Riad Tibibt

This was my first visit to Marrakesh, and I really didn’t know what to expect. I am sadly departing now feeling like a welcomed guest. This is my 3rd trip to Africa. Each one has been renewing and restorative. As a guest here, people will actually spend their last dime to feed you before eating themselves. This has actually happened to me. There is so much to learn from the world’s first people. Riad Tibibt, built in 1082, is an oasis in this maze of a city. It is an ancient home where you are treated as a family guest. No safes or even real locks on the room doors because no one here would even consider taking advantage of you. This may require a leap of faith for some travelers, but it is the way of life here. You can embrace it. If you still worry, just bring a small lock for your bag. Always a good idea anyway. The Riad organized transportation here from the airport, a necessity because I could have never found this hidden gem on my own. Also, assistance navigating the crazy streets with motos everywhere and too much luggage was a real blessing. Since this is an actual ancient house, not at all a hotel, you will need a bit of an open mind, and the courage to navigate steep stairs and smallish rooms. This is more than compensated for with private terraces, a garden, small pool, and other charming public spaces. The food is also very good here. Included breakfast is generous and mostly traditional. A bit later than I prefer, but sunrise is late here, and I have become an early bird with age. The dinner menu, maybe available for lunch too, is short but more than adequate. I ate in this oasis most nights. There is also wine, I recommend the vin gris, grey whine which is actually a white local one. I had the pleasure of the company of the Riad owner one evening when I learned about the history and design of the fascinating building. I guess I just can’t say enough things about Riad Tibibt. I would return here in an instant.

Nothing is too much trouble for the manager and staff here. Everything is immaculately clean and well ordered. My room was beautiful, the pool lovely and staff were helpful on downloading off line maps to find your way round the city so you didn’t need data! I have already booked to return as this oasis was heavenly!

We had a thoroughly enjoyable stay with excellent hosts. There was a slight mix up with the room request, which was not a big deal but meant our hosts went above and beyond to rectify. The staff were all so friendly and were there when you needed them, all so helpful and kind but equally when you simply wanted to chill on the sun terrace you were left alone. I personally loved having breakfast in the atrium with the tortoise and the English china. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable and for arranging all of our transfer requests and for my beautiful rose. I hope all your future guests enjoy their stay as much as we did.