We were really pleased with our choice of Riad. Le Jardin d'Abdou was beautiful; like an oasis closed off from the rest of the city. When we arrived the courtyard was cool and calm, we enjoyed some tea and watched the birds dancing around the palms. The Riad is 10-15 minutes walk from the main souks and at first we were slightly concerned about walking through a new city, but the area around the Riad is full of families, children playing and tradespeople going about their daily lives. I spoke to the miller and tailor across the street and the carpenter working on a renovation down the road. All the people we met were friendly and welcoming and we felt really comfortable and safe.
Abdel and his team have really hit the mark with their Riad it was not at all pretentious, rather it was charming and understated. We only wish we could have stayed longer, when we come back to Marrakech, (and we will,) the Riad Jardin d'Abdou is going to be where we want to stay.