Riad
Usually small (sometimes too small for optimum comfort in terms of room size and patio space) with, typically, fewer than 10 rooms, a riad is an intimate, characterful guesthouse, built around a peaceful patio with, typically, its orange trees and central fountain, the whole reflecting traditional architecture and decorative ornamentation. In such places one is always aware of being in old world Morocco whereas, in many a large modern hotel, one could be almost anywhere. As riads are to be found, typically, in the heart of ancient medinas, they are ideally located for visits to the majority of local historic sites and other cultural attractions. Given their size, riads offer an exceptional level of personal service and a closer rapport with staff than is usual in large hotels.
Hotel
More professionally managed than the average riad and with a wider range of facilities, large modern hotels invariably offer a bar, restaurant, lounges, pool and a spa. Higher staff numbers than can be expected in riads support a full range of services, often including a concierge function and travel desk, although guests’ rapport with staff tends, inevitably, to be somewhat anonymous. As a rule, hotels provide more space for relaxation in public areas while bedrooms will usually be larger than those of the typical riad.
Les Borjs
In offering the best of both worlds, BK is well able to justify its description as a Hotel-Riad i.e. a small boutique hotel with the intimate atmosphere, character and personal service of a traditional riad. With its 18 rooms it is larger than most riads and is thus able to offer the facilities of an upmarket hotel with lounges, bar, a restaurant open to the public, heated pool and spa with hammam. Cooking classes are also available and a wide range of excursions can be organised. Guests are looked after by a 25 strong team of experienced, friendly and multi-lingual staff assuring a client/staff ratio of one employee to 1.3 residents at full occupancy. Les Borjs is small enough to be intimately exclusive for individual residents but large enough, when booked in its entirety, for private functions such as weddings, business meetings and family reunions. Unlike a majority of riads which are located off the narrow alleyways of the medina, thus relatively inaccessible, Les Borjs stands on a wide thoroughfare accessible to taxis, minibuses and even horse-drawn caleches.
In short, Les Borjs offers the positive advantages of both hotel and riad with none of the drawbacks.