Riad El Ghalia

Once you're inside, the place feels surprisingly large, with a pleasant, romantic atmosphere and lots of traditional character. The rooms are very spacious, tall, old-fashioned, and clean, with everything thought through down to the smallest detail. Getting there is less straightforward. The little paths through the old buildings felt a bit sketchy, cars can't reach the hotel, and we had to park about five minutes away. But arriving made the effort worthwhile. I'd definitely recommend it.

Eating on the terrace is a must if you want to improve the experience. The hotel has a wow factor when you first walk in, like stepping into a movie from the thirty’s, but a lot of the furniture is badly worn. Staff can be a bit rough around the edges at times, though they can also be amazing if you talk with them. The room was missing basics like bottled water, a fridge, and snacks, and the Wi-Fi didn't work properly. For my first shower, it literally took 10 minutes for the hot water to come through.

The food and the beauty are a delight, and the old-world service feels like something from a movie. Modern comforts have been fitted in imperfectly, but they were quite adequate for me. A little flexibility helps. There are some wrinkles, but this is a chance to stay in a palace, and I'd recommend taking it.

The manager's service was out of this world. The place is classed as 5 star, and there is a hammam and spa, though it's not very private since the route to the lift goes through that area. Check before you go, as you might find yourself on your own, especially in the hotter season.