Lonely Planet Review
Riyad el Cadi is one of the grand dames of the Marrakchi riad scene. Made up of no less than seven interconnected houses, it offers handsome suites and bedrooms which showcase a museum-standard collection of Islamic and ethnic art in a coolly contemporary setting.
El Cadi was originally the home of scholar and diplomat Herwig Bartels. As one-time ambassador to Morocco, he developed a passion for local artefacts and carpets. Sadly, he passed away in August 2003 and the house is now in the capable hands of his daughter, Julia, who continues to run it as a haven of class and culture. Just check out the highbrow music selection in the main salon and the sophisticated wine list. With the exception of the small doubles Aleppo, Piscine and Corea, all the rooms are enormous suites complete with double bedroom, living area, loggias and spacious bathrooms. Our favourites were the Chaouen suite with its 18th-century painted woodwork, and the huge Palm suite, which overlooks the pool and has its very own library.
Review by author
Paula Hardy