From: David Sven Flo
Sent: October-27-11 7:33 PM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Your booking Riad Ariha David Blazquez
Dear Yvonne
We are very happy with our stay in your Riad. The staff is very friendly and helps you in everything you need.
I also wanted to thank you for your help has been very helpful all the information you gave us and the airport transffer.
Thank you very much for everything.
David
From: David Rogers
Sent: September-10-11 3:19 PM
To: Ariha
Subject: Re: Confirmed booking Riad Ariha David Rodgers
Dear Barbara,
Many thanks for our recent August stay, we had a great time, and the staff were very helpful- we would definitely recommend you and hope to stay there again.
I compiled your directions into two pages for myself before we came- I don't know if its any use to you but I thought I would send it- the original directions were quite a lot of pages to print.
Thanks again
David Rogers
From: CAROLYN EVANS
Sent: July-13-11 6:09 AM
To: Riad Ariha
Subject: Re: Last week's booking Riad Ariha Carolyn Evans
Hello Yvonne,
Just a quick e-mail to say how much we all enjoyed our stay at Riad Ariha and to thank you for all you did to make it such a smooth process. Your help was greatly appreciated -- Barbara's husband was at the riad a couple of evenings and I made sure he knew that!
We were all very happy with everything -- the team there could not have been kinder or more helpful. It felt very much a home from home and the ideal place for us to stay as a group.
Please pass on my thanks to Barbara and to the team at the riad. They do a wonderful job.
Sorry, by the way, for presuming in my last e-mail that the French name meant you were French!!
Best wishes,
Carolyn
From: noelia beltran villagrasa
Sent: June-27-11 2:51 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Your booking Riad Ariha Noelia Beltran
Hello,
We have arrive from Marrakech and I want to say you that we were fine in your Riad.
The staffs are very friendly and professionals. You have lucky with this people.
Thank you for all.
Noelia
From: jane demontaignac
Sent: May-28-11 8:34 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: RE: treatments
Hi Yvonne,
I wanted to tell you how very much we enjoyed our stay at the Riad Ariha and how well we were looked after by the staff. They could not have been more attentive, friendly and helpful and did all they could to make us feel welcome.
The misunderstanding about the bill arose because we were not initially given a copy of the breakdown and so could not see how the various deductions were arrived at and of course there was the further complication of different currencies. However this was all dealt with very sensitively by the young man in charge and I can not speak highly enough of him.
I was wondering if you could give me some information about the beautiful shower products used at the Riad.? I was hoping to take some home with me as I understand it was possible to purchase them there but as we left so early in the morning I did not get around to enquiring about them! They were particularly fresh and aromatic and I wonder whether it is possible to but them anywhere else.
The Riad was a little oasis of calm and simple beauty and I thank you for all your attentiveness regarding our booking.
Yours,
Jane de Montaignac.
From: Peter Pearce
Sent: February-17-11 6:30 PM
To: Riad Ariha
Cc: 1 'Christina' work; 1 Christina home
Subject: Re: Confirmed booking Riad Ariha
Dear Barbara
We had a fantastic time last weekend - wish we were still there - and thank you so much to your lovely staff. I hope very much we will return. I didn't catch your husband's name but we very much enjoyed talking to him too.
Amina asked us to put comments on TripAdvisor which I have done, and also on Alastair Sawday's website (which should be good for you, I would think). For interest, below is what I have put.
Many thanks again and best wishes to Amina and Abdullah, and your excellent cook whose name I didn't catch either.
Peter and Christina
"We stayed at the Riad Ariha for four nights in February and cannot recommend it highly enough. The rooms were simple, calm and beautiful and the staff, particularly Amina and Abdullah, could not have been more helpful and friendly. The food was so excellent, and such good value, that we ended up having dinner there every night except one (the cook's night off!). There is a great roof terrace.
The Riad is in the Medina, and thanks to the excellent directions and taxi pickup we had no trouble getting there from the airport which we thought we might (and you quickly find your way around). It was a great experience to be in the middle of the atmospheric old city with its ancient network of alleyways. We never once felt threatened and the locals were friendly and welcoming.
Anyone writing critically of the Riad Ariha has either been unlucky in some way or chosen a place which doesn't suit their preferences. Anyone else will love it. This is a place for people who want to immerse themselves in the life of this ancient city yet seek calmness, comfort, quality of welcome and relaxation. We would go back there like a shot. It is wonderful in all ways."
From: Luigi Arangio
Sent: May-04-10 2:37 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: Money to give back
Hello,
first of all thank yo again for your special ospitality and the beautiful stay in your wonderful riad.
I'm just waiting you to send me an email with your bank account (iban) in order to give back to you the money lent.
Thank you,
looking forward to hearing very soon from you.
Best Regards.
Luigi Arangio
From: Thomas Mannion
Sent: March-23-10 5:28 AM
To: info@riadariha.com
Subject: Pouffe
Hi Amina,
I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for organising the purchase and delivery of our new pouffe. It is just what I wanted. Thanks also for helping to make our stay in Marrakech such a happy one.
Kind regards,
Thomas (and Sophie and George)
From: Marion Bashford
Sent: March-22-10 1:42 PM
To: Riad Ariha
Subject: Our Stay
Dear Ladies
Just a short note to say that both myself and my friend Margaret, so enjoyed staying at Riad Ariha, also to seeing the wonders of Marrakesh....returned today.....and sadly back to work tomorrow!!
Your staff are so welcoming and friendly and we will be putting together a good write up on trip advisor.
I will also recommend Riad Ariha to friends and family.
Kind regards and good wishes
Marion
From: bev and mark
Sent: March-08-10 4:37 PM
To: Riad Ariha
Subject: Re: Your booking Riad Ariha Mark Kavanagh
Just a quick note to say thank you for the hospitality at Riad Ariha. We had a fantastic time in Marrakech and would certainly return to the Riad if we ever visit again.
Mark
From: Benjamin Gelb
Sent: February 4, 2009 12:14 PM
To: "RIAD ARIHA"
Subject: RE: Confirmed booking Riad Ariha
We are now back in Casablanca on our ship, everything was absolutely wonderful! Thanks to you and your staff we had a wonderful stay.
Take Care!
-Ben
From: Dennis Biasi
Sent: March 8, 2009 4:47 PM
To: Riad Ariha
Subject: Re: day outings
Hi Barbara, We're here and your place is great-the city is fab. We think we'll not do an outting because we still have the gardens to see. We'll meet you next time
thanks, dennis
From: Paul Arnold
Sent: February 10, 2010 3:00 PM
To: 'Riad Ariha'
Subject: RE: Confirmed booking Riad Ariha; Alex and Paul Arnold
Just back from a lovely few days at your riad. Amina and Abdellah looked after us extremely well. They were very helpful with all our arrangements and our food was delicious. The whole experience was very relaxing and the weather was kind to us too. Hope to see the Riad Ariha again some time. Pass on my thanks to Amina and Abdullah. Alex and Paul Arnold.
From: Charlotte Bonsey
Sent: February-23-10 7:32 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Cc: riadchichi@gmail.com
Subject: great feedback
Dear Barbara, Beryl and Staff
I hope you are well. I am including some great feedback for you from client Claire Scott which I will publish on the i-escape pages. Well Done!
I loved the interior of the riad and the friendly, homely atmosphere, very relaxing in this hectic city.Its about 15 minutes from the main square so on night we ate at the riad once or twice which I'd recommend if you don't want to go out into the hustle and bustle. It is very easy to get lost in Marrakech! Also I went to the local female hamman a few minutes away, which is an experience, the hotel manager took me there and introduced me and I got a very local experience a bit like the local baths not a spa but fun!. You can book a massage back at the riad to finish off. A beautiful riad, with good food, clean and welcoming staff. We also had 1 night at their sister riad Chi Chi which is also just as good in every way.
Kind regards
Charlotte Bonsey
From: gerry.
Sent: January-04-10 4:00 PM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: Thankyou
Hi Barbara
Just a quick email to say thankyou for our stay at Riad Ariha. We had a lovely time in Marrakesh and found your Riad most comfortable and the staff excellant - nothing was too much trouble for them to help us especially booking taxis and the bus trip to Essaouira for us. It was very peaceful there - we certainly slept well and felt very relaxed.
All the best for 2010.
Regards
Gerry and Ian Perkins
From: Charlotte Murray
Sent: January-10-10 9:51 AM
To: 'Riad Ariha'
Subject:
Just to say thank you for our lovely stay at the riad. It was wonderfully peaceful and pretty but most of all your staff were so friendly and helpful as we hadn't been to Marrakesh before. We arrived home to freezing weather and have been almost snowed in ever since so it was a great break for us and we loved your sunshine!
Charlotte Murray
From: Wendy Dewar
Sent: March-24-09 11:22 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Your booking Riad Ariha
Hi Barbara
Just a quick note to thank you, we had a lovely time in your Riad. Amina and the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming and made us feel completely at home.
