Upon arriving in Morocco, I had originally been booked to stay at Riad Monceau located in the Old Souk area, which had been booked via Expedia.com. However, after traveling more than 30 hours, we arrived at Monceau and were told they had no record of our reservation despite the fact that we had our confirmation in hand and I had email confirmation for dinner that evening (booked a month in advance). You can only imagine our panic and our exhaustion; this is not how we anticipated beginning our vacation!

The front desk at Monceau assured us they would take care of finding a suitable arrangement for our accommodations and that is how serendipity dropped us in the lap of luxury of Riad El Mansour!

Riad El Mansour sent their driver, Mustapha to pick us up and once the doors opened to the hidden beauty of this lovingly restored 200-year old riad we knew that fortune had smiled upon us.

Morocco is a country full of hidden secrets, which makes traveling through this magnificent country so intriguing. Riad El Mansour is a sparkling gem and once the doors open, you are whisked into the Moroccan imaginary of lush palms, scented roses, and a myriad of yellow, pink, fuchsia and orange bougainvillea, exquisite tile work, and rich, exotic textiles and tasteful antiques.

We were warmly greeted by Robert and Stephen the owners of Riad El Mansour, but also by their staff who offered a tour of the facilities and an explanation of the services available to us. Clearly, everyone who is associated with Mansour is proud to be an integral part of this well run, tastefully restored riad that provides subtle, yet incredible service intended to pamper their guests.

Riad El Mansour is ideally located a short walk from important sites such as the Jemaa El-Fna plaza, Les Jardins Marjorelle, Musee Marrakesh, the Guéliz (New Town), and the Ménara. Should you want to taken an outing to the High Atlas Mountains, camel/horseback riding, need guide services, dinner reservations, all you need to do is ask because your requests will be seamlessly arranged.

Marrakesh is a lively, cacophonous city, which is vibrant and exciting, so the serene and tranquil ambience of Riad El Mansour provides a refuge to recharge your soul and a place where you can reflect on the history and magic of your day. One can retreat to the comfort of beautiful rooms that feature local architectural style, as well as handcrafted Moroccan pieces that impart a distinctively old-world opulence. Or you can head to the rooftop terrace and take in the sounds of birds chirping and the views of the Atlas Mountains and sit amongst the plant-life that provides solitude.

Robert and Stephen have placed a high emphasis on attention to detail with rooms that feature fresh fruits and nuts, a sweets platter that highlights local Moroccan delicacies, bottled water to greet each guest daily, bathrooms equipped with robes, slippers, handcrafted Moroccan rose soaps, decanters of rose water and Argon oil, containers of le savon noir (black soap), as well as body soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc. Truly a home away from home, the room has Ipod/MP3 docks, TV/DVD player, safe, WIFI Internet access, A/C and heating--again no detail is spared!!!

The restaurant at El Mansour is magnifique! Once again, ensuring that only the finest ingredients are available to their guests, fresh fruits and vegetables are grown at the owners’ local farm and the in-house chef masterfully prepares delicious entries featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine that is delectable and will leave your palate desiring more of these incredible tastes! The local wine list is also exceptional.

Additionally, an array of facilities focusing on guests’ well-being are available such as massage services, a fitness room, a Jacuzzi, small pool, and a traditional Moroccan Hammam bath.

I cannot emphasis how incredible the hospitality that was provided to us by Robert and Stephen and their entire staff (Mustapha, Abness, Maoud, the cooks, maids, etc.) to ensure that we were well taken care of in their beautiful riad. On our first evening in Marrakesh, recognizing the distance we traveled and our exhaustion, we heard a subtle knock on our door informing us that dinner and wine was awaiting us downstairs. We didn’t have to ask, they instinctively provide service that will leave their guests more than satisfied.

Not only do I look forward to a return trip to El Riad Mansour, I have made new friends in Marrakesh and can honestly say that Robert and Stephen, you are the best! Your staff is incredible too! Beaucoup de merci sincère mes chers amis!