Riad Amana

This is a French based Airbab service inside the medina. The tap water in the bathroom ran so slowly that we wondered if the hot water was working. If you drive, it’s a long walk from the parking lot to the riad. When we arrived, we couldn’t phone the riad using a local Moroccan number and had to call the French area code, +33, to get someone to answer our questions. We booked a little late and had few choices. If possible, find another riad.

Breakfast included coffee, fresh orange juice, a bread roll and delicious traditional pancakes, freshly cooked and served with homemade jam. There were other choices too, with omelette available for extra. The riad is beautifully decorated in a traditional style and right by the markets and shops. Our spacious blue and white bedroom had an extra lounge area and a bathroom.

Staff were very friendly, and Syed was helpful. The location is phenomenal, just a quick walk, so I’d say this works well for backpackers, budget travelers and groups of friends, rather than couples or families wanting quiet. We spent two nights in the spacious Chefchaouen room, but loud yelling and noise in the back alley below went on until 2 AM each night, so we got no sleep. Across our two weeks in Morocco, mixing riads and hotels, Riad Amana was among the less enjoyable stays. The amenities and service were lower quality too. Expedia listed daily housekeeping, but none was provided and towels weren’t changed. There was barely any toilet paper, no shampoo or conditioner, and breakfast was basic staples, with eggs available for an extra cost.

The only thing we didn’t like was the mattress, which felt really hard and uncomfortable. Otherwise, we loved our three nights here. Our Essaouira room was almost like a suite and very spacious. It’s right in the middle of the Medina action, just steps from nice cafes and shops. Breakfast was simple, and I added the optional veggie omelette for 30 mad (€3) each day, which was just right.