89-90 Arset Aouzal, Bab Doukkala Medina, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 635-3814
Deep in the medina, about a a 20-minute walk to Jemaa el-Fina
Luxurious bathrooms with hammams
Small courtyard plunge pool and fireplace lounge
Free daily breakfast
Free Wi-Fi
Moroccan restaurant with rooftop terrace
Airport and train station transfer service (for a fee)
Pick-up area is a long walk from the riad
Dinners must be pre-arranged
Deep in the labyrinthine streets of the medina, the Riad Ambre et Epices, like so many other riads, cannot be reached by car. Once inside the classic courtyard sanctuary, guests can relax by the fireplace or the tiny plunge pool, and be attended to by a staff dedicated to personalized hospitality. Since the riad experience is designed to resemble more of a stay in a home than a hotel, rooms lack such standard hotel amenities as mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and TVs (hospitality is what counts here), but the rooms at Riad Ambre et Epices do have luxurious bathrooms, and some include private hammams. Free breakfast and Wi-Fi are nice perks.
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Scene
Renovated, early 20th-century mansion
Centered around a traditional interior courtyard, this riad was formerly the home of a wealthy spice merchant. Renovated in 2009, the classic interiors were given a modern makeover, but the "amber and spice" house nods to the past through carefully preserved antiques and rich ambiance. Hand-carved wooden doors and ornate arches add depth to the open-air common areas, where guests can spend quiet moments away from the hectic streets outside. Kiddos are welcome here, but the majority of guests are international couples on a romantic holiday.
Location
Deep in the medina
Riad Ambre et Epices is deep in the 11th-century UNESCO recognized medina. A labyrinth of narrow streets filled with cafes, souks, and vendors selling traditional crafts surround the guesthouse. As is the case with many riads, it cannot be directly reached by car or taxi -- guests need to walk five minutes from the nearest parking (or taxi drop-off) to find it, though the staff will arrange a pickup from the airport or train station, and honestly, that's probably your best option. Jamaa el Fna is about a 20-minute walk from the riad, and Marrakech Menara International Airport is about a 15-minute drive.
Rooms
Contemporary or traditional, with luxurious baths
The eleven individually decorated rooms come in contemporary or traditional decor, all with spicy names like Floraison de l'Atlas (Flowering Atlas) or Tresor de Chine (Treasures of China). The contemporary rooms have a dark-gray palette with black wooden trim, doors, and shutters. Some have sitting areas around small open fireplaces with designer chairs and little Moroccan tables. The traditional rooms have a brighter, sand-colored decor with tiled floors and area rugs. There are no TVs or minibars in sight, but the bathrooms are a treat, with small private hammams consisting of large soaking tubs -- either modern and minimalist or ornately tiled -- with hand-held showerheads and seating for two.
Features
Restaurant with rooftop terrace, free shuttle to the airport, free breakfast, and cell phones for guests' use
Among the services provided by the staff, the airport and parking lot pick up may be the most appreciated. Staff will also bring a hand cart to carry luggage through the narrow streets. Tour assistance is offered, and cellphones (with Moroccan SIM cards) are available for guests' use. The courtyard holds a small plunge pool, essentially a large fountain, typical of riads of this size, along with a rooftop terrace and a small lounge with a fireplace. As in most riads, dinners must be pre-arranged with the small kitchen no later than the morning of the day guests wish to dine, but free breakfasts of yogurt, omelets, and a variety of baked goods are served daily. Wi-Fi is free throughout the riad.
