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RIAD MEHDIA 70 DOUAR GRAOUA KENNARIA MARRAKECH
Information and Availability Requests
GSM MOROCCO +(212) 6 62 38 79 35 or +(212) 6 62 38 78 76 or +(212) 6 76 41 07 25
By e-mail: riadmehdia@yahoo.fr
Online on the Web : www.riadmehdia.com
(Click on the link "BOOKING")
| RIAD | MEDINA | JEMAA EL FNA |
| MONUMENTS | GENERAL INFORMATIONS | RESTAURANTS |
| NIGHTLIFE | HAMMAMS |
Staying in a riad is the best way to discover the true spirit of Morocco, and to live an unforgettable experience……
Located in the historical city centers of Morocco, more specifically in the medinas of Marrakesh, Essaouira and Fez amongst other cities, are riads (also spelled ryads), that are ancient palaces and private residences that once belonged to Sultan princes, aristocrats, and noble families. Nestled in the labyrinths of the medinas, these residences represent and reflect the Moroccan artisan richness and patrimony. Today, these residences have been transformed into luxury bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels inviting to travelers to experience Morocco in an entirely new manner.
Imagine walking through the bustling medina where your senses are in overdrive from the swirling perfume of odors, rainbow of colored fabrics, the sing song rhythm of merchants calling out to passerby, and a steady hum of busy energy as habitants go about their daily errands.
You pass these stands and boutiques and turn into a calmer and more residential pathway. There are walls rising up to either side of you and the only openings are doorways that seem very ordinary, though they are masking a thousand secrets and surprises.
Passing through one of these doorways you enter a large, well proportioned courtyard and discover a hidden palace. The central courtyard is typically sprinkled with flowers and trees providing shade. Fountains are elaborately decorated with mosaic designs and often you will find a mosaic tiled water basin serving as a small swimming pool.
The courtyard is shaded by the living structure that surrounds it. Typically there are four faces of the riad overlooking the courtyard with windows that may be decorated with intricately carved wooden shutters. Riads respecting traditional Moroccan architecture are redone using materials such as tedlakt and zellige. The columns supporting the roof are set out from the riad and form a collection of open galleries that open onto the central patio.
Often described as somber deluxe, the interior décor and architecture of traditional riads is very different from occidental homes in many ways. One marking difference is the use of space. Instead of having one sole purpose, rooms are interchangeable and used for multiple activities. A communal salon and living area is located on the ground floor along with the kitchen, bath, and two or three bedrooms. Principal bedrooms and suites are primarily situated on the second floor. Shaded rooftop terraces are almost always present and are used as a second salon.
Private
riad rentals are also available for small groups and family holidays. Theme
nights including traditional Moroccan menus, dancers and musicians can be
easily arranged at very reasonable prices.
One cannot get a true feeling of Marrakech without spending some time and getting lost at least a few times in the labyrinth of small alleys and passageways leading into residential quarters of the medina.
These pathways were originally designed in this manner to confuse invaders
and still working today to confuse tourists. Once you are lost do not get
frustrated, just look for the largest pathway or "road" and it will
almost always lead you back to Jemaa El Fna Square or to one of the babs (door
or gate) of the surrounding city wall.
The real heart of Marrakesh is its medina, classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site. For the most part, monuments of historical and cultural importance are either in or near the medina. Originally built in the first half of the twelfth century for protection, a good portion of the surrounding ramparts are still standing and are really quite beautiful. Once the city walls are in sight, you know you are either inside or very near to the medina.
Rumors are that almost half the population of Marrakech lives in the medina, this would mean almost 400,000 habitants with a density of 60,000 per square km. There still exist 215 km (9miles) of intact ramparts and 14 original babs or doors. These gates used to be locked every night before the French protectorate in order to protect the inhabitants.
Residential
quarters in the medina are typically organized around mosques, fountains or
hammams and are comprised of interlocked homes with surrounding walls that
line the passageways. Hidden behind these walls are peaceful sanctuaries of
beautiful gardens with courtyards organized around large fountains decorated
with elaborate mosaic designs. These courtyards set the stage for the architectural
treasures that are riads (traditional Moroccan residences), which provide
serene havens from the bustling energy of the surrounding souks
.
