I stayed at Riad Kniza in November as part of a week celebrating birthdays with a couple of friends, and with this being my first trip to the African continent I had no idea what to expect. We were driven from the airport to Bab Doukkala, one of the main gates in the wall of the Medina not far from the accommodation, and were met by one of the team from the Riad. Having been awake for over day already I was exhausted, and the chaos and smells of the area made me question if I had made a terrible mistake in my choice of destination. We duly followed the porter who wheeled our suitcases through the street the short walk to the Riad, navigating through the mopeds, fumes, mess, and crowds. Suddenly he took us down a small side passage and through a large wooden door into the Riad. In an instant the madness of the outside disappeared and we found ourselves plunged into a gorgeous world of calm serenity. As we had arrived early we were invited to take a seat in one of their lounge areas, and were provided with traditional Moroccan mint tea and pastries. As we sat and rested, all that could be heard was the trickle of the rose petal-filled water fountain in the courtyard. With a few hours to kill before checking in we were asked if we would like to spend some time on the roof terrace. As the temperature was around thirty degrees we thought it was too good an opportunity to turn down and were taken up to the recently expanded space on top of the Riad. It was an oasis, and I still cannot understand how it was so peaceful given how load and chaotic it was at street level. The terrace has a number of shaded wooden pods and sun loungers dotted around, and was the perfect place to spend a couple of hours decompressing before being given the rooms. When 2pm came we were checked in, and I simply cannot fault the rooms. I had the suite on the ground floor with a bedroom, bathroom, wardrobe area, and lounge space, and the couple I was staying with had double room on the adjacent side of the courtyard. The rooms were spacious, traditionally decorated, comfortable, and had everything you could need - bottled water, toiletries, towels, robes, a safe for valuables, etc. It was faultlessly clean, and the attention to detail and touches such as rose petals around the room was a lovely addition to be greeted with. Having not planned food for our first night in Marrakech we asked if the Riad would be able to accommodate feeding us that evening. "Of course" was the response they gave (to be honest this was the response to all of our requests for the week). That evening my suite's lounge was converted into a dining area and we were presented with a fantastic and filling multiple course dinner of traditional Moroccan foods. Tagines, salads, pastries, etc. It was an excellent welcome to the city and we were astounded by the quality and volume of food they put together at short notice. The following morning, our first in Marrakech, we were treated to an equally filling and excellent breakfast on the roof terrace. Traditional breads, yoghurt, cereal, pancakes, cheese, jams, coffee and tea, and freshly squeezed juice. We had also asked the previous night about the possibility of a birthday cake for one of the group, and the staff presented us with a phenomenal Opera Cake for us to celebrate with. This was just one example of the multiple occasions where they went above and beyond, and organised something last minute for us without question. After breakfast we met the legendary owner Mohamed, who warmly welcomed us to the Riad and who invited us to visit his museum next door. Having read about the museum I assumed it would be a small room or two in the Riad with a few artefacts, but what we were greeted with was an incredible collection of traditional Moroccan and Berber clothing, jewellery, tools, artwork, rugs, and more. As we we ascended through the floors of the museum we also saw some of the clothing and jewellery produced by Mohamed's wife and daughter, and some examples of fantastic photography by his son Youssef. The trip to the museum was concluded with a visit to the terrace of the adjoining Terraces des Arts restaurant, and a stunningly beautiful 360 degree view of Marrakech and surrounding mountains. If you go, you have to visit the very top floor and breathe in the views. The team at the Riad were some of the most attentive and helpful I have ever come across. The housekeeping team completely reset the rooms every morning, would pop back in during the afternoon to replenish towels and toiletries, and would return in the evening to turn down the room ready for bed. It was all impeccably timed so would always happen when you were out or doing something like sitting on the terrace, so it never once felt intrusive. The reception staff were excellent, and wouldn't let us do the smallest thing like closing the front door behind us. They'd jump up with a "don't worry, I'll get that". One of the staff in particular was even doing things like ringing ahead on our behalf to check our excursions were running to plan, so we didn't have to worry about things not going smoothly. The waiting/porter team were always on hand to help, and whether it be carrying bags or serving food and drink they did it calmly, discretely, and always with a smile. One of our group had a massage and hammam treatment and he came out saying it was the best massage he's ever experienced (which coming from a physiotherapist is high praise indeed). Whilst commending the staff, I will also take a particular moment to thank Mohamed himself. He is a kind, gentle, and phenomenally knowledgeable man who I could quite happily have spent the week speaking to. The couple I stayed with were looking for items to decorate their new home, and he offered to walk us into the Medina to show some hidden gems of shops which you wouldn't know were there unless you were shown them. One in particular was an Aladdin's cave of spectacular rugs, lamps, and anything else you could possibly need. He also throughout the week would impart some of his unparalleled knowledge and tips to help us (such as purchasing a combined ticked at the YSL Museum rather than standing in the ridiculously long queue at Jardin Majorelle) - it was like having our own personal guide, and I can see why he has been relied upon by US Presidents and celebrities over the years. When the week came to an end I couldn't bear to leave. It was a fantastic place to stay - the accommodation, staff, location, and service were perfect. I wanted to see if I could think of something to criticise so this seems like more of a balanced review than a gushing message of thanks, but aside from the temperature control on the shower taking a couple of days to master, I literally cannot think of a single negative aspect. When I woke up back in my own bed in the UK the morning after arriving home, all I wanted was to take breakfast on the terrace again. I simply cannot recommend Riad Kniza enough - you HAVE to go.…