TALAA 12
Chic and modernist Marrakech riad in the heart of the Medina
ARABIAN NIGHTS DON'T NEED TO BE darkly exotic to appeal to the senses. That’s the credo of Talaa 12, which ushers you firmly into new, rather than old, Marrakech.
This tranquil and elegant riad in the heart of the Marrakech Medina is coolly contemporary. Instead of traditional décor and an old-Morocco vibe, Talaa 12 is a modernist take on the trad. Stepping through the door from the winding, hustle-bustle streets of the old city is like stepping into a Zen-like haven of tranquillity, atmospherically lantern-lit at night.
Clean lines, calming shades of ivory and khaki and uncluttered spaces add a distinctly contemporary feel here. Bedrooms have a pared-down simplicity with cool floors, stylish sofas, Moorish rugs and an accent on simple serenity. High ceilings, discreet lighting, contemporary paintings and pale green shutters add to the cool and spacious feel. Even when the riad is full (as it was when we stayed), it's so blissfully quiet you'd hardly know.
Hit the spot
Beside the Marrakech Museum, in the Medina.
Bedtime
Go for one of the two sprawling deluxe suites, with a private balcony.
Be savvy
Bathrooms have great walk-in showers, but no bath.
Be smitten
Simple serenity in more-ish Marrakech.
Chill-out corners
Water bubbles from a rose-petalled stone fountain in the courtyard, with its palms and leafy orange trees, while numerous b’hous (open salons with sofas) on different levels ensure there are plenty of quiet corners for chilling – or simply disappearing.
We arrived at sundown, just as the sky was turning orange and palm trees and minarets were silhouetted against a technicolour backdrop. Be sure to grab your camera – there are fabulous 360 degree views of the Medina and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains from Talaa 12's stunning roof terrace – the perfect place for a sundowner. And you'll love soaking up those fantastic start-the-day views next day with your breakfast, sitting on cushions in the tented pavilion.
Talaa 12’s other big plus is its location – centre stage in the Medina. That means not having to take a taxi back to base each day, and just a short walk to the souks. Fortunately it's hard to get lost around here, since you’re right next to the Musée de Marrakech, which is conveniently signposted everywhere.
Dinner at Talaa 12 can be arranged on request and (while not cheap) and you can dine wherever you choose – in the lantern-lit dining room, the courtyard or up on the roof. Whatever your whim, it's your call.
There’s no pool or spa here, but you’ll find a traditional hammam for enjoying an indulgent steam and massage. Talaa12’s friendly and can’t-do-enough staff will be glad to arrange day passes to nearby pools or to Nikki Beach in the Palmeraie.
Talaa 12 was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter
ARABIAN NIGHTS DON'T NEED TO BE darkly exotic to appeal to the senses. That’s the credo of Talaa 12, which ushers you firmly into new, rather than old, Marrakech.
This tranquil and elegant riad in the heart of the Marrakech Medina is coolly contemporary. Instead of traditional décor and an old-Morocco vibe, Talaa 12 is a modernist take on the trad. Stepping through the door from the winding, hustle-bustle streets of the old city is like stepping into a Zen-like haven of tranquillity, atmospherically lantern-lit at night.
Clean lines, calming shades of ivory and khaki and uncluttered spaces add a distinctly contemporary feel here. Bedrooms have a pared-down simplicity with cool floors, stylish sofas, Moorish rugs and an accent on simple serenity. High ceilings, discreet lighting, contemporary paintings and pale green shutters add to the cool and spacious feel. Even when the riad is full (as it was when we stayed), it's so blissfully quiet you'd hardly know.
Hit the spot
Beside the Marrakech Museum, in the Medina.
Bedtime
Go for one of the two sprawling deluxe suites, with a private balcony.
Be savvy
Bathrooms have great walk-in showers, but no bath.
Be smitten
Simple serenity in more-ish Marrakech.
Chill-out corners
Water bubbles from a rose-petalled stone fountain in the courtyard, with its palms and leafy orange trees, while numerous b’hous (open salons with sofas) on different levels ensure there are plenty of quiet corners for chilling – or simply disappearing.