Also as it did rain the evening we arrived (for several hours with a massive thunder storm!), we decided we couldn't walk into Marrakech to eat, and even though we hadn't booked to eat in the Riad, we were kindly offered a food option which was excellent. The vegetable omlette and side dish was beautiful and saved us a lot of trouble!
Please pass on our comments to Amina and the staff.
Have a good time in Marrakech.
Kind regards
Wendy Dewar and Brian Hook
From: jeroenkuipers
Sent: lunes, 23 de febrero de 2009 11:54
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: marrakech, riad ariha
We stayed from 14-19 February at the riad Ariha in Marrakech. We, me, my
wife, 3 year old son, 7 year old daughter and my parents in law had a really
great time. We booked two room at the first floor and practically had the
commom room at the same floor for ourselves. The food was excellent and very
good value. Hospital staff, kind to our children. The first day seemed a bit
daunting fairly far away from Djema el Fnaa but it was easy once you
realized where you were.
Pretty, quiet and delightfully authentic surroundings. You really get a feel
of how people live in the medina. I have been to many destinations and quite
a few with my children but this was one of the best holidays of my life!
From: Evelin Guder
Sent: February-16-09 11:20 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: Marrakech
Hallo Frau Barbara,
wir sind wieder in dem kalten und trüben Deutschland und denken gerne zurück
an die letzte Woche in Ihrem Haus. Zusammen mit dem herrlichen Wetter waren
es interessante und spannende Tage.
Besonders angenehm fanden wir die Betreuung durch Ihre Mitarbeiter, die
jeden Wunsch erfüllten.
Ihren Mann konnten wir auch kennenlernen und hatten mit ihm informative
Gespräche über das Leben in Marokko (dank seiner guten Deutschkenntnisse).
Sind Sie selbst eigentlich ab und zu in Deutschland?
Ich finde es erstaunlich, daß Sie von Kanada aus Ihre Geschäfte in
Marrakesch regeln. Ihre Schwester erzählte, dass Sie zusammen noch einen
weiteren Riad umbauen wollen. Ihre gesamte Familie scheint untriebig zu
sein.
Wir selbst haben ein Gästehaus auf der Insel Rügen an der Ostsee, darum ist
mir nicht fremd, wieviel Organisation dazu gehört.
Wie schon gesagt, wir haben uns in Ihrem Haus sehr wohlgefühlt und grüssen
Sie aus Kassel.
Herzlichst
Evelin Guder
From: Aine Maguire
Sent: January-04-09 10:07 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: thank you Amena
Hi there Amena
My name is Aine Maguire and I was the Irish woman with the terrible French who you managed to find rooms for in the next door Riad just before New Years. I just wanted to thank you for helping me with what seemed like an impossible task. Adam and his dad were so kind to us and I loved Marrakech more than you can imagine, it was like stepping back in time and so unspoiled by the west. I slept so well in that Riad, despite the rain!
I hope you have a busy and successful year.
Again many thanks and if you ever come to Dublin you must get in touch with me.
Regards & God Bless
Aine
From: toby howes
Sent: November-30-08 7:58 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: A belated thank you
Hi B, B & B,
Big apologies for the late arrival of this email, I was just doing a bit of housekeeping & found this in my drafts box & I'm pretty certain it didn't send.
Cher & I just wanted to say that we thoroughly enjoyed our stay with you. We had a great time & felt totally comfortable at Riad Ariha ... just the right balance of everything.
Our only regret is that we didn't spend more time at the Riad!
Thanks again for making our stay so pleasant & we will recommend it to anyone who's going to Marrakech (if anyone has any money in the future!).
Toby & Cher
X
From: Tim Bennett
Sent: October-31-08 8:41 AM
To: 'Riad Ariha'
Subject: Bennetts
Dear All,
Just to let you know that we are back in France having had a fantastic stay at your beautiful Riad.
Everyone was so helpful and friendly and this made the trip very enjoyable.
We wish you all well and will recommend you to anyone we know who wants to visit Marrakech.
Kind regards,
Tim,Clare, Sam and Thomas
From: Maxine Woogman
Sent: October-27-08 7:09 PM
To: Riad Ariha; riadariha@menara.ma
Subject: Greetings from Vancouver
Hi Barbara, Bader, Amina, Abdulla, Hadija and Fatima,
I just wanted to send you all a quick note to say that I am back in Vancouver and have been fully well since I flew home from Paris to Vancouver on Oct. 23.
Thank you so much for providing me with such a warm welcome and for taking such good care of me when I was sick. You are all so lovely and I look forward to seeing you all again one day - inshallah.
You have such a beautiful riad. It's like a mini oasis - so tasteful and serene. I've attached a few photos that I took there.
Barbara - enjoy getting Riad Azzara up and running. I'm sure it will be gorgeous. I look forward to seeing it one day.
All the very best,
Maxine
From: RICHARD FROST
Sent: October-15-08 9:39 AM
To: riadariha@gmail.com
Subject: Thanks
Hi Barbara,
Just a quick note to thank you so much for everything that you did for us all last week. Julia had a great birthday and everybody had a fabulous time - always a risk, as most of them had never met before! I thought the service we received at Riad Ariha was just superb and nothing seemed like too much trouble.
It really felt like 'home from home' and it was great not to have staff telling us what we could and couldn't do - like drinking gin and tonics in the plunge pool!! Brits Abroad eh! Who would want 'em!
So please pass our thanks on to everyone and we look forward to meeting you again.
Thanks again, I have uploaded some nice feedback for you at Trip Advisor
Regards
Richard
From: Marielle Bekx
Sent: September-15-08 5:27 AM
To: 'Riad Ariha'
Subject: RE: Riad Ariha
Dear Barbara,
Now after one week back in Holland again I want to thank you for a very pleasant stay in your Riad, it's a beautiful quiet and peaceful place behind that big black door, something you cannot imagine when you are walking around before coming in. Everybody was very helpful and we had great birthday buffet on the roof of your house with a very special and delicious chocolate birthday cake! Also your idea of Dar Zellij was very good, a charming place and good food. Our stay was wonderful, I will always remember my 40th birthday and of course then I will often think about all of you. Thanks for your help by mail everything was arranged perfect, thanks also to your wonderful staff and greet them! Everybody who wants to go to Marrakech and who's looking for a Riad I will recommend you.
Kind regards and all the best for the future!
Marielle
From: Ward Jessica
Sent: August-26-08 5:18 AM
To: Riad Ariha
Subject: Our stay
Hi Barbara,
I am pleased to say we had a wonderful time in Marrakech and the Riad was brilliant, thank you.
From: Jo and Hassan
Sent: May-13-08 9:24 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara, Amina, Abdullah and the team,
Having left Marrakech last week, I have finally managed to get through the pile of work waiting for me when I returned to London.
I just wanted to say a big thankyou from Hassan and myself for the wonderful holiday you gave us. We miss you all so much.
You gave us the best time and treated us like royalty. But moreover, we miss your friendship (and Amina's laughter).
As promised, I have written a suitable piece on Trip Adviser, which is well deserved.
Kind regards,
Jo & Hassan
P.S. Barbara - as you will see, we stayed our full seven days as we couldn't bear to leave you.
Sent: May-13-08 9:24 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara
Just a quick note to let you know how much Sheila and I enjoyed our four days in Marrakech at your Riad. It was an absolute delight and we were also so lucky with the other guests who were a real pleasure to meet and talk to over breakfast.
I thought Marrakech had changed remarkably little since my first visit as a student so many years ago other than the replacement of TV aerials by satellite dishes !
Very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.
Mike Stilton
Sent: May-13-08 9:23 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara,
Just a quick email to say that we had a wonderful time at your Riad, although we were a bit challenged with our directions in and out of the medina. We discovered that every time we thought we knew where we were going we got completely lost once again. However, we did, on the last day, find our way back without having to get assistance. Mustafa (probably wrong spelling) was an excellent driver and I am sorry that I couldn't speak French to converse with him. He provided us with an excellent English speaking guide on our day at the Cascade and excellent journeys to and fro the Riad and the airport. Abdullah was very helpful and a lovely person and I am very impressed with his English. Unfortunately I don't know the name of your lovely lady who does the cooking etc., but she also was wonderful.
One of the unexpected things was that we met some really interesting and nice people at the Riad and spent quite a few hours up on the roof chatting with various other guests.
We had excellent meals in the "square" and actually sat on the next table to John Simpson the well known journalist.
We loved our room and the bathroomwith its' dome was unforgettabl, the only downside was when Adrian went down to breakfast and inadvertently locked me in (although it could have been deliberate), the Hamman was amazing and thank you for the good instructions.
I hope that you and your husband had a good time in France and I shall definitely be passing on information to all our friends, family etc., about the wonderful Riad Ariha we stayed in.
Hopefully we will meet again and once again thank you for "being there".
Kind regards
Sue and Adrian Tilbury
(Apologies for long email and not short one as I first thought)
From: Carl Gerry
Claire Marriott
Sent: May-13-08 9:23 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara
Just a short Email to say thanks for a fantastic stay with yourselves on the 19th
Feb, The staff are a credit to you and your husband for finding such dedicated
lovely people.
