Review of Riad Charai, by Simon Nichols

Hidden away in the north of Marrakech's Medina, Riad Charai is everything a luxury riad should be. There's a real understated elegance about the place; it doesn't have to try hard to impress, it just does. North African design, clean white lines and dark wood run throughout, nothing is overly fussy.

At the heart of Riad Charai is a beautiful courtyard. Its alcoves and orange trees provide a welcome respite from the scorching Moroccan sun. Breakfast by the pool is perfect way to start your day, followed up with mint tea on your return.

The facilities

Staff seem to fit the property - calm and courteous, nothing seems to bother them. They pride themselves on attention to detail. They just seem to appear from time to time, leaving you on your own enough to relax, but pop up to light the lanterns in the courtyard or to quietly add North African music that melts into the background.

A small swimming pool graces Riad Charai's courtyard (it's a riad, so you wouldn't expect Olympic size, would you?). The roof terrace have views of Atlas Mountains and is the ideal place to watch the sun go down over Marrakech. There is a kitchen available to guests, plus an in-house hamman can be provided on request

The rooms

The eight individually designed rooms of Riad Charai (including one suite) all follow a similar theme of dark wood and cool calm creams and browns. All of the rooms here come with fireplaces and burning incense adds to the feeling of tranquillity. Flat screen televisions are there for those who wish to keep in touch with the outside world.

Is there a best room at Riad Charai? Not for me. Each room is similar, but individual enough to have a personal feel. Would you like a small roof terrace? Or a sunken bath? Both are avaliable in different rooms. Room Eight, where I stayed, has neither, but I loved it anyway.