If you are looking for animation, the Jemaa el-Fna square may be what you are looking for. Once the sun is setting the square is transformed into an outdoor food city with vendors selling kebabs, salads, fish, lamb, and a large selection of side dishes.
The square is a virtual festival of smells, colors, noise, activity…
Let yourself get lost in the ambiance, for this is the soul of Marrakech.
The terraces
overlooking the main plaza of Djemaa el-Fna are in high demand from sunset
onwards. There are many so you can afford to be selective. As a rule of thumb,
restaurants located in the medina are generally the least expensive and offer
a lively ambiance. Many restaurants don't list prices and you might want to
ask the price of a dish before ordering in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Ali Ben Youssef
Ali Ben Youssef Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and was originally
constructed in the second half of the 12th century. Later the mosque was destroyed
and rebuilt several times, each time altering its size and changing in architectural
style. The most recent renovation was done in the Merenid style (19th century).
This vast and dazzling Koranic school was founded by the Merinid sultan Abou el-Hassan (1331-1349) and is one of the most remarkable monuments in Marrakesh. Architecturally speaking the mosque is amazing. Refined and simple at the same time…look everywhere, the floor, ceiling, detail of the arches, how the light plays with the colors….sculpted wood where you can still see traces of the original paint…
La Koubba Almoravide is next to the Museum of Marrakech and though it may not seem like much on the outside, the interior décor is extraordinary and is a great example of Muslim art. It is also the only surviving example of Almoravides art in Marrakech.
El Badi Palace
Construction of the El Badi Palace was ordered by the Saadien Ahmed el Mansour
in 1578 and was not yet completed upon his death in 1603. The most precious
materials that could be located were purchased for its creation, all the way
to China. There is a beautiful view of Marrakech from the terraces.
Koutoubia Minaret
Dating from the twelfth century, the Koutoubia Minaret measures 69 meters
(as tall as Notre Dame in Paris), and is the first thing seen by visitors
to Marrakech. Each arch and façade of the Koutoubia Mosque are different.
The surrounding gardens include the Almoravid Palace remains as well as those
of a mosque that was destroyed because it was not perfectly aligned with Mecca.
Non Muslims cannot visit the interior of the mosque or minaret.
Saadian Tombs
One of the most visited sites in Morocco is the Saadian Tombs which were only
accessible via the mosque next door. However, in 1917 they were opened to
the public and can now be accessed via a narrow passage that leads to an enclosed
garden watched over by two mausoleums that include more than one hundred mosaic
decorated tombs.
Bab Doukkala Mosque
The Bab Doukkala Mosque rises high above Marrakech and is dominated by a fabulous
minaret tower that has a lot of detail.
Palace Bahia
The Palace Bahia was constructed around 1880 by Ba Ahmed, a Moroccan minister
who assured the allegiance of Moulay Hassan and Abdelaziz. Ba Ahmed was more
or less the leader of Morocco between 1894 and 1900. The palace is an extraordinary
example of Moroccan art.
Dar Si Said
Dar Si Said was the home of the brother of Ba Ahmed and was constructed by
the same artisans that built the Bahia Palace. Today the Museum of Moroccan
Art is housed here and the expos give a good representation of the history
of Marrakesh.
Passports & visas...
Hotels & Ryads highly recommends that all visitors to Morocco travel with
a valid passport. Visitors must have valid passports that are valid until
the end of their stay in Morocco. Citizens of the European Union should also
bring valid passports and do not need visas as long as their stay does not
last longer than 3 months. If EU members wish to stay longer than 3 months
they should request the prolongation as soon as possible with the nearest
police station (usually you must make the request at least two weeks before
your originally planned departure date).
Telephone ...
Calling cards are sold at the post office; tobacco stores and, any of the
newstands in big cities. You can also find these in the large hotels but they
are generally more expensive.
Morocco’s country code is 212.
