Riad Cinnamon: Buddhist Zen hits Marrakech

After a day walking around the dusty souks, relaxing in luxury is the perfect way to unwind.  Calming colours, scented oils and water features provide a tranquil setting in which to enjoy a refreshing mint tea away from the afternoon heat.

This delightful little Riad is just north of the Souks in the El Baroudiyine District of Marrakech and being within easy walking distance of the main attractions of the city is in a prime spot.  Boutique in style, small in scale with just five suites all designed to reflect different areas of Morocco this is a B & B that goes the extra mile with its fixtures, fittings and service.

Each suite is unique:  Fez, next to the pool on the ground floor has a four poster bed in shades of green and yellow; Chefchaouen, is blue, blue, blue representing the city of the same name; Essaouira, is the smallest of the split level suites with a small seating around downstairs and the bedroom located upstairs.  You then have the choice of either the Meknes or Casablanca suites which are the larger suites within the house, both over split level.  The Meknes Suite is deep purple in colour, creating a regal atmosphere inside with a large fireplace that in the winter would be very welcoming.  The Casablanca Suite, where we stayed, is coloured more subtly in greys and ivory making it warm and inviting.  Buddha statues around the room and the intricately designed light covers feed through from the stylist courtyard.  The large, comfortable bed with fluffy pillows screams out for you to have a little siesta after a day walking miles around the city and the lounge area upstairs with a TV, DVD and sofas on three sides is a great space to retreat to, slumping into the cosy furnishings to rest those weary legs.

 

 

All rooms are offered with breakfast included which is prepared at a time to suit your needs and is a large spread of breads, jams, fruit, yoghurt, cakes and eggs cooked the way you would prefer along with fresh fruit juice and coffee.

Should you wish you can also request a lovely, home cooked meal in the evening where again the staff work to your timings with you deciding whether to eat in the courtyard or on the terrace.  We chose to eat on the terrace, under the stars listening to the final call to prayer of the day with views stretching out over the city towards the Koutoubia Mosque.

 

The staff here are always on hand although tend to stay out of your way unless you need something – the kitchen door is always open and you only need to ask – whether it’s Mint Tea or headache tablets they have everything to make your stay as comfortable as possible.  During our time there one of our fellow house mates had clearly taken a turn for the worst and was in need of a doctor, the owner appeared and took their travelling companion off in search of the right medication – what great service when travelling in a country where language may be a real barrier!

Whilst the rooms were very luxurious and the service was extremely goof this Riad does however only rate second on our list (please see my review on the Riad Camilia for our number one choice –http://travellingbookjunkie.wordpress.com/2013/10/29/761/).  Why?  Price wise there was not really anything in it but we felt that the level of service received at the Riad Camilia really did outshine anywhere else we had stayed; it was designed in a more traditional manner enhancing the experience we had in Marrakech and the space, even though there was only one extra suite was unbelievable.  However, probably my biggest bug bear with Riad Cinnamon was the lack of hot water – every evening before going out we each had a shower; within minutes of soaping up and standing underneath the impressive rain shower the disappointment of jumping around in the cold water was overwhelming and is one of the main reasons I would have apprehension in returning.

If we had not gone on to find Riad Camilia then yes we would have probably returned however, because we did find somewhere outstanding and found somewhere that feels like home next time we return to Marrakech there is only one place for us to stay!

 

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