United Kingdom

Riad Laksiba (SARL)

Charlie Tuesday Gates 15 June 2011. “Fantastic place, fantastic people” 
Riad Laksiba was a fantastic place to stay, right in the heart of the city. The place was completely authentic and every detail had been thought about. Our host Simon went to great lengths to make sure our stay was perfect. showing us round, booking cars and organising exciting things to do in the city. He knew everything there was to know about the place and was not only our guide but in the end our friend!

Without a doubt I will be returning and staying there. It was beautiful, welcoming and completely amazing. 100% recommended!

Riad Laksiba, Kasbah, Medina, Marrakech

Pauline Black London England 1 June 2011. “Magic in a strange land”
So, you’ve decided to visit Marrakech and now you’re wondering where to stay. When we started on the same journey, we were looking for somewhere that would be part of the experience, not fastened on to the side of it. For that reason, we searched in the Medina and Kasbah and there, under an unassuming pin on Google Earth, was this astonishing find – a Riad with a location in the heart of the Kasbah, easy to find and within holiday walking distance of history and breathtaking visual stimulation. Better still, it turned out to be owned by someone who has adopted the whole Marrakech experience and channelled all his experience and enthusiasm into facilitating the same for others. 

Riad Laksiba turned out to be a delight. It is a traditionally and thoughtfully restored building that looks unassuming on approach but, from the minute you step across the threshold, reveals hidden depths. Cool and refreshing in the heat, cocooned and protected even through rainstorms (and there were one or two when we were there). The private accommodation is simple and comfortable, clean, with plenty of space, crisp cotton sheets, authentic decoration, tiling and lighting plus ample hot water from a wetroom shower – always a good sign. The rooms are arranged around and looking in to the central court, on the ground and first floor up on the roof, it’s possible to look down into the atrium and see reflections of sky in the splash pool below. The ample circulation area on each level has seating where breakfast is served and lounging, reading, just staring into space or communing with the resident chameleon, Karma, all takes place.

One thing that you won’t see quantified anywhere, and it does slightly defy description, is the sense of community that has been created by – by what? the architecture? the care of the owners and staff? I don’t know, but it’s sort of like living in a family but without any of the annoying necessity of having to communicate with anyone if you don’t want to. There are five rooms, all with their own en suite facilities, a roof terrace with sun loungers that are brought out on request, four seating areas for between two and four people around, or overlooking, the splash pool and a kitchen/office on the ground floor. Plenty of opportunity to keep yourself to yourself. But if you do want to interact with your fellow guests, it’s somehow possible to be close at a distance – I’m not entirely sure that makes sense, but it will if you’ve been there. This sense of community was brought into sharp focus as a result of the Argana incident during our stay, each of us separately worried for the others and a huge sense of relief when everyone turned up safely at the end of the day. 

Ah, now, breakfast – a word that doesn’t do justice to what is put before you. Touria, who prepared delicious beghrir (Moroccan pancakes made from semolina flour and bubbles, so far as I could see), msemen (pan-fried dough which is folded into a square shape), or natural yoghourt and fresh fruit with honey was keen to make sure that we had what we liked and though the fare was varied every day, always willing to take account of individual taste. Oh, and the fresh orange juice – if there is one defining and outstanding feature of breakfast at Riad Laksiba, it is the quantities of this nectar that were available every morning. We left on our daily adventures well fortified.

What else can I tell you? The front door is next to a socking great date palm and opposite the entrance to a structure where, if you time it right, you can see through the open doors to the horses, the same ones that draw the carriages that are available for hire, as they are stabled for the night. You can also often see an empty carriage outside, covered and directionless, standing waiting for the morning when it will have life and purpose once more. The walking routes from Riad Laksiba through the Kasbah to the Medina and beyond are easily navigated and it has what must be the most remarkable views to be seen on a stroll to the supermarket anywhere on the planet.

I mentioned Touria earlier and it would be disgraceful if I didn’t also mention Abdulhamid and Abdou. Abdulhamid’s first degree is in the study of the English language and he deploys it most effectively in ensuring that guests are happy and at ease. He and Abdou look after everyone with self-effacing, friendly courtesy, care and attentiveness – you’ll never need to ask for mint tea, it will just appear at your side as if by magic and rose petals seemingly scatter themselves in the splash pool every day. Together, they are a perfect combinationthat it would be difficult to improve.

Quite honestly, we could have just stayed in the four walls of the Riad and had a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable time. But then, that’s not why you go to Marrakech, is it?

