Riad Sheherazade  * * * *

An attractive, easily accessible property which has been tastefully restored to reflect its origins as an ornate 19th century palace. Handrails on the stairs prove useful for the less agile and are an unusual feature in most riads.

Spacious courtyard is a welcome area for tranquillity and relaxation whilst most of the city’s historic sights are within fairly easy reach although some of the streets are steep and uneven. Onsite spa has a wide range of local and international treatments and dining arrangements are impressive for such a small establishment.

Exterior

A smart looking cream coloured ex 19th century palace with a large, sturdy entrance, sweeping arches to the courtyard and the obligatory ornamental fountain. A 10 room annexe has its own pool and state of the art spa facility.

Property type: Hotel

Balcony/Terrace: Some rooms

Storeys: 3

Interior

A blue tiled courtyard has wide and relatively user friendly stairs leading off. Sumptuous sofas line the walls of the small lounges which may be used for intimate dining. A large, vaguely art deco restaurant is also open to the public and has pristine tableware and linens.

Unlike many riads the reception is open 24 hours a day. Annexe building has its own brasserie style dining facility and panoramic restaurant.

Rooms: 23

Grounds

Tall palms and mature shrubs provide shade and character with a pair of gazebos offering additional shade when necessary. There are two reasonably sized pools, one in the main building and the other in the annexe. Al fresco dining is available on the roof of the annexe or in either of the courtyards.

Location

Area Type: In the ancient medina area, amongst other similarly styled properties with the unusual advantage of parking outside the door. There is a large school 200m away and a limited selection of small local shops within 100m. A wider variety of shops, snack outlets and Moroccan restaurants is at Bab Boujloud, 300m to the W. Taxis wait in a busy square at the end of the street, 150m away.