We arrived at sundown, just as the sky was turning orange and palm trees and minarets were silhouetted against a technicolour backdrop. Be sure to grab your camera – there are fabulous 360 degree views of the Medina and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains from Talaa 12's stunning roof terrace – the perfect place for a sundowner. And you'll love soaking up those fantastic start-the-day views next day with your breakfast, sitting on cushions in the tented pavilion.
Talaa 12’s other big plus is its location – centre stage in the Medina. That means not having to take a taxi back to base each day, and just a short walk to the souks. Fortunately it's hard to get lost around here, since you’re right next to the Musée de Marrakech, which is conveniently signposted everywhere.
Dinner at Talaa 12 can be arranged on request and (while not cheap) and you can dine wherever you choose – in the lantern-lit dining room, the courtyard or up on the roof. Whatever your whim, it's your call.
There’s no pool or spa here, but you’ll find a traditional hammam for enjoying an indulgent steam and massage. Talaa12’s friendly and can’t-do-enough staff will be glad to arrange day passes to nearby pools or to Nikki Beach in the Palmeraie.
Talaa 12 was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter
| Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery. |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dining in
Dining is on request, and chef Karima is happy to serve you traditional Moroccan dishes wherever you want – be it on the roof, by the fire in the chic dining room, or à deux in your room.
Dining out
There are too many great restaurants to name in Marrakech, serving both traditional local and international dishes. Intimate Le Foundouk is just three minutes away, and one of Talaa 12's friendly staff happily walked us round there. This restaurant is a class act, with immaculate doormen, atmospheric lighting and superlative tagines. Another of the city’s culinary stars is Dar Moha, complete with petal-strewn garden pool where musicians play in the evening.
Where?
Talaa 12 – on the roof or in the fireside lounge.
What’s cooking?
Traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Dress the part
As dressed-down as you like.
Top table?
Fireside in winter, or on the starlit roof in summer.
See & Do
With the souks virtually on your doorstep, you’ll need to hone your haggling skills for a day’s bargain-hunting. Wander through the city’s Medina maze, with its kaleidoscope of colours, then hop into a horse-drawn calèche (Marrakech’s version of the gondola) for a ride around town.
For an interlude of cool and quiet, stroll through the Musée d’art Islamique, or the leafy Majorelle gardens. After a day on the town, you’ll be ready to slip back to base for a soothing massage in the hammam. Super-helpful staff will set you up with an out-of-town itinerary in the rugged Atlas Mountains or further afield.
Shop
You’ll find plenty of classic wood, leather and silk goods, jewellery and mirrors and ceramics in the Medina, where it helps if you relish bargaining. For an idea of what you should be paying, pop into the government-run craft centre on Avenue Mohammed V.
After dark
Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square, comes alive at night with more spectacle than you could ever want: spot the snake charmers, belly dancers, musicians and story tellers. Sip a mint tea in one of the many outdoor cafes and enjoy the show.
Alcohol is not as freely available as in Europe, though there are some late-night venues where the dancing goes on until the early hours.
Dates
July
Soak up the colour at the Festival des Arts Populaires de Marrakech – a mix of traditional Moroccan acts, jazz and dance.
September
It may not be Venice or Cannes, but the Marrakech International Film Festival attracts its share of stars, arty types and the great and the good.
Dining is on request, and chef Karima is happy to serve you traditional Moroccan dishes wherever you want – be it on the roof, by the fire in the chic dining room, or à deux in your room.
Dining out
There are too many great restaurants to name in Marrakech, serving both traditional local and international dishes. Intimate Le Foundouk is just three minutes away, and one of Talaa 12's friendly staff happily walked us round there. This restaurant is a class act, with immaculate doormen, atmospheric lighting and superlative tagines. Another of the city’s culinary stars is Dar Moha, complete with petal-strewn garden pool where musicians play in the evening.
Where?
Talaa 12 – on the roof or in the fireside lounge.
What’s cooking?
Traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Dress the part
As dressed-down as you like.
Top table?
Fireside in winter, or on the starlit roof in summer.
