Even when you are standing right in front of it, there is no sign on the door, just a small drawing of a rosemary bush. Quick thinkers will guess this must be the Rosemary. We ring the discreet bell, the door opens, and we step into a beautifully restored riad.
A staff member welcomes us quietly, check-in is simple, and traditional mint tea is served in the courtyard while we admire the works by LRNCE displayed everywhere.
If you don’t know the LRNCE label, here is a quick introduction: Laurence Leenaert, originally from Belgium, and her husband, Ayoub Boualam, from Morocco, create rugs, vases, pictures, furniture, plates, cushions, tiles and even a few clothes in a highly recognizable style with a large following. Their Instagram page, LRNCE gives you a good overview.
Admittedly, we are fans ourselves, and LRNCE pieces can be found at quite a few Pretty Hotels members.
But back to the hotel: a few years ago, Laurence and Ayoub had the chance to buy this historic riad and turn it into a very luxurious B&B. Newcomers to hospitality though they were, they grasped the essence of a guesthouse right away: a place of discovery, above all of Moroccan culture and of Marrakech.
It was first meant to be a shop, but, as Laurence says, “We want to hold workshops here and spend evenings with guests from all over the world. So we wanted to give them the chance to stay the night, too.”
The riad is a work of art in itself. Laurence and Ayoub asked artist friends and craftspeople from all over Morocco to redesign individual elements, such as floors, walls and bathrooms, all of which reflect the LRNCE universe and blend harmoniously into a whole.
Architects and art directors will love this place.
The rooms
All five rooms face the inner courtyard, so they are not especially bright, but you feel as if you were sharing a big house with the other guests, which is exactly the idea.
The rooms, too, are full of LRNCE art and objects. On the ground floor is a cozy lounge with a fireplace for browsing magazines and coffee-table books, and up on the roof is a lovely terrace with loungers and tables for breakfast or a sundowner.
Wellness
On the ground floor is a beautiful hammam, which guests are welcome to use, with stylish Rosemary slippers waiting in the closet.
Breakfast
We loved this: breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace as the sun comes up. You look out over the city, soak up the first warm rays and enjoy freshly made local treats: honey, batbout bread, jams, tea and coffee, fresh juices and fruit with yogurt.
The Neighborhood
The riad is in the southern part of the medina, deep in its narrow lanes, with three very nice restaurants close by; the staff will point you in the right direction. The main square, Jemaa el-Fna, is about a 15-minute walk away, while the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Majorelle Garden, in the north of the city, are about 20 minutes by taxi.
Good to Know
Marrakech is not Munich. The medina is still a potpourri of narrow lanes, shops and houses, not all of them in the best shape. Even on the way to the Rosemary, vendors will approach you, motorbikes zip through the alleys, and there may be construction, sometimes right next door.
Price
Doubles from around 230 euros per night, including breakfast.
Booking & Contact
Riad Rosemary Marrakech
25 Rue de la Bahia
40000 Marrakech
Morocco
