Riad Les Bougainvillers

If it’s your first riad, be aware that they’re discreet from the outside. Look for the small sign on the wall, then prepare to be amazed once inside. Riad Les Bougainvilliers is beautiful. Philippe and Mansaf were helpful and accommodating when our flight arrived very early and we were exhausted. They welcomed us with tea and cookies and let us check in early. Our room was spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated. We also enjoyed the hammam with Kadijah, which was very reasonably priced.

The location is central for tourist attractions, and despite the problems it wasn’t a bad stay overall. We had no electricity for a whole night and into the morning. I messaged the guy on WhatsApp but got no reply, though it was Christmas, so I understand. Going to reception directly might have been quicker. The WiFi was slow and kept cutting out. If you have a rental car, Parking Winxo Tachfine is apparently the closest guarded 24/7 parking, about a 13-minute walk away. The medina is crazy. Don’t listen to the guys on motorbikes. I had to call the riad to get this parking information, so hopefully it helps someone else.

We felt completely safe walking to and from this Riad, even late at night, and loved its location. The rooms were beautiful and spacious, with everything we needed. Breakfast was easy and filling each day, and we had a gorgeous chicken tagine for lunch, made by the kind ladies in the kitchen. A special thank you to Monssif at the front desk, who made sure we were well looked after. Nothing was too much trouble for him or the other staff. The hotel driver was friendly and spoke great English; arranging airport transfers through the hotel was easy. It was the perfect stay, and we’d choose it again.

We stayed in August with family and had a very friendly welcome. All the staff were lovely, especially Khalid, who couldn’t have helped us more. The rooms were spacious and ornate, and breakfast was served on the rooftop terrace in the sunshine each morning. The hotel is within a five-minute walk of Jemaa el-fnaa if you turn right at the end of the alley. We found it cheaper and easier to turn left toward Tinsmiths Square instead. It took the same time to walk, was quieter, and had more relaxed restaurants with more locals and kids playing in the evening. There’s also the Kosybar for a rooftop beer. The alley isn’t wide enough for cars, but motorcycles and scooters race through it as a shortcut, so watch out. We’d highly recommend the hotel and stay again.