Riad Khadija Spa

I can't understand the 4.7 rating. The staff came across as arrogant and unprofessional, and the location was terrible. Breakfast was unpleasant, with very dry food. The rooms are small, whatever the pictures suggest, and the bed left both my friend and me waking up with back pain every morning. In the evening, getting a taxi meant walking 20 minutes to the square. I wouldn't give this place even one star.

I'm four nights into an eight-night stay, and because I paid in advance I feel stuck here. The people working here are superb, the rooms spotless, the beds comfortable, and the atmosphere otherwise lovely. The complimentary breakfast and afternoon snacks are also delicious and generous. But I wish I could move somewhere outside the Medina. A mosque only a few hundred feet away uses loudspeakers for prayers that start at 5 a.m. and go on for half an hour. More than that, getting anywhere is stressful. No bus or taxi can come close to the riad. I have to walk at least a quarter mile along cobbled lanes about five feet wide to reach a spot where a taxi might meet me, and many drivers refuse. From there, the taxi still has to travel about another mile through similar, slightly wider paved paths before reaching a road wide enough for two cars. Pedestrians, including some in wheelchairs, push carts, and donkey carts fill these routes. Shops open onto both sides, with people suddenly stepping in and out, while bikes, motorcycles, and even taxis rush through, brushing past people and vehicles. Walking or riding in a taxi in this traffic feels extremely stressful to me. The same situation seems to exist throughout the Medina now. It was built for pedestrians, camels, and donkeys, so allowing motor vehicles is astonishing. I haven't actually seen an accident, so perhaps it isn't as dangerous as it feels, but I can't wait to go home and walk out the door without feeling like I'm running a gauntlet. If I return to Marrakech, I'll choose a modern hotel with a pool and some space in the Guelin neighborhood.

It's peaceful here, with a reasonable level of comfort, and only 500 meters from the old town. We stayed in what was called a suite, which was perfectly okay for a few nights. Finding the hotel takes some scouting, so arranging an airport pickup is a good idea. It costs only 17 euros.

Such a lovely place to unwind and disconnect. The staff, food, and rooms were all amazing. I'd recommend it, and InshaAllah I'll come back.