Reviewer: British resident in Morocco

Feel the rave reviews of the Riad el az need to be balanced. For the same price, you can find much better quality riads. The main problem with the riad was that it completely lacked charm; there was an eerie silence and you could hear everyone's conversations. The riad offers little privacy in this respect. Also, we were woken up at 7.00am by people having their breakfast right outside our door.

Another problem was that the en suite bathrooms do not have doors. This is absurd! I for one will never stay in a place which does not have doors on the bathroom. I definitely will never go back there!!!

We stayed here at the end of January for 3 nights, for a short children-free break!! We found the Riad fairly easy, first we took a taxi from the airport to the nearby hospital and then a young boy took us to the Riad (a short walk away), for a few dirhams. We found the Riad easily after that first time.

The Riad was exactly how it is portrayed in the photos I've seen, however, my first impression was that it was a little more tired than I had imagined. That aside, I really loved the decor and found it very tranquil away from all the hussle and bustle.

I would say it was very tidy and was clean to a reasonable level. It was very quiet the whole time we were there, as there was only one other couple staying there and only rare appearances from staff.

It was very cold when we were there, but they had portable radiators and gas heaters in rooms, which helped alot. I also noticed a new air-con unit in our room (I'm assuming all the rooms did, although I didnt check).

The courtyard and rooftop terrace were really nice, and I imagine on a nice sunny day it would be more enjoyable than our experience (we did sit on the roof once,but in our fleeces and freezing!)

The walk to the square took around 10 mins and wasnt a bad spot within the Old Medina, but I think I would've prefered one of the Riads that were in the Souks, so you were more in the heart of it all.

We really enjoyed our stay here and would recommend this Riad, however, have not seen any others so I have nothing to compare.

If I came to Marrakech again I would definitely stay at this place again.

The Riad is quite tastefully and comfortably decorated. My partner and I stayed in December and heating was provided in our room. The rooms and the common areas were kept tidy and spotless.

The staff were very friendly and the overall feel of the Riad was quite relaxing. Sitting on the cushions on the roof terrace and in the court yard was great. Breakfast was included in the price and there was plenty of it. Pan cakes every day.

It is tucked away in a quiet alley and that is part of its charm. It feels like a little world of luxury away from the hectic, but fun, souks.

My partner and I stayed at this riad July 7 & 8. This riad is located in an offshoot of an alleyway, at the end of a small blind alley; it's very important that you have the contact number to call when you arrive. You will not find it on your own! We enjoyed our stay there, although we were at the riad during a heat wave and were a little uncomfortable at night without air conditioning. What was lacking in air conditioning was made up for in other ways. The concierge Yousef was extremely helpful in assisting our planning of the weekend, as we expected to be in Essaouira for the remainder of the trip, and even helped us cash some traveller's cheques at a hotel. Warning - do not bring traveller's cheques to morocco - the vast majority of bank branches do not exchange them. Also, make sure you have your passport number with you at the hotels as they are required to have this information documented by law (my partner left his passport at his apartment in Casablanca). Bring a ton of patience with you to Marrakesh - you will likely get lost more than once, people with monkeys will come up to you and harrass you, children selling sweets may invade your personal space, the maps are confusing, orange juice vendors will shout at you....but the average moroccan is a very decent person, and you'll have a great experience.