Escape to Paradise: Marrakech's Riad Bahia Salam Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Marrakech's Riad Bahia Salam Awaits! - A Messy, Honest, and Absolutely Human Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the mint tea, because, Marrakech!) on Riad Bahia Salam. Forget those perfectly posed Instagram photos – I'm here to give you the real, unvarnished, and slightly chaotic truth. We're talking HONEST feedback, people. This ain't no paid advertisement.
First Impressions: The Riad’s Embrace (and Slight Hiccups!)
Honestly? The entrance is underwhelming. That’s the honest truth. It's in the heart of the Medina so, you wind through these narrow, chaotic streets – a sensory overload of spices, scooters, and the persistent calls to prayer. Don't get me wrong, it's part of the charm, but when you finally find Bahia Salam, the exterior isn’t exactly shouting "luxury retreat." However, the moment you step inside – BAM! It’s like entering a different world. A world of intricate tilework, lush courtyards, and the scent of orange blossoms. Suddenly, the chaos melts away, and a wave of calm washes over you.
Location, Location, Location (and Accessibility Woes)
Finding it is part of the adventure, truly. But this is where the real adventure begins. It’s inside the Medina. This means a major "heads up" for anyone with mobility issues. Accessibility is a definite mixed bag. The Riad itself is beautiful, but I don't think the Medina streets are accessible. From what I noticed, there isn't any lift, and the overall structure isn't tailored to wheelchair access. So, consider this a major point of consideration – if you need total accessibility, this might not be the spot.
The Luxurious Stuff: Pampering and Relaxation (with a few bumps!)
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff. Because, honey, this is where Bahia Salam really shines.
- Spa Oasis!: Seriously, the spa is dreamy. Yes, dreamy! Think Body scrubs, body wraps, massages… they all feel like pure indulgence! I opted for the signature Moroccan massage, and for a solid hour, I just melted into a puddle of aromatherapy bliss. Honestly, best massage I had in months.
- Pool with a View: The pool isn't huge, but it’s gorgeous, especially at sunset. Lounging by the pool after a morning of exploring is the perfect way to relax.
- Fitness Center: It's a basic gym, but its a gym nonetheless.
Stuff You Might Need To Know or Ask
- Internet: Free Wi-Fi is in all rooms! Praise be! It's also available in public areas. I needed to stay connected for work (someone's gotta pay the bills, right?), and it was consistently decent.
- Dining at Bahia Salam
- Restaurants They've got a restaurant with a variety. The menu includes A la carte, there are options for Vegetarian guests.
- Breakfast They have breakfast service, including buffets with International and Asian options. You can get you breakfast in your room also. I adored the breakfast. The orange juice? Heavenly.
- Other things: You can head to the bar, coffee shops, and a snack bar, as well.
The Nitty Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety & All That Jazz
- Cleanliness & Safety: Okay, let's be real. I'm a bit of a clean freak, and I was impressed. They're using anti-viral cleaning products, and the rooms are sanitized between stays. They take it seriously.
- Doctor/Nurse on Call: A nice touch, although hopefully you won't need it.
- Cashless Payment Service : Handy, especially if you're trying to avoid carrying around huge wads of cash.
The Rooms: Your Private Oasis (Mostly!)
Let's face it, the room is where you spend most of your time (unless you're me, who is constantly out exploring!).
- In-room Amenities: You get everything you need: Air conditioning, complimentary tea, a mini bar, a safe, a fridge – the works. The linens are lovely, and the bathrobes are plush.
- The Bed: The bed! It was perfect. I'm a sucker for an extra-long bed.
- Soundproofing: The soundproofing is good. I needed the quiet because the Medina is buzzing around the clock.
- The View: The room I was in has a window that opened.
The Staff: The Heart of the Riad
The staff are genuinely lovely. From the doorman to the housekeeping staff, they go out of their way to make you feel welcome. Their smiles are warm, and they're always eager to answer your questions, offer suggestions, or just engage in a friendly chat.
The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect!)
- The Noise (Medina Life): The Medina is alive, and that can mean noise. Some rooms are more soundproof than others, but If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs.
- Meeting/Banquet facilities: They don't have a large space for many people.
- Pets: No pets allowed (just in case you were hoping to bring Fluffy).
The Recommendation:
Riad Bahia Salam is a beautiful, relaxing oasis in the heart of Marrakech. It’s a splurge, yes, but it's worth it for the experience. The spa is divine, the breakfast is delicious, and the staff is wonderful.
Now, for the emotional part, because that's what you need to truly buy a hotel I think I did fall in love with the place. I adored the spa, the smells, the sounds, and the people. I'm considering going back, but knowing that they don't fully accommodate people with mobility issues.
My Crazy, Stream-of-Consciousness Conclusion
If you're looking for a luxurious, relaxing, and overall stunning experience and you don't require high accessibility, then book Riad Bahia Salam. Go for the spa, linger by the pool, and savor the magic of the Medina. You won't regret it. Just be ready for a sensory overload – in the best possible way!
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3S Hotel Hiratsuka: Your Unforgettable Japanese Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your average itinerary. This is the Riad Bahia Salam Blowout – Marrakech Edition (and a whole lotta existential angst). Prepare for a roller coaster of sensory overload, questionable decisions, and the lingering scent of mint tea. Day 1: Arrival of the Overwhelmed
- 10:00 AM (give or take an hour because, hello, jet lag): Land in Marrakech. Already, my brain is a tangled ball of wires. The heat hits you like a brick wall. And that smell? A glorious mix of spices, donkeys, and something subtly floral that I can't quite place. It's intoxicating. Also, I think I forgot to pack deodorant. Fantastic.
- 11:30 AM: Taxi to Riad Bahia Salam. The drive through the city is a blur of motorbikes, narrow streets, and buildings that look like they've been kissed by the sun for centuries. My driver, a man named Hassan with a smile that could melt glaciers, tries to explain the Djemaa el-Fna square. I just nod, hoping I don't hurl. Travel sickness is a real threat, as I found out in the taxi to the hotel.
- 12:30 PM: Arrive at Riad. Words cannot describe the impact of the Riad! A true sanctuary. The courtyards, the tiles, the fountain… it feels like stepping into a fairytale. The staff (especially Omar at the front desk, bless his soul) greet me with that famous Moroccan hospitality. Suddenly, my anxieties melt.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch in the Riad: A light salad and chicken tagine. It's heavenly. I instantly know I'm going to binge eat for the next week.
- 2:30 PM: Attempt a nap. Fail spectacularly. My brain is still whirring. I might have eaten too much tagine. Or too little. Honestly, I can never tell.
- 4:00 PM: Wander out into the souks. BIG MISTAKE. It's overwhelming. The sheer volume of people, the vendors vying for your attention… it's pandemonium. I almost buy a rug I absolutely do not need. Almost. Learned my lesson about resisting things.
- 6:00 PM: Find a rooftop cafe with a panoramic view of Djemaa el-Fna. Order a mint tea (duh). Watch the sunset. It's beautiful, but also… kind of sad? Like, I'm here, in this amazing place, and I'm still me, filled with the usual anxieties of life back home. Ugh. Existential crisis activated.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at Nomad. The food is delicious, the vibes are cool, but there's a group of very loud tourists next to me, and I'm starting to get a headache. I think I need a vacation from my vacation. Also, the waiter dropped some harissa sauce on me.
Day 2: The Deep Dive (and Spicy Regret)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast in the Riad. Fresh orange juice, crusty bread, and more mint tea. This is the life. Or so I thought.
- 10:00 AM: Cooking class! This is where things get messy, and by messy I mean hilarious. I’m attempting to make tagine again. The Chef is a patient, lovely woman. I’m more of a menace. Chopping onions is turning into a tear-inducing spectacle.
- 1:00 PM: Eat the tagine I (kinda, sorta) helped cook. Pride swells, but it tastes like a fiery bomb. Too much chili, and, for some reason, a lot of cumin. "Spice is the spice of life," I tell myself, while sweating profusely.
- 3:00 PM: Hammadi time at a local Hammam. This is an experience. I can't stress it enough. First, the heat. Then, the scrub with black soap. Then, the… well, you get scrubbed. My inhibitions disappear with the layers of dead skin. I feel transformed. And covered in more mud than I thought possible.
- 5:00 PM: Discover that the spices and oils used for the Hammam have made my hair frizzy and impossible. Immediately regret the whole Hammam experience, but then realize it's one of the most rejuvenating feelings.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a street stall in Djemaa el-Fna. Trying to be brave. The food is cheap, and I may or may not be able to identify everything on my plate. I probably shouldn't have eaten that snail.
