Review of Riyad El Cadi, by Joanna Monkhouse

The Riyad El Cadi luxury riad is a maze-like collection of rooms, winding staircases and twisting corridors around five courtyards in seven interconnected houses located at the end of three narrow alleys a short walk from Djmaa el Fna.

As well as being a good place to see unadorned Moroccan architecture in its purest form, the late owner of Riyad El Cadi, former German Ambassador to Morocco, was an important collector of early Berber textiles, Islamic and Byzantine art, classical Asian furniture and rare Moroccan artifacts. His museum quality pieces are displayed in every room, to great effect against a backdrop of fresh, white walls.

The facilities

Riyad El Cadi's courtyards provide various areas in which to relax under palms and citrus trees. One of them contains a small solar heated pool/Jacuzzi. Three salons with a TV and hifi, a well-stocked library, a red walled hammam and extensive roof terraces with deckchairs and tents ensure that there is always somewhere quiet to be found.

The rooms

One of the houses at Riyad el Cadi, La Maison Bleue, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a small kitchen - making it ideal for families. The four ground floor rooms have ensuite showers, while the eight first floor rooms have ensuite bathrooms.

Each room or suite is decorated using architectural details or items from the collection as a centre piece, such as an original painted ceiling, Ottoman embroideries, a Roman capitol or a Chinese chest. Riyad El Cadi has a calm and refined ambience - a combination of the elegance of the setting and the considerate service provided by its welcoming staff.