Feedback/thoughts on the trip to Morocco in October 2023 with Michael Gentschy
I actually wanted to sign up for the trip back in 2020, but as you know, corona got in the way. Then the thought of it wasn't at the forefront of my mind for a while. But at the end of 2022, the desire to get to know Morocco came back. And a short time later, Michael's Mountainfloat newsletter arrived with the Morocco travel programme. October was the best time for me, so I signed up straight away. I am very glad that I booked the trip with Michael. Mass tourism doesn't appeal to me (we were three travellers). It was important to me to experience the country and its people as originally as possible. And with Michael's help, I achieved this one hundred per cent. I will never forget the many heart-warming, deeply moving encounters with wonderful people. The completely different landscapes of Morocco (I stopped counting at twenty) constantly amazed me anew. Michael's support during the trip was excellent. We always knew what was next on the programme, but also had the opportunity to deviate from it individually if we wanted to. When we were travelling on foot or in his car, we benefited from Michael's vast knowledge of Morocco's history, traditions and the background to Islam. This made the trip a great, but also exhausting mix of cultural, discovery and hiking holidays for me. And the last few days on the coast were also a little relaxing holiday. There was also a phase in which the poverty, the severe drought, the rubbish and the many ruins threatened to dampen my spirits. However, Michael's enthusiasm for the country and its people was so infectious that this phase soon passed and I was able to appreciate the beauty and special features of the country again. Dear Michael - thank you, thank you, thank you for this wonderful, horizon-expanding trip with you. It will always have a special place in my memories. Best regards Bernhard
Scott – August 2017
My girlfriend and I just completed our four night stay at Riad Michel. We could not have chosen a better place as a base for exploring Marrakech. Michael was very prompt in contacting us to verify our flight information and arrival time. At the airport, we were greeted by a taxi driver (arranged by Michael) who took us into the city. When the street became too small for our taxi, the driver transferred our baggage to a hand push cart and gave us over to another gentleman who led us and his cart down even smaller alleys twisting and turning our way through the city. There was a moment when my girlfriend and I wondered if we were still in the hands of the people we were intended to meet : ) It was an exhilarating introduction to the city. We were both pleasantly surprised as we walked out of a small dark alley, through a strong door and into a very placid and lovely riad - which was Riad Michel. Wow! It is beautiful. Several rooms on the first two floors along with a plunge pool and kitchen on the first. The rooftop terrace offered stunning views of the city as well as a very comfortable sitting/lounging area with beach chairs, couches, pillows, a hose for cooling off in the hot sun, a strong electric fan, and plenty of lanterns, lights and electric sockets (for charging devices). We would spend a great deal of time on the terrace during our stay listening to chirping birds, soaking our feet and sipping juice and water. Another great treat was dinner waiting for us immediately after we arrived late in the evening. This meal was prepared by Lucien, another host who proved an invaluable resource and excellent friend during our stay. The room itself was basic but perfectly suitable. It got a touch stuffy during the day but not so much that I felt compelled to ask for a fan. That would be a good addition for future travelers perhaps. There was a private bathroom and shower with plenty of water pressure and hot water. Again, there were numerous sockets for devices. Another convenience was a locking cabinet for storing valuables. This plus the lock on our room door and the strong door at the entrance made us feel very secure in what can be a somewhat sketchy city. We opted for the "small" 2 euro breakfast each day. It consisted of coffee, mint tea, bread, butter, cheese, two jams, hard boiled eggs, bowls of sliced melons and yogurt. I felt bad because we left so much uneaten. Lucien was also happy to provide a late night jus d'orange and dates snack upon request. He also arranged a delicious local meal for us on the night before we left as there was a large holiday and many places were closed. He was always very friendly, generous and accommodating. Thank you Lucien! Another host at the riad was Reyda - a polite and..