See & Do
With the souks virtually on your doorstep, you’ll need to hone your haggling skills for a day’s bargain-hunting. Wander through the city’s Medina maze, with its kaleidoscope of colours, then hop into a horse-drawn calèche (Marrakech’s version of the gondola) for a ride around town.
For an interlude of cool and quiet, stroll through the Musée d’art Islamique, or the leafy Majorelle gardens. After a day on the town, you’ll be ready to slip back to base for a soothing massage in the hammam. Super-helpful staff will set you up with an out-of-town itinerary in the rugged Atlas Mountains or further afield.
Shop
You’ll find plenty of classic wood, leather and silk goods, jewellery and mirrors and ceramics in the Medina, where it helps if you relish bargaining. For an idea of what you should be paying, pop into the government-run craft centre on Avenue Mohammed V.
After dark
Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square, comes alive at night with more spectacle than you could ever want: spot the snake charmers, belly dancers, musicians and story tellers. Sip a mint tea in one of the many outdoor cafes and enjoy the show.
Alcohol is not as freely available as in Europe, though there are some late-night venues where the dancing goes on until the early hours.
Dates
July
Soak up the colour at the Festival des Arts Populaires de Marrakech – a mix of traditional Moroccan acts, jazz and dance.
September
It may not be Venice or Cannes, but the Marrakech International Film Festival attracts its share of stars, arty types and the great and the good.
GETTING THERE
Location
Talaa Ben Youssef, Medina, Marrakech
Parking
Should you need it, private parking is available nearby for a small charge. However, we don't suggest you drive within Marrakech!
Trains
Marrakech central station – 2km
Taxis
A private transfer from the airport is included in your room rates. Staff will meet your taxi close to Talaa 12 (it's in a pedestrianised street) and accompany you to the riad. When getting taxis around town, always agree the fare in advance. Should you be dropped off nearby in a taxi and need directions, ask for "Talaa Douze."
Airport
Marrakech Menara – 15km
Rooms and suites
Four rooms and four suites
Special features
The two luxury suites have huge beds and private balconies overlooking the courtyard. One even has a working fireplace.
Also…
Talaa 12 has a traditional hammam offering both traditional Moroccan and Swedish massage – just the thing after an action-packed day in the city.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 150 - 270
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
Midday
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
Two nights in low season, three in high season
Breakfast
Moroccan breakfast is served until 11:30am, and the rooftop is a great place to enjoy it.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Arabic, French and English
Wedding license?
Talaa 12 is fully licensed to hold weddings, and can be booked on an exclusive use basis. Receptions for up to 100 guests can be arranged.
Location
Talaa Ben Youssef, Medina, Marrakech
Parking
Should you need it, private parking is available nearby for a small charge. However, we don't suggest you drive within Marrakech!
Trains
Marrakech central station – 2km
Taxis
A private transfer from the airport is included in your room rates. Staff will meet your taxi close to Talaa 12 (it's in a pedestrianised street) and accompany you to the riad. When getting taxis around town, always agree the fare in advance. Should you be dropped off nearby in a taxi and need directions, ask for "Talaa Douze."
Airport
Marrakech Menara – 15km
Rooms and suites
Four rooms and four suites
Special features
The two luxury suites have huge beds and private balconies overlooking the courtyard. One even has a working fireplace.
Also…
Talaa 12 has a traditional hammam offering both traditional Moroccan and Swedish massage – just the thing after an action-packed day in the city.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 150 - 270
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
Midday
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
Two nights in low season, three in high season
Breakfast
Moroccan breakfast is served until 11:30am, and the rooftop is a great place to enjoy it.
Room service
Available 24 hours a day
Children
Welcome
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
Arabic, French and English
Wedding license?
Talaa 12 is fully licensed to hold weddings, and can be booked on an exclusive use basis. Receptions for up to 100 guests can be arranged.
BOOK THIS HOTEL
Room for Romance Extra
A complimentary bottle of champagne or wine.
THE ROMANTIC HOTEL COLLECTION
OTHER ROMANTIC HOTELS IN THIS REGION...
SHOW ME THIS HOTEL
- SIGN UP >>
- NEWS AND OFFERS >>
- PRINT PAGE >>
- BOOKMARK PAGE >>
- EMAIL TO A FRIEND >>
