IN THE STEPS OF JOSEPHINE BAKER

I recently stayed at the charming boutique hotel Riad Star in the heart of Marrakesh's medina. It was once the home of the famous Jazz Age dancer, civil rights activist and entertainer Josephine Baker, who stayed here in the 1940s while recuperating from illness. Tributes to the star and memorabilia abound in this lovely hotel.

Riad Star has just 13 rooms and its own Hamman, perfect for refreshing scrubs and massages. There is a roof terrace with sun loungers and secret shady corners to escape the heat.

Rooms are individually decorated with silk duvets, statues and Moorish touches as well as modern day essentials including TV and free Wi-Fi. Fragrant orange blossom toiletries feature in the shower room.

Delicious home cooked Moroccan dinner is available and breakfast can be taken on the terrace or in the dining room. The Hotel has its own cookery school where local chefs share their love of traditional Moroccan dishes.

The Riad Star is right in the heart of the medina ideally placed for exploring the vibrant historic areas that make this city so fascinating. 

You could spend days just mooching around the old town’s teeming alleyways and souks and marvelling at its vast palaces and gardens. A walking tour with a guide or a tour of the city by horse and carriage will ensure you won’t get lost, although the Riad Star offers guests the loan of a local mobile phone and its App is invaluable. 

Riad Star is the flagship property of Marrakech Riad which has four character hotels in the old medina district. For best rates book direct online, www.marrakech-riad.co.uk

Room rates at Riad Star from £112 

www. Riadstar.com

Phone: 020 7193 7357

For more information on Morocco see www.muchmorocco.com