I stayed at Riad Jona for my Birthday this year and it was absolutely fantastic. Having not been to Marrakech before, we asked Julien to arrange a transfer for us from the airport to the Riad. I’m so glad we did otherwise we’d never have found it. I highly recommend this option if it is your first visit to Marrakech. The heat and hustle and bustle were what I expected so when we stepped into the Riad it felt like we were in a completely different world! The lovely smells and colours as soon as we walked in were so inviting. We arrived mid morning after an early morning flight from the UK, not expecting Breakfast, but we were taken up to the roof terrace and provided with what can only be described as a wonderful breakfast. The mint tea was to die for and I don’t usually drink any tea at all so that’s saying something. After breakfast, because our room was not ready, we were offered another room to freshen up in, which was, once again, wonderful of them to offer us this. When they did show us our room, I knew I’d made the right choice when picking. We stayed in Cannelle Suite. It was huge and the décor was beautiful. There was no shower in the room, which I knew prior to leaving the UK anyway, but believe me, the bath more than made up for this. I would definitely recommend this room if you are thinking of going to Riad Jona. The Riad is in a wonderful location with only a 10-minute walk to the Medina but it is still far enough away for some peace and quiet when you want (and you will need) to get away from it all. We were in Marrakech for 5 nights, which was just enough time, but we did, however, take a trip to the Atlas Mountains, which took up a whole entire day. I would recommend doing one of the horse and cart rides around the city – It’s a great way to see everything. Anyway, back to the Riad. We ate at the Riad twice and a number of restaurants in the City and the best meal we had was definitely at the Riad. I had the lamb tagine (twice because it was so good) and my other half had the chicken tagine and the seafood Pastilla. Obviously eating at the Riad was more expensive that eating out but it was so worth it. I suggest that you definitely eat there once – I think it’d be a shame not to go and try possibly one of the best tagines you’ll every eat!! We ate on the terrace for both of our evening meals and it was perfect. While on the subject of the terrace, it was such a calm and relaxing environment with a small pool just to cool off in when the heat got a little too much. The staff were all very friendly and helpful and we cannot thank them enough for making our trip so special. If you are thinking of going to Marrakech, this is definitely the place to stay – it’s got my recommendation.
