Having travelled extensively around the world, and stayed in some of the most reknown and luxurious hotels, Riad Kniza was truly one of our family's favorite experiences, a warm, personal, service-oriented, and exquisitely appointed gem that we are so grateful to have discovered. We don't often find ourselves in small hotels, but after this stay, we are going to make a point of seeking them out -- a delightfully cozy way to travel, especially in a new culture so far from home.
The Riad was recommended by a friend who last year was an American Ambassador in Europe, visiting Morocco. She had had the pleasure of touring Marrakech with the wonderful Mohamed Bouskri (the owner of the hotel), as her guide. She and her party had a lovely meal and tour of the Riad, and were so taken by it, she regretted to be staying at the Amenjana! She recommended it to us immediately -- we were lucky to have discovered Riad Kniza in this way --as a small hotel, it doesn't advertise heavily.
Because this was our first trip to Marrakech, we wanted to stay in the Medina (vs. outside the city) to get the maximum experience. Riad Kniza is an oasis, a breadth of fresh air in a hustling, bustling city. From the outside, it is a simple building, like all in the Medina. Step inside into a completely different world - tranquil, quiet, beautiful. The Riad underwent a complete renovation 4 years ago, when it was recreated from the ground up. The Bouskri family also owns an antiques gallery, and appointed the Riad with gorgeous,veritable art and antique furnishings, which impart the feeling of staying in an exquisitely designed, sumptuous Moroccan home. Couple that with modern conveniences, and it's a uniquely wonderful environment.
And lastly, but surely not least -- the warmth of the Riad Kniza is astounding. Mohamed's talented son Kamal capably runs the hotel along with help from his mother and sister, and a highly competent and lovely staff. Read through the guest book and you will be truly overwhelmed by the comments of fellow travellers -- over and over appear accolades for their ability to anticipate their guests every need. The enitire staff was genuinely interested in making our stay the best possible, and they succeeded. And with their upcoming expansion (to include additional rooms, a spa, and a private hammam), it should be even more luxurious.
Oh, and let us not forget the food -- having been sent to the most well known restaurants in Marrakech during our stay, we kept coming back to the Riad Kniza for our best meals. Dinners there were intimate and fantastic, breakfasts were delicious and varied, and for snacks - an unlimited supply of the freshest mint tea in the city, along with their own gazelle horns and pastries that made our children wish we lived in Morocco.
This hotel is definately on caliber with any Relais & Chateaux property. Our advice: get there soon before it gets too booked!