The rooms were spotlessly clean and should be given a special mention to the
housekeeper on this.
The Riad goes without saying, was superb in every aspect, to be able to go
through the 'magic' door and all the complete madness of the Medina
disappeared !
Hope to see you one day in the future insha'allah !
Carl Gerry
Claire Marriott
From: Alison and Greg
Sent: May-13-08 9:23 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara and Bader
Just to say once again thanks for making our holiday in Marrakech a great experience! I am very taken with the country and plan on seeing more of it, its really quite a magical place isn't it.
Thanks too to Bader for the lovely marmalade, which made its way home in one piece and is now being consumed on a daily basis!
We had a really wonderful time, the Riad is lovely and Greg is desperate to try out the Moroccan plastering !!
I saw Sue at work yesterday and she showed me the write up that you have in the Sunday Telegraph, which is great.
Well thank you once again, what I wouldn't do to leave my desk job and move out to Morocco!
With best wishes
Alison and Greg
Alison Lingard
From: Claire
Sent: May-13-08 9:23 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Hi Barbara,
On behalf of all of the girls I wanted to say thank you so much for making our stay so perfect. The Riad is beautiful and both you and your team, of helpers made us feel so welcome. The weekend was faultless, apart from the fact that we wished that we could stay longer.
Thank you for making all of the arrangements for me and helping organize everything in terms of the taxi, the massages and facials etc.
We will certainly be back and for longer next time.
Best wishes and have a vodka orange for us as we all sit at our desks day dreaming about the wonderful weekend.
Claire and the girls.
X
From: Kevin and Kirsten
Sent: May-13-08 9:23 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara
We are home and have spent all day unpacking and washing etc. everything made it home in one piece, although we were a little overweight, try 16 kilos, hehe it wasnt too bad though, better than risking the mail I think.
Thank you for such a loverly 10 days, we really couldn't have hoped for a more special holiday, you and Beryl are a blast! You've really chosen an excellent spot there, pehaps much of the medina is like this but that stretch from the school to the riad was quite magical and alive. It certainly has made a lasting impression on us.
Hope we see you again
Thank you Barbara
Kevin and Kirsten x
From: Catherine Dawson
Sent: May-13-08 9:23 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara,
Hello there, hope that you are all well in Marrakech!
We put a note in the Livre D'Or, but just to say thank you again for a
lovely stay at Riad Ariha.
We had the good luck to do a tour of various places and yours won hands down
for comfort and a very warm welcome. You really do go out of your way to
help people get orientated and the Riad is such a lovely relaxed place.
Those directions are really useful, as the old Medina is wonderful but can
seem slightly mind boggling if you're not used to it. That's part of the
magic of course but some orientation goes a long way!
All the people working with you are very nice as well, and the food was
great. Am missing those breakfast pancakes but not sure I can replicate
them as well in Madrid!
Hope you have a good Summer and manage to fine-tune your strategy for
avoiding those freezing Canadian winters!
Best wishes to all of you,
Catherine Dawson
From: Alan and Viv
Sent: May-13-08 9:22 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara
Just a quick line to thank you for the wonderful few days Viv and I spent at the Riad Ariha last week.
We were made very welcome by Amina and the rest of your staff. The Riad itself was very comfortable, the weather perfect and Marrakech very atmospheric - we had a very relaxing stay. Amina was particularly helpful in arranging taxis and restaurant bookings for us and I cannot commend her highly enough. Holidays are too quickly over but we would like to come back at some stage â€" too much remains to be done â€" and we would certainly like to stay with you again should we do so.
Thank you again.
Kind regards
Alan and Viv
From: Rick Bond
Sent: May-13-08 9:22 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara
I can't believe that it's getting on for a month since our stay at Riad Ariha. I'd every intention of writing as soon as we returned, but have been so busy ploughing 16 hour days into my business that all such good intentions went astray.
Anyway, I hope you'll forgive the delay as I write now to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to you and all the team at the Riad for the most memorable of holidays.
I'm sure you are used to receiving glowing reports by now, and that this is one of many, but I'm happy to add my name to the list of those who have have a enjoyed the truly pleasurable experience that is Riad Ariha. It was quite a discerning bunch that you had too cater for, including journalists, a government minister and a number of us who are experienced the fine art of guest accommodation - and you succeeded in surpassing all our expectations. I can't think of a better way to have celebrated my 50th birthday.
It was all the more memorable, for the birthday party that your staff laid on for me on the Saturday night. We were all delighted with the feast and in particular my birthday cake. And do thank the staff – they were all wonderful. In fact it is the combination of the tranquil luxury of the villa coupled with their unobtrusive, but so friendly and happy attitudes that makes Riad Ariha so outstanding.
We certainly want to return, this time bringing our two children with us if that's possible, as we'd like them to taste Marrakech's culture experience. We'd like to combine it with a few days on the coast or perhaps a trek in the High Atlas – away from the main tourist trail. All advice welcome!
I'll post a favourable comment on the i-escape website when I get some more time (I noticed you had one of their writers arriving as we left).
My very best wishes – and thanks again.
Sincerely,
Rick Bond
From: Aveek.
Sent: May-13-08 9:22 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara,
This is a long overdue mail. I must say that the stay at Riad Ariha was great. Amina was very helpful as a host and we also got some excellent food. We really liked the place.
We are in Greece now - but thought should send a quick note to you.
Rgds
Aveek.
From: Pip n Nigel
Sent: May-13-08 9:22 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Barbara, (et al)
Just to say thank you again. Very special place you have there and oh so discrete.!
I am afraid that I may have given you some duff information on Sunday. That extremely bright star may be Venus! (sorry. Not entirely sure it is though!)
Can't work out which is you Riad on 'Google Earth' they all look the same from above !
Kindest regards and thanks again,
Pip n Nigel
From: Sarah
Sent: May-13-08 9:21 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara
Just a quick email to let you know what a wonderful stay we had at the Riad Ariha. It is such a beautiful little hotel, and Abdhul was just lovely and so helpful. We loved our weekend in Marrakesh, and it was great to be staying somewhere so central and yet quiet and peaceful! The breakfast, and the mint tea, was all fantastic.
We will certainly recommedn the Riad to our friends, and I'll write a quite review for Venere.com when I get a chance.
Thanks again
Sarah
From: e h lee
Sent: May-13-08 9:21 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
HI Barbara,
Just a note to say many thanks for a wonderful break at your riad. Please send our regards to all your staff and your husband (sorry i have forgotten his name- thousand apology)
Unfortunately one of our luggages did not make it back to uk with us and we are still waiting for it. My wife said it was my bad karma..............
regards
e h lee
From: Monica and Lahcen
Sent: May-13-08 9:21 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
ssalamu 'lekum-
I am back in the states now and it felt a little strange after spending 2 months in Morocco. We will begin immigration proceedings for Lahcen soon.
I wanted to say hi and tell you that visiting Marrekech and your lovely Riad was one of the highlights of my stay ! Could you please instruct me as to how to post a review for the public to see? I am more than happy to do that
Bessalama...see you again, inchallah !
Monica and Lahcen
From: Addy
Sent: May-13-08 9:21 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Hi Virginie (and Barbara),
I apologise for the delay in my writing, but have just been so busy since returning from holiday!
Anyway, just wanted to drop you both a quick line to let you know how much we enjoyed our stay in Marrakech, and in particular at Dar Vima... many thanks for helping to arrange this for me and a massive thank you to your wonderful, friendly, and attentive staff!
Best wishes,
Addy
From: Anne-Lise
Sent: May-13-08 9:20 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Barbara,
Thanks so much for all your assistance- we had a fabulous break and really enjoyed our time at the Riad.
Many thanks again,
Anne-Lise
From: Hannah
Sent: May-13-08 9:20 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara
Many thanks for arranging this - we had a delightful stay at both your
neighbour's riad and your own - and will not hesitate to recommend them
both to others visiting Marrakech.
Best wishes
Hannah
From: Gail Macfarlane
Sent: May-13-08 9:20 PM
To: Riadariha@aol.com
Subject: (no subject)
Dear Barbara,
Just to let you know that we had a very restful 11 days at the Riad Ariha.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, your staff were so accommodating and couldn't do enough for us. You are extremely fortunate to have hard working loyal local employees. In particular, the lady who manages your kitchen and cooks the lovely meals is a real treasure.
Our flight was five hours delayed, we didn't arrive until almost 10 pm and yet she was still there to greet us with a smile, a cup of very welcome tea followed by a lovely meal.
We really enjoyed our stay and managed to explore much more of Marrakech than on previous visits. We are still toying with the idea of moving over there on a semi-permanent basis. Now that we are back in Scotland with its grey rainy weather the prospect of moving abroad seems ever more appealing. We spent a bit of time looking at properties and intend to return sometime this year to continue our search. If you have any tips, advice or contacts you would be willing to share, we would be delighted to hear from you as you have managed to buy and set up an excellent business.
