“Riad Monceau is fabulous find - a stone's throw from the world famous Jemaa El Fna, yet a haven of peace! It features seven bedrooms all luxuriously kitted out with extravagant en suite bathrooms including copper basins as standard and one with a private jacuzzi. Outside there is an attractive patio with swimming pool, plus a traditional hammam-spa for pampering treatments after a tiring day in the souk! On top of all this it offers superb food from one of Marrakech's best restaurants and a cookery school with lessons held every morning in the restaurant kitchen.”
They say
“Nicely described in Figaro Madame as "a lovers' bower", and listed in 2005 as one of the very finest residences in the Marrakech medina, Riad Monceau is a true gem of Hispano-Moorish architecture, set in a quiet little side-street just a few steps away from the giddy bustle of Jemaa el Fna.
Dating from the 18th century, but refurbished throughout in 2002 and transformed into an elegant guesthouse, the Riad Monceau is a rare delight, combining the character and charm of an authentic riad with all the creature comforts expected of modern design - a haven of peace just a stone's throw from the city's main tourist sights and shopping areas.
Owned by the French artist Isabelle Aubry, a number of whose major canvas embroideries are on exhibit within its walls, the riad offers the warmth and conviviality of a private house subtly underscored with top-quality hotel service.
You will be enchanted by the refreshing cool and dazzling luminosity of the Andalusian patio, paved with Carrare marble and boasting a fine swimming pool inlaid with traditional mosaic, by the spacious sun-drenched terraces with views of the Koutoubia and the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas, and by the intimate atmosphere of the restaurant, where you can savour the very finest in Moroccan cuisine.
Le Riad Monceau has 7 guestrooms at your disposal (Double, Superior, and Privilege suite), located either on the ground floor or on the upper storey.
Each room has its own unique character, but all are equipped with every modern comfort, including:
* bathroom with bathtub, complete with hairdryer (private jacuzzi in the Pasha Suite),
* air conditioning and heating,
* direct international telephone line,
* satellite television (large screen in the Pasha suite
* minibar,
* free safe for your valuables,
* Wi-Fi connexion.
Riad Monceau's reputation as a guesthouse is further complemented by the excellent table it keeps. Here, you will have the chance to sample and savour the very finest that Moroccan culinary arts have to offer.
And there's no lack of choice as to where to enjoy your meals - in the relaxing setting of the riad's restaurant, by the open fireplace in the lounge bar, alongside the swimming pool in the Andalusian patio, or on one of the sun-drenched rooftop terraces. Sit back and acquaint yourself with such deliciously refined dishes as mouth-watering tanjia marrakchia, tajine of royal quails with caramelised pears, and authentic pigeon pastilla. Our ‘discovery' menu changes on a daily basis, depending on what fresh produce is to be had at the local markets.
Desserts include the truly sublime milk pastilla and fruit brochettes with citrus fruit honey - to be savoured unashamedly. Last but not least, a wide choice of generously prepared salads is available at lunchtime - making a pleasant break between shopping sessions in the bustling heat of the medina streets.
Cooking workshops. The Riad Monceau restaurant also offers you the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the secrets of the moroccan cuisine during light-hearted morning workshops where you will learn how to use spices, prepare brick pastry and couscous semolina, or cook a tajine in true Moroccan fashion.
Featuring a very nice traditional hammam that can host up to 4 people, and 2 fully equiped massage rooms, Le Riad Monceau will afford you an opportunity to enjoy the pleasures and secrets of beauty care oriental style. ”
