Welcome to the Checking In series on Orlagh Claire where I review hotel stays around the world. As you most likely know, I have been travelling quite a lot recently which you can see over on my YouTube channel.
You can check out my full Marrakech vlog on YouTube right here:
Next in the Checking In series is Riad Shemsi in Marrakech, Morocco where I recently spent the long Easter bank holiday weekend.
Location
Located in the alleyways of the old Medina, Marrakech, Riad Shemsi is the definition of a hidden gem.
A few twists and turns from Cafe Clock (famous for its camel burgers), we were dropped off on the wider street area by our airport driver and greeted by the riad’s owner who led us down some twisting alleys to the front door of the riad.
Although quite daunting at night time as we had to ring the doorbell/knock loudly when we returned each evening, we didn’t run into any problems or issues at all during our stay.
The riad was a seven minute walk from Kasbah Cafe which is near the Saadian Tombs, and only a short walk to the main Jemaa el-Fnaa square with the food markets and bazaars, making it a perfect location to explore the city from.
We made sure to get taxis in the evening back to our riad to stay safe – make sure to confirm the cost of the taxi with the driver before you get into the car.
The room
Our room was situated on the ground floor of the riad, next to the swimming pool. It was a lot smaller than I thought it was going to be, I won’t lie, but it was a small room consisting of a double bed and wardrobe space and a small ensuite bathroom with a standing shower.
Due to the layout of a riad being almost house-like, this is why the rooms are quite small and consist of the basic necessities you would need.
The rooms also have windows opening into the main riad, which could make it quite loud in the morning as you would hear breakfast being set up and other guest milling around towards the front door.
Other than this, we had the most pleasant sleep every night and didn’t mind being woken up early as we were always up and out by 8am most mornings.
Our stay
I loved our stay at Riad Shemsi so much because Marrakech can be so overwhelming and overstimulating that once you walk through the front doors of the riad, you are transported into the most serene, quiet and idyllic space.
It was the most welcoming place after a full day of exploring the souks and bazaars and being in the dessert, and I couldn’t recommend the place enough.
We were so well looked after from the moment we landed in Morocco until the moment we left, with the staff going above and beyond each day.
We received a welcome tea and sweet treat when we arrived, had the most glorious spread of breakfast on our first morning (we were out and about our second and final morning so had to miss) and greeted every time we were in and out which made the place feel like a real home during our short stay.
Overall review
Honestly, I recommend this accommodation so highly if you’re ever thinking of visiting Marrakech.
As you can see from the photos, the place is beautiful, the breakfast is amazing and I can imagine the swimming pool would be beautiful when the weather is even hotter.
Our host was one of the best parts of our stay as he was there when we arrived and didn’t seem to leave the riad at all during our stay as he was there when we arrived back at night and then again first thing in the morning for breakfast.
If you’re considering a trip to Marrakech, definitely consider staying at Riad Shemsi.
Keep an eye out for more Marrkech blog posts to come, Instagram content and of course my YouTube vlog in the next few weeks.
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