you're completely out. If you get a tiny bit lost, go back to the nearest landmark on your map and try again. Try not to get the map out, the locals will fall all over themselves in their rush to help you out, and charge you for their services at the end of it - very glad we were warned of this before going, because you'd never expect payment for directions in the UK!
We ventured out of the riad to be instantly confronted by a boy aged no more than seven who was more than keen to show us the way to the square. Had to be quite terse before he took the hint and left us alone, sadly, and we got lost while trying to shake him off. Get used to this on your first day - it seems the locals can spot new arrivals a mile off, because after that day nobody tried to lead us anywhere. According to our friendly hotel receptionist, if someone approaches you in the street and offers to take you somewhere, say no thank you (or non merci - for some reason the hawkers and tics are more likely to leave you alone if asked in French to do so) then don't speak to them even if they do follow you (even if this does go against human nature; it's not nice ignoring people). But this is apparently because there are plain-clothed tourist police in the souks whose job is to stop these people annoying tourists - and if you're seen talking to someone who won't take no for an answer, the police will just assume you've agreed to be taken on some kind of tour. Sounds very elaborate for what it is, but tourism is clearly a massive part of the local economy and the authorities are keen to protect it.
A common trick is for people to tell you a certain way is closed and they can show you another. Again, don't listen - all the passageways in the souks are open till 9pm.
Oh and girls - if you're worried about any kind of sexual harassment, don't be. I didn't get any, which was nice - a really bad experience in a Tunis souk when I was 16 put me off travelling to North Africa for the ensuing eight years. Friends had advised me to wear an engagement/wedding ring to minimise hassle, which I did, but it wasn't any more necessary than it would be in Paris or Rome. Obviously don't wear anything very provocative, but there's no need to don an old sack either - things like boot-cut jeans and short-sleeved tops are fine. The only time I had anything approaching harassment in Marrakech was when sat outside a cafe alone for two mins while my boyfriend popped inside - a guy old enough to be my dad walked up and made a half-hearted attempt to talk to me. I ignored him, and after 30 seconds just stood there he walked away.
Basically, Marrakech is an incredibly beautiful place - you can be standing next to one of the orange trees that line every street and public garden, while gazing at the snow-covered Atlas mountains. Although Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol seems freely available in restaurants and bars. And nine out of 10 people you'll meet are so lovely. The traders in the souks (if you're buying) are funny and chatty, and very good at what they do - barter for everything!! I got a beautiful silk throw for £20 and a scarf for £1.40 - and they won't sell unless they can make a profit. The bartering is half the fun of buying! The hotel staff were lovely - try and learn some of their names, have a smile and a "bonjour" or "hello" for everyone, and they'll look after you really well.
All in all, it was the most amazing weekend of my life, and I can't wait to go back someday!
On arrival we were upgraded to a mini-suite after booking and paying for a double room. This was beautifully decorated, the shower was a bit temperamental, but again - this isn't a posh hotel, it's a very beautiful and traditional guest house in the Medina - be prepared.
Breakfast was simple but lovely - fresh local bread rolls with butter and jam, hot homemade little pancakes, sometimes vanilla yoghurt with freshly-squeezed orange juice and coffee (though English tea is available if you prefer).
One of the receptionists (who speaks very good English) drew us a map from the riad to the Jemaa el-Fna square, complete with landmarks - it's an easy route after one or two two goes. The staff are happy to give you invaluable advice on the best things to do, including booking us a hammam (WHAT an experience!). My advice? Try and memorize the landmarks on the hand-drawn maps first. It also generally includes directions in Arabic for taxi drivers if you're completely out. If you get a tiny bit lost, go back to the nearest landmark on your map and try again. Try not to get the map out, the locals will fall all over themselves in their rush to help you out, and charge you for their services at the end of it - very glad we were warned of this before going, because you'd never expect payment for directions in the UK!
We ventured out of the riad to be instantly confronted by a boy aged no more than seven who was more than keen to show us the way to the square. Had to be quite terse before he took the hint and left us alone, sadly, and we got lost while trying to shake him off. Get used to this on your first day - it seems the locals can spot new arrivals a mile off, because after that day nobody tried to lead us anywhere. According to our friendly hotel receptionist, if someone approaches you in the street and offers to take you somewhere, say no thank you (or non merci - for some reason the hawkers and tics are more likely to leave you alone if asked in French to do so) then don't speak to them even if they do follow you (even if this does go against human nature; it's not nice ignoring people). But this is apparently because there are plain-clothed tourist police in the souks whose job is to stop these people annoying tourists - and if you're seen talking to someone who won't take no for an answer, the police will just assume you've agreed to be taken on some kind of tour. Sounds very elaborate for what it is, but tourism is clearly a massive part of the local economy and the authorities are keen to protect it.
