When people think of Morocco, Marrakech often comes to mind first. Known for its exotic allure, this city offers a captivating experience, particularly when wandering through the nearly 3-square-mile medina filled with winding alleyways and historic gates. Accommodations in the medina are typically riads—centuries-old homes restored and centered around serene courtyards. Over the past decade, riads have gained popularity as both locals and expats have renovated these properties for tourism.
However, finding riads that can be booked using points and miles is a challenge. A notable exception is **AnaYela**, a member of Marriott Bonvoy’s Design Hotels collection. With its stunning design and glowing reviews, AnaYela seemed like a dream stay. I eagerly booked it for a visit to Marrakech last year, but my experience ultimately fell short of expectations.
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### AnaYela Marrakech: A Mixed Experience
While many travelers rave about AnaYela (as evidenced by its glowing [TripAdvisor reviews](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293734-d943466-Reviews-AnaYela-Marrakech_Marrakech_Safi.html)), my wife and I found it underwhelming. The riad is undeniably beautiful, with its intricate decor and a strong commitment to women’s empowerment, but after three nights, we were ready to leave.
#### The Room
We stayed in a Superior room on the courtyard level, which was small (about 260 square feet), narrow, and dimly lit. The thin sliding glass door and curtain separating the room from the courtyard offered little privacy or sound insulation, making it noisy. While the decor was charming, the room’s layout felt cramped—so narrow that I could touch both walls while lying across the bed.
#### The Rooftop
The rooftop, though visually appealing, was not fully functional during our stay. Furniture was covered to protect it from cats, and using the space required staff assistance to uncover and prepare seating. This made it less convenient to enjoy.
#### Service
The staff was warm and friendly, but service execution was inconsistent. At times, it was difficult to find someone to assist us, and a few of our requests were overlooked. On one occasion, we had to call the hotel from our mobile phone to get a response.
#### Location
AnaYela is located in a quieter, more residential part of the medina, about a 30–40 minute walk from the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square. While we appreciated being away from the chaos, the location may feel inconvenient for some, especially at night when the area is less touristy and more local.
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### Pricing and Value
– **Cost**: We redeemed an average of ~43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for a three-night stay. Award rates range from ~30,000 to 46,000 points, with a three-night minimum. Cash rates typically start at €220 (~$225 USD) per night.
– **Value**: The redemption value hovers around 0.5 cents per point, which is below the [average valuation of 0.7 cents per point](https://frequentmiler.com/reasonable-redemption-values-rrvs/). While cash rates are high for the medina, the experience didn’t feel superior to other riads we’ve stayed in.
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### Amenities and Dining
– **Breakfast**: Breakfast was not included for award stays (a surcharge applied), though it was complimentary for cash bookings. The food was freshly made but repetitive, and eating in the courtyard often felt awkward since it was right outside other guests’ rooms.
– **Dining**: AnaYela offers a three-course dinner in the courtyard or on the rooftop (for an extra charge). At €50 per person, it’s pricey compared to local restaurants. We opted to explore dining options elsewhere.
– **Facilities**: The riad lacks a spa, fitness room, and parking. However, staff can arrange visits to nearby hammams.
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### Marriott Elite Benefits
As a Design Hotel, AnaYela offers limited Marriott elite benefits:
– **Room Upgrade**: None.
– **Free Breakfast**: Not guaranteed for award stays.
– **Late Checkout**: Not available, though they offered to store our bags.
– **Welcome Amenity**: Tea and biscuits were served during check-in.
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### Pros and Cons
#### Pros:
– Beautifully restored property with striking decor.
– One of the few riads in Morocco bookable with points.
– Warm and friendly staff.
#### Cons:
– Small, narrow, and noisy rooms.
– Inconvenient location for some travelers.
– Subpar value for points redemption.
– Inconsistent service execution.
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### Final Verdict
Would I stay at AnaYela again? Probably not. While the property is undeniably beautiful, the overall experience didn’t justify the cost—whether in points or cash. That said, many travelers seem to love it, so it may still appeal to those seeking a unique riad experience in Marrakech.
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### Image Gallery
#### Deluxe Double Room
*The room’s narrow layout felt cramped.*
#### Welcome and Breakfast
*Guests are greeted with tea and sweets upon arrival.*
#### Courtyard and Public Areas
*The courtyard is stunning, but noise travels easily to the rooms.*
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For travelers looking to use Marriott points in Marrakech, AnaYela offers a rare opportunity to stay in the medina. However, for those prioritizing comfort, convenience, and value, there may be better options available.
Source: frequentmiler.com