Uncover the Hidden Gem of Taroudant: Riad Jnane Ines Awaits!
Taroudant's Secret: Riad Jnane Ines - A Messy, Wonderful Dive In
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Taroudant, and let me tell you, hiding in plain sight is Riad Jnane Ines. This place, with its charming blend of old-world elegance and modern tweaks, is aiming for the "hidden gem" crown. And folks? It's absolutely worth a shot. Let's rip through the details, the grit, the good, and the maybe-not-so-good, shall we? This ain't some sterile travel brochure, this is real life, baby!
Accessibility: Does it Welcome Everyone?
Okay, here's where we start, because, honestly, it’s important. While I didn't need it personally, I did scope out the scene. Wheelchair accessible? Technically, yes, but with a big old asterisk. The Facilities for disabled guests are there, but this is an old Riad. Think cobblestone courtyards instead of smooth concrete. The elevator exists, which is a HUGE plus. So, it’s possible for those with mobility issues, but it's not going to be a breeze. Think more “charming challenge” than “effortless glide.” The access to it all is a little messy, which is a reality for so many places, but they try, which is what counts.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Food with a Side of… Consideration?
Didn't see specific accessibility notes for dining areas, so ask when booking. This is again the old Riad charm.
Internet: My Lifeline! (And Yours, Probably)
Listen, I'm a digital nomad at heart. Internet access is life. And Riad Jnane Ines understands. Praise be! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Internet [LAN] is there too, if you're old-school. And the Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty solid. No frantic, "where's the signal?!" moments. The Internet services themselves weren’t exactly lightning-fast, but hey, you're in Taroudant, not Silicon Valley. Plus, the fact that I could work from my Laptop workspace in peace, with the breeze and some mint tea, totally made up for any sluggishness. It's all about context, right?
Things to Do: Relaxation, Moroccan Style!
Okay, this is where Jnane Ines seriously shines. Forget the bustling souks for a moment. This place is built for chilling.
- Spa/Sauna/Pool: YES, YES, and YES! The Pool with a view is stunning. Seriously. The kind of view that makes you wanna just… stare. The Sauna, Spa, Steamroom. All the usual self-care goodies. The Massage was heavenly. But here's a confession. I went for a Body scrub, and let's just say, the "scrub" part was more of a religious experience. My skin felt like a baby's bottom afterward. I almost fell asleep right there. The Foot bath was so relaxing. It's worth mentioning a Gym/fitness if you like to do that, and a Fitness center.
- Ways to Relax: They got it down pat. The Terrace is a must-visit. Perfect for sipping mint tea. So simple, so blissful.
- For the Kids: The Babysitting service is there, which is a relief if you have kids.
Cleanliness and Safety : Covid-Conscious or Just… Clean?
Here's where things get a little more impressive. They’re clearly trying to be Covid-conscious. Anti-viral cleaning products were in use. The Daily disinfection in common areas was evident. They’ve got a Hand sanitizer dispenser everywhere (thank goodness!). Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The Rooms sanitized between stays, and the Room sanitization opt-out available. Safe dining setup, with the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter in place and Staff trained in safety protocol. It all felt reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food!
Now, if you like eating, buckle up. This place knows its stuff. The Breakfast [buffet] was a delight (and a crucial part of any good holiday, IMO). The Breakfast service. My favorite things? The fresh orange juice, the ridiculously good pastries, and the fact that I could get Breakfast in room(!) one day. Seriously, that's pure luxury right there. Then, the Restaurants offer A la carte in restaurant, with all kinds of Western cuisine in restaurant. The restaurant also has Asian cuisine in restaurant and Asian breakfast, of course. You can also find the Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop . The Room service [24-hour] made late-night snack cravings a reality. There's a Poolside bar, so you can get a cocktail without leaving the water (genius). And the Snack bar? Perfect for those mid-afternoon hunger pangs. Yes to Desserts in restaurant. I loved the Salad in restaurant. The Soup in restaurant was perfect after a day exploring the souk. The Bar itself was inviting. You can get an International cuisine in restaurant. The only thing I didn't try was the Vegetarian restaurant, but it looked amazing!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Touches
This is where they really shine.
- Air conditioning in public area? Check. Essential.
- Cash withdrawal? Thank goodness, because sometimes you need cash in Taroudant.
- Concierge? Super helpful, especially if you're clueless (like me).
- Daily housekeeping? My room was always spotless—a much-appreciated luxury.
- Doorman? A friendly face.
- Elevator? Yes!
- Facilities for disabled guests? Mentioned that above.
- Food delivery? Handy for those lazy days.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service/Ironing service? All there! Essentials.
- Luggage storage? Extremely useful, especially if you're doing a bit of exploring before or after your stay.
- Meeting/banquet facilities? If you've got a reason to host a meeting in gorgeous Taroudant.
- Outdoor venue for special events? The terrace is divine.
- Safety deposit boxes? Always a good idea.
- Taxi service? Convenient.
- Terrace? Perfection.
For the Kids: Family-Focused?
Family/child-friendly? Yes! And the Kids meal option is a great bonus.
Access: Safety First
Absolutely. They've got it all. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, and Soundproof rooms.
Getting Around: Transportation
The Airport transfer. They've got you, from start to finish. Car park [free of charge]. They also have Car park [on-site], and even Valet parking.
Available in all rooms: What’s Inside Your Little Haven?
Okay, the rooms are beautiful – think traditional Moroccan decor with a modern twist. Here’s what you can expect:
- Additional toilet: Perfect.
- Air conditioning: YES! (Essential with the heat.)
- Alarm clock: For those early morning adventures.
- Bathrobes: Because you gotta feel pampered.
- Bathroom phone: A bit weird, but okay!
- Bathtub/Separate shower/bathtub: Choose your indulgence
- Blackout curtains: Sleep is important.
- Closet: Space for all your clothes (and souvenirs).
- Coffee/tea maker/Complimentary tea: Caffeine fix sorted.
- Daily housekeeping: Bliss.
- Desk: For those of us who can't fully switch off.
- Extra long bed: Always a plus.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key.
- Hair dryer: Essential for taming that post-spa hair.
- High floor: Depending on what you like.
- In-room safe box: For peace of mind.
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless: All the access.
- Ironing facilities: For those wrinkle emergencies.
- Laptop workspace: Handy.
- Linens: Comfortable!
- Mini bar: Temptation!
- Mirror: For admiring yourself after all that pampering.
- Non-smoking: Always a good thing.
- On-demand movies: Movie night
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup, because my "itinerary" for Riad Jnane Ines in Taroudant, Morocco is more of a suggestion box than a rigid schedule. And let's be honest, knowing me, it probably won't even remotely resemble the final product. But hey, that's half the fun, right?
Day 1: Arrival, Intoxication of Colors and Teas (and Maybe a Panic Attack or Two)
- Morning (ish): Arrive in Taroudant. After the chaos of the Marrakech airport (seriously, I almost lost my mind trying to find the right taxi!), the journey to Taroudant was a glorious, sun-drenched blur. Suddenly, I was deposited at Riad Jnane Ines. And… wow. I mean, pictures don't do it justice. It's like stepping into a Moorish fairytale. The courtyard - oh, the courtyard! - is a riot of bougainvillea, intricate tilework, and the promise of endless mint tea. I felt a surge of pure, unadulterated joy. For about five seconds.
- Afternoon: Settling in. Trying to resist the urge to immediately move in. The room… oh, the room. It's like a Sultan's dream, complete with a four-poster bed swathed in mosquito netting (thank God!). The only downside? I spent a solid half-hour panicking about whether I'd accidentally left the stove on back home (I hadn't… I think).
- Late Afternoon: Exploring the Riad. Wandering around like a lost tourist in my own personal paradise, touching everything, taking photos (a million photos!), and generally just soaking it all in. The rooftop terrace with its views over the Atlas Mountains is breathtaking. I swear, I almost cried. Happy tears, of course. Or maybe they were just the effects of the intense heat. Either way, pretty dramatic.
- Evening: The Food. Oh, the Food! Dinner at the Riad. I’d read about it endlessly online and had imagined it, but nothing prepared me. The tagine was heavenly. Tender lamb, spices that sang a thousand songs, and a couscous so light it practically floated away. The bread… fresh from the oven… I could have eaten the entire loaf myself (and I might have gotten close). I then proceeded to stuff my face with dates and Baklava. By the end of the meal, I felt like I'd been adopted into a very lavish, very delicious family. Best $40 i've ever spent.
Day 2: The Souk, the Snakes, and the Slipper Saga
- Morning: The Souk. Now, I’m not usually a big shopper. But Taroudant's souk is different. It’s the sensory overload of a lifetime. The colors! The smells! The sheer noise! I spent ages haggling over a pair of leather slippers (the slipper saga - more later). I'm relatively sure I was ripped off. But hey, they're beautiful, and I needed a story.
- Afternoon: The Snake Charmer (maybe). I wandered into the square and found several snake charmers. Honestly, the whole thing makes me incredibly uneasy! But I'd feel like a proper tourist if I didn't at least watch a bit, so I gave them some money, and watched them play with their snakes. I wanted to throw up 10 out of 10 times, and I quickly changed my mind and ran to the cafe.
- Late Afternoon: The Slipper Saga – Part Deux. Back in the Souk, trying to find the perfect djellaba (a traditional Moroccan robe). The shopkeepers are relentless! But I'm stubborn. We're talking about it for hours. They get tea. I get tea. I try on every color, every size. I find the perfect one, and as I go to pay. I realize I'd lost my credit card. Cue meltdown #2. We managed to sort it (thankfully!), and eventually, I got my djellaba. My wallet got a little bit emptier, but my wardrobe is now infinitely cooler.
- Evening: Poolside Relaxation (with a Side of Overthinking). After all the hustle of the souk, the Riad pool was pure, blissful relief. I spent the evening lounging, pretending to read (I actually just people-watched and eavesdropped on conversations), and contemplating the meaning of life. Then, a full moon, and realizing how lucky I am.
Day 3: The Hammam, the Mint Tea Addiction, and the Departure (Sobbing Anticipation)
- Morning: The Hammam. Let me tell you, the public Hammam in Taroudant wasn't the most luxurious. But it was an experience. I scrubbed, I steamed, I emerged feeling cleaner than I've felt in years. The experience was slightly mortifying, and my hair was a mess, but I actually loved every second.
- Afternoon: The Mint Tea Conspiracy. I'm officially addicted to mint tea. It's a problem. I've been drinking it all day, every day, since I arrived. I'm pretty sure the staff at the Riad are secretly adding something special to it. Either way, I don't care.
- Late Afternoon: One Last Rooftop Sunset. I spent my final hours on the rooftop again, watching the sun dip behind the Atlas Mountains. It’s a moment like this that makes you appreciate the simple things. The air was still, the colors were extraordinary, and I allowed myself a single, perfect thought: "I'm going to miss this."
- Evening: Departure. Saying goodbye to the staff at Riad Jnane Ines felt like saying goodbye to family. The drive to the airport was a blur of mixed emotions – elation, sadness, and the overwhelming feeling that I'd left a piece of my heart behind. I'm already planning my return. Be warned, Taroudant. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing extra space in my suitcase for more slippers…. and maybe a case of mint tea.
Imperfections, Rambles, and Other Tidbits:
- I ate a questionable street food kebab. Will I regret it? Probably.
- I took a wrong turn and ended up in a very… interesting part of town. Let's just say, it's an experience I won't soon forget.
- The Wi-Fi at the Riad was spotty. Thank God, actually. It forced me to disconnect.
- I accidentally used the word "fetch" in a conversation. I blame the heat.
- I miss my dog. (Always.)
- This trip was everything. And then some.
So there you have it: my utterly imperfect, possibly incoherent, and definitely over-the-top travel "itinerary". Remember, the best travel stories are the ones you don't plan. They're the ones that blindside you with beauty, challenge you with chaos, and leave you craving more. And Riad Jnane Ines, you absolute gem, did just that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go book my next flight.
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So, what *is* this Riad Jnane Ines thing anyway? Sounds fancy.
Okay, deep breath. Riad Jnane Ines (try saying that five times fast after a Moroccan mint tea) is basically a traditional Moroccan house, a *really* pretty one, converted into a hotel. Think: courtyard, fountains, intricately carved doors, and enough Instagram-worthy tiles to give you aesthetic whiplash. It's in Taroudant, which is like... the less-touristy Marrakech. Think of it as the chill cousin. And yeah, it's fancy. In a good way. Though, let's be honest, sometimes *too* fancy. Like, I felt underdressed for breakfast by the pool. Me! And I live in jeans!
Taroudant... Why there? Is it worth the trek? (Because, let's be real, Morocco is a *trek*.)
Oh, *absolutely* worth the trek. Taroudant is the real deal. It's got these amazing ramparts (city walls) that look like they're straight out of a fairy tale. And the souks! Forget the pushy vendors of Marrakech. These guys are, for the most part, friendly and just… trying to make a living. Plus, fewer selfie sticks. Bonus! I’d gone to Morocco expecting the chaotic noise, the constant hustle. And yeah, there's *some* of that. But Taroudant felt… *slower*. Saner. I actually managed to find a quiet corner and *read a book*! A whole book. I haven’t done that since… oh god, pre-pandemic, probably. Plus, it's close to the Souss Massa National Park which is a haven of birds and what looked like almost empty beaches - *almost* empty… like my soul after a week stuck in London.
