Riad Al Madina

Very nice

This was a bit of a shocker. 1. The rooms absolutely stink of the drains. It was enough to disturb your sleep. 2. The security is really worrying. We had a room on the first floor that had a privacy trellis just leaning against it so we couldn't see what was outside. It was only when I woke up one night to a phone torch sweeping the room that I realised the window opened onto the walkway of the next floor up. Genuinely terrifying. 3. We were half board, and the food was like school dinners, no hint of any seasoning and you weren't allowed to order from the same menu as other guests. You get a handwritten either/or menu that's boring and repetitive- either soup or salad, either tagine or pasta, either fruit salad or pastries. Really underwhelming. 4. Hidden charges- we had water, tea or Coke eith our meals. You'd think this was included in half board. Wrong. At the end of the week they presented us with an entirely random £50 bill for the drinks. 5. Keep receipts for everything. We paid £50 city tax on the first day. They insisted we hadn't paid it on the last day. It was only when I said I'd paid it on my card and could pull up my transaction history that the bratty girl on the desk suddenly said "OK you can go" and let us leave. 6. Utterly disinterested in guests. You're just an occupational inconvenience.

In the heart of the historical walls of the Medina, a real taste of Moroccan architecture and decor. Pleasant to dine in and conveniently located to walk around the shopping area. The steep staircase to the rooms that give onto the inner courtyards could be a problem for elederly couples and the first floor would be advisable. There is however a very helpful porter. The Concierge is helpful, but ineffective in having the TV fixed for example.

10/10 review 3 nights of sheer enjoyment. Good food and service. Thanks especially to Kawter who takes huge pride in the Riad and encourages guests to come back.