A common trick is for people to tell you a certain way is closed and they can show you another. Again, don't listen - all the passageways in the souks are open till 9pm.
Oh and girls - if you're worried about any kind of sexual harassment, don't be. I didn't get any, which was nice - a really bad experience in a Tunis souk when I was 16 put me off travelling to North Africa for the ensuing eight years. Friends had advised me to wear an engagement/wedding ring to minimise hassle, which I did, but it wasn't any more necessary than it would be in Paris or Rome. Obviously don't wear anything very provocative, but there's no need to don an old sack either - things like boot-cut jeans and short-sleeved tops are fine. The only time I had anything approaching harassment in Marrakech was when sat outside a cafe alone for two mins while my boyfriend popped inside - a guy old enough to be my dad walked up and made a half-hearted attempt to talk to me. I ignored him, and after 30 seconds just stood there he walked away.
Basically, Marrakech is an incredibly beautiful place - you can be standing next to one of the orange trees that line every street and public garden, while gazing at the snow-covered Atlas mountains. Although Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol seems freely available in restaurants and bars. And nine out of 10 people you'll meet are so lovely. The traders in the souks (if you're buying) are funny and chatty, and very good at what they do - barter for everything!! I got a beautiful silk throw for £20 and a scarf for £1.40 - and they won't sell unless they can make a profit. The bartering is half the fun of buying! The hotel staff were lovely - try and learn some of their names, have a smile and a "bonjour" or "hello" for everyone, and they'll look after you really well.
All in all, it was the most amazing weekend of my life, and I can't wait to go back someday!
-
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" Great place to stay BUT we wished... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Southern
Great place to stay BUT we wished they had stated that it had no heating in the rooms!
Temperatures drop to 1-2 degrees at night in December so jammies and hot water bottles recommended.
Breakfast was great, plenty of it and happy to provide more of anything on request.
Sun terrace was brilliant, especially with a bottle of wine in the afternoon sun. Rose recommended, not bad at approx. £7 a bottle.
Food in Marrakesh was far better than we anticipated - the tangines and couscous were excellent, again you need to be aware that many cafes/restaurants are outside and unheated so take warm clothes in winter.
Temperatures drop to 1-2 degrees at night in December so jammies and hot water bottles recommended.
Breakfast was great, plenty of it and happy to provide more of anything on request.
Sun terrace was brilliant, especially with a bottle of wine in the afternoon sun. Rose recommended, not bad at approx. £7 a bottle.
Food in Marrakesh was far better than we anticipated - the tangines and couscous were excellent, again you need to be aware that many cafes/restaurants are outside and unheated so take warm clothes in winter.
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- Date of Holiday:Dec 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" This hotel really was fabulous, we... "
Submitted By: Miss E Kane
This hotel really was fabulous, we loved the large colourful rooms, they felt authentic Morrocan. The staff were very friendly and helpful, a beautiful calm place to escape to. Pity I can't say the same for the rest of Marrakech, and it is some where I had wanted to go for a while.
The medina was full of beggars, dirty, smelly and more smog than LA. The square was disappointing; nothing there to see but tourists looking for some thing to see, though the food being served there at night looked good.
Just cheap, dated cafes, all needing to come into the 3rd Millennium, and by that I don't mean old and interesting just dated and tacky, think plastic chairs and coffee served in plastic tumblers circa 1970. Watch out for the snake charmers, if they put the little snake round you they will try and rip you off for £20, for a crap picture, just walk away. I couldn't believe how many people actually paid.
There were some nice places to eat but they were the advertised theme bars and pizzerias, don't need to go to Morroco for a pizza. Most of the trips out of Marrakech are a rip off, you will most likely be charged again when you get there.
We booked to go to the Atlas mountains, which was nice, but we had to pay the guide and lunch again when we had paid in advance. I would go back to this hotel if they moved it some where else, and in all the places in the world I've ever been, this is the one place I would say if you're thinking of going to Marrakesh….DON'T - go somewhere nice instead.
