Riad Sidi Mimoune

I do a lot of travelling and it is very rare I've experienced such exceptional customer service. Don't get me wrong you don't have someone waiting around every minute of the day, at your beck and call, like you might at a top notch 5* hotel, but when you want or need something the staff are there with a smile, going over and beyond, including the housekeeping staff. To get to the riad you have to walk down winding back alley ways, as there is no direct vehicle access, but it doesn't take long to get your bearings, and at no point did we feel unsafe. It is a convenient location to reach most of the tourist sights including the main square and souks (15 minute walk), and if you book a tour most will collect you from just outside the gates to the medina (5 minute walk). The riad is stunning, if a little dated in parts but that adds to its charm. The rooms and beds are comfortable, with great aircon. The pool is an added bonus and really refreshing when the temperatures outside are hitting 46°. There is a lovely roof terrace but it was too hot to spend much time out there. We stayed on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and didn't know what to expect but... oh wow! We didn't get to choose what we ate it was more a case of pot-luck and you eat what you are given (we didn't ask but rather just waited to see what was put before us - all part of the experience). I have a rather fussy 16 year old and he found enough to eat from what was put before us, and even raved about a lot of it. 3 of the nights we had different tagines, all incredibly tasty served with a variety of sides (a chicken and veg one, a lamb and prune one, and a meatball and egg one) . The last night was chicken skewers. Our flight was diverted so we only arrived after 10:30 pm the first night, and yet they had kept dinner for us. I can't tell you how welcome that was. Breakfast was great too, and the fried roti like bread sooo good (try it with a bit of honey). We had a few early tours and were kindly served a light breakfast before going off, which were greatful for. All in all a wonderful stay and I could not recommend this Riad more highly. Choosing to stay at a riad (especially this one) definitely makes for a more authentic stay, which is what I try look for when I travel. On a seperate note my son wanted me to add: almost directly opposite the Medina gates, on the other side of the road, is a cafe frequented by the locals, which serves an AMAZING "poulet taco" (a toasted chicken & chip wrap) costing 25Dh (£2.50), just in case you get peckish and fancy a take away.