Riad Azoulay

Getting to the entrance of Riad Azoulay requires passing through mountains of spices and other goods for sale in the surrounding Mellah souk. The hotel's wooden doorway feels almost like a secret passage to escape from the clamor of the nearby stalls. Built in the middle of the 16th century by a wealthy landlord, the riad has walls lined with smooth "tadelakt" plaster and ceilings with exposed beams made out of Lebanese cedar. Marble details add to the interior's elegance. Structured around a central courtyard, the balcony's iron scrolls create a swirling visual motif throughout the floors. At the bottom of the courtyard is a modest, tiled wading pool which helps cool the air circulating through the building. One end of the rectangular pool is punctuated with a flower-covered fountain. Throughout the common spaces, contemporary wood-framed furniture complements the traditional decor. On the roof, several lounge chairs and benches are lined up under canopies enabling guests to soak up the North African sun and peer out over the Marrakech rooftops. The atmosphere is best suited to vacationing couples and families looking for a relaxing spot in Marrakech's Jewish quarter.

Marrakech's Mellah Souk, where the Riad Azoulay is located, is known historically as the Jewish section of the city. That history can be traced through the neighborhood's numerous synagogues, several of which are less than a 10-minute walk away and date back to the 16th century, when Jews settled in the area. The ornate, 19th-century Bahia Palace, built to house the sultan's concubines, is a five-minute stroll from the Riad Azoulay. The Jemaa el-Fnaa market, filled with juice stands and snake charmers, is 15 minutes away on foot or five minutes by car. The posh 16th-century El Badi palace is a six-minute walk from the hotel. Travelers arriving at the Marrakech Menara Airport should expect the drive to Riad Azoulay to take about 13 minutes. Public transportation from the airport isn't available to the hotel and visitors should expect that many of the city's sites will need to be visited on foot or via a rented car or taxi.

Riad Azoulay was originally a private estate, and the nine individually decorated guest rooms continue to feel homey, with high ceilings with exposed beams, a generous amount of seating, and private terraces. The spaces are individually decorated with handcrafted furniture and original artwork. Most rooms have four-poster beds, lantern-shaped lights, and Oriental rugs. Egyptian cotton bedding and artisanal fabrics cover the mattresses. Molding and tile-work accent the walls. Of the nine guest spaces, five are rooms that sleep two people and the other four are suites that sleep between three and five people. As with the rooms, bathrooms vary, but most have modern fittings like square vessel sinks, jewel-toned walls, and walk-in showers. Some have double sinks and large shower/tub combos. Toiletries are provided. 

While most riads lack the full amenities of a hotel, Riad Azoulay has several notable features, especially for a smaller property. The free Mediterranean breakfast includes fresh bread, yogurt, and eggs. An on-site restaurant serves dishes that combine Moroccan and Italian influences such as tagines and savory pastries. Free coffee and tea are regularly available in the common areas. The courtyard's wading pool is nice for cooling off and relaxing, but isn't designed for swimming. There's also a spa with massages and beauty treatments, including hairstyling, but there's no gym or business center as you might expect from a larger, upscale hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel and babysitting is available for a fee.