Uncover Marrakech's Secret Gem: Riad Picolina Awaits!
Uncover Marrakech's Secret Gem: Riad Picolina Awaits!
Riad Picolina: Marrakech's Secret Gem? Let's Dive In, Shall We? (Raw & Honest Review)
Okay, so you're dreaming of Marrakech. Souks, spices, sunshine… and a riad that isn't just a pretty face, right? Well, folks, I just got back from a stay at Riad Picolina, and lemme tell you, it's… an experience. Not perfect, not without its quirks, but definitely… memorable. Let's untangle this mess together, yeah?
Accessibility - The First Hurdle (And It's a Bummer):
Alright, straight up, accessibility is NOT Picolina's strong suit. This is old Marrakech, meaning narrow alleyways, steps, and generally… not wheelchair-friendly. They do have an elevator (yay!), but navigating the actual city to get to the riad? Think cobblestones and potential… adventure. So, if accessibility is a MUST, maybe look elsewhere, sadly.
Internet & Tech Stuff – Gotta Stay Connected, Right?:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually works, for the most part. I was able to upload Instagram stories (important!), check emails (ugh), and even do a video call with my mom (she'll never understand why I travel so far).
- Internet [LAN]: Honestly? Didn’t look for it. Wi-Fi was good enough.
- Internet services: Standard stuff. Nothing mind-blowing.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yep, and it's thankfully decent in the common areas too. Perfect for sipping mint tea and pretending you're a sophisticated traveler.
- Internet: Working Wifi
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: I don't think they do audio-visual, this Riad is more of a boutique experience.
- Projector/LED display: Unlikely.
Cleanliness & Safety - Covid Times & Beyond:
Okay, this is where Picolina actually shines. They take things seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products?: They say so. I saw them cleaning everything (more on that later).
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep. Good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: They claim this, and I definitely felt like my room was squeaky clean.
- Hand sanitizer: Abundant. Everywhere. (A true win in these times).
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see any visible certificates but they sure follow the same steps!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Mostly.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They try, especially in the dining areas.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Seemed like it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn’t ask, but I'm sure they'd say yes.
- Safe dining setup: Yes, they were very careful.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Absolutely.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be.
- Sterilizing equipment: Probably behind the scenes!
- Masks Required In Dining: Yes, if walking around.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! (Mostly):
- Breakfast (buffet): This is where Picolina really shines. A massive spread. Think fresh-baked bread, local jams (the date jam is heavenly), lots of fruit, and the best fresh orange juice I’ve had in ages. They also do…
- Breakfast in room: Yep!
- Breakfast takeaway service: If you're in a rush.
- Asian Cuisine in restaurant: Nope.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yes, they seemed flexible.
- Asian breakfast: I sure didn't see it!
- Bar: Yes, a cozy little bar.
- Bottle of water: Provided daily.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, and it's good.
- Coffee shop: Not a dedicated one, but they serve coffee.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes, but not a huge selection.
- Happy hour: I didn't see one advertised.
- International cuisine in restaurant: The menu is a mix, but mostly Moroccan.
- Poolside bar: Nope, not really poolside.
- Poolside bar: Nope, not really a poolside situation, and I didn't see a dedicated bar.
- Restaurants: They have a main restaurant.
- Room service [24-hour]: No, but reasonable hours.
- Salad in restaurant: Yep.
- Snack bar: Not really.
- Soup in restaurant: Yes, especially for dinner!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Not dedicated, but they have vegetarian options.
- Western breakfast: Yep.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: A few options, but focus is Moroccan.
Okay, food time… let's get REAL honest.
- The Food: Mostly Amazing, with a Few Hiccups: The breakfast buffet alone is almost worth the price of admission. Honestly, the best part of the day. The dinner was fantastic and Moroccan cuisine! Though, after a while, I was craving something… different.
- The Poolside: Not What You Think: Let's be clear: The pool is small, and more of a plunge pool situation. Not somewhere you'd plan to spend the whole afternoon lounging.
- The Atmosphere: Intimate & Cozy: The riad itself is beautiful, all intricate tiles and courtyards. It feels like a hidden oasis.