Gisela L. in Dec. 2015
„We had a very pleasant stay in the terrace room of the little riad. Its nice and clean and in the typical Maroccan tadelac style. The quarter in the old Medina is very safe, quiet and proper. Marvellous view over the city of Marrakesh, very good and rich breakfast with excellent coffee and fresh orange juice. Good and fast wireless wifi. The owner gave us a lot of useful insider-informations to get in touch with the real Maroc. He helped us to organize a very interesting individual trip over the high Atlas, the oasis and the desert. They organized very well the transfer from the aerport. Lucien is an excellent cook who knows to prepare delicious african food. This place is highly recommendable and after all the value you get for your money may be one of the best in Marrakesh.“
Magdalena K. in October 2016
We spent our last night in Marrakech in Michael's riad. Lucien welcomed us very kindly serving us tea, bread and olives on the roof terrace. From the upper roof terrace you have one of the best views over the Medina and parts of the Atlas mountains. Breakfast was also delicious (especially the Amlou). Thank you and see you next time, Magda and Philipp
Calvin P. in October 2016
We had a wonderful stay with michaels place! He was not there but Lecien and his friend were both friendly and welcoming. The terrace room was great but a little hard to find, which is expected in this maze like city. Lucein made us breakfast each morning and was never a disappointment. The area is very safe and felt very comfortable returning at night. Its super close to the square but far enough to have a nice nights sleep. I would definitely stay here again the next time I'm in Marrakech!
Ivo K. in October 2016
Michael as he was not there, was a very helpful for our first touch with Morocco (from organizing transport from airport to riad to giving us nice tips and recomendations to trips). Loucine and Simon were a good hosts and guides at the place. Btw. Best tea and breakfast in Morocco!
Carlos T. in November 2016
Michael was a gracious and king host, he made me feel right at home in the Old Medina of Marrakech. Fortunately I had the chance to talk with him and learn form his amazing knowledge of Marrakech, I now share his fascination with this city. I would definitely recommend this to anyone coming to Morocco, it was truly a marvellous experience!
Kara B. in November 2016
We felt right at home as soon as we arrived at Michael's AirBnb. He knows so much about Marrakech and all of Morocco and is very passionate about the country, it's people, food, and sites! He went above and beyond to make sure our stay was perfect. Lucion and Simone also live there and make it even better! They are all extremely great hosts. Breakfast was delicious. Location is great right outside of the crazy square. Great rooftop terrace to watch the sunset. Would love to come back here one day 🙂
Kevin A. in Nov. 2016
Michael was an unbelievably good host. His riad is cosy and comfortable, easy to get to and from the town center, and very relaxing. More importantly, Michael (along with Lucien and Simone) are incredibly friendly - they were more than willing to show guests around town, provide unique local experiences, and were full of interesting and helpful information. They are all so generous and make my stay memorable. Marrakech is one of my favorite cities, largely because of the wonderful people that helped me to discover it. Highly recommended.
Thomas S. in Dec 2016
To make a long story short: We stayed at Michaels riad over my birthday and I can only say that Michael, Lucien and Simo are more than perfect hosts in every sense. On top of that they are three of the funniest and interesting guys we met for a while. Besides their welcoming personalities they literally fulfill every wish that you might have during your stay in morroco. I will not write about the top location of the riad since everything is already said by other visitors. I can only advise you to ask them for an "Upgrade" of your stay...if you plan to visit Marrakesch...they will have an even more fantastic place to stay ready for your visit soon...We have seen it already and we definitely come back in Spring 2017 for our "Upgrade"... Was a pleasure meeting you guys...special thanks to Simo for arranging an inpromptu birthday party on the roof for me 😉 Steffi and Thomas
Silvia C. in Dec 2016
Really helpful, lovely, funny, nice guest. Also Luciene is a great cook and helped me to trade and brought me to their local spice seller. I defently recommend it if you look for a place where you want to feel hat home 🙂
Sarah K. in Dec. 2016
Loved this air B and B! Micheal's riad is really centrally located, beautifully decorated, and really homey. The riad has a roof deck to sit and chat, and the breakfast provided was delicious and local. We found the air B and B very comfortable, and when we couldn't find the entrance when arriving, a staff member found us and showed us the way. Definitely recommend and would stay again!