- 8:00 PM: Getting my henna done. It's beautiful, the designs are intricate. But now I'm worried about accidentally touching something and messing it up. I spent the rest of the night awkwardly keeping my hands perfectly still. I regret not bringing some gloves.
Day 3: Desert Dreams (and Donkey Dodging)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up convinced I've lost a few pounds (probably from all the sweating). Head to the Riad rooftop for meditation and contemplation.
- 10:00 AM: Road trip to the Sahara! A camel ride, the sun, the sand…. it was truly the most magical experience.
- 1:00 PM: Camel ride into the desert. It’s a lot bumpier than I imagined. And I may have screamed. A lot. Also, I saw a small child fall off his camel. I'm glad that wasn't me.
- 3:00 PM: The Dunes. It's surreal. The sheer scale, the silence (apart from the occasional whinny of a camel). I climb a dune and watch the sunset. This is why I travel. This is why I put up with the dust and the anxiety and the questionable food.
- 6:00 PM: Night in a desert camp. Food, fire, and music under the stars. There are fewer anxieties under the desert stars.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at the camp. Beautiful experience.
- Night: The whole day was worth it for that.
Day 4: Back to Reality (and More Mint Tea)
- 9:00 AM: Back to Marrakech!
- 10:00 AM: Return to the Riad.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and relax.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping. This time, I'm prepared. I haggle like a pro (or at least, I try). I buy a ridiculous amount of stuff I don't need, but hey, souvenirs!
- 4:00 PM: Visit the Jardin Majorelle. The colors! The plants! The peacefulness! It's a haven from the chaos of the city. I could stay here forever (if I didn't have to deal with the other tourists.)
- 6:00 PM: Sunset at a different rooftop cafe. This time, I try to be present, to savor the moment. I still have a slight headache, but I think I'm getting used to the noise. Also, I see a cat. Cats are cute.
- 7:00 PM: Packing. Panic sets in. Did I buy enough souvenirs? Do I have enough clean underwear? Did I leave a piece of myself in the desert? Probably.
- 8:00 PM: Final dinner. I order something familiar, just for comfort. I decide to try the pastilla. It's actually amazing.
- Night: Stargazing.
Day 5: Departure (and the Afterglow of Spice)
- 9:00 AM: One last breakfast in the Riad. I chat with Omar at reception.
- 10:00 AM: Final wander through the medina.
- 12:00 PM: Transfer to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: Boarding. I'm exhausted but also strangely invigorated. My clothes smell of spice, and my head is full memories. I'll always remember this trip.
- Overall: This trip was messy, it was chaotic, it was stressful, and it was absolutely, unequivocally, worth it. I'll be back, Marrakech. I'll be back. Also, I'm definitely bringing extra deodorant next time.
Escape to Paradise: Marrakech's Riad Bahia Salam Awaits! (Or Does it Actually?) Your Burning Questions, Answered (Probably)
Okay, so, Marrakech. Riad Bahia Salam. Sounds...exotic. Is it actually a paradise, or is it just another Instagram filter situation?
Alright, buckle up, because the truth is, paradise is... well, it's complicated. Bahia Salam? It's *attempting* paradise. Picture this: you’re jet-lagged to hell and back after a flight, the air smells of spices and something vaguely… industrial (Marrakech!). Then, you’re herded through the teeming souks, dodging motorbikes and grumpy donkeys, and BOOM! Suddenly, you’re in this oasis. A gorgeously tiled courtyard, a trickling fountain, the promise of mint tea and… and… well, let's be honest, a *lot* of other tourists also trying to find their Zen. It's not a secluded island. It's not Eden. But it's a damn good attempt at a haven. Whether it *feels* like paradise depends on your tolerance for the charming chaos that *is* Marrakech. I'd say 7/10 paradise, 3/10 mild anxiety about getting lost in the medina forever.
The rooms… Are they as gorgeous as the pictures? Because let's be real, online photos can lie.