- The Staff: Super Friendly, Sometimes a Bit … Slow: The staff are genuinely lovely and eager to please. But service, at times, felt a tad leisurely.
- The Quirks: A Charming Part of the Charm!: The power went out once. And the hot water took a while to arrive in the shower. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right? Don’t expect everything to be perfect. Embrace the imperfection!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Pamper Yourself (Or Not):
- Body scrub: Yep.
- Body wrap: Yep.
- Fitness center: Nope. This isn't a gym kind of place.
- Foot bath: Probably, they offer a lot of spa services.
- Gym/fitness: Nope.
- Massage: Yes, book it!
- Pool with view: The pool is lovely, though not a huge view.
- Sauna: No.
- Spa: They have spa services.
- Spa/sauna: Spa.
- Steamroom: No.
- Swimming pool: Yes, a plunge pool.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes.
- Things to do: Obviously, you're in Marrakech! Explore the souks, visit the Jardin Majorelle, get lost in the medina… the staff can help with tours.
- Ways to relax: Poolside lounging (short bursts), a massage, or just chilling in the courtyard with a book.
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things:
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep, essential.
- Business facilities: Not really.
- Cash withdrawal: The front desk might be able to help.
- Concierge: Yes, super helpful at recommending things.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes.
- Convenience store: Not at the riad, but outside.
- Currency exchange: They can probably help.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, and they are very good!
- Doorman: Yes!
- Dry cleaning: Probably.
- Elevator: Yes!
- Essential condiments: Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As mentioned, limited.
- Food delivery: Probably.
- Gift/souvenir shop: No.
- Indoor venue for special events: The courtyard.
- Invoice provided: Yes
- Ironing service: Yes.
- Laundry service: Yes, reasonable pricing.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: No, just the courtyard.
- Meetings: Unlikely.
- On-site event hosting: Possibly, small events.
- Outdoor venue for special events: The courtyard.
- Safety deposit boxes: They have.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Yes, rooftop!
- Wi-Fi for special events: Yes.
- Xerox/fax in business center: No.
- Cashless payment service: Yep.
For the Kids - Bring the Babysitter!:
- Babysitting service: Yes, you would have to ask.
- **Family/child
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of Riad Picolina in Marrakech, Morocco. Forget those perfectly curated Instagram feeds – this is the raw, unfiltered, and probably caffeinated version. Expect some side-eyed glances at everything, maybe some existential crises, and definitely a lot of over-the-top reactions.
Riad Picolina & Marrakech: A Messy, Wonderful Adventure (Tentative, Highly Subjective Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & The Grand Meltdown (Kinda)
Morning (Okay, Actually, Mid-Afternoon): Land in Marrakech. Ugh, the airport. Smelly, chaotic, and already testing my patience. The visa line was a warzone! Luckily, the transfer arranged by Riad Picolina was a lifesaver… a polite, smiling man whisking us away from the madness. And, holy moly, the drive! The city is a riot of colour, dust, donkeys, motorbikes, and a general sense of beautiful, organized chaos.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone seems to be honking. All. The. Time. Is this a language? A greeting? A desperate plea for personal space?
Late Afternoon: Arrive at Riad Picolina. First impression: OMG. It's even more beautiful in real life! Tucked away in the medina, this place is an oasis of calm. The courtyard, with its bougainvillea cascading down the walls, is instant serenity. I immediately feel the tension from the airport and the noisy streets melt away. Drinks and snacks are served, but I'm too busy gawking at the details.
Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. This is what I came for. This is the Instagram aesthetic. This is bliss.
Imperfection: Slightly delayed check in. This wait made me over-analyze and spiral… but I was able to make my first friend and enjoy the rooftop views from the riad.
Evening: Wander through the souks. Prepare to be overwhelmed. It's a sensory overload of spices, leather goods, lamps, and persistent shopkeepers. (A little too persistent, if I'm honest.) Got completely lost (twice).
- Anecdote: Got "bullied" by a man who looked like a magician to purchase a magic carpet. I didn't need a magic carpet, I only needed to find my way back to the riad. He ended up giving me the carpet anyway!
Late Night: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant. Traditional tagine, mint tea, and belly dancers. Totally touristy, but also… kinda magical? The night sky, the flickering candles… yeah, I fell for it.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, that tagine was out of this world. I will be dreaming about that lamb forever.