Once again, many thanks for a memorable stay in Marrakech.
Gail Macfarlane
From: Frances Butler
Sent: April-13-08 3:02 PM
To: Riad Ariha
Subject: Re: Richmonds - Jacaranda & Rose 10/13 April
Dear Barbara and Bahir
We're back in London now and just wanted to say thank you for our stay at the Riad. It was a welcome recovery for us after the mountains and we loved our stay. Please thank Abdul and Amina for their great cooking and service too.
Best wishes
the Richmonds
as well as from e-mails received from guests after their stay.
These are some of the entries in our guestbook
My apologies for any typos and misreadings of text, especially those not in English!
May 17th 2012
What a lucky morment with the riad, spoke with Barbara and Bader, and then arrived to meet Amina. We had our doubts during the walk from the taxi drop off----All our doubts vanished the minute we walked in the door. What a tranquil balm to the chaos of the souks, plazas and streets. We think only of how we might return . Thank you for our best stay in Morocco.
Melind and Ron
California, USA
April 30th 2012
Thank you for a wonderful stay in your beautiful Riad
Fantastic!!!!
Tash and Ted
April 2012
Thank you all for making our stay in Marrakech so amazing . Coming back out to the chaos into this tranquil home was perfect. The staff are a credit to you, always happy to help . We are very sad to leave this feels a little bit like home now. Food was amazing and the best in Marrakech. Best wishes for the future and we hope all your guests have such a good time, like we did.
Sarah and Dave
March 2012
Dear All at riad Ariha
Thank you all very very much for the greatest time in your riad and Marrakech.
For all the good directions advice and short stories. Trying the local hammam and eating in your best restaurant in town. We will be back and tell others to come here
Love above all
Andreas and Lotus
Denmark
February 6, 2012
J’ai passé un tres bon sejour ici.
Tout etait super!!!
Bisous
Celeste, Joel and Clemente
February 2012
Thank you so much for a lovely stay in Marrakech. Great hospitality delicious food and fabulous experiences.
Love Rachel D
Wales
Thank you very much for a lovely relaxing friendly introduction to Marrakech. Lovely riad. Highly recommend it .
Lucinda and Shane Mckay
February 2012
To Abdellah, Amina, super chef Khatija – in fact all the staff( including Barbara and Bader). Thank you all. The riad is run beautifully and for the location. The initial culture shock is almost seismic – but with familiarity one unravels the many beauties of this ancient place. We hope others will leave enriched as we have .
A bientot
Roderick and Hilary
North Wales
February 2012
To Barbara, Bader and their team, Abdellah, Amina and the others.
Thank you ever so much for this fantastic week. We enjoyed staying in Marrakech a lot and much of this pleasure is due to your efforts. Explaining the way to certain shops and sights or restaurants. Writing words in Arabic script, explaining crafts like plaster carving.or Tadelakt décor. Telling us about what to do with salted lemons etc.etc.etc. and even getting birthday cake. Extremely nice.
Danke
Jutte
February 2012
Thank you all for the beautiful flowers and the delicious bread rolls.
Sophie
August 3rd, 2009
Dear Barbara ,
We are now safely returned home ....having had the time of our lives in Morocco! I just wanted to let you know that we enjoyed every moment of our stay at your beautiful Riad Ariha. I cannot speak highly enough of the attentive staff and the attention to cleanliness......I found myself dying to get up in the morning just to sit in that peaceful courtyard and eat a delicious breakfast before heading out to the madness of the medina. It was the perfect holiday for me and my two daughters. After four days at the Riad, we felt bold enough to do some serious travelling . We asked for assistance and we were put in touch with 'Mr. Mohammed ' who came to the Riad within the hour. He arranged a wonderful trip with a very good driver (Ahmed). We travelled over the High Atlas and on to Merzouga, then looped back through the south up the Atlantic coast. I have never seen such outstanding scenery!
Thank you Barbara ...it was a lucky day when I chanced upon your web site. We will remember this vacation for ever and can't wait to come back and visit all the places we couldn't cram into this two weeks. My friends are green with envy and I'm sure they will be beating a path to the Riad before long. Whenever I feel stressed I will visualize myself back there sipping mint tea and dipping my toes in the pool....
With very kind regards, Jo , Jessie and Susannah Shane.
Jo Shane
June 28th, 2009
Dear Amina,
We would like to thank you for all the help you provided during our recent stay. You are without doubt a real treasure and you made our stay
that more pleasurable with the assistance you gave us. Thank you.
John Shorten & Lois O'Grady
July 19th, 2009
Dear Badir, Barbara and terrific staff at Riad Ariha,
Just writing to thank all of you for such a wonderful stay at Riad Ariha. My friend, Joanne and I were made so welcome we felt like we were staying with family. The meals were so delicious I have to say we did not have better food anywhere else. The breakfasts were so peaceful and relaxing in your charming courtyard. We were most appreciative of your help in arranging a trip to the desert which was a grand adventure. Our walk with Badir to a bank machine, through the crowded madina streets in the evening was very memorable, experiencing the vibrancy of the night streetlife.
I have sent some pictures I took and you are most welcome to use any for promoting your Riad. I will post a feedback to i-escape and Trip Advisor as well.
Thank you all again for a great stay. I look forward to seeing you again. All the best success with the new riad, as well.
Warm regards,
Ann O'Kelly, Toronto, Canada
Tim Bennett
October 31, 2008
Dear All,
Just to let you know that we are back in France having had a fantastic stay at your beautiful Riad.
Everyone was so helpful and friendly and this made the trip very enjoyable.
We wish you all well and will recommend you to anyone we know who wants to visit Marrakech.
Kind regards,
Tim,Clare, Sam and Thomas
Maxine Woogman
October 27th, 2008
Hi Barbara, Bader, Amina, Abdulla, Hadija and Fatima,
I just wanted to send you all a quick note to say that I am back in Vancouver and have been fully well since I flew home from Paris to Vancouver on Oct. 23.
Thank you so much for providing me with such a warm welcome and for taking such good care of me when I was sick. You are all so lovely and I look forward to seeing you all again one day - inshallah.
Paris was good. I pushed myself to see a lot even though I was still quite weak and tired. I didn't end up going to London as I just wanted to get home and get cleaned up and fully rested. I may go there in Dec.
You have such a beautiful riad. It's like a mini oasis - so tasteful and serene. I've attached a few photos that I took there.
Barbara - enjoy getting Riad Azzara up and running. I'm sure it will be gorgeous. I look forward to seeing it one day.
All the very best,
Maxine
RICHARD FROST [richardfrost59@btinternet.com]
October 15th, 2008
Hi Barbara,
Just a quick note to thank you so much for everything that you did for us all last week. Julia had a great birthday and everybody had a fabulous time - always a risk, as most of them had never met before! I thought the service we received at Riad Ariha was just superb and nothing seemed like too much trouble.
It really felt like 'home from home' and it was great not to have staff telling us what we could and couldn't do - like drinking gin and tonics in the plunge pool!! Brits Abroad eh! Who would want 'em!
So please pass our thanks on to everyone and we look forward to meeting you again. Since getting home all 10 of us have been felled by a really nasty stomach bug - presumably caught in stalls at Jemma El Fna, I can really vouch for it being a nasty one - and some have not even gone back to work yet! And I always thought that Gin and Tonics killed germs........
Thanks again, I have uploaded some nice feedback for you at Trip Advisor
Regards
Richard
De : Charles Simmonds [mailto:charles.simmonds@bbc.co.uk]
Envoyé : 22 May 2008 01:07
À : riadariha@menara.ma
Objet : (belated) thanks.
Hello Barbara and all at Ariha,
Thank you so much for my fantastic stay there last month.
I was amazed by your beautiful riad and touched by your hospitality and kind, professional, efficient service.
I felt truly at home there. I've been lucky enough to stay at many, many hotels all over the world ranging from grotty English bed & breakfasts to very smart Indian Ocean hotels and I've never felt more welcome or comfortable. Not just the physical comfort of the rooms and courtyard but the fantastically relaxed feel of the place which never compromised the quality or discretion of the staff. The generous advice on offer in what is a baffling place for the first-time visitor was priceless and consistently reliable.
The food was the best I had in Morocco and to top it all, the place is has been beautifully restored in a classy, stylish way with pleasing attention to detail and is lovingly maintained.
I look forward to seeing the new place!
Thanks again and please feel free to use this note as you wish (I'm going to write an entry for I-escape and Trip Advisor).
Best wishes,
Charlie Simmonds.
Charles Simmonds
News Director,
BBC Newsroom.
Leader - Environmentally Sustainable Production Taskforce.
Environment Committee.
Room 4171, BBC White City,
201 Wood Lane,
London W12 7TS.
