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The riad has been lovingly renovated and beautifully decorated to create a contemporary yet comfortable home for visitors to Marrakech. Traditional Moroccan materials and craftsmanship have been used to great effect and there are all the modern refinements guests would expect such as air conditioning, free WiFi Internet access and iPod docking stations.

The riad is perfectly located in a well lit and easy to find derb, close to Bab Ksour and only two minutes from the Place Jemaa el Fna or the entrance to the souks. The nearest vehicular access is 50 metres from the front door and Riad Bel Haj is also close to the shops and restaurants of modern day Marrakech in the Gueliz district.

The Patio
The tranquil patio of Riad Bel Haj features a refreshing plunge pool - the perfect place to cool off after a day spent in the bustling streets of Marrakech. Guests can lounge on the patio to enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea or aperitifs in the open air, accompanied only by the sounds of birds singing and the atmospheric call of the muezzin from the nearby Koutoubia. What a wonderful way to experience the delights of riad living.

The Salons
On the ground floor there is an intimate salon with a cosy fireplace for cooler winter evenings. Guests have Free to View Sky TV, DVD player and music system in this salon. Facing the pool there is a charming bhou or open salon with comfortable banquettes for quiet lounging, reading or simply chilling out. The riad has plenty of separate seating areas to ensure that guests can always find a private place to sit and relax. On the ground floor of the riad overlooking the patio is a cosy dining room with fireplace for intimate dinners.

The Terrace
From the terrace of Riad Bel Haj you will feel so close to the Koutoubia you can almost touch the ornate tower of the most important mosque in the whole of Marrakech. The view takes in the rooftops of the city, the palm trees of its gardens and the majestic snow capped Atlas Mountains in the distance. The terrace is equipped with sun loungers and there are tables, chairs and sofas under a traditional berber style tent so guests can take breakfast or enjoy a cool drink in perfect comfort.

Rooms
Each of the four bedrooms is decorated with simple charm and authenticity. The subtle mix of traditional influences and contemporary ideas creates an overall style that is chic yet comfortable and unpretentious. The colours are quiet and restful with mainly white walls and extensive use of tadelakt - the traditional Moroccan polished plaster finish used for walls, floors and bathrooms. Each room has its own bath or shower room with WC and basin and there is plenty of storage space. All bedrooms are air-conditioned and are equipped with an iPod docking station and a safe for personal effects.

Tengiers Room: A double bedroom on the ground floor with 140cm wide bed and views onto the patio and pool. The simple but elegant en-suite shower room with WC and basin is finished in traditional beige coloured tadelakt. The room is air-conditioned and equipped with an iPod docking station and a safe for personal use. Click to see the view of the Room

Casablanca Room: A charming bedroom on the terrace level of the riad with 160cm wide bed and views of the Koutoubia and the Marrakech skyline. The en-suite shower room with WC and basin is finished in traditional beige tadelakt. The room is air-conditioned and equipped with an iPod docking station and a safe for personal use. Click to see the view of the Room

Meknes Room: A generous double bedroom on the first floor with 160cm wide bed and additional seating. The en-suite shower room with WC and basin is finished in traditional beige tadelakt. The room is air-conditioned and equipped with an iPod docking station and a safe for personal use. Click to see the view of the Room

Rabat Room: A bright and spacious double bedroom on the first floor of the riad with 160cm wide bed and additional seating. The en-suite bathroom with WC and basin is finished in neutral coloured tadelakt. The room is air-conditioned and equipped with an iPod docking station and a safe for personal use. Click to see the view of the Room

Key Features:
Restaurant - Few minutes walk

Plunge Pool
Roof Terrace with sun loungers
Very close to Main square and souks
In house dining available
Good value

Just a brief note to say all went extremely well. The Riad Bel Haj was spot on for our needs, and by taking the full four rooms we had sole use of the terrace, TV area, other lounge areas etc. The staff were wonderfully discrete such that we hardly knew they were there but everything happened quietly and efficiently. The evening meal on arrival was excellent (as were breakfasts ) John F. March 2011