Hotel Riu Tikida Garden

The grounds and lobby of the Riu Tikida Garden are probably the most visually impressive parts of the hotel. The lobby has a traditional tiled fountain and its geometric ceilings and columns are done in classic Moroccan wood-carving and stone-work styles. The vintage-style artwork, armchairs, and tall windows hearken back to a glamorous, pre-war Morocco. The gardens are packed with palm trees, cacti, eucalyptus trees, and other desert plants, which make for pleasant views from balconies. Everywhere else, the resort's style is more utilitarian than anything, meant to handle the large numbers of families that pass through on a regular basis. The bars can be lively at night, and entertainment keeps families and less-adventurous guests entertained. Small children can be seen -- and heard -- throughout the grounds. 

Riu Tikida Garden is located on several manicured acres in a run-down area three kilometers from Marrakech's historic Medina. The resort is meant to be self-contained, but does offer a free shuttle to and from the city -- but not the Medina -- six times a day. Other excursions can be arranged through the hotel, though more self-sufficient guests also get taxis to sights they'd like to visit. A cab directly to the Medina takes less than 10-minutes. The airport is a 20-minute drive away, on the other side of the city.

Rooms at the Riu Tikida Garden are spacious, clean, and standard: they have terra cotta tile floors, stained wooden headboards, black and white photography on the walls, crisp white bedding, and desks. Higher-tier rooms also have a small seating area and most rooms have private balconies overlooking the gardens. The bathrooms look a bit dated, with bordered tiling and combination shower-tubs. Higher-tier rooms feel fresher. Each room has two beds pushed together, a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, a safe, and mini-fridge; some Junior Suites have a king bed and a sofa bed. Wi-Fi isn't available in the rooms. 

Thanks to its all-inclusive options and large grounds, the Riu Tikida Garden has a wide range of facilities. There's a large swimming pool, lined with white plastic loungers. The kids' club and playground keeps little ones busy. Extensive sports' facilities include volleyball and tennis courts. There are three restaurants (two buffet, one Moroccan -- the latter requires reservations, and is generally agreed to serve the best food), a poolside snack bar, and two bars. One of the bars hosts evening entertainment. The resort also has a spa complex with a hammam, sauna, indoor pool, and hot tub, but guests must pay extra to use these facilities. There's a gift shop in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas.