Hotel Info click here Riad Mabrouka 56, Derb El Bahia Riad Zitoune Jdid 40000, Marrakech MOROCCO Tel: +212 (0) 24 37 75 79 Fax: +212 (0) 24 37 88 96 About Marrakesh Traversing the alleyways and souks of Marrakech, particularly in the Medina (Old City), it is easy to believe you have been transported back in time or stumbled onto a movie set for a medieval 'Arabian nights' production. It is this enchanting fairy tale quality that brings thousands of sightseers to the most visited of Morocco's three Imperial Cities. The heart of the Medina is Djemaa el-Fna, an irregular 'square' where everything seems to happen and the place to which tourists are drawn again and again to soak up the carnival-like environment. Tourism, though, has not spoilt the atmosphere, but seemingly rather added to it. The modern side of Marrakech with its luxury hotels, banks and streets bursting with motor scooters, blends well with the past in a metropolis made up of the peoples of the Berber Atlas tribes, Mahgrebis from the plains, and Saharan nomads. Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Youssef bin Tachfine of the Almoravide dynasty, and his son perfected the city by bringing in architects and craftsmen from Cordoba to build palaces, baths, mosques and a subterranean water system. The city walls were raised from the red mud of the plains, with the snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains forming a backdrop for the city, although they are often hidden by the heat haze. One of the many ways to soak up the sights and sounds of Marrakech is in one of the hundreds of horse-drawn carriages, known as caleches, that are for hire, but it is also necessary to take in the Medina's souks on foot, plunging into the hurly burly maelstrom of passages where tradesmen ply various crafts, from cloth dying, copper beating, and leather working to herbalists, perfumers and slipper makers, and where shopkeepers cajole passing tourists into taking a look at their glorious array of colourful crafts. Out & About in Marrakesh The Koutoubia MosqueThe Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech, Morocco. The minaret was completed under the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur (1184-1199) and was used as model for Giralda of Seville then for the Hassan Tower of Rabat. El Badi Palace El Badi Palace is located in Marrakech, Morocco, and nowadays it consists of the remnants of a magnificent palace built by the Saadian king Ahmed el-Mansour in 1578. The original building is thought to have consisted of 360 rooms, a courtyard of 135m by 110m and a pool of 90m by 20m, richly decorated with Italian marbles and large amounts of gold imported from Sudan. It also has a small, underground, tunnel-like jail with about four cells where the king kept his prisoners. Unfortunately, this fairy-like palace, which took approximately 25 years to construct, was torn apart by the alaouite Sultan Mawlay Ismail who used the materials to decorate his own palace in Meknes. The design of the palace is influenced by the Alhambra in Granada. The Bahia Palace The Bahia Palace is a palace and a set of gardens located in Marrakech, Morocco. It was built in the late 19th century, intended to be the greatest palace of its time. The name means 'brilliance'. As in other buildings of the period in other countries, it was intended to capture the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style. There is a 2 acre (8,000 m²) garden with rooms opening onto courtyards. Marrakesh Museum The Museum of Marrackech is a museum in the center of Marrakech, Morocco. It has Jewish, Berber and Muslim artifacts. Djemaa el Fna The place remains the main square of Marrakesh, used equally by locals and tourists. During the day it is predominantly occupied by orange juice stalls, youths with chained Barbary apes, water sellers in colourful costumes with traditional leather water-bags and brass cups, and snake charmers who will pose for photographs for tourists. As the day progresses the entertainments on offer change: the snake charmers depart, and in the afternoon and evening the square becomes more crowded, with Chleuh dancing-boys (it would be against custom for girls to provide such an entertainment), story-tellers (telling their tales in Berber or Arabic, to an audience of appreciative locals), magicians, and peddlers of traditional medicines. As dark descends the square fills with dozens of food-stalls, and the crowds are at their height. The Majorelle Garden The Majorelle Garden is a botanical garden in Marrakech, Morocco. It was designed by the expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924, during the colonial period when Morocco was occupied by France. Though Majorelle's art is largely forgotten today - his oeuvre was made up of gentlemanly orientalist watercolors -- the garden he created is his creative masterpiece. A special shade of bold cobalt blue which he used extensively in the garden and its buildings is named after him, Majorelle bleu. Saadian Tombs The beautiful necropolis was built by the Saadian Sultan Ahmed el Mansour in the late 16th century as a final resting place for himself and his successors. There are 66 indoor tombs, lavishly decorated with colourful, intricate mosaics. The central mausoleum, the Hall of the Twelve Columns, is exceptionally ornate with a high vaulted roof, furnished with stunning carved cedar panels and columns of grey Italian marble.	