Review: Riad Les Trois Mages - Marrakech, Morocco
'Boutique Hotel' is a term banded about by a staggering range of accommodation types from shabby beach huts to gorgeous design properties, and a true definition of Boutique Hotel is impossible to nail down. For me, it's all about the personal touch, considered and individual design, uniqueness and an outstanding service.
This 5-bedroom riad, located in the medina or old town of Marrakech, has perfected the art of boutique accommodation. The manager, Laura, provides a friendly, personable service, advising on the various sites and restaurants the city has to offer, how to haggle, avoid hassle and generally enjoy yourself. From the moment you arrive, welcomed with fresh mint tea, the staff team does everything possible to ensure you enjoy your stay including a complimentary bottle of wine on your first evening.
The Riad itself is well presented with each room uniquely designed, spotlessly clean and without the drain smell often associated with Marrakech riads. The clean, heated roof-top plunge pool and shaded, tented lounge seating feel a million miles away from the madness that is the streets of Marrakech. Breakfast is continental style with a choice of eggs and can be taken on the terrace or in the central courtyard.
The kitchen is available all day to help your self to complimentary bottled water or mint tea. On request for snacks late afternoon to compliment our cold beers we were treated to olives, bread and cheese to relax with on the terrace. If staying here you must eat at least once in the riad as the Chef is excellent, fusing French and Moroccan cuisine in an uncomplicated but delicious manner.
There are a number of lounges and quiet corners throughout the riad where you can relax with a book or just sit and watch the wheels go 'round and 'round and listen to the bird song. The bedrooms are all tastefully designed and our room, Suite Bahia, had a bed sunken into the floor, surrounded by curtains and was very cozy and comfortable with the sun streaming in through the windows in the morning.
Les Trois Mages is about a 20 minute walk from the main square, 15 minutes from the Souk which is a bit of a stroll with loads of shopping bags but it allows a little more peace once you're inside!
All in all, this is a hotel worthy of the 'Boutique Hotel' tag which I would highly recommend if you're planning on visiting Marrakech.
www.lestroismages.com
As a hospitality consultant, an insight that became clear from this experience is that the power of minor complimentary offerings is not to be underestimated in a boutique hotel context. With the majority of large chains attempting to squeeze every penny out of you during your stay, it is refreshing and ultimately attractive to stay in a hotel where you pay for the experience, and that experience includes simple luxuries. Though the cost to the business is minor, the value in customer goodwill is priceless.
Special offer : Les Trois Mages has offered us a 10% discount - just mention Ignite Hospitality when you make your booking to receive 10% off your stay!
Author : Paul West
Paul West is Managing Director at Ignite Hospitality Consultants and regularly contributes to various hospitality publications.
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