+44 (0)20 8752 6671
x (02) 26671
+44 (0)7973 492 330
January 4th, 2008
Dear Barbara,
Just to let you know that we had a very restful 11 days at the Riad Ariha.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, your staff were so accommodating and couldn't do enough for us. You are extremely fortunate to have hard working loyal local employees. In particular, the lady who manages your kitchen and cooks the lovely meals is a real treasure.
Our flight was five hours delayed, we didn't arrive until almost 10 pm and yet she was still there to greet us with a smile, a cup of very welcome tea followed by a lovely meal.
We really enjoyed our stay and managed to explore much more of Marrakech than on previous visits. We are still toying with the idea of moving over there on a semi-permanent basis. Now that we are back in Scotland with its grey rainy weather the prospect of moving abroad seems ever more appealing. We spent a bit of time looking at properties and intend to return sometime this year to continue our search. If you have any tips, advice or contacts you would be willing to share, we would be delighted to hear from you as you have managed to buy and set up an excellent business.
Once again, many thanks for a memorable stay in Marrakech.
Gail Macfarlane
December 4th, 2007
Barbara,
Thanks so much for all your assistance- we had a fabulous break and really enjoyed our time at the Riad.
Many thanks again,
Anne-Lise
September 3rd, 2007
Dear Barbara
Just a quick email to let you know what a wonderful stay we had at the Riad Ariha. It is such a beautiful little hotel, and Abdhul was just lovely and so helpful. We loved our weekend in Marrakesh, and it was great to be staying somewhere so central and yet quiet and peaceful! The breakfast, and the mint tea, was all fantastic.
We will certainly recommend the Riad to our friends, and I'll write quite a review for Venere.com when I get a chance.
Thanks again
Sarah
June 5th, 2007
Guest review for the Riad Ariha, Marrakech (10-14.5.07).
The Riad Ariha is a great place for a house party.
Cool tranquil colours create an air of relaxation while Abdullah and the staff offer an excellent service – there when you want them, otherwise unobtrusive, quietly going about their business, and, at all times happy and tremendously helpful. We hired all five rooms for four days to celebrate a 50th Birthday party with eight other friends. It proved to be the perfect choice.
It’s not the grandest of riad’s – it doesn’t pretend to be, and is all the better for it. It is clean, calm, wonderfully comfortable (we wanted to take our mattress home), and laid back. The rooms are nicely furnished and there are plenty of fresh flowers and candles around. For first time visitors, you’ll get all the advice you need from the staff, including guides and drivers – and do make good use of the hamman and massage service. We did!
Breakfasts are simple, fresh and wholesome, while, if required the staff will prepare evening meals, again using fresh produce. They arranged a wonderful birthday feast for us on one night even contributing with a home made birthday cake.
Finding the villa is an interesting experience, but the villa is able to arrange airport transfers using taxis that will take you to the door. Once familiar with the route part of the pleasure with the Medina is getting lost and then trying to find your way home again. If you fail there are plenty of children eager to act as your guide for a pretty small payment.
We plan to return again as soon as we can, this time with our two younger children who we feel will be equally at home there and look forward to it. Highly recommended.
Rick Bond. Devon, England
June 4th, 2007
Dear Barbara
I can’t believe that it’s getting on for a month since our stay at Riad Ariha. I’d every intention of writing as soon as we returned, but have been so busy ploughing 16 hour days into my business that all such good intentions went astray.
Anyway, I hope you’ll forgive the delay as I write now to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to you and all the team at the Riad for the most memorable of holidays.
I’m sure you are used to receiving glowing reports by now, and that this is one of many, but I’m happy to add my name to the list of those who have have a enjoyed the truly pleasurable experience that is Riad Ariha. It was quite a discerning bunch that you had too cater for, including journalists, a government minister and a number of us who are experienced the fine art of guest accommodation - and you succeeded in surpassing all our expectations. I can’t think of a better way to have celebrated my 50th birthday.
It was all the more memorable, for the birthday party that your staff laid on for me on the Saturday night. We were all delighted with the feast and in particular my birthday cake. And do thank the staff – they were all wonderful. In fact it is the combination of the tranquil luxury of the villa coupled with their unobtrusive, but so friendly and happy attitudes that makes Riad Ariha so outstanding.
We certainly want to return, this time bringing our two children with us if that’s possible, as we’d like them to taste Marrakech’s culture experience. We’d like to combine it with a few days on the coast or perhaps a trek in the High Atlas – away from the main tourist trail. All advice welcome!
My very best wishes – and thanks again.
Sincerely, Rick Bond
May 23rd, 2007
Dear Barbara
Just a quick line to thank you for the wonderful few days Viv and I spent at the Riad Ariha last week.
We were made very welcome by Amina and the rest of your staff. The Riad itself was very comfortable, the weather perfect and Marrakech very atmospheric - we had a very relaxing stay. Amina was particularly helpful in arranging taxis and restaurant bookings for us and I cannot commend her highly enough. Holidays are too quickly over but we would like to come back at some stage – too much remains to be done – and we would certainly like to stay with you again should we do so.
Thank you again.
Kind regards
Alan and Viv
May 16th, 2007
Dear Barbara,
Hello there, hope that you are all well in Marrakech!
We put a note in the Livre D'Or, but just to say thank you again for a
lovely stay at Riad Ariha.
We had the good luck to do a tour of various places and yours won hands down
for comfort and a very warm welcome. You really do go out of your way to
help people get orientated and the Riad is such a lovely relaxed place.
Those directions are really useful, as the old Medina is wonderful but can
seem slightly mind boggling if you're not used to it. That's part of the
magic of course but some orientation goes a long way!
All the people working with you are very nice as well, and the food was
great. Am missing those breakfast pancakes but not sure I can replicate
them as well in Madrid!
Hope you have a good Summer and manage to fine-tune your strategy for
avoiding those freezing Canadian winters!
Best wishes to all of you,
Catherine Dawson
April 26th, 2007
Dear Barbara
We are home and have spent all day unpacking and washing etc. everything made it home in one piece, although we were a little overweight, try 16 kilos, hehe it wasnt too bad though, better than risking the mail I think.
Thank you for such a loverly 10 days, we really couldn't have hoped for a more special holiday, you and Beryl are a blast! You've really chosen an excellent spot there, pehaps much of the medina is like this but that stretch from the school to the riad was quite magical and alive. It certainly has made a lasting impression on us.
Hope we see you again
Thank you Barbara
Kevin and Kirsten x
April 23rd, 2007
Hi Barbara,
On behalf of all of the girls I wanted to say thank you so much for making our stay so perfect. The Riad is beautiful and both you and your team, of helpers made us feel so welcome. The weekend was faultless, apart from the fact that we wished that we could stay longer.
Thank you for making all of the arrangements for me and helping organize everything in terms of the taxi, the massages and facials etc.
We will certainly be back and for longer next time.
Best wishes and have a vodka orange for us as we all sit at our desks day dreaming about the wonderful weekend.
Claire and the girls.
X
March 15th, 2007
Dear Barbara and Bader
Just to say once again thanks for making our holiday in Marrakech a great experience! I am very taken with the country and plan on seeing more of it, its really quite a magical place isn't it.
Thanks too to Bader for the lovely marmalade, which made its way home in one piece and is now being consumed on a daily basis!
We had a really wonderful time, the Riad is lovely and Greg is desperate to try out the Moroccan plastering !!
I saw Sue at work yesterday and she showed me the write up that you have in the Sunday Telegraph, which is great.
Well thank you once again, what I wouldn't do to leave my desk job and move out to Morocco!
With best wishes
Alison and Greg
March 8th, 2007
Dear Barbara
Just a short Email to say thanks for a fantastic stay with yourselves on the 19th
Feb, The staff are a credit to you and your husband for finding such dedicated
lovely people.
The rooms were spotlessly clean and should be given a special mention to the
housekeeper on this.
The Riad goes without saying, was superb in every aspect, to be able to go
through the 'magic' door and all the complete madness of the Medina
disappeared !
Hope to see you one day in the future insha'allah !
Carl Gerry
Claire Marriott
June 6th, 2007
Thank you for making my first visit to Morocco such a memorable one – I will definitely be back.
Leanne Hargrave
You really made our stay wonderful. Thank you for your kindness and wonderful food.
Julia Horbury (chief hen!)
Thank you all for your wonderful hospitality. We’ve had a fantastic time and it has been so lovely to come back to such a calm, peaceful oasis after hard days shopping in the souks! Delicious food and excellent hosts. I’ll definitely be back.
Jessica Bradley (one of the 9 hens!)
Thank you for a wonderful time and your kindness. It has been an amazing trip.
Jenny xxx
I’ve had the most amazing break!
Thank you so much.!
Davine x
A home from home – thank you so very much for your kind hospitality. You’ve made it very difficult to leave~
Hannah x
What a fantastic way to experience Marrakech. The riad and the staff and Barbara and Bader all made the visit absolutely charming. Thank you very much.
Cindy, Alison and Anna x
Delicious mint tea and never-ending hospitality will be my abiding memories of this place. Thank you so much.
Thank you for a great time and excellent hospitality.