Okay, the rooms. This is where it gets interesting. The *bones* of the rooms? Stunning. High ceilings, intricate carvings, luxurious fabrics (or what looks like luxurious fabrics – I swear one of my pillowcases might've been slightly… itchy). The *details*? Ah, the details... Let's just say, my shower pressure was…optimistic. Think a slightly drizzly, but very aesthetically pleasing, experience. And the air conditioning? Well, it worked, *eventually*. I spent a good hour my first night frantically adjusting the thermostat and silently praying I wasn’t going to wake up a sweaty mess. Also, and this is crucial: check for ants. Seriously. I may or may not have found a rogue ant convention taking place on my nightstand. But look, the overall vibe? Gorgeous. Just…bring some bug spray and a good book.
The breakfast! I heard it’s legendary. My stomach is already rumbling. Spill the beans (or the eggs, I guess).
Breakfast at Bahia Salam… okay. So, the *presentation*? Magnificent. A colorful spread of fresh fruit, crusty bread, delicious jams. But here's where I get real. The breakfast *itself* was… inconsistent. One day, phenomenal. The next? Slightly stale bread and a questionable omelet. (Side note, I'm pretty sure there was one tiny bug in my orange juice. I chose to ignore it. What else were you gonna do?). The mint tea was excellent, though. Absolutely divine. Worth the entire trip, even the bug, and the sub-par omelet. Just…manage your expectations. And maybe bring a granola bar. Just in case. I'm a worrier like that.
Is the staff friendly? I need someone to help me navigate this chaotic city.
Okay, the staff. This is where Bahia Salam officially redeems itself. Honestly, they were angels. They were unfailingly polite, helpful (even when I butchered my attempts at French or Arabic), and, crucially, *patient*. Getting lost in the medina (spoiler alert: you *will* get lost) and trying to find your way back? The staff were crucial. They arranged tours, gave restaurant recommendations (with honest assessments – "This place? Tourist trap, but the tagine is surprisingly good"). One particularly lovely woman even helped me barter for a rug (I’m a terrible negotiator, and she saved me a fortune). I swear, they were the backbone of the whole experience. They definitely deserve a raise and a long, relaxing vacation. With fantastic breakfast, of course!
Okay, let's talk about the location. How easy is it to get around from the riad?
Location, location, location! Bahia Salam is *technically* well-located. It's inside the medina, a short walk from the souks and Jemaa el-Fna (the main square). However… the ‘short walk’ can be a bit of an adventure. Picture this: narrow, winding alleyways teeming with people, donkeys, motorbikes that seem to materialize out of thin air, and aggressive shopkeepers trying to lure you into their stores. It's exhilarating. It’s overwhelming. It’s… a unique experience, let’s say. The upside? You’re right in the heart of the action. The downside? You might need a guide, GPS, a strong sense of direction, and nerves of steel. I highly recommend downloading offline maps and practicing your 'la shukran' (no thank you) beforehand. And maybe wear comfortable shoes. Trust me.
Any tips for navigating the souks? I’m already stressed just thinking about it.
Oh, the souks. The heart of Marrakech. The place where wallets and sanity go to die... or, you know, find some incredibly beautiful things. My advice? Embrace the chaos. Don't be afraid to haggle (it's expected! Don't pay the first price!), and be prepared to say "no" a lot. Have fun with it! Remember to bring small bills, because that is very very important! If you like something, buy it (but don’t buy the first thing you see!). Don't engage with anyone who gets too pushy. Learn a few basic Arabic phrases (hello, thank you, please, goodbye). And, most importantly: try not to get lost... but if you do, it's okay. You'll probably stumble upon something amazing. Plus, the staff at Bahia Salam will happily send someone to get you.
Anecdote Time: Ugh, I remember getting totally separated from my travel buddy in the spice souk. The smells! The colors! The sheer volume of people! I felt a bit claustrophobic and a man started trying to get me to talk and buy something, I was getting really stressed and then all of a sudden, I saw these AMAZING lamps with the most beautiful lights inside, I got so distracted by the beauty that I forgot about my panic, and totally forgot about my friend. I ended up buying one and I didn't even try to bargain! Afterwards, I felt a bit of buyer's remorse (did I get ripped off?!) but I'm happy I got it - it reminds me of the trip, and a totally chaotic, and beautiful moment.
And the best experience you had?
Okay, this one's easy. One evening, I booked a rooftop dinner. The stars were out, a gentle breeze, the scent of jasmine... it was pure movie magic. But, it wasn't just the pretty view and the delicious food (which, by the way, was phenomenal!). It wasRoam And Rests
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