Riad Douceur Mandarine Inn Marrakech

The Riad Doucer Mandarine, was the best hotel where we stayed in all Morocco. It has a terrace that has a wonderful view of the city and the Koutoubia, the rooms and the bathrooms are beautiful and clean and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The breakfast is delicious and they can help you with the serving hour if you need it earlier. It´s very well located five or ten minutes from all the turistique places. The manager was so kind and helpful with us, that we had a great experience in Marrakech and Morocco thanks to him, he help us in arranging all our trip and at every moment was taking care about all our needs. I will love to go back!!

This small riad is located in a great location in the walled Medina.

The problem is that the manager is a complete jerk and he believes that you as the guest are a complete pain in his existence. We booked weeks in advance and on the booking form they requested an arrival time. We told them the train would arrive at 8am and we would arrive at the riad at 9am. They indicated that this was not a problem.

We arrived at 9am and were told to wait in the lobby because our room was not ready and would not be ready until 10am. We waited until 11:00 to check the status and were told that although the checkout time was 10am the guests were still sleeping and the manager did not want to wake them. This was not too big of deal except that had we known that we would not get in the room for a while we would ventured out in the city while waiting. As the time then approached 12:00 we asked again and were told by the manager that he was NOT about to wake his sleeping guests so they could check out. When the guest did finally get up he informed them that we had asked him to wake them and off course they made quite a seen in the lobby when they saw us.

Internet….. they advertise wifi but it doesn’t work and NO one knows how to fix it. There isn’t even a computer in the hotel so they can check the router.

Bathroom… there is no door on the bathroom and it is open to the room. If you need to use the facilities you will be doing it with the other guests. Tub… there is a big concrete tub (think horse trough) but no shower. You must kneel in the concrete trough (no steps to get in despite the high sides and it is slippery) and use a hose to get wet and rinse.
Noise… This is actually a large concrete tower with rooms around the side. You will hear EVERYTHING including everything your fellow guests are doing. If they go to the bathroom you will know it. If they snore you will know it. And trust me you will know when the staff arrive at 7am because you haven’t heard noise till you hear people yelling in Arabic in a concrete silo.

Our final night the manager left without leaving anyone to unlock the front door (which has six deadbolts on it...think about why). A couple who were guests got locked out and rang the door bell and pounded on the door for 4 hours trying to get in to no avail. Of course all the guests were awakened and we met in the lobby but even we couldn't get the door open (think fire safety).

There are so many choices in this area don't make the mistake we did!!