A WARM WELCOME TO THE RIAD MABROUKA, MARRAKESH, MOROCCO Your guest house in charming Marrakesh Welcome to the comfort, the elegance and the charming atmosphere of Riad Mabrouka, Marrakesh. Riad Mabrouka is ideally located in the old Medina, two minutes walking distance from the Bahia Palace and five minutes from Jemaa El Fna square. It offers a very easy car access as it is next to a parking lot, which is moreover a taxi station. Riad Mabrouka is a delicate blend of the finest contemporary, Oriental and African inspirations which uphold the spirit of traditional eighteenth century Riads with shady patio and fine volumes.A large lounge, with outstanding ceilings, a fireplace and library corner, a spacious dining room with fireplace area … the decor is designed to receive guests in comfort whatever season. Outside, overlooking the Medina’s roofs, the comfortably furnished terraces are arranged on several levels. Breakfasts are served there in the shade of tents with a spectacular view on the Atlas mountains. You will enjoy a mint tea or a romantic dinner in a very Moroccan atmosphere. Adil and his team take great care with the comfort of their guests and can satisfy all expectations. Facilities at the Mabrouka include: Airport Transfers: We can organize your airport transfers by taxi Meals: lunches and dinners with a 24 hours notice; various and fine cuisine, always with Moroccan inspiration Transport and Excursion: Adil will be happy to book taxis for you during your stay at Riad Mabrouka. If you want to escape for half day or a full day, Adil will advise you and organise your excursion with you Telephone / Fax / Wi-Fi: To let you rest and relax, we have banished all phones from our rooms! However, you may be contacted on the house telephone line whenever you want. A Wi-Fi system is also accessible in the shared parts of the Riad Television /Games /Books /Newspaper: A TV and a DVD player are available in the library area. You will also find games, magazines and books there. The daily newspaper is available every morning on the Terrace (French and English) Massage /Hammam /Beauty Care : Traditional or deluxe Hammam may be booked through Adil. Massages and beauty care (manicure, waxing…) may be organised at the Riad Laundry: A laundry service is available by request; please contact Adil Restaurants and bars: We have selected a wide range of restaurants and bars to satisfy all your wishes Gifts: We have made a selection of gifts that reflect the image of Riad Mabrouka and Marrakesh. You will discover them in our window display The package (A taste of Morocco in charming Marrakesh) includes the following: All services included in this offer are for 2 persons and include the following: 5 nights in a comfortable, architectural traditional double room 5 x Breakfast for 2 Persons 1 x Dinner for 2 persons specially cooked for you at the Riad Welcome Tea / Soft Drinks Period of use: This Voucher is available upon hotel availability and is valid as stipulated below. July 1st – September 30th (2008) November 1st – December 20th (2008) January 5th – February 28th (2009) Check availability here>> contact@riad-tinmel-marrakech.com Extra nights can be booked in addition to the auction. There are no extra charges or conditions attached to this offer Accommodation at the Riad Mabrouka, Marrakesh Two suites, one junior suite and three bedrooms with evocative names compose Riad Mabrouka: Tanger, Zanzibar, Douala, Damas, Bamako, and Grenade. Each room has been tastefully redecorated with specific colours and is a true invitation to travel. For your comfort, bathrobes and courtesy bath products scented with orange blossom are available in each ensuite bathroom. Tanger On the first floor, a suite with king size bed (2mX2M) or two beds (1X2M) an dits private inside lounge. Two windows overlooking the flowered patio. A spectacular grey tadelakt bathroom with private dressing. Zanzibar On the first floor, a oriental suite with a large bed (1,60 X 1,90M) and a small inside lounge and a tadelakt bathroom with a bath. The floor is covered with moroccan carpets.. This suite has its own private lounge outside the room. Douala On the first floor, Douala is a very nice small room offering all comfort … its access is done through a large cooridor with chairs and sofas ..The tadelakt bathroom offers a large shower. Bamako Located on a small patio, this typical moroccan douiria offers a large bed for 2 (1,80X2m) or two beds. Decorated on an african style, its bathroom with a large shower is spectacular… This room has its own patio with two chairs and a sofa. Grenade On the main patio, a nice room with a large bed for 2 (1,50m X1,90m) decorated in red tones. The tadelakt bathroom has a large shower. Damas On the main patio, a nice room with a large bed for 2 (1,50mX1,90m) decrorated in purple tones. The tadelakt bathroom has a large shower. Food & Drink at the Riad Mabrouka, Marrakesh Meals: lunches and dinners with a 24 hours notice; various and fine cuisine, always with Moroccan inspiration. Marrakech is deservedly famous for its restaurants, of which there are hundreds, many of which are truly excellent. There are new restaurants opening all the time in Marrakesh, some simply spectacular. For the more intrepid traveller, Marrakech's Djema El Fnaa is not only a spectacular sight to behold, but its many stands serve up a bevy of delectable morsels: snails, brains, sheep's heads, merguez sausages, and a wide range of more recognizable fare. If for nothing else, go see it. How to find us: Riad Mabrouka is ideally located in the old Medina, two minutes walking distance from the Bahia Palace and five minutes from Jemaa El Fna square. It offers a very easy car access as it is next to a parking lot, which is moreover a taxi station. Important Information: To book your room or extend your stay kindly contact the hotel directly by mentioning the auction as reference. Vouchers are available for download after payment has been received. If you wish to change the name on the voucher, kindly advise when making payment. This offer is as seen and there are no extra charges attached to this offer. 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