Stylish, relaxing 18th century RIad Porte Royale with staff and pool
About the property
- House4305 sq. ft.
- Bedrooms5
- Sleeps11
- Bathrooms5
- Half Baths1
- Minimum Stay2 nights
Riad in the historic Medina with 5 ensuite bedrooms to sleep 10/11 persons
Stylish Riad Porte Royale is set in the spiritual heart of the Medina, west of the shrine of Sidi-bel-Abbès. It is a few minutes stroll from fine restaurants and the hurly-burly of the tourist trail that leads to nearby monuments and through the colourful souks to Djemma el Fna square and also superbly located for the Majorelle Garden and new Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Dating back to 1750 and restored by master craftsmen, Riad Porte Royale has five bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. In the luminous courtyard with a single grapefruit tree, the plunge pool mirrors the dramatic portico and the ancient 'porte royale,' and it is a perfect place to dine under the stars. Textiles, rugs, and objets d'art from the old caravan routes of Asia and Africa accent the white bedrooms. There are several corners to relax in, from the b'hou off the courtyard, to the upstairs loggia or under the designer canopy on the funky pink roof terrace with a view of nearby palms, perfect for breakfast or pre-dinner drink.
Where possible, we endeavour to be eco-friendly, provide sustainable services and accommodation, and practice ethical tourism.
Fame! Riad Porte Royale has been selected by the Footprint Handbook to Morocco 2009 as 'one of the six most relaxing riads in Morocco' and the Footprint Handbook to Marrakech and Essaouira 2010. Our riad also featured in an article in Budget Traveler and the Daily Telegraph in 2011, and the Iberian magazine, Saber Viver in 2013.
Owner
Philip Brebner
- Response rate:
- 60%
- Response time:
- within a few days
- Speaks:
- english, french, spanish, portuguese
- Calendar last updated:
- Jan 31, 2018
About Philip Brebner
Born in London and grew up in Washington DC and Hampshire UK. After doing a PhD in Glasgow on planning and architecture in Algeria, I worked in Saudi Arabia, Oxford and Porto where I now live, and write fiction.
Philip Brebner purchased this House in 2004
Why Philip Brebner chose Marrakech
After travelling in North Africa, it was a wonderful chance to restore a traditional riad to its full glory in a UN World Heritage city. The courtyard used to host neighbourhood weddings, so has a very positive atmosphere. The area is just on the fringe of the tourist trail, so has a community feeling and gives an insight to daily Moroccan life, whilst being just minutes from major monuments, the souks, and famous restaurants such as Dar Yacout. It is also very easy to access.
What makes this House unique
I was captivated by the large courtyard set below street level which meant it had been unchanged for centuries, and the sun throwing silhouettes of the ogive arches across the first floor loggia. Dilapidated though it was, it had a magical or 'zen' feel to it.
Amenities
- Kids Welcome
- No Smoking
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 11
- Douriya1 double
- Kilim Room2 twin/ single, 1 baby crib, Twin/Double
- Baluchi Room2 twin/ single
- Ibn Battuta Room2 twin/ single, Twin/Double
- African Room1 double, Twin/Double
- The Douriya is reached by a 'secret' staircase and has a romantic four-poster bed. The Kilim Room and the Ibn Battuta Room can be arranged either as a twin or a double room. The cot can be put in any room, and if necessary we can put a day bed from the loggia into the Kilim Room as a child bed. The Douriya, Kilim Room and Baluchi Room have reversible air-conditioning. The Ibn Batutta Room and African Room have a heater for the chilly winter nights. The original thick walls have been retained, as have the traditional Moroccan 'key-hole' doors off the courtyard to maximize thermal control. All beds have Egyptian cotton sheets, two pillows per person and for the winter nights duvets and handmade camel-wool blankets.
Bathrooms
- 5 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bath
- Douriyatoilet, shower
- Kilim Roomtoilet, shower
- Baluchi Roomtoilet, shower
- Ibn Battuta Roomtoilet, shower
- African Roomtoilet, shower
- Cloakroomtoilet
- The bathrooms are finished in traditional Moroccan 'tadlakt' which has become popular with designers.
Location Type
- Downtown
- Town
Suitability
- wheelchair inaccessible
Attractions
- botanical garden
- museums
- restaurants
- ruins
- water parks
- waterfalls
Leisure Activities
- horseback riding
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- walking
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- groceries
- hospital
- laundromat
- massage therapist
Sports & Adventure Activities
- cycling
- golf
- mountain biking
- mountaineering
- rafting
- swimming
- tennis
- water tubing
- whitewater rafting
Notes
- Children are welcome, but parents must of course be vigilante with the younger ones because of the pool. Babysitting can be arranged. Three course dinners or lunches can be made by the housekeeper to order. We cater for various dietary requirements too. The manager is available to arrange any days trips or make restaurant bookings, airport collection and so forth. Smoking is not allowed in any of the rooms.
House Rules
Check-in: Flexible
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. 50% refund if canceled at least 30 days before arrival date. You must contact the owner directly to request cancellation.
1 Review
Latest reviews
Fabulous riad in the old city
4 couples stayed and loved this accommodation. We were truly taken to another world. Felt safe and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings. Put our feet in the pool after a busy day shopping. The beds had nice linen including a top sheet. We wish to thank Lehcan who really cared for us well (not only did he organise our food when we wanted to stay in but would give us tips on where to go and often would book meals for us) We all would recommend staying here. My only disappointment is that we did not stay longer than 3 nights...
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. It was a real pleasure to have your group stay at Riad Porte Royale, as you were all kind, respectful and charming and took everything in your stride. We would be more than happy if you returned one day. Best regards Philip
Location
Marrakech is an exotic city, famous for its monuments such as the Medersa of Ben Youssef, Bahia Palace, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, kaleidoscopic souks and Djemma El Fna square with its acrobats, storytellers and snake charmers. There is also Gueliz, the new town with boulevard cafes and trendy shops and restaurants and the magical Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum is just minutes walk away from our riad. Close by is the Palmaraie, with designer swimming pools, and a choice of golf courses. The Atlas mountains, the cataracts at the Ourika Valley, the lake at Lalla Takerkoust and the arty seaside town of Essaouria are a day trip away. For the more adventurous an overnight trip to the Kasbahs and Oases of the south is possible.
Other Activities: Sightseeing, shopping, restaurants
Rates & Availability
Additional information about rental rates
The Riad sleeps 10 persons. The rates may be negotiable if the number of guests is below this. Breakfast is included, and meals can be provided on request by our staff for a charge. For a special occasions we can arrange Moroccan musicians. If your group is larger than 10 we can liaise with neighbouring riads on your behalf. Please contact the owner for further details!