Maison MK
Marrakech, Morocco
A luxurious combination of old and new that lives up to the definition of riad as 'a little drop of paradise'
It’s only a few minutes' walk from the medina walls to Maison
MK, but as you wander through narrow winding streets, it feels like
every turn takes you back centuries. The flight from Europe is less
than 3 hours, but Marrakech is a whole new world: dusty, fragrant,
exotic. First-time visitors will be bewitched.
A simple door on the corner of a cobbled alley leads into the
6-room riad, and inside there's another dramatic
contrast. Owner and artist Paul Hopkins has transformed the
200-year-old riad into an indulgent modern haven, with lashings of
local detail against a backdrop of polished tadelakt and
warm autumnal colours: silk tassles, rich fabrics, an array of
lights and lamps and big brass doorhandles. There's a fabulous
terrace on the rooftop, and a restaurant, cinema room and spa on
the ground floor. Better yet, there are several seating areas, so
even if the riad's full, you'll find a quiet corner. Paul lives in
the UK, but there is little his Moroccan manager Jallel can't
organise: tours, taxis, restaurants, even belly dancing displays.
Ideal for couples or a whole house rental with friends.
Reviewed by Cat Martin
Last updated
20 January 2010
Highs
- Just a 5-minute stroll from Djemaa El Fna square – close to the action but far enough from the noise
- A wonderful roof terrace, great for lazy breakfasts, admiring the magnificent Atlas mountains
- Wandering around the bustling medina, then stepping back into the calm of the riad to star-gaze on the roof terrace with a pre-dinner cocktail
- Smiling staff for whom nothing seems to much trouble
- Great in-house technology: WiFi, pre-loaded iPods, an Xbox, and mobile phones loaded with credit
Lows
- Rooms open into the courtyard so may experience noise, and light sleepers may be woken by the call to prayer; bring earplugs
- Some people won't like the lack of locks on the door, but this is riad living
- It’s not a hotel so you might have to hunt out staff when you need them, but they are very helpful
- The chill-out music that's played throughout can grate
- Check out is 10am, even on Sundays, although Jallel is happy to extend if the hotel is not full
