Riad Tanja

Riad Tanja is a boutique guesthouse on Zankat Amreeka (Rue d'Amérique) at the edge of the medina and the Ville Nouvelle in Tangier, northern Morocco. The position allows guests to walk to the Grand Socco, the Petit Socco, the Kasbah and the cafés of the new town, with the port and Tanger Ville station a short taxi ride away. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house arranged around an inner courtyard, and this property follows that model, offering a quiet, enclosed space away from street activity, with decorative tilework, carved woodwork and Moroccan lamps typical of the style. Accommodation is provided in Double Rooms and Family Rooms, which makes it suitable for couples and small families, and WiFi is available. Breakfast is included in the rate and is usually served in the courtyard, with Moroccan breads, msemen, jams, eggs, olives, fresh juice and mint tea. The property is small, so there is no pool, spa or fitness centre, and any additional dining is arranged through the host or found in nearby restaurants serving fish, tagines and Spanish-influenced dishes that reflect Tangier's history. Service is personal, with hosts able to arrange transfers, guided medina visits and excursions to Cap Spartel, the Caves of Hercules, Asilah and Chefchaouen. Rates of roughly 500 MAD in low season and 900 MAD in high season give good value for an intimate boutique stay. The atmosphere suits travellers who want local character and a calm base rather than large-hotel facilities. As in most riads, staircases are narrow and rooms are limited in number, so reservations in spring and summer are advisable. Directions are best confirmed in advance because some lanes in the area are hard to navigate by car.