Unbelievable Riad in Tangier: Arous Chamel's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Riad in Tangier: Arous Chamel's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Riad in Tangier: Arous Chamel - More Than Just a Hidden Gem (Prepare for Spontaneity!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to gush (and maybe grumble a little) about Arous Chamel in Tangier. Forget the carefully curated travel brochures; this is the REAL deal, straight from the slightly frazzled but undeniably smitten heart of yours truly after a recent visit. This isn't just a review; it's a rambling, honest, and hopefully helpful account of my (mostly) delightful experience. (By the way, SEO gods, here's my attempt at some keywords: Tangier Riad, Arous Chamel, Luxury Morocco, Tangier Hotels, Spa Morocco, Wifi Tangier, Accessible Hotels Tangier, Moroccan Hospitality, Tangier Travel, Riad Review)
First Impressions & Getting There - The (Slightly Chaotic) Charm
Finding Arous Chamel is part of the adventure! It’s hidden away, a little labyrinthine, tucked in the Medina. Think narrow alleyways, the scent of spices mingling with freshly baked bread… pure Tangier magic. That said, accessibility? Let's be real, if you're expecting a perfectly paved, wheelchair-friendly experience, prepare to be disappointed. Accessibility is a definite mixed bag. The narrow streets and uneven surfaces are a challenge. While the riad itself may have some accessible rooms (I didn't personally inspect them, so call ahead!), navigating the exterior is… well, let's call it an experience. The airport transfer they provided was, thankfully, smooth and efficient, whisking me away from the airport chaos to… a different kind of chaos, but a good one! They also have car park [on-site], but good luck getting there in a tank, haha!
Entering… and Getting LOST in the Good Kind of Way
The riad is beautiful. Seriously beautiful. It’s that classic Moroccan style – intricate tilework, a central courtyard bursting with life, and a feeling of hushed tranquility that wraps you up like a warm, fragrant blanket. The front desk [24-hour] staff, bless their hearts, were incredibly patient with my (slightly lost-in-translation-at-times) questions. Check-in/out [express] is available, but honestly, I preferred the slightly slower, more personal approach. It gave me a chance to really take in the surroundings. They really made this experience special. My Room, the moment you walk in, it has that "wow" factor. It has additional Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens
Food, Glorious Food (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Okay, let's talk food. Because, let's be honest, food is a HUGE part of any travel experience. Restaurants are plentiful! The Dining, drinking, and snacking, is top-notch. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. The Breakfast [buffet] was a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Think freshly squeezed orange juice, mountains of flaky pastries, and enough coffee to fuel a small army. I will say, the Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. One morning, a rogue pigeon did attempt to steal a croissant from my table (I swear!). The Breakfast in room service was spot on!
Spa & Relaxation - My Happy Place!
This is where Arous Chamel truly shines. The Spa is a haven, an oasis of calm within the bustling city. The Pool with view is absolutely breathtaking. I spent a glorious afternoon lounging poolside, the sun warming my skin while I mentally composed emails. I opted for the Body scrub and Massage. (Seriously, their masseuses are pure magic!) I had a Body wrap as well, it was heavenly. Don't miss the Sauna and Steamroom. These are the perfect place to relax. It's such a perfect place to take a moment to reconnect with yourself. Pure bliss. Also, Spa/sauna were absolutely amazing!
Connectivity (because, let’s face it, we need it!)
Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! It's a modern convenience, which is amazing.
Cleanliness & Safety - Reassuring Peace of Mind
This is where Arous Chamel really excelled. Cleanliness and safety were clearly a priority. I felt incredibly safe and secure throughout my stay. The Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas were obvious, and staff were clearly trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt safe.
On-Site Amenities and Services - Beyond the Basics
They had a few extras that made my stay a lot easier. Laundry service was definitely helpful. Daily housekeeping kept my room spotless, which was much appreciated. The staff members are trained in the First aid kit, so you're in safe hands.
Things to Do & Explore - Tangier Awaits!
Okay, get ready to be overwhelmed, because there's so much to see! The Concierge could help facilitate many of these.
For the Kids and Family - Not My Forte, But…
While I didn't utilize them, I noticed that a couple of families with kids were staying there, and there were Babysitting service and Kids facilities.
Final Thoughts:
Arous Chamel isn't perfect, but its imperfections are part of its charm. The staff's warmth and attentiveness, the stunning beauty of the riad itself, and the sheer bliss of the spa more than make up for any minor shortcomings. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and immerse yourself in the magic of Tangier.
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your glossy, Instagram-filtered travel log. This is… well, this is me, stumbling through Tangier and hoping to find the hidden gem before I completely melt.
Operation: Riad Arous Chamel & the Tangerine Tango (…Hopefully, Less of a Tango, More of a Waltz)
Day 1: Arrival & the Art of Not Getting Lost (Yet)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Landed in Tangier. The airport? Surprisingly efficient! After a slightly chaotic transfer, I was happily ensconced in the Riad Arous Chamel. This place… it’s stunning. Like, "stumbling-over-your-jaw-droppingly" stunning. Think intricate mosaics, a courtyard that whispers secrets, and a rooftop terrace that promises sunsets I may or may not even capture because i always get distracted… It's already a mood. The first order of business: getting my bearings. My phone, thankfully, is being mildly cooperative - which is a minor miracle.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch. Oh, the Lunch. I wandered out into the labyrinthine medina. Let me tell you, "labyrinthine" is an understatement. It's like a puzzle made of…well, everything. Spices, leather, cats (tons of cats), and enough people calling "Hey, come in, come in!" to make you want to hide in your room. I managed to find a small café (after getting TOTALLY lost) and devoured a tagine. The flavors! The textures! The…slightly frantic feeling of realizing you're the only tourist for miles? Okay, it was a bit much, and next time I will try to be better (my fault again). I bought some dates from a very friendly vendor. Dates, in case you weren't aware, are a solid morale booster when you're staring at the city's walls.
- Evening (4:00 PM - onward): Attempted a rooftop sunset. The Riad's rooftop is breathtaking, but my attempt was a MESS-- i took a terrible picture that I knew was terrible, but didn't want to delete. Saw the sunset anyway, for about 5 minutes, distracted by the view. My first day, so far, has been the perfect mix of chaotic and magical. I feel like i'm going to collapse into bed.
Day 2: The Kasbah, Cats, and a Crisis of Confidence
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, so I decided to be a Responsible Tourist today. Traipsed up to the Kasbah. The views of the Strait of Gibraltar are absolutely breathtaking. The white walls, the blue doors… it’s postcard perfect. Almost too perfect? I don't know, the "perfect" stuff feels a little overwhelming today I had the pleasure, or challenge I should say, of watching a guy trying to sell a hat. I decided to walk towards him and buy one, I guess I'm the guy that falls for this. it was a nice hat, don't knock it 'til you try it.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Cat overload. Seriously, there are cats everywhere in Tangier. Sleek cats, scruffy cats, cats judging you with their superior feline intelligence. I may have spent a solid hour following a particularly fluffy ginger one around. I was also swindled at the market. I know better and I still get scammed, I'm a tourist. I like to think of it as a donation to the local economy.
- Evening (4:00 PM - onward): After getting back to the riad, I ordered a drink and had to make sure I wasn't dreaming. I'm trying to find the line between "authentic experience