Riad Merstane
Riad Merstane is a charming riad in the northern medina of Marrakech. Behind the ancient door is a tranquil courtyard filled with a profusion of scented plants and flowers which echoes with birdsong, and the large roof terrace, which has dramatic views of the snow-covered Atlas Mountains, sun beds, seating and a shady pergola for relaxing. There is one charming 'salon' with CD player and large fireplace. There is also a cosy library with an extensive range of books and board games.
The riad is furnished with traditional fabrics and furniture, and the main 'salon' and bathrooms are finished in tadelakt, a smooth marble-like plaster found in hammams. The 5 double bedrooms are unashamedly romantic, lime washed in muted or vibrant colours and all with en-suite bath/shower rooms. The Sandalwood bedroom has twin beds which can be used as a large double bed and the spacious Amber room can accommodate 3 people with the addition of a single bed. A cot is also available for this room.
General information
All guests are met at the airport and taken to the riad by taxi, where they are welcomed to Riad Merstane by our House Manager. To ensure your Marrakech experience is perfect, our helpful staff can assist you in arranging tours of the sights and souks, trips to places of interest, car hire and other transport arrangements as well as advice on places to eat to suit all budgets and tastes. Our housekeeper can provide dinner on request as well as a personal laundry service for a small fee.
Location
Situated in a traditional area of the northern medina, Riad Merstane also has good vehicular access. The riad is a 20-25 minutes walk from the main Jma' El Fna square and a 10-15 minutes walk to the souks. It is also only a 3 minute walk to the nearest taxi rank and taxis cost about 50p (10 dhs) to go to the main square.
Dining
A good breakfast of fresh breads with a selection of preserves, eggs and yoghurt, tea and coffee is served, with the freshly squeezed orange juice for which Marrakech is famous.
A 3 course Moroccan dinner can be ordered in the morning from a selection of traditional recipes, from 150 dhs per person, to be served in the intimate dining room, candlelit terrace or romantic courtyard. Wine can also be ordered to compliment your dinner.
There is also a wide range of cafes and restaurants in Marrakech serving not only Moroccan dishes but also French, Italian, Spanish, Thai and Indian. There is information on many of these in the Riad Merstane information book and the house manager will be pleased to provide help on the location and the booking of restaurants.
Seasons at Riad Merstane:
| All Year (except high): | 11th January 2010 - 15th December 2010 |
| High Season: | 16th December 2010 - 10th January 2011 |
Available rooms:
To make a booking at Riad Merstane you will need to take the following steps:
Step 1: Select one or more rooms.
Key features:
- Ensuite bathrooms
- Safe for personal effects
- Broadband Wi-fi internet access
- The whole riad can be booked for special occasions
- Celebrations and parties with a Moroccan feast - musicians and belly dancer can also be booked
- Airport pick-up (cost 100 dirhams-about €10)
- A Moroccan English speaking house manager
- In-house dining
- A nice terrace with sun beds and a cold shower
- Laundry service if required
- An extensive library with board games
- Excursions arranged by request
Photogallery:
Pictures from the common grounds of Riad Merstane. Click on a thumbnail for a larger image.
Client comments:
"Absolute gem in terms of value and comfort. Riad Merstane was indeed a sanctuary after a chaotic day out and about in Marrakech.
Though it is situated north of the Medina (and not immediately around the main square), all the main attractions were conveniently close and entirely walkable. In fact, I enjoyed the opportunity to observe the local activity/ scenery/culture during my daily walks to and from the Riad - I would not have had it any other way. However, for those who do not like walking, no issue - there is a taxi stand situated at a well known square just outside the Riad (however, I would recommend walking)."
Darren -October 2009
"Myself and a large group of friends stayed at the Riad Merstane recently, on what was my first visit to Marrakech. First impressions on walking into the Riad were how beautiful it is, I had no idea what to expect so was quite taken aback.
The Staff were all lovely, Rachid the house manager took us out to the local market on our first day, and was always willing to help us out throughout the stay. Rachida cooked us an incredible meal when we decided to stay in one night (and it cost hardly anything!), but the staff when you didn't need them were almost invisible, working around the guests.
I would definitely recommend staying here. I had an amazing holiday and couldn't really fault the accommodation at all.
Thumbs up from me!"
A Guest London - May 2009
"I recently stayed at the Riad Merstane with a group of friends and had an extremely pleasurable stay at this delightful guesthouse gem. The riad is located in the north of the medina, a 15-minute stroll from the hustle and bustle of the tourist-filled main square (though right on the doorstep of a magical 'locals only' market - Fridays only!). One can easily stroll back and forth through the maze of markets and choose to indulge in the colourful chaos of the souks towards the main square, however it was always a relief each night to wander back to this adequately-appointed sanctuary."
London - May 2009