Day 2: The Hamman, the Scams, and the Existential Dread (Slightly)
Morning: The BEST breakfast EVER! I think I am actually gaining weight. The Riad's breakfast is AMAZING. Fresh juices, creamy yogurt, crusty bread… I'm in heaven.
- Anecdote: I may or may not have hoarded some extra pastries for later. Don't tell anyone.
Mid-Morning: Hammam experience. Oh. My. God. This is a cultural experience worth every penny. I had to learn to release my modesty. It's weird to be naked in a steamy room with a strange lady scrubbing you, but it's also the most relaxed I've felt in ages.
- Quirky Observation: The black soap smells… unusual. But the skin is so soft afterwards.
Afternoon: More souk exploring, this time with a little more savvy. Learned the art of the polite refusal (mostly).
- Imperfection: Still got bamboozled into buying something I didn't need or want. It was a rug. Who needs a rug? I do.
Late Afternoon: Free time to relax. The Riad has a rooftop terrace with sun loungers. Reading with mint tea is amazing.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure relaxation.
Evening: Found a hidden gem of a restaurant with live music. Food was great and the people were more than welcoming.
- Anecdote: They brought out a plate of dates and a small cake with "Welcome" written on it. I think it was the sweetest gesture.
Day 3: Cooking Class Chaos & Goodbye (Sob!)
Morning: Cooking class! I signed up for a class at a local cooking school. Let's just say I'm more of a "cook, not a chef" kinda person, which was completely evident.
- Rambling: The spices! So much colour and smell. It's an experience in itself. I learned how to make a tagine and the process of making it was intense. I will never forget this experience.
Afternoon: The Jardin Majorelle. This is a necessary pilgrimage. Absolutely worth the crowd. The colour blue! The cacti! It’s all so beautiful that it is unreal. Yves Saint Laurent knew what he was doing.
Late Afternoon: Last afternoon in the Riad. Packing. This always triggers a low-level panic, especially when trying to squeeze those extra souvenirs into the overstuffed luggage.
- Emotional Reaction: So sad to leave. This place has been my sanctuary.
Evening: Farewell dinner. Had a last meal at a restaurant on Jemaa el-Fna square. More tagine. More mint tea. A final, bittersweet glimpse of the city as it came alive at night.
Night: Goodbye to Marrakech. It feels like this trip will be the basis for all my stories for years to come.
- Emotional Reaction: Sad but grateful. Marrakech, you crazy, chaotic, beautiful place, you truly challenged me.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a suggestion. Change it. Mess it up. Get lost. Embrace the chaos. Engage with the people. Eat the food (yes, all of it). Marrakech will surprise you in the best and worst ways. And most importantly, don't be afraid to have a complete meltdown. It's all part of the adventure.
Ha Giang Adventure: Unforgettable Green Hill Hostel Experience!
Riad Picolina: You GOTTA Know Before You Go (Seriously, Read This...And Maybe Pack Extra Deodorant)
Okay, Seriously, What IS a Riad Anyway? And Why Should I Care About Picolina Specifically? (Spoiler: It's Not a Type of Pasta)
Alright, newbie! A riad is basically a traditional Moroccan house. Think inward-facing, often with a courtyard in the middle, like a little oasis of calm. You're in the *medina*, the old city, which is a glorious, chaotic, sensory overload. And you *need* that oasis. Now, Picolina? That's the secret weapon. I’d heard whispers... glowing reviews... but honestly, I was skeptical. Another pretty Instagram trap, right? WRONG. This place is different. It’s like, you step through a nondescript little door (seriously, blink and you’ll miss it), and *bam*! You're transported to a different reality. It's got this incredible vibe. Feels like stepping into a really stylish, extremely well-loved, friend's home. Less sterile hotel, more... well, more *soul*.
I remember the first time, I was *exhausted*. Lost in the souks, haggling over a rug I probably didn’t need (still don’t). I stumbled through the door, hot and sweaty, and practically collapsed in the courtyard. The mint tea arrived, and, honest to god, the *world* melted away. It calmed me down, like a warm hug. That tea... it's addictive.