The medina was full of beggars, dirty, smelly and more smog than LA. The square was disappointing; nothing there to see but tourists looking for some thing to see, though the food being served there at night looked good.
Just cheap, dated cafes, all needing to come into the 3rd Millennium, and by that I don't mean old and interesting just dated and tacky, think plastic chairs and coffee served in plastic tumblers circa 1970. Watch out for the snake charmers, if they put the little snake round you they will try and rip you off for £20, for a crap picture, just walk away. I couldn't believe how many people actually paid.
There were some nice places to eat but they were the advertised theme bars and pizzerias, don't need to go to Morroco for a pizza. Most of the trips out of Marrakech are a rip off, you will most likely be charged again when you get there.
We booked to go to the Atlas mountains, which was nice, but we had to pay the guide and lunch again when we had paid in advance. I would go back to this hotel if they moved it some where else, and in all the places in the world I've ever been, this is the one place I would say if you're thinking of going to Marrakesh….DON'T - go somewhere nice instead.
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- Date of Holiday:Feb 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" Where to Start? Marrakech is not for... "
Submitted By: Mr Yuri Getcheffsky
Where to Start? Marrakech is not for the faint of heart. It bombards all your senses at once with its colours, smells, sights and sounds, and that can leave your head spinning at times, but what a fab place to visit. If you intend to visit, why not stay at the Riad Amssafah Hotel right in the heart of it all - a 10 /15 minute walk to Djemma El Fnaa square and a few minuets from the hustle and bustle of the souks.
The Riad itself is of a decent standard and a heaven of tranquility with its helpful and friendly staff. We found it to be a nice place to stay although it could do with a little T.L.C in places. Especially the sun terrace Breakfast is continental style bread rolls, jam, butter, cheese spread with traditional Moroccan pancakes and cafe au lait.
You can now take a settle bus from the airport at a cost of 20 Dirham (£1.20 or 2 Euro) direct to the square, or there is a local bus No. 11 that runs from near the airport to the square (cost: 3.5 Dirham/20p). If you want a taxi you'll need a petit taxi to take you into the Medina (cost: about 30/50 Dirham), well worth taking for the experience - you'll see what I mean once you're in the narrow streets within the Medina, plus it's doubtful you'll find the Riad without the help of some only too willing local who will, (be warned) want paying for their services.
Head for the Djemma El Fnaa square at night to sample Moroccan food cooked for you at one of the many stalls that appear here in the evening, or try the cinnamon tea on offer from one of the other vendors, or sit and take in the sights and sounds at one of the many restaurants that surround the square.
You will be hard pushed to find alcohol on sale, although back at the Riad you can get a beer for 30 Dirham (£1.90) and a bottle of wine for approx 120 Dirham (£7.50). The square is also a good place to grab a freshly squeezed juice after the madness of the souks - that's if you don't get lost. If you do, don't fear, there is always a helpful local on hand to guide you - at a small price of course.
If you don't require their help, just say "no thank you". Be firm and polite - they may continue to follow you, just repeat "no thank you" until they get the message. The same thing goes for the square. If you don't want to sit down to eat or have your photo taken with a snake or monkey or anyone else that may offer, just say "no thank you" and walk away. If you do, be prepared to pay; they may want upwards of £3.00/50 Dirham.
My tip is to take just enough money to get what you need, or take 2 wallets, one with very little in it and one with the rest of your money; that way you can show them an empty wallet and tell them that is all you have, if they persist. We had a photo taken with a water seller; he wanted 50 Dirham, we gave him 20, and he was more than happy with that. Barter, barter, barter for the best deal.
We bought a dagger, for which the man wanted 1200 Dirham (£75.00). We eventually settled on 300 Dirham and ended up paying 285 Dirham/£18.00 - all we had in our wallet - and it did the trick, as he gave us some back to get a drink. If you're not happy with a price walk away! Do not be intimidated
Visit Jardin Majorelle http://www.jardinmajorelle.com/ - a peaceful oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle of the New Town. It's only a short walk from the Riad, if you want to brave the not-so-touristy side of Marrakech. We did and found it to be fascinating.
Finally, at the airport be warned getting though passport control can be a lengthy business it took us some 50 minuets allow plenty of time on your retune journey. Duty free shops only accept Euros, but if you do have a few Dirham left you can spend these at the small snack bar in the corner opposite the duty free shops.
