Riad de la Belle Epoque

Once a nobleman's residence, the Riad de la Belle Epoque has an Old-World ambiance that takes inspiration from traditional Moroccan and Art Deco styles. The courtyard is lined with handmade wooden doors and plaster molding carved with Arabic motifs. Near the center of the space is a wading pool that enables guests to cool off and also reduces the temperature of the breeze swirling through the building. The restaurant mixes Art Deco and early-20th century Moroccan decor, making it look almost like a set from "Casablanca." Hammered metal chandeliers give the lobby a magical, otherworldly aura. A roof deck has cafe chairs and tables as well as lounge chairs for sunbathing. Small palm trees and other plants add a homey touch. The style and location are best suited to vacationing couples looking for a getaway near the Marrakech medina.

The riad is located in the Marrakech medina, home to stalls filled with spice sellers, craftspeople, and snake charmers. Ambling by the daily clatter may be a bit much for some tourists, but it's also an excellent location for visiting several historic sites. However, public transportation to the hotel isn't available, and most tourists in Marrakech will need to travel by car or taxi. The Jemaa El Fnaa square, an infamous Marakech marketplace, is a 14-minute walk from the riad. The Majorelle Gardens, a 21-minute drive from the hotel, were once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and currently contain the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech. The grand, 16th-century El Badi Palace is a 10-minute drive away, while the Koutoubia Mosque -- the largest mosque in Marrakech with roots dating back to the 12th century -- is only four minutes away by car. The Marrakech Menara Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Guest rooms at the Riad de la Belle Epoque are inspired by great women in history. They sport the names of historic female figures such as Josephine Baker, Isadora Duncan, and Coco Chanel, and each room has pictures and a framed biography of the person who inspired it. Rooms are individually decorated. For most, the decor and furniture combine traditional Moroccan and Art Deco design. Headboards are forged out of stained wood and hammered steel. Night tables are carved with intricate shapes. The sculpted crown molding exhibits the curves of Arabic script. While the rooms don't have much space for more than a double bed and a couple of chairs, the furniture has been chosen with a careful eye. Some guests may be disappointed that the rooms don't have TVs. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and their handmade tile-work and copper sinks are more artful than what's found in most hotels. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided.

The Riad de la Belle Epoque features a popular breakfast included in some room rates, and menu choices change slightly each day. The on-site restaurant also serves traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagines and kebabs, and room service is available 24 hours. The courtyard has a wading pool to get cool in the summer heat, but it's not suitable for lap swimming. There's also a rooftop sun terrace with lounge chairs and cafe chairs and tables. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.