Dropped off by a taxi as close to Riad Chamali as was possible, local children rushed to direct us and its true to say we didn't have a clue where we were headed, except down darkened alleys. We saw a hand-scrawled sign saying "Riad Chamali", rang the doorbell expecting 'Lurch' to open it! Behind lay a peaceful haven of calm and tranquility. Exactly what we expected from a Riad: a small plunge pool, orange trees, cute room (ours had an ensuite shower ), a super roof terrace where we took breakfast under the sun, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance.
We can't praise Marina (French), the Riad Manager, highly enough. She was a wonderful host, advised on prices to pay for goods/taxis, etc, gave brilliant restaurant/club recommendations, made reservations and organised taxi's. Nothing was too much trouble. Mustafa and the rest of her team were equally helpful and pleasant throughout our stay.
Once you get over the fact you think you are never going to find your way to or from Riad Chamali again you realise you are very close to the Palace and local square which has the Kosybar (chilled out venue with lovely roof terrace) and the Tanjia restaurant (great food and stunning belly dancing). It is a 15-minute direct, unhurried, walk to the main Fna square and the Souks, and, at the end of the day, it was a relief to back in the peace and quiet of the old town and in the haven of Riad Chamali.
We are definitely going back. (Ability to speak French helpful here).