Brian
Thank you – a great stay, wonderful food, good company, a small piece of paradise. Margaret and Robert (at Rick’s 50th)
Well, they did ‘invent’ the word ‘oasis’
THANK YOU!
We have had the most wonderful time here – peace, tranquility and good company. I’m sure this won’t be my only entry in this book!
Rick and Charlie Bond May 2007
This is a little dose of heaven in four walls! Enjoyed the room and fantastic starry bathroom, the breakfasts in the courtyard and breezes on the roof.
A great place to go to dinner near here is Dar Zellij near the riad (400 dh pp) with a great roof garden that serves a cold Casablanca beer!
Thank you! Jo and Ian (at Rick’s 50th)
A great stay - perfect accommodation and a wonderful meal. Many thanks
Jo and Ann Knight
May 4th, 2007
Thank you so much for the opportunity to stay in such a tranquil restful place. The thing I will remember most is the sound of laughter first thin in the morning – not something you hear too often these days!
Elese Fisher
Much love to Ariha, its inhabitants and those who pass by
Regie
May 2nd, 2007
What can I say? It was a wonderful place the Riad Ariha. I really don’t think that I have ever stayed in such a relaxed, comfortable place. Thank you so much for everything. It’s beautiful. You have been so helpful – ‘au retour”
Catherine Dawson Madrid
Endroit très chaleureux, très relaxant. To be recommended. A très bientôt
Franck Sail Newcastle-upon-Tyne
April 28th, 2007
This was a delightful place to stay – excellent value with helpful and charming staff. Don’t miss the wonderful massages by Zahira (we did 5 in 3 days) and Amina’s friend does lovely henna work (my shoulder and calf are now très chic),. We will certainly return here on our next visit to Marrakesh.
Karen Mazze Shanker Krishnan New York, US
April 12th, 2007
Visited Riad Ariha at the beginning and end of a wonderful holiday in Morocco and found it to be a haven in the bustle and chaos of Marrakech. The rooms and design of the riad are gorgeous (and the beds are the comfiest I’ve ever slept in!). Everyone has been friendly and helpful and I would have no hesitation in recommending Riad Ariha as a perfect place to stay. Thanks to all the staff.
Fiona and Gerry Stovin Edinburgh, Scotland
An unforgettable 40th birthday at Riad ARiha – we loved every moment. Thank you to Barbara, Abdellah and the wonderful team for making it so fabulous!
Turnbulls, Campbells, West, Sceuber and Zorf South Africa
April 11th, 2007
A tranquil spot in the medina – the children very much enjoyed mingling with the other guests and Alex will remember his unexpected immersion in the plunge pool! Thanks to Barbara, Abdullah et al for all their help and advice.
[lovely drawing here in the Guest Book that I can’t reproduce!]
Liz, Lawrence, Charlotte and Alex Moore Chepstow, UK
Sincere thanks to Barbara and all the ‘team’ for their hospitality and helpfulness. We will certainly be recommending you to friends.
Nikki and John Durham
March 15th, 2007
Thank you Barbara and Bader, I have had a wonderful first visit to Morocco. The riad Ariha is a wonderful relaxing haven after the hustle and bustle of the souks (didn’t buy a carpet!) The hammam followed by a massage is to be recommended. Thank you Abdullah, Fatim and Khatija for your hospitality and Khatija’s cooking is highly recommended.
Best wishes, Valerie Pierrerue, France
March 15th, 2007
A beautiful oasis in a super-charged city. What a feeling of peace is given by the courtyard. Beautiful décor at every turn, arches, polished plaster work just perfect. The crips white linens and comfortable beds just add to the heaven. Thank you so very much Barbara, Bader, Abdullah, Fatima, Khatija for all your help and hospitality.
Helen and Norman Willcox La Maurerie, France
March 13th, 2007
Out only regret is that we have to go back home! What a beautiful place – the riad is so relaxing and Jasmine room is wonderful. You must have a hammam and a massage here – I have never felt so peaceful! Marrakech is a fantastic city – take a trip to the Atlas mountains to the Kasbah a great experience.
Thank you Barbara, Bader and all your charming staff – unforgettable.
Best wishes, Alison and Greg Lingard Brighton, UK
March 2007
Hello again from one of the Hens. I couldn't stay away and have come back already. A beautiful hideaway in a majestic town. So lovely, I can't wait to come back again. Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday.
Nicola xx
See you again soon
Wow! Thirteen girls come to stay to celebrate the forthcoming wedding of Claire Johnston. Thank you for making it so relaxing, magical and for creating a wonderful haven. We recommend the hammam experience to everyone. Thanks to Abdul and his staff for looking after us so well, finding us our very own chauffeur and guide. We'll definitely make a return visit and spread the word to friends and family. Thanks again, the hens! Xxx Jan xxx Tash xxx Kitmouse xxx Curly xxx, LizziaxxxBecca xxx CatherinexxxNicolaxxxJennyxxx
February 27th, 2007
Riad Ariha is an oasis in the ever-changing streets of the medina. Only once did we make it back on our own but each time we were lost we found something different. Our trip to the Cascades was excellent and my legs still hurt from climbing up the mountain but was well worth it! Our room was wonderful and we loved the dome in the bathroom. The weather has been superb so it's been a truly perfect time in Marrakech and thank you to all at Riad Ariha
Sue and Adrian Tilbury UK
PS: Try out the hammam
Feb 24, 2007
Thank you for a lovely holiday – and special thanks to Barbara for organizing our camel trip, and then for ensuring we didn't end up homeless when the snow put a stop to our exciting plans! Everyone who works here is so nice!!
Karen and Hannah
February 23rd, 2007
This has been one of the most enjoyable holiays to date. The riad is très chic and I much admire Barbara's good taste, masha' allah!
Abdullah and Fatima are very helpful and hospitable and Khadija's cooking is high recommended.
Barbara and Bader make a wonderful team and we shall be recommending Riad Ariha to all our friends and family.
Thank you very much – shukran
Charlotte and Faisal Choudhry London, UK
Feb 14, 2007
Thank you for a fantastic stay. Your hospitality was unsurpassed. Riad Ariha will receive warm praise with family and friends.
Darren and Cynthia Houston, TCX via Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
Feb 10, 2007
Le Riad du "sourire" c'est l'impression que nous garderons. Merci de votre acceuil, de votre chaleur et du service attentive et discret.
Marie Jo Toulouse, France
Jan 24th, 2007
Thank you very much for a lovely stay. The riad is beautiful. Amina, Abdul and the rest of the staff have been the most helpful and friendly people I've ever met on holiday – and I travel a lot! The room was beautiful and clean and the breakfasts were delicious – a big thank you.
Shareen and Nabeel
Jan 6th, 2007
Très bien! Thank you to all the staff for a lovely holiday at Riad Ariha. Lovely food and great service. Thank you for advising us on and organizing our trip with "Ali 4x4". An experience that will be remembered forever.
Helen Torrance and Sytse Zuidema
Jan 2nd, 2007
Thanks to Barbara and Amina for a nice stay at Riad Ariha. While Nadia had mentioned "the house in Morocco" for a few years now, I had not realized it would be a lovely little B and B. We had a great time here with our friends.
Morag Torrance and Collin McDonald New York/Australia
Jan 2nd, 2007
Many thanks to Barbara, Amina, Abdul and all the staff at Riad Ariha. They have all made our stay a really enjoyable, relaxing and unique experience. It has definitely been very different to my last trip to Marrakech, when I slept on a roof and closely watched every dirham. This trip has been much easier! We hope to return some time and will definitely be recommending this place to others. Many thanks.
Fran Slater and Mike Poole
December 29th, 2006
Thank you for looking after us so well. Marrakech would not have been the same without your warm hospitality. I'm sure we'll meet again ....!
Many regards
Royston Cole
To Barbara and all the lovely, people at Riad Ariha. Thank you for a lovely stay, with lovely food. We especially enjoyed coming in after a busy in the souks to this quiet hideout. We'll tell all our friends in England and Norway.
Kristin Meek and Anna Gilpin England and Norway
Dec 23rd, 2006
Accueil chaleureux et convivial, calme et repos assurée. Très bon séjour.
Pierre et Marie Jolibois
Dec 15th, 2007
Vielen Dank an Amina und alle anderen vom Riad Ariha für einen sehr schönen Aufenthalt in Marrakesch.
Sandra Pokrzewinski + Annette Seeger Hamburg, Germany
Dec 9th, 2007
Many thanks to Amina and the Riad Ariah staff for helping to make our stay in Marrakech so relaxing and enjoyable. It's been like an oasis in the mayhem of Marrakech!
Best wishes Kate Cotton and Chris Galloway London/Scotland
Nov 27, 2006
Thank you all so much for a wonderful stay. Your riad is a place of peace and smiles. A very wise decision to stay amongst "your family" your help and guidance and most of all your friendship.
