114-116 Derb El Hammam, Mouassine, El Haouz, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 989-6591
Centrally located in the touristy center of the medina
Riad-style hotel with a traditonal courtyard and plunge pool
Romantic rooms with iPod docks; most have wood-burning fireplaces
Large rooftop terrace with daybeds and covered seating
Restaurant that serves Moroccan cuisine
Relaxing lounges with board games and fireplaces
Hammam, and in-room massage available
Excellent free hot breakfast
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Difficult to find and some noise from nearby souks
No in-room TVs, kettles, or coffeemakers
Dinners require prior arrangement
The four-pearl Riad Zolah is a spacious, traditional guesthouse with two tranquil interior courtyards, one of which has a small plunge pool. The property's rooftop terrace is accordingly larger, with a lovely covered section for dining, and plenty of space for sunbathing on big daybeds. Cozy lounges have board games and fireplaces, and there's also a hammam. The six guest rooms have romantic decor and an authentic ambiance heightened by candles and fireplaces in most. There are no TVs, coffeemakers, or kettles, but all units come with AC and iPod docks. Moroccan dinners can be arranged in the restaurant, and guests rave about the free hot breakfast. Travelers who prefer to be more insulated from the medina should compare with the highly rated and equally large Riad Dar Dialkoum.
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Scene
Upscale traditional guesthouse with a large rooftop terrace and a romantic atmosphere
Finding Riad Zolah is a hassle, but once there you're centrally located in the thick of the medina's tourist center. Despite its almost hidden entrance down an unnamed corridor, it's so close to Djemaa el-Fna that the constant piping of snake charmers can be heard from the riad's sprawling rooftop. Inside, it has the curated feel of a hotel that's aimed at Europeans, but retains plenty of authentic Moroccan style. It's roughly double the size of a typical riad, with two interior courtyards -- one has trees growing up from a brick-laid floor, and the other has a small plunge pool -- and there are numerous cozy nooks for couples to inhabit with a degree of privacy, amid ornate fabrics and wood-burning fireplaces.
Location
Centrally located in the hectic, maze-like medina
Riad Zolah is located deep within the medina, near all the main tourist attractions of this 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's famous souks are just outside the winding walkway to the riad's doorstep, and lively Djemaa el-Fna square -- full of snake charmers, fortune tellers, and orange juice vendors -- is less than a 10-minute walk away. There is no direct car access to the hotel, though there's parking and taxis within an eight-minute walk. The riad is within a 20-minute drive of Marrakech Menara Airport.
Rooms
Romantic rooms with iPod docks; most have wood-burning fireplaces
The riad's six air-conditioned guest rooms have traditional Moroccan decor and a romantic vibe, with tasseled red drapery, well-placed mood lighting, and rose petals. There are brick floors, plaster walls, and ornate cornices, and most rooms also have open wood-burning fireplaces, commonly adorned with candles by housekeeping. The standard rooms come equipped with double beds and seating areas with couches, while upgraded rooms and suites have larger living areas that are partially separated by plush curtains. Free Wi-Fi comes standard along with mini-fridges, iPod docks, and safes, but there are no TVs, kettles, or coffeemakers. The bathrooms have traditional Moroccan bathtubs set in colorfully tiled floors, rainfall showers, robes, hairdryers, and toiletries.
Features
Rooftop terrace and two courtyards with lounges, plus a hammam and free breakfast
Riad Zolah has several upscale features that cater to its couple-heavy clientele. There are two pleasant interior courtyards, one of which has a small plunge pool, and cozy lounges with plush seating areas, fireplaces, and classic board games like chess and backgammon. Like most riad's there's no full spa or fitness room, but there's a traditional hammam, and in-room massages are available for a fee. Guest rave about the free hot breakfast, with items like pancakes, eggs, and sausage. Dinner can be arranged by prior request (typically in the morning before staff heads to market), and served by the pool, in-room, in a small dining room, or on the rooftop. The rooftop terrace has ample covered seating and separate sections with sun loungers and large daybeds. Airport transfer arranged through the riad is highly recommended, because the property is well-hidden. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