Okay, sold on the location. But what's the *vibe* at Jnane Ines? Is it all hushed whispers and Michelin-star meals? (Because my budget is more "instant noodles" than "Michelin-star.")
Okay, the vibe… is… complicated. It *is* luxurious. The courtyard is stunning. The pool is Instagram-able (a word!). The staff are lovely... in a very, very attentive way. Sometimes *too* attentive. Like, I went to retrieve a rogue orange from the breakfast selection, and suddenly, I had three staff members hovering offering to assist. It was… intense. And the rooms! Heavenly. But honestly? The hushed whispers thing? Yeah, that’s kinda true. It's more of a 'respectfully enjoy your mint tea' kind of place than a 'belly laugh at the top of your lungs' place. Which, after a day wrestling with the Souk market, was kinda nice. But let's be honest, sometimes I just want to sprawl on a sofa and burp… and that's *not* the Jnane Ines vibe. The food *is* good, but it's definitely not “instant noodles” cheap. Plan to budget for some nice meals, or at least some bread and olives... and find them in the souks - its cheaper and more fun!
Speaking of food, what's the grub situation? Tagines galore? (Because I'm *here* for the tagines.)
Oh, honey, you're in the right place for tagines. They're *everywhere*. At Jnane Ines, they do a gorgeous one. And breakfast? Oh, the breakfast. Freshly squeezed orange juice (heaven!), crusty bread, various jams… You'll be in carb heaven. And the olives! They have the most amazing olives. Seriously, I think I ate my weight in olives. There was a gorgeous evening dinner, a lamb tagine that quite literally sent me to the moon, served almost in silence, looking over the lit up city. It was glorious, but it felt a little forced, you know? Like they were trying *too* hard for a certain level of perfection. I'm not saying I want burnt toast, but a little imperfection is okay… I'd have happily sat with my feet up and a plate of cold fries any day.
What about the rooms? Are we talking cramped, musty, and "charming" (aka: dirty)?
Absolutely not. Forget cramped. Forget musty. We're talking spacious, beautifully decorated, and *spotless*. My room had a massive bed, a ridiculously luxurious bathroom, and a balcony overlooking the courtyard. It felt like a palace. Even the 'basic' rooms (which aren't really basic at all) are gorgeous. The only potential "downside"? My room *did* overlook the pool, and the laughter and splashes of other people sometimes kept me awake. But, seriously, who am I kidding? That was the best way to be kept awake: the sound of fun! You might get your room in the heat of the air conditioning, and wish it had been a little more… rustic. But the overall feeling is like you’ve been magically transported to another time and place. And with a perfectly functioning air conditioning!
Can I get a massage? Because, after a day of haggling in the souks, my shoulders will be screaming!
Yes! They have a spa! (See? Luxurious!) It’s small, but perfectly formed. I got a massage, and… okay, it was heavenly. The masseuse, ah… she worked wonders. I emerged feeling like a new woman. Butterflies where there had been knots. But I'm going to be honest with you... while I enjoyed it, it wasn't a "cheap, get-down-and-dirty massage". It was very… refined. I prefer a good old-fashioned, rough and tumble rub-down. But hey, if you’re after pampering, the spa is fantastic. Just be prepared to feel like you're in a scene from a Bond movie. *Very* smooth, *very* relaxing, and *very* likely to make you feel like you owe your therapist your firstborn child. (Kidding… mostly.)
What's the *best* thing about Riad Jnane Ines? Lay it on me.
Okay, this is where I get all sentimental. The best thing? The courtyard. The *courtyard*. That oasis of calm. Picture this: sunshine dappling through the leaves. The gentle burbling of the fountain. Lying on a sun lounger, sipping mint tea, and feeling the world melt away. Honestly, I spent *hours* just staring at the details – the intricate carvings, the colorful tiles, the way the light played on the walls. It was pure bliss. It’s easy to fall asleep, and the air is pure and sweet. It's far better than the noisy city streets. Just be prepared to want to stay *forever*. Seriously, I almost missed my flight because I *couldn’t* leave. I mean, I did. I got on the plane. But I reallyUnique Hotel Finds