Love Alan and Yvonne Nussey
Nov 21, 2006
We have had a fabulous time in Marrakech and staying at Riad Ariha was a very, very wise decision! What a lovely, relaxing place – thanks
Penny Morrow and Chris Murphy London, UK
Nov 12, 2006
Vielen Dank für die schöne Zeit in Eurem Haus. Wir kommen wieder and bringen unsere Freunde gleich mit.
Andrea + Hans Itzinger Vienna, Austria – Wien, Österreich
Nov 8, 2006
Es war nett hier im Riad Ariha, in den Labyrinth der Medina Marrakech. Wir bedanken uns besonders bei freunlichen Personal. Auf Wiedersehen.
Nabil und Uta Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Oct 17th, 2006
Big Thank-you for our wonderful stay in your riad. Very comfortable – helpful staff – food was delicious. Thank you.
Marion, Donna, Graham and Ailson Scotland
Oct 12th, 2006
As if this riad wasn't charming enough, with its stunning and serene architecture, the welcome from amina and abdullah has been exceptional. they drive a magnificent show and we wish them bags of success and luck ---bader and barbara have been fascinating, welcoming and hospitable josts and we highly commend this warm, peaceful (other than the odd builder neighbours this week!) to everyone who passes.
Schona Jolly and ??? Rashid London
October 5th, 2006
We loved the riad since the first minute ... the welcome mint tea was as sweet as the smiles we found in everyone here. The "tanjia" experience was also unforgettable – best dish we had in Marrakech. But most of all, the wonderful and caring treatment we had from Amina, Abdul and all the staff is something we'll never forget. Such as the nice talks with Bader. Thanks for all
Zora and Petronio Florianopolis ??? Brazil
October 4th, 2006
Wir haben uns hier sehr sehr wohlgefühlt. Das schöne Gebäude hat meine Frau schon auf Ungarish erwähnt. Dass aber darüber hinaus dieses wunderschöne Haus mit einem liebenswerten, freundlichen und hilfsbereiten Geist gefüllt ist, macht der Aufenthalt sogar paradiesisch.
Thomas Wegst
Sept 26th, 2006
Thanks so much for making us so welcome in your wonderful riad. We had a fabulous time. Hope to see you again. Good luck!
Lovely, relaxing, friendly place to be. Don't let the confusion of the streets intimidate you. Just relax and get a good map and enjoy. Get a bottle of wine and chill out on the roof at night and enjoy.
Steve and kylie ???
BIG thanks to our fabulous hosts!!
Kylie and Stevie (honeymoon)
August 28th, 2006
Riad Ariha will always be memorable as it is where I proposed to my girlfriend. Thank for such a lovely place to stay. Back soon!
Ken and Ashley
Aug 28, 2006
Thank you so much for a great stay! The Riad Ariha has the best atmosphere and a great and friendly staff (always with a smile!!).
Sincerely, Christina Temte, Henriette Larsen
August 20th, 2006
Si on va revenir a Marrakech, on va revenir ici, a Riad Ariha – Amina, (et tous) bonne chance! Et merci beaucoup ...
Giannis and Alexandre Ianece
Aug 17th, 2006
Un endroit magnifique, reposant ou il faut bien s'arreter??? Merci pour tout, a bientot peut-etre. Bonne continuation.
Franck and Sophie France
August 2006
This is a wonderful place! The atmosphere, service and food is great! Staying here made our trip to Marrakech more meaningful. We were able to explore this amazing city from within. Thank you so much!
Jack, Anita and Karol Mehr?? Salisbury, MD, US
August 2006
Exquisitely decorated, peaceful refuge. Thank you!
Roger, Devon, Molly and Harriet Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Merci pour tout! We loved our stay ... it was like staying with (rich!) family!! Our riad stay definitely made the trip what it was. Thank you for everything.
Caroline et Doug
July 12th, 2006
What a wonderful place! The calm, cool, tranquility of the riad is nestled like a gem in amongst the hustle and bustle of wondrous Marrakesh. Riad Ariha felt like home and the staff our friends and we really couldn't have asked for any more. It has been an honour to be your youngest ever couple! Thank you. For everything – we will NEVER forget you.
Elizabeth and Joel Manchester, UK
July 11th, 2006
Lieu féerique que digne des 1001 nuits, service exceptionnel, momentss inoubliables,...., attendez-vous à nous revoir, incha Allah!!!! Merci pour tout (choukran).
Mohamet et Céline Sadik Paris, France
July 7th, 2006
Thank you for providing this little piece of heaven amongst such a vastly different culture to ours. The staff couldn't do enough to help us. Be sure to return in the future.
Amy Monahan and Todd Mumberson Australia
June 26th, 2006
We have fallen in love with Marrakesh – it's lively, exotic and ....it has the riad ariha! Fatima, Amina and Abdulla have made us feel so welcome. Barbara, thanks for everything! Riad Ariha surpasses any hotel in which we have ever stayed .... Stylish, authentic and fantastic people. I can't recommend this place enough!
Karen Shokar and Baj Sandher Canada
Many thanks to all Riad Ariha – I have read other comments and I cannot better the best of them. You have all made our holiday much more – a true Moroccan experience. If you can't read this it's because I am savouring our last evening on the roof terrace xxxxLinda and Mike Pullan London, UK
June 7th, 2006
Thank you for an amazing stay. Your kindness and hospitality really made our trip. You really do go that one step further! Hope to see you again.
Rebecca Dalla-Rosa & Scott Major UK
May 19th, 2006
Merci
We had such a lovely stay at Riad Ariha and our time in Marrakech was wonderful due to the staff of this fine guesthouse. We thank you again and will be sure to recommend you highly through our article at Tripventure.
Sincerely,
Lara Vogel and Claire Williams USA
May 4th, 2006
Un merveilleux Riad au coeur de la médina avec une superbe décoration. Merci à toute l'équipe pour votre accueil.
Séverine et Xavier Piquer France
Apr 30, 2006: Ferney-Voltaire, France
For those planning on visiting Marrakesh, I would strongly recommend the magical Riad Al Ariha in the center of the Medina. Making my way through the confusion of donkeys, wheelbarrows, bicycles and motorcycles, I opened a door and found a haven of peace and beauty. The courtyard with its dipping pool was like an oasis, and I was privileged to have been able to visit each of the unique bedrooms fitted out with an excellent eye to even the smallest detail. One can also admire the view of the Atlas Mountains from the sunroof
And the icing on the cake was the warmhearted and efficient staff who made me feel more like a family member than a guest. One can order meals of traditional food, of which I am well acquainted, and found them of a superior quality. I happened to be there at the same time as a professional chef from the UK who was so impressed that he asked for the recipes!
For an unforgettable holiday, don't miss this Riad.
Rosemary, France
April 29th 2006
Really enjoyed the experience – the best place I have stayed in Morocco
Shukran!
Robert Evans Headcorn, Kent, UK
April 29th 2006
Thank you Amina and all the staff for the very nice welcoming and nice meals! This is a fantastic riad, very exotic and very magic ... we wish to have one too .... Marrakech really was something! (and is so near of Portugal) Thank you all for everything!!! Merci beaucoup!!!
Nun, and Marta Roso Oascais - Portugal
April 28th, 2006
Merci pour cet accueil merveilleux. A bientôt
Pascal Mester
France
April 24th, 2006
Wie eine restlose Karavane sind wir quer durchs Land gezogen, bis wir hier unsere Oase gefunden haben.
Unser Hunger und Furst wurde gestillt une unsere Seele umgarnt.
Klaus Ketzler Stuttgart, Deutschland
April 13th, 2006
Herzlichen Dank für den so angenehmen Auftenhalt in diesem wundervollen Riad. Amina, Zahira und Abdellah haben alles getan, um uns unsere Zeit in dieser Oase der Ruhe so angenehmen wie möglich zu gestatten.
Peter Hüpler Deutschland
April 9th, 2006
Merci pour les agréables jours que nous avons passé a la Riad et à la mystique Marrakech. Tout le monde est très sympathique. Merci à Amina, Abdoul, Barbara et tout le staff. Obrigada (en portugais)
Teresa, Luisz Ramalho Porto - Portugal
April 6th, 2006
Thank you to Amina and the staff at the Riad, you made our stay a haven in the midst of all the seeming chaos of Marrakech. We last came to Marrakech over thirty years ago and much remains the same except for the quality of accommodation. Riad Ariha reflect this high standard -our room and food was superb, making us want to return again and again. Thank you.
Liz and Brian Hickman Wales, UK
March 31st, 2006
I came for a holiday and found a new family! My first impression was a gasp at the refined beauty and impeccable attention to detail of Riad Al Ariha itself. But this beauty was quickly surpassed by the inner beauty of the staff whose genuine concern to make every moment memorable was a breath of fresh air in the present world of "chacun pour soi". Human warmth is a rare entity, these days, and the Riad and its staff are a microcosm of all that is good – compassion for unfortunate incidents in the street and advice on how to avoid them, a bowl of milk for a dying cat, a special "cocktail" of milk, almonds and dates – small but unforgettable things.
Thank you for everything!