Selina Curley Berlin Germany 31 May 2011. “An Authentic & Tasteful Morroccan Retreat in the Heart of Marrakech”
During a recent stay in Marrakech I had the pleasure of meeting Riad Laksiba owner Simon Hawkesley through a mutual travelling acquaintance. During our stay in Marrakech Simon treated us to an insightful tour through the labyrinth of bustling Souks, of which he has an extensive knowledge of, and afternoon mint tea at Riad Laksiba. We were shown around not only the building, but the neighbours too, saying hello to everyone from the stable owners across the way to the kittens on the sidewalk. Simon obviously has a great passion for the city and it is apparent that this has been poured straight into the Riad, great attention has been paid in the way that he has decorated and furnished the building. I can say from first hand experience that the staff are wonderful, friendly people from Abdul who graciously served us Tea, to Jamal who took us on an enthralling Tour to the Ourika Valley. Despite not staying at Riad Laksiba (having previously booked accommodation) we continued to hire Jamal as our Chauffer for the rest of our stay in Morrocco. If and when I return to the city, I would without a doubt book my accommodation at the Riad Laksiba, least of for its prime position in the ‘posh’ part of the medina, the fantastic roof terrace, and cosy, traditional rooms.

Becky Gibbs London England 19 May 2011. “Amazing location, beautiful place”
Me and my friend went there for a yoga trip with Tabitha Dean Yoga and we couldnt have asked for a better place to chill out and use as a base. Doing yoga on the roof terrace was amazing and the riad is so accomodating to everything you could possibly need while you explore all of the things that Marrakech has to offer! Everything is withing walking distance but as soon as you eneter the Riad it is so peaceful and lovely you can relax after all the madness of the city! Couldnt have asked for a better place to stay! Thanks!

Jodie Cox Winchester England 16 May 2011. “An enchanting place to stay in Marrakech”
My friend and I stayed at this riad on a yoga retreat, and it had everything we could have asked for. Beautifully decorated, with very friendly and helpful staff, yummy breakfasts, WIFI, warm showers, and a lovely cool plunge pool decorated with rose petals daily. The yoga on the roof top was really special. Thanks for a lovely stay.

Sabina London 2 May 2011. Perfect place to enjoy hectic Marrakesh in an ultra-relaxed way”
I spent 5 nights at Riad Laksiba with my boyfriend. Marrakesh is amazing and occasionally exhausting staying at this Riad allowed us to experience the city and still come back to London feeling refreshed.

Its a beautiful old building, sympathetically decorated. Each room has a little outdoor lounge either on or overlooking the courtyard where the (wonderful) breakfast is served, and of course theres a lovely roof terrace.

Location wise, its a bit further from the main square than some other places (15 minute walk). That was something we initially worried about, but we were very glad of the short distance in the end. Its a very easy, fun walk but helps create a much-appreciated feeling that the Riads a haven removed from the hustle and bustle.

But what really sets this Riad apart is the amazing personal approach to hospitality. The staff are extremely helpful, friendly and thoughtful. We were in Marrakesh at the time of the explosion in the main square and the Riads staff and owner went to extraordinary lengths to make sure all the guests were safe and accounted for - something you certainly couldnt expect anywhere else. 

Simply put, this was perfect for our trip to Marrakesh and I highly recommend it.

Tank Porteus Bath England 1 May 2011. “A hidden gem in the heart of Marrakesh” 
Spent 5 nights in this beautiful riad with my partner and was blown away by how friendly the staff were, nothing was ever too much effort for them. The rooms well furnished in a typical Moroccan style and the en-suite bath rooms were clean and never ran out of hot water. 

The riad has a rooftop terrace which is perfect for sunbathing in the day and chilling out with a beer whilst watching the sunsets in the evening. 

A Moroccan Style Breakfast was served outside our room every morning with coffee, tea and freshly squeezed orange juice on tap. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here and would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a place to stay in the heart of the real Marrakesh.

Justin Tarrant Basingstoke England 23 April 2011. “The best place I have stayed in Morocco or the UK!”
This was our first trip to Morocco and Riad Laksiba our first stopping point. We arrived by overland and fairly late into the night. This was not a problem for the help and accommodating staff who not only continually gave us directions to the Riad but then met us personally to guide us in and arrange the best place to park. The Riad is not difficult to find but after many hours driving and our first time driving in Morocco we were grateful for the help. We stayed three nights and wished we had book all our time there! Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who are ready to help. The Riad itself is amazing in everyway a real haven from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Rachel and Gabriel MacTavish Sterling Scotland 11 April 2011. “Just lovely...” 
This was a quick visit to Marrakech with my son and I was delighted with the ease of it! 
Riad Laksiba was just the ticket and the staff, just lovely. Abdelhamid especially! He made my sons trip special by taking time and digging out Morocco Monopoly... Great! 
I didnt bring a laptop but I am sure this riad has wifi  and Gabe did manage to watch some cartoons along with Abdelhamid. After the hustle bustle of roaming around the city this oasis prove to be the perfect choice - calm, clean, friendly and comfortable.

Catelyn Wilde England 8 April 2011. “My best holiday yet!”
The staff were fun and really easy to get along with. Very helpful always asking if we needed a drink or anything. The Riad smelled lovely and is very pretty . In an excellent location. Simon is very friendly and helpful and knows a lot about the area if we got lost. The weather was lovely and I took a particular liking to Karma the Camelion on the orane tree in the Riad. The breakfast that was served was varied and tasty and i like the decor. A wonderful trip! Definitely the best, most traditional Riad ive ever stayed in and the locals are very friendly!

Riad Laksiba (SARL)

No properties