If you intend to get Moroccan currency by drawing it out at an ATM, be aware that not all cards work my Visa debit card worked fine but Maestro card didn't there is a Bureau de change in the airport as well as a ATM plus a few in and around Djemma El Fnaa. Don't forget to pack your sun cream as temperatures were in the mid 20's March 2007 Enjoy all that Marrakech has to offer.
The Riad itself is of a decent standard and a heaven of tranquility with its helpful and friendly staff. We found it to be a nice place to stay although it could do with a little T.L.C in places. Especially the sun terrace Breakfast is continental style bread rolls, jam, butter, cheese spread with traditional Moroccan pancakes and cafe au lait.
You can now take a settle bus from the airport at a cost of 20 Dirham (£1.20 or 2 Euro) direct to the square, or there is a local bus No. 11 that runs from near the airport to the square (cost: 3.5 Dirham/20p). If you want a taxi you'll need a petit taxi to take you into the Medina (cost: about 30/50 Dirham), well worth taking for the experience - you'll see what I mean once you're in the narrow streets within the Medina, plus it's doubtful you'll find the Riad without the help of some only too willing local who will, (be warned) want paying for their services.
Head for the Djemma El Fnaa square at night to sample Moroccan food cooked for you at one of the many stalls that appear here in the evening, or try the cinnamon tea on offer from one of the other vendors, or sit and take in the sights and sounds at one of the many restaurants that surround the square.
You will be hard pushed to find alcohol on sale, although back at the Riad you can get a beer for 30 Dirham (£1.90) and a bottle of wine for approx 120 Dirham (£7.50). The square is also a good place to grab a freshly squeezed juice after the madness of the souks - that's if you don't get lost. If you do, don't fear, there is always a helpful local on hand to guide you - at a small price of course.
If you don't require their help, just say "no thank you". Be firm and polite - they may continue to follow you, just repeat "no thank you" until they get the message. The same thing goes for the square. If you don't want to sit down to eat or have your photo taken with a snake or monkey or anyone else that may offer, just say "no thank you" and walk away. If you do, be prepared to pay; they may want upwards of £3.00/50 Dirham.
My tip is to take just enough money to get what you need, or take 2 wallets, one with very little in it and one with the rest of your money; that way you can show them an empty wallet and tell them that is all you have, if they persist. We had a photo taken with a water seller; he wanted 50 Dirham, we gave him 20, and he was more than happy with that. Barter, barter, barter for the best deal.
We bought a dagger, for which the man wanted 1200 Dirham (£75.00). We eventually settled on 300 Dirham and ended up paying 285 Dirham/£18.00 - all we had in our wallet - and it did the trick, as he gave us some back to get a drink. If you're not happy with a price walk away! Do not be intimidated
Visit Jardin Majorelle http://www.jardinmajorelle.com/ - a peaceful oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle of the New Town. It's only a short walk from the Riad, if you want to brave the not-so-touristy side of Marrakech. We did and found it to be fascinating.
Finally, at the airport be warned getting though passport control can be a lengthy business it took us some 50 minuets allow plenty of time on your retune journey. Duty free shops only accept Euros, but if you do have a few Dirham left you can spend these at the small snack bar in the corner opposite the duty free shops.
If you intend to get Moroccan currency by drawing it out at an ATM, be aware that not all cards work my Visa debit card worked fine but Maestro card didn't there is a Bureau de change in the airport as well as a ATM plus a few in and around Djemma El Fnaa. Don't forget to pack your sun cream as temperatures were in the mid 20's March 2007 Enjoy all that Marrakech has to offer.
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- Date of Holiday:Mar 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:freedom direct
" I have travelled a lot and stayed in... "
Submitted By: Mrs N Stanton
I have travelled a lot and stayed in a lot of hotels - and this is the first time I have made an effort to write a review.
Not only were the staff amazing in going out of their way to help you or offer advice, but the decor was incredible to look at... and being located in the middle of the souks, the hotel was an amazing calm compared to some of the rush of the streets outside (in itself an experience).
Would highly recommend this place to stay if going to Marrakech!!
Not only were the staff amazing in going out of their way to help you or offer advice, but the decor was incredible to look at... and being located in the middle of the souks, the hotel was an amazing calm compared to some of the rush of the streets outside (in itself an experience).