Mail and shipping..
The postal service in Morocco is quite reliable, though it could take awhile
depending on where you post. If sending mail from a large city, and at a main
sorting office, this could speed up the process. Most of the main sorting
offices are located on the Avenue Mohammed V in large cities such as Marrakech,
Fez, Agadir, Rabat and Casablanca. Mail to Europe generally takes a minimum
of three to ten days. Airmail to North America usually taken five to twelve
days.
Electricity...
Morocco’s electrical current is 220V at 50Hz AC is the standard, however
110V can still be found in older buildings (make sure to confirm before using).
The standard round European two prong plugs are the most commonly used. Beware
of power surges as they do occur on a regular basis. Never use the 110 volt
outlets that are marked “for shavers only” for high wattage appliances
such as hair dryers. Laptop computers generally operate well on 110 and 220
volts.
Vaccinations...
Visitors to Morocco are not obligated to have special vaccinations. Even so,
depending on where you plan to travel in Morocco, you should see if your doctor
recommends a vaccination.
Vime zone...
Time Zone : GMT 0
Language...
Arabic is the official language of Morocco, but French is spoken everywhere
in the country and English is spoken and understood by many people in big
cities such as Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, Agadir, Casablanca…
Currency...
The Dirham (DH) is the official currency of Morocco.... 1 Eur = 11 Dh.
Climate...
Along the Mediterranean coast the climate is refreshed by oceanic influences.
Further inland, winters are cooler and the summers warmer. In the mountains,
temperatures can drop to 0 F/-17.8 C. If you are visiting in winter be sure
to bring some warmer clothing as it can get cool and Moroccan architecture
is made to protect you from the heat more so than the cold.
Religion...
Muslim
Tipping...
In “proper” restaurants, waiters are always tipped up to 12% of
the bill. In smaller cafes, the tip is only one-four DH per person. Bellman,
riad, and hotel staff appreciate larger tips depending on the services provided.
There are few cuisines as refined as Moroccan cuisine. The colorful presentation of well prepared national delicacies makes dining a pleasure for gourmands! Marrakech has a large selection of restaurants, cafes and lounges. Moroccans generally spend a lot of time at the table preferring not to rush their meals but to take their time and appreciate the dishes.
Riad dining rooms...
If you have gourmet tast buds, we highly recommend setting aside an entire
evening to dine in a Marrakech riad. The city is especially well known for
its talented chefs that have been lured into the kitchens of these traditional
homes “turned luxury” boutique hotels…
Marrakech is well known for its colorful nightlife. Offering a large selection
of modern clubs to traditional dinner – theatre shows, there is truly
something for everyone. The medina tends to draw the most attention in the
evenings when the Jemaa el Fna square comes to life with outdoor cafes, performing
artists, and rows upon rows of food vendors. There are many restaurants with
terraces that overlook the square.
Most of the best nightclubs and bars are in Gueliz, either in the large hotels
or along the Avenue Mohammed V. There is almost always an entry fee for the
discos and clubs and the dress code is generally pretty casual. Most of the
clubs play Western pop music with some local flavor thrown in for good measure.
If you are looking for live music you should head to Jemaa el Fna square where
you will almost always find street musicians, many of whom are surprisingly
good!
Hammams, or public bathhouses, are a part of the day to day life of Moroccans. A hammam is the Moroccan version of a Turkish bath and should not be confused with a luxury beauty spa.
Traditionally these were reserved for the more affluent members of society,
and many upper class Moroccan homes had their own hammam baths. Most Hotels
& Ryads member riads have renovated their own hammams and guests are free
to enjoy these.
Make sure to bring everything you would need in your own bath, and you can purchase a kiss (scrubbing mitten) and a sabon Beldi (black olive oil soap) at any grocery store or in most of the hammams. Once you arrive at the hammam you can request a tayeba, an assistant that will bring you hot buckets of water and scrub you down if you wish.
Hammams consist of three rooms. The first room is the least steamy and is for bathing. The second and third rooms are hotter and are for massaging and relaxing.