Bjarke V. in January 2017
It was really nice staying in Michaels Riad. It is a good location if you want to experience the pulse and every day life in the Medina. They were really kind to help us and advising us: Where to eat, what to see, how to and etc., They even helped us finding a place to stay in the city Essaouira. That was very generous of you! Good breakfast and a lovely terrace. thank you!
Jair R. in February 2017
Michael was an extraordinary host, even though I travelled alone in Marrakesh, he was always helping me to get deep in touch with the city. Always giving me some advices, and his house is just hard to describe with words, it's clean, close to the main square, and very comfortable, I always came walking in the night and nothing
Anita C. in February 2017
It was a dream. Perfekt. The riad is beautiful. Very tastefully furnished, freshly renovated and an oasis in the colorful hustle and bustle of the souks. In fact, one can only hear the birds chirping. I was picked up from the airport and safely taken to the riad. For the first time in Marrakech I can only recommend. And then we were welcomed directly and cared for. Michael has given valuable tips and information about the country, people and history. There was great food. At breakfast on the roof terrace you feel really sublime. You get everything you need and more. Hairdryer, heating fan, favorite music, great music, shopping guide, experience in the neighborhood hamam ... Michael and Lucien really looked after us very well. I felt completely comfortable. Our trip to the desert was perfectly organized. We got to know wonderful places thanks to Michaels hints. You can really rely entirely on the organization and just feel comfortable. Michael and Lucien are really great hosts. I will be back.
Neeraj G. in February 2017
Mike's Riad is a little paradise in the middle of Medina. It is exactly as described, and is a good value for money. Mike is a gracious host. Since the Riad is difficult to locate (at least for the first time), he sent a help to pick me up from the Medina, after he called to check my whereabouts. I wouldn't have been able to locate the Riad myself for sure. It was vey kind of him to offer help. Mike also helped me with the places to see in Marrakech. Mike's Riad is a nice way of experiencing traditional Morrocon lifestyle. Riad has a lovely terrace to soak in some sun, with some nice views of the mountains. I strongly recommend his Riad for a lovely stay in Marrakech.
Maisie B. in February 2017
Michael's riad was absolutely beautiful, it was like stepping into a peaceful paradise tucked neatly away in the vibrant heart of the medina. Although unfortunately we did not meet Michael this time we were greeted by Simo who is Moroccan and showed us all we could wish for and more in Marrakesh. The riad is quite hard to find and we should have contacted host prior to arrival to walk us from the main square (this was offered and was our mistake!) Some local boys showed us the way but expected a lot of money as a thank you. DONT MAKE THE MISTAKE OF GIVING THEM LOTS- they can be very pushy! The breakfast was delicious and cheap and set us up the day. If it's a romantic break you are after I would highly recommend, the view from the roof terrice as the sun is setting next to the Atlas Mountains is spectacular! All in all it was an unforgettable experience I will treasure forever and I hope to return in the future !
Linus L. in February 2017
Highly recommendable riad, located in a calmer area in the Medina in a maze among the locals. This makes it a genuine experience and a great getaway from the noisy streets. The room was great, spartainious but with all the necessary things you could request for the price. In addition we had a lovely host, with a lot of insights of the city and also willing to help us with our further travels. On top of that, they offered a huge breakfast for a small price.
Kazue And Bruce I. in February 2017
We had a wonderful stay! The housekeeper, Lucien, was very helpful supplying is with great tips on where to go, and what to watch out for. We also received a surprise welcoming tea, upon arrival! Complemented by olives, fruit, morrocon bread, cheese, etc. The raid its self was pretty, quite and well kept!
Don D. March 2017
If you are visiting Marrakech look no further. Michel was a superb host and arranged taxi pick up from airport which was reliable and cheap. Then Lucien his housekeeper guided us everywhere. We opted for a royal breakfast which was wonderful and not expensive. Thoroughly recommended.
Austin C. March 2017
The riad was close to the main square and all sorts of shops but also far enough so it wasn't too noisy at night. Incredible terrace and welcome tea is included. Michel gave A+ directions on arriving to the riad as the ancient medina is a little confusing at first, but don't doubt yourself! Overall an incredible stay, and I would definitely stay here again!