Italian furnishings and Moroccan flair.
Why We Love This: A completely customized service in a fusion setting between European and Moroccan. Every extravagant suite is embellished differently, according to modern travelers’ needs and styles. Within the walls of 72 Riad, one could easily forget to explore the rest of Marrakech.
Suitable For: Honeymooners and couples. Family, female or business travelers.
The Story:
What happens when you mix Moroccan hospitality and architecture with Italian furnishings and flair? Located in the heart of the Medina, 72 Riad Living Hotel is a unique, tranquil boutique hotel that allows travelers to step outside into the exciting and traditional old town, but experience total rest and relaxation in an elegant oasis.
72 Riad differentiates itself from other riads in Marrakech in its style and attention to detail. The minimalist decor, lustrous tiles, and sophisticated furnishings take this riad to the next level. Impressively, the minimalism does not feel cold. In fact, 72 Riad is incredibly warm and welcoming. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with piping hot Moroccan mint tea and are invited to select their choice of artisanal soap to be placed in their room’s shower. These thoughtful details and are exactly what makes72 Riad stand out from the other boutique hotels in Marrakech.
Giovanna Cinel, a stylist as well as the owner of the riad, hails from Milan and permeates her Italian flavor throughout the hotel. But the real history of 72 Riad begins with Giovanna Cinel’s mother, a travel lover who fell in love with Marrakech. So enamored by the Red City, Cinel’s mother decided to invest in a large traditional Moroccan house. After some time, Cinel chose to refurbish the riad with her own personal touches and Italian style.
The Experience:
The rooms at 72 Riad are truly magical. Spacious, with cloud-like beds, stunning Moroccan rugs, beautiful glass lamps, and high ceilings, a night at 72 Riad will make you feel like royalty. And it’s hard to not feel at home with the little touches of beautiful, newly-picked flowers and a bowl of fresh fruit on the table. Although there are only 13 rooms in the hotel, you can choose from four different types of rooms depending on your party and budget. The Classic Room is small and chic, with a sleek wooden dresser and a king or queen size bed, while the Deluxe Room includes a private terrace, a massive bathtub, and a view of the courtyard. If traveling as a family, 72 Riad offers a suite just for you: a two bedroom space with double walk-in showers, and even a private terrace with a jacuzzi and sunbeds. For an especially romantic stay, choose the Grand Suite, a sophisticated and palatial suite with a king size bed, stunning leather Italian furniture, and a beautiful washroom.
Not only are the rooms absolutely enchanting, but simply walking through the riad will take your breath away. The highest rooftop in the Medina, 72 Riad’s terrace gives a stunning 360 degree view of the old town, the Koutoubia tower, and the Atlas Mountains. A perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or get a gorgeous henna tattoo from one of the lovely staff members. If you want to beat the heat or snuggle up during winter time, their very own library in the “salle rouge” is a fantastic area to read a book or sip on some mint tea. Not to mention, 72 Riad also boasts of its own hammam, a traditional Moroccan spa which will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
With her Italian background as well as a deep understanding of Moroccan culture, Giovanna Cinel has managed to create an elegant and inviting blend of these two seemingly incompatible countries with style and grace. 72 Riad’s high level service, spectacular rooftop views, gorgeous room options, and intimate setting make for the perfect Moroccan vacation.
