The cab sped off and left us a bit disoriented.
At least the driver pointed towards a small alley before he hopped back in his vehicle. That was a start. If you’ve been in Morocco long enough, you’d know that entering an innocent looking alley means possibly getting in some nasty maze. And navigation could take ages, especially if you got heaps of luggage in tow. Like us.
Bab Mansour, gateway to Moulay Ismail’s imperial city. A quick stroll from our guesthouse.
Minutes prior, we just arrived in Meknes via train from the country’s capital Rabat. We didn’t have a difficult time grabbing a petit cab for the station’s replete with them. The driver we got — after glancing at the address of our guesthouse — seemed confident where he was going.
He delivered us to the correct jump off, alright, but left us with no clue where to go next.
Riad Hiba’s nondescript door.
There was a lack of directional signs (found out later on that there are actually plenty of them along the alley coming from Place Hedim and not where we came from), but a few questions here and there answered by shopkeepers and bystanders brought us to the riad. Its mark, though small, can be easily spotted by passersby. Hubby gently tapped the door knocker.
Stunning ceiling.
Seconds after, a clink, then the heavy wooden door opened. A male receptionist greeted us with a shy smile and wordlessly helped us carry our stuff into the 17th century structure. The hallway led to a foyer that’s sheltered by a stunning stained-glass ceiling. I must have gaped up almost the entire time we were checking in.
Ornate window frames abound.
We were assigned to a room (I believe the riad only has seven) across the reception desk. For a reasonable $45 we got two double beds, a flat screen telly, small heater (which barely warmed up the room), free WiFi access and en suite bath. There’s obsessive attention to details. Carved furniture, gorgeous lamps, intricately weaved carpets. It was screaming honeymoon. The bathroom’s quite basic though, at least the hot shower worked.
Traditional and charming.
One negative thing I think worth mentioning about the room is its very dim lighting. Yes, even with all those lamps in various shapes and sizes. We felt that our room was so poorly lit that emerging out of the riad was like breaking free from a dark dungeon each time.
Riad Hiba’s rooftop where breakfast is served.
A modest breakfast (baskets of bread with cheese and honey plus tea/coffee) is included in the rates, and is served on the rooftop which offers an amazing view of the city. The riad is right in the heart of Meknes’ old medina, and one can be caught up watching everyday life from the rooftop’s vantage point. Found myself in such situation a couple of times, and it was always a pain to leave my fave nook up there.
View from a resto’s terrace, where we had an early dinner on our last day in Meknes.
Hubby and I adored the riad so much, we stayed longer than intended. Also, we fell in love with the medina’s vibe. Though bustling at certain times of the day, it’s relatively laid back and less touristy compared to Casablanca and Rabat. It may have less attractions, but
prepossessing nonetheless.
Our visit helped us recuperate from travel fatigue, and we had Riad Hiba to thank for.
Vegetable Tajine capped off Meknes leg.
Riad Hiba
20 Rue Lalla Aicha Adouya
Meknès, Maroc (Morocco)
Mobile No : +212 (0) 675 94 33 23
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Kasbah, Erg, Fes, Meknes!!! Ang bading lang! Hahaha
HAHAHAHA!
Riad Hiba…Wow!
A steal at $45! Lavish decors and architecture 🙂
Yez. I know tons of other hotel rooms around the globe that are priced the same, yet not even close to how beautiful the Riad Hiba room is.
That’s a very good price. Where can I book it for that price? by calling or on http://reservationcounter.com/ for instance?
I like your adventures in Morocco. I read somewhere that it’s the place for “the rich and famous”. I hope I could go there soon.