Pregled posta

Marketing

“Great atmosphere, friendly staff, fantastic owner”
Riad Dar Najat
I had not been to Marrakesh before but my daughter had been there a few months previously and persuaded my to do a side trip there on my latest Australia/UK commute. “Stay away from your boring hotels, Dad, and put up somewhere with a bit of local character and atmosphere”, she insisted…..

I picked Dar Najat pretty much at random (I think it was the highest-rated on Trip Advisor which had available rooms at the right time at a fair price) and stayed there for 3 nights in November 2011. Did it have atmosphere ? Oh yes, and it WAS “cool” ! Did it have local character? Definitely! – mainly in the form of the main man, owner and manager, the charming, energetic, and rather mysterious Oliver.

The riad is well-located. although it took me some time to get properly oriented and find the best way to the square and the souks – which were only about 5 minutes away down the fascinating laneways when I got it right. I could have asked, but sometimes it’s best to find your way the long way around! The building is of the traditional courtyard design and the (necessarily) narrow rooms are carefully and thoughtfully decorated, clean and comfortable. The staff (a real mix of characters) were really friendly, informal and attentive – constant smiles – and always kept an eye on my glass, coffee cup or plate. Up on the roof, where there’s a good choice of chairs, tables and lounges, very cool and eclectic music plays (Oliver was once a DJ) but is not intrusive and adds to the cruisy feel of the place.

I had only praise and no complaints about this informal riad and its engaging staff. Just as my daughter warned me in advance, a riad would not offer the ‘western-style”, predictable, impersonal hotel format and trimmings - so you don’t go there if you are looking for overnight room-service or a uniformed concierge. But you do go there if you want atmosphere, fun and a memorable stay in Marrakech, and definitely if you want to kick the boring business-style travel habit, as I did.

I certainly got the personal touch. Thanks, Oliver, for being so kind and inclusive to this sad, middle-aged man! I really appreciated your thoughtfulness and hospitality, and the personal lengths to which you went to ensure I was occupied and my visit was enjoyable. Thanks also for pointing me in the right direction for sights, shops and restaurants, not to mention just the most superb Hamam in Morocco – I could have gone there every day! Trying to keep up with you (and your wonderful dog), physically as well as mentally, as we chased around Marakech, dodging traffic and pausing only for the occasional coffee and (your) interesting conversation and observations, made the stay an unforgettable experience.

“Great atmosphere, friendly staff, fantastic owner”
Riad Dar Najat
I had not been to Marrakesh before but my daughter had been there a few months previously and persuaded my to do a side trip there on my latest Australia/UK commute. “Stay away from your boring hotels, Dad, and put up somewhere with a bit of local character and atmosphere”, she insisted…..

I picked Dar Najat pretty much at random (I think it was the highest-rated on Trip Advisor which had available rooms at the right time at a fair price) and stayed there for 3 nights in November 2011. Did it have atmosphere ? Oh yes, and it WAS “cool” ! Did it have local character? Definitely! – mainly in the form of the main man, owner and manager, the charming, energetic, and rather mysterious Oliver.

The riad is well-located. although it took me some time to get properly oriented and find the best way to the square and the souks – which were only about 5 minutes away down the fascinating laneways when I got it right. I could have asked, but sometimes it’s best to find your way the long way around! The building is of the traditional courtyard design and the (necessarily) narrow rooms are carefully and thoughtfully decorated, clean and comfortable. The staff (a real mix of characters) were really friendly, informal and attentive – constant smiles – and always kept an eye on my glass, coffee cup or plate. Up on the roof, where there’s a good choice of chairs, tables and lounges, very cool and eclectic music plays (Oliver was once a DJ) but is not intrusive and adds to the cruisy feel of the place.

I had only praise and no complaints about this informal riad and its engaging staff. Just as my daughter warned me in advance, a riad would not offer the ‘western-style”, predictable, impersonal hotel format and trimmings - so you don’t go there if you are looking for overnight room-service or a uniformed concierge. But you do go there if you want atmosphere, fun and a memorable stay in Marrakech, and definitely if you want to kick the boring business-style travel habit, as I did.

I certainly got the personal touch. Thanks, Oliver, for being so kind and inclusive to this sad, middle-aged man! I really appreciated your thoughtfulness and hospitality, and the personal lengths to which you went to ensure I was occupied and my visit was enjoyable. Thanks also for pointing me in the right direction for sights, shops and restaurants, not to mention just the most superb Hamam in Morocco – I could have gone there every day! Trying to keep up with you (and your wonderful dog), physically as well as mentally, as we chased around Marakech, dodging traffic and pausing only for the occasional coffee and (your) interesting conversation and observations, made the stay an unforgettable experience