Mr & Mrs Smith

We couldn't have been made more welcome at Riad 12. Set slightly outside the hustle bustle, but just within the medina walls, it really is an oasis of calm. The rooms are simple but stylish, and the staff are fantastic at providing maps, giving restaurant recommendations etc.

I have just returned from a fab honeymoon in Morroco! Riad 12 is an oasis of calm in a mesmerising labyrinth of a city. I can confirm that the Camelia room is the one to ask for, it was everything you'd expect from Italian owners married with Marrakshi style. After reading the Smith review on how to find(or not) this hidden gem, I decided the most pain-free way of getting to our abode would be to contact the riad and get them to send a taxi to collect us from the airport. Thank God we did – there is NO way we would've found it in a million years. That is a bonus in itself, though, as once you are inside this place it is amazingly tranquil and a world away from the utter craziness that is Marrakech. I would highly recommend riad 72 for dinner it was amazing, the whole courtyard and a specially prepared menu just for the two of us! this was taking private dining to the next level. the food was wonderful everything homecooked and the best traditional morrocan we ate. we were surrounded by swaying palms and ferns,water gently flowing by us and sumptious furnishings all by the flicker of candlelight. what more could honeymooners want? le foundouk also was everything its reputation says it is fabulously rich decor and with food and service to match!its almost like stepping into another time when you leave the dusty winding alleyways outside and step through the heavy curtains into the beautiful surroundings that sum up everything about morrocan chic. what a contrast!
one final point to note is make sure you have cash to change at the airport, nowhere changes travellers cheques, the dirham is a closed currency and the one cash point at the airport was not working!!!! there was only one bank that we found in the city to change travellers cheques and their system was only working one day!! there was plenty of cash points but the riads prefer cash payment(5-10% surcharge for cards) so make sure you take plenty of cash.

You must must venture out of town and vist Bo Zin restaurant at Douar Lahna, Route de l'Ourika (+ 212 (0)524 388012) for a slap-up meal in the middle of nowhere! The cars parked outside will give you a hint of the feel inside - deluxe. This is the place to be seen. The interior, and more importantly exterior, with fire-pits and fabric sails is amazing. Everything has been thought about, even telling you who has dressed the waiting staff. Music great, food good, atmosphere fantastic - a nice change from the smaller, more intimate dining experiences in the city.