Is It Kid-Friendly? Because My Toddler Thinks "Naptime" is a Suggestion, Not a Demand.
Hmm. Okay. This is a tough one. "Kid-friendly" is relative. Honestly? Riad Picolina is *beautiful* – and beauty and toddlers don't always mix. There are stairs, there's the courtyard with a fountain – it's not exactly designed for a demolition crew. However... the staff are *amazing* with kids. They're patient, they're kind, and they probably speak at least three more languages than you. They'll love your little ones. But you might need to keep a hawk-eye on them. So, consider bringing an extra pair of eyes. Or, you know, a really, *really* good babysitter.
I once saw a tiny little whirlwind, maybe three years old, literally *climbing* the wall in the courtyard. The staff just smiled, fetched a pillow, and guided him down. Crisis averted! But, yeah. Think about it. Maybe book the family suite? (More space to contain the chaos.)
The Food! Tell Me About The Food! Because My Stomach Is Already Rumbling Just Thinking About It.
Oh. My. God. The food. Prepare yourself. You will gain weight. And you won't care. The breakfasts are *legendary*. Freshly squeezed orange juice that just *bursts* with flavor. Pancakes that are fluffy clouds of deliciousness. And the pastries! Oh, the pastries. I could go on. Days on end.
And dinner? They offer a set menu. You *have* to try it at least once. Seriously, it's a journey. Tagines that melt in your mouth. Couscous that's light and fluffy. The spices! Every single bite is an explosion of flavor. One night, I ate so much, I thought I was going to explode. Literally. But I couldn't stop. It was heavenly. The chef(s) – I never saw them! – are culinary sorcerers. Just… magic.
Pro-tip: Ask about cooking classes. Trust me.
Is the Location Good? Or Am I Going to Be Lost in a Labyrinth For Eternity? (I Have a Terrible Sense of Direction)
Okay, so the *medina* is a maze. It's how it works. Even with a map, you'll get lost. You *will*. Accept it. Embrace the chaos. Picolina is in a good location, though. Central enough to walk to a lot of the main sights (Djemaa el-Fna square is a solid, albeit a bit jarring, walk), yet tucked away enough to feel peaceful. They'll give you a little map, and if you get REALLY lost, you can always ask! Any local knows where it is. Just holler "Picolina?" and someone will point you in the right direction.
But here's a story. I was, um, *thoroughly* lost, one evening, wandering the souks. I’d been tricked by a vendor into buying a ridiculously oversized fez. My sense of direction is appalling at the best of times. I was sweaty, covered in dust, and starting to panic a little. I spotted two young boys, maybe eight and ten, playing football. I asked them for help. They looked at my fez (which was now about to be my hat-of-shame), giggled, and then *immediately* led me back. They even offered me a shared mint tea when we got there. The kindness! The kids know the best shortcuts. Embrace the wrong turns! You might find an even better shop! (Or at least a good story to tell.)
What's the Vibe? Is it a Fluffy-Pillow-And-Quiet-Music Type of Place, or More of a Lively, Social Hub?
It's... a bit of both, actually. Picolina has this amazing ability to be both serene and social. The courtyard is the heart of the riad, and it’s gorgeous. Think ornate tiles, fragrant orange trees, and comfy seating. You can definitely find a quiet corner to read a book, sip your mint tea, and escape the madness of the city. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day of haggling in the souks. (And avoid the aggressive salesmen.)
But! It also has a really friendly atmosphere. You'll meet other travelers, the staff are incredibly chatty and helpful (in a non-pushy way! Unlike some other tourist spots I won't even name). Everyone is happy to share their experiences. I remember one night, they had this amazing rooftop dinner, and everyone was just chatting, trading travel stories and laughter under the stars. It's a very genuine, welcoming place. It doesn’t feel forced, you know? More "come on in, relax, and share a bit of your story with us."
Okay, Spill the Tea (Literally and Figuratively!) Any Downsides? Any "Uh-Oh" Moments?
Alright, let's be honest. Nothing is perfect. And Picolina, despite being pretty damn close, has a few… *quirks*. First, the noise. You're in the *medina*. People are CONSTANTLY bustling. The call to prayer. Mopeds. Cats fighting. All the usual sounds of the city.
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