Press and Guidebooks

The ultimate feel-good hideaway.....

Lonely Planet - Marrakesh Encounters 2008 One of Top Five for cultural experience March 2008

Some of the six rooms in this recently refurbished riad feature fireplaces....The small pool, hammam, and roof terrace encourage communal spirit.

National Geographic Traveler - Marrakech Hotels: Five Insider Picks March 2008

Stay like a star: There are hundreds of riads (homes built around an open courtyard), but one of the best is Riad Al Massarah owned by French-British couple Michel Contreras and Michael Mathews....

Weekly Australian OK! Destination Marrakech January 2008

...with six contemporary bedrooms...energy-saving measures and bespoke woodwork to suit the character of the house...It's a very intimate space and we take care of guests, who can find Marrakech a big cultural shock..

EasyJet Magazine - Property Focus January 2008

Real charm combines with great style at this neat budget option within walking distance of Marrakech's Majorelle Gardens...(the owners) have recast the house in cool, contemporary colours...very hands-on dispensing advice, mixing martinis...In keeping with the house party atmosphere guests eat at a long dining table in the dining area off the courtyard...a very comfortable sitting room with chess, solitaire and a wall of great books, and a roof terrace for sunbathing and relaxing. The rooms are decorated in cream with splashes of deep oranges, reds and greens.

Conde Nast Traveller - Intimate Marrakech - The best new riads in Marrakech November 2007

Guests

Well we have arrived home........ but we are also missing Morocco. What a wonderful country! I have to say that compared to the beach we would take Marrakech every time - it has so much more charm and colour. And I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed saying at your Riad. I think you have a very beautiful home (such great tassels!!) and are so welcoming, altogether a fantastic business.

Thank you so much for looking after us so well, I will recommend you to all our friends - the perfect place to chill out.

Thanks again and hope to see you again,

Melinda and Basil July 2008

Just wanted to thank you again for being such wonderful hosts for our time in Marrakech.  Our stay wouldn't have been nearly as pleasant if we had stayed anywhere else.  Virtually all of our favourite things in Marrakech came through your recommendations or reservations. The riad was truly an oasis from the chaos of the streets and we're very grateful to

have had such a relaxing place to retreat.

Miranda (& Joe) July 2008

I just wanted to say thank you once again for looking after us so well last week!  We really had a lovely time and absolutely loved your riad- we felt very spoilt being there on our own- wonderful!

Lizzie July 2008

Nick and I just wanted to drop you a line to say a huge THANK YOU for the most wonderful stay in Marrakech.  You honestly made our stay in Marrakech amazing and the Riad was just superb.  We will definitely be back.

Mandy & Nick July 2008

We cannot thank you enough for making our stay in Marrakech so enjoyable.  We loved the riad – its atmosphere, décor, your charming staff, the food etc.  We could not have been more comfortable even though I am now trying to catch up on some sleep after the rigorous efforts of the muezzin and the neighbouring dog each morning!  I loved my early morning starts, however, and my solo swims!

It was so kind of Michel to show us around the souk and point out the best places to buy – we became quite expert although J and M were arch bargainers unlike me who always begins to question whether or not I really want something when the discussion becomes too protracted!

The jaunt into the Atlas mountains was greatly enjoyed especially the changing and beautiful scenery.....

Thank you for your kind hospitality and all good wishes,

Susie May 2008

Manager's note: both the neighbouring dog and the cockerel have disappeared - hopefully not both of them in a tagine!

Been back in the UK now for just over a week now and unfortunately all the de-stressing magic of Riad Al Massarah has begun to rub off... which means we will just have to come back!!! Both Kate and I cannot thank you both enough for your exceptional warmth and hospitality. I imagine there are many fine Riads across Marrakech but none with such welcoming hosts....

Ben & Kate April 2008

Just a quick note to thank you both, and your lovely staff, so much for what was a very special and thoroughly enjoyable weekend at your gorgeous riad in Marrakech. We were always going to have a great time, (escaping as we were from our families for a full 48 hours!) but the experience of staying with you made it all the more fantastic. The riad is tranquil, beautifully furnished and a joy to stay at. Your team there were so helpful and courteous, and the food was really sensational. I shall remember our delicious meal on the terrace for a long time (any recipes gratefully received).

Many thanks again and very best wishes for the continued success of your wonderful riad

Jo April 2008

Just to say that Linda, Lynda and I had a fabulous few days with you and loved the riad.

Jackie April 2008