Would highly recommend this place to stay if going to Marrakech!!
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- Date of Holiday:Aug 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I have traveled to Morocco several... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Buchanan
I have traveled to Morocco several times over the last thirty years but have never stayed in such a delightful place as the Riad Amssafah. The people running the house were so welcoming and helpful they made us feel part of the family. Their food was the best we tasted, even though we ate at several beautiful and well recommended restaurants.
Actually staying in the Medina, only a few minutes away from the Souks was such an experience. The Riad was like an oasis of calm in the middle of a medieval market place. The souks themselves are a riot of colour, perfumes and humanity.
Try the Cafe France terrace at dusk, and watch the carnival taking place in the square beneath you, try the Foundouk for it's beautiful decor, but maybe avoid the Fantasia! - the displays of horsemanship are excellent, but the rest is a bit 'Disney'
If you are going to Marrakech, stay at the Riad Amssafah and your holiday will be much enriched.
Actually staying in the Medina, only a few minutes away from the Souks was such an experience. The Riad was like an oasis of calm in the middle of a medieval market place. The souks themselves are a riot of colour, perfumes and humanity.
Try the Cafe France terrace at dusk, and watch the carnival taking place in the square beneath you, try the Foundouk for it's beautiful decor, but maybe avoid the Fantasia! - the displays of horsemanship are excellent, but the rest is a bit 'Disney'
If you are going to Marrakech, stay at the Riad Amssafah and your holiday will be much enriched.
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- Date of Holiday:May 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
" Come to the Riad Assaffah if you want... "
Submitted By: Mr M T Friend
Come to the Riad Assaffah if you want a traditional Marrakech type place to stay, the staff are fantastic and will help you in any way they can.
The Riad is right in the Medina, I mean right in, If you want to go years back in time this is it.
The Riad is comfortable and the rooms are nice, they have a website, albeit in French.
I have been to quite a few North African places but this one beats the lot in terms of the souks, you don't get hassel, just say no and they go. The square you have to go, and the people are so friendly.
If you want to go back in time go.
The Riad is right in the Medina, I mean right in, If you want to go years back in time this is it.
The Riad is comfortable and the rooms are nice, they have a website, albeit in French.
I have been to quite a few North African places but this one beats the lot in terms of the souks, you don't get hassel, just say no and they go. The square you have to go, and the people are so friendly.
If you want to go back in time go.
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- Date of Holiday:Jan 2006
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Lastminute
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We walked for two days far too far, taxis are cheap and the much better bet, 20dhrs a ride will get you anywhere within the city and reduce the need of endless map checking!
Certainly visit the 'Jardin Majorelle' (Yves St Laurent)a real oasis and adjoining Musee d'Art Islamique. The Medersa Ben Youssef (Former Koranic Boarding School)and next door the Musee de Marrakech. also the Palais Bahia. Eat at the Night Market, stand 75 had Rick Stein cooking the night we ate!!!!!Drink the wonderful freshly squeezed orange juice by the gallon. We ate in our Riad on one evening and there were able to have a bottle of wine. On other evenings we ate out in the night market, at the Cafe Bourganvillea and on our final night at Terrasse des Espices in the Souk. Each time returning to our Riad for coffee, tea and a drink. The food is interesting and aromatic, always served with a smile and unrushed, (apart from the night market which is fun and frenetic)
Barter in the Souks and during that just keep smiling, you can always escape back to the Riad if it gets too much.
Above all don't go to Marrakech expecting a modern city experience with Western European standards (ie endless health and safety rules!!! freebee Molton Brown soap, shampoo and shower gel, shoe cleaners and useless sewing kits in a faceless hotel. The Morrocan people we had dealings with were delightful, pleased you were visiting their country and their city, hoping you were enjoying your time. Respect the fact that it is a Muslim country, it may be hot (our days in March were averaging about 28C, cooler but not cold in the evening) but we kept ankle to wrist covered in cool loose clothes. Show respect to all and you will be treated likewise. A knowledge of French will help no end.
We shall return and we will use the same Riad. We will visit the Atlas Mounain Area for a few days, pre book a pampering session in an Hammam and I will have a Henna tattoo on my ankle. I think if I had visited in the 60's I might have stayed, I have never come back from only a week away feeling so relaxed and happy.
Good for: City Breaks