Rosemary Tylka Ferny-Voltaire, France
March 31st, 2006
Vielen Dank für zwei wunderbare Nächte in ihren Räumen und die Möglichkeit, eine faszinierende Stadt kennenzulernen!
Flo und Wolfi, Wolfgang und Ellen Gerik Germany
March 19th, 2006
Merci beaucoup pour tout le service et les gens sont extraordinaires!!
Grazie, l'atmosfera e bellissimo e ci sismo sentiti come a casa!!
Inati y Marica Ignacio (Espagne et Italie)
March 14th, 2006
Your home is beautiful. Our time in Marrakech has been a delight of color, warmth and memories. My time here has been too short, so I must return. See you soon.
Tracy Boyd Calgary, Canada
March 10th, 2006
Heureux ceux qui auront la chance de séjourner ici. On n'oubliera pas ce moment et l'accueil formidable. A très bientôt
Sylvie Dore France
February 17th, 2006
Merci mille fois de la service extraordinaire et de l'amitié de l'équipe. Nous croyons que nous avons nouveaux amis – presque comme famille. Cettes semaines ont été pleine de confort et de plaisirs pour nous. We will always remember our stay in the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings and with the kindesses of Amina, Fatima et Abdellah – our home away from home – A bientôt, insha'allah!
MaryAnne and John Lorden US/France
February 15th, 2006
Certes, le sobriété et la pureté de la décoration sont de l'élégance des lieux, certes la qualité de tous les repas ne font qu'augmenter l'agrément du séjour, mais a y réflection, c'est avant tout la sourire, le gentillesse, l'accueil et l'hospitalité de toute l'équipe, Amine, Abdellah et Fatima qui "font" l'ambiance du Riyad Ariha : une très tres belle adresse, qui nous fait encore plus animer Marrakech!! C'est sûr: on reviendra! Inch'allah.
Dominique et Marie France
January 24th, 2006
Words cannot explain the feeling of peace when returning to Riad Ariha. Our visit was truly enhanced by the friendliness of everyone connected with the Riad.
John and Jennie Saunders UK
January 4th, 2006
Thank you so much for being so hospitable and helpful. We are very glad we stayed here, a wonderful time was had. And thank you Mina for teaching us about hammam. Hope to return to visit.
Claudia Chow US
January 3, 2006
What a wonderful, peaceful haven! 3 lovely days in Marrakesh and memories to last a lifetime – thank you!
Rupert, Karine and Robert Felsing Teddington, UK
Thank you for your generosity of spirit, kindness, patience and willingness to show us Morocco. We loved staying in this Riad because of the warmth and care of Amina and Abdu. Thank you again. Our memory of Marrakech is a wonderful one because of you.
Les Australiens (Yann and Lane) Australia
Le 2 Décembre, 2005
Il était une fois, en plein coeur de la fabuleuse medina de Marrakech, un endroit magique. Caché derrière une petite porte, qui aurait pu imaginer que l'on puisse découvrir un lieu si reposant et raffiné.
Quel bonheur de se réveiller le matin, dans un riad décoré avec soins et autant de goût. Et ce n'est rien à côté de la gentillesse et de l'accueil qui nous est reserve dès notre arrivée!
Un grand "MERCI" à Amina, Barbara, Abdellah, Bader et Fatima pour ces agréables moments passés en votre compagnie ....
Ce fut une excellente "surprise" que nous n'oublions pas!
A très bientôt Aurélie et William France
Forget ye not to entertain strangers
Fore there by; some have entertained angels, unawares.
Hebrews 13.2
And sometimes one has been entertained by angels unaware.
Rongomai, New Zealand
I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to stay in this fabulous place. The beauty that I saw on the website was surpassed in real life. My favorite part of the riad was by far the people. Many smiles, kind words, good advice and entertaining conversation added so much to my journey to this wonderful land. Best wishes to a grand future.
Kevin Mitchell, US
Le 22 Novembre, 2005
Si vous voulez profiter de l'ambiance et de l'hospitalité marocaine, venez faire un tour chez Amina and Abdelkrim – des personnes formidables de par leur gentilesse, douceur et générosité. Le riad Ariha est un havre de calme au décor enchanteur. Nous reviendrons, merci pour tout!
Mireille et Fabrice Hoy, France
November 2nd, 2005
We really love your beautiful, relaxing home! Marrakech has brought us many exciting adventures and returning here at the end of each day has made Marrakech magical!! Many thanks for your kindness and smiles
Katie Knowles, New Zealand
September 28th, 2005
Nous avons trouvé ce ryad par hasard et étions vraiment impressioné de l'énergie des hôtes qui se manifeste dans l'hospitalité et l'intérieure décoratif.
Jen
September 20th, 2005
Best wishes for this wonderful and pittoresque ryad – the oasis of restrained elegance and pure lines! We had a refreshing stay in an inviting atmosphere and hope to join in after the last exams for another time!
Christine Sobolewski Germany
From newspaper article and Frommer's Guidebook
Daily Telegraph, UK, March 2007
"Beautifully decorated but budget-priced, Riad Ariha has five light and airy en suite rooms, which are minimally furnished in tasteful style. There is a large roof terrace with a Bedouin tent as well as a private hammam and wireless internet access. It's tucked away in the north of the Medina, but once you get your bearings it's only a 10-minute walk to the central square, the Djemaa el Fna."
Frommer's
"Riad Ariha is at least a couple of hundred years old and was restored with owner Barbara's deep fascination and respect for Moroccan interiors. "Zen meets Morocco" is Barbara's theme for the space, and entering the riad's simple, white-dominated interior is a pleasant and instantly calming surprise. Both a small plunge pool and a linen-draped salon lead off from the small inner courtyard, where bejmat flooring adds to the earthy and peaceful ambience. Also on the ground floor is a small hammam for two; in-room aromatherapy massages can be arranged.
The five reasonably sized bedrooms are named after various aromatic plants or trees and have white and natural tadelakt walls, white-linen drapes, and bright bedspreads. Jasmine is located on the more private first floor and is a perfect example of restrained luxury with its fireplace and small sitting area. On the rooftop is a small terrace with Barbara's version of a Bedouin tent, with its natural linen roof and walls. For those wishing to partake in some serious tanning, the two sun lounges are complimented by an outdoor shower. There are also fantastic views looking toward the Ben Youssef Mosque, which reminds one that although located within the medina, Riad Ariha is still a good 15-minute walk from the bustle of Jemaa el Fna.
Facilities: Plunge pool; meals by request; free Internet and Wi-Fi; satellite TV"
From the i-escape website:
"I particularly liked the staff at Riad Ariha and they were excellent. They were friendly, helpful, and fun, and made the difference between an average stay and a really good stay. I also believe the place was an oasis after the time sightseeing, and then the staff and their warmth added to this. "
Judith, Australia (09.07.09)
"Riad Ariha is a gem. It is a charming, peaceful place. The staff and owners are warm and welcoming, making you feel like part of the family. They were ready to help with any travel advice needed and arranged a guide and a driver for us. The meals were excellent - delicious and generous portions. The walk to the Riad is only 5 minutes and after the first time, it is very easy to find your way. Riad Ariha would be a good place to stay for a woman travelling alone. You definitely feel like you are immersed in the real Marrakech culture when staying here. "
ANN, Canada (18.06.09)
"Beautiful hotel in the heart of the medina. The owners are very friendly hospitable and we felt truly welcome. If I were to go back to Morroco I would defintely stay in one of their Riads again. "
Aisha, United Kingdom (21.06.09)
"We loved Riad Ariha. The Riad itself is great as were the rooms we stayed in (especially the Jacaranda room). It's not super swanky but I think that super swanky is out of place in a city like Marrakech - it detaches you too much from the city you're visiting. What makes Ariha special though are the staff, all of them. Amina and Abdul in particular are great people - attentive, polite, charming and nothing is too much trouble. Their infectious laughter filled the courtyard every morning and they made our stay there all the more enjoyable. 3rd time in Morocco and I think Riad Ariha is not only great value for money, it's the nicest place all round that I've stayed at in Marrakech so far. "
david, United Kingdom (10.05.09)
"My Partner and I have justed returned having spent a few days at Riad Ariha. Fortunately the hotel we were transfering from organised our taxis and the driver called Riad Ariha to organise for a young lad to put our luggage in a cart and take us through the small winding streets to the Riad. Without this help I don't think we would have found our way to the front door without getting lost. However, upon arrival we were given a map and with that manged to navigate our way around the Medina without getting too lost. Our tips for walking around the Medina would be only to refer to your map when you need too, as this will ensure you our giving the impression you know where your going, so you won't get eager lads giving you "helpful" suggestions. In addition when a lad tells you that "its closed that way" - ignore - this statement was told to us time and time again, but fortunately we knew better. As far as the Riad is concerned we were warmly welcome and my Partner was given some Thyme Tea to help his upset stomach, I was cooked a very tasty supper. Throughout our stay the staff were very attentive and very helpful. Highly recommended. "
Fiona, United Kingdom (07.05.09)