Mumtaz Mahal

It’s a lovely riad with friendly staff. Natural light comes through from the glass ceiling. Our room was spacious and comfy. The breakfast included fresh strawberries, selection of pastries/bread topped with freshly squeezed orange juice was sublime.

The riad is beautifully ornate and from the outset extremely luxurious- the rooms are spacious, the bed was comfortable and the shower pressure was good. The location of the riad is close and walkable to local restaurants, streets and the beach. However, noise levels were extremely loud. The noise started at 08:00 with cleaners and continued until 22: 45 hours. There was never a point when the riad was peaceful. I appreciate it was Ramadan and a huge religious and cultural celebration. But the staff never addressed loud guests and screaming children. If you cannot bare door slamming BEWARE!!! On one occasion I had to go to reception and ask them to ask a family to silence their screaming child at 22:30 hrs! I appreciate riads echo and have poor sound proofing but this was at times unbearable. When you've committed to stay somewhere for 4 nights, to celebrate a week away- why would you not want peaceful, harmonious surroundings?? The breakfast was so disappointing- considering there was a restaurant in the riad for guests, the options for breakfast was bland. Multiple options of dry bread, boxed jam and a fried egg which is advertised as an omelette. The only pleasant part of the breakfast was the fresh juice. The coffee was poor and luke warm too. On two consecutive days I had to ask for pepper to be put in the pepper shaker, then got gaslit by the waiter who shook it upside down and tried to tell me there was pepper in it!!?? The apathy of staff was very obvious- most looked incredibly bored and tired. This doesn't inspire guests whatsoever.

We both went for a spa. Didn’t stay there. It was impulsively booked after seeing it advertised in the street. I then read the reviews!! However it wasn’t that bad at all. We did have to wait 20 minutes but got free mint tea while we waited. The facilities were clean and opulent. The lady who did both the hamman and massage was pleasant and welcoming. It wasn’t the most vigorous I’ve had but decent enough. My partner had the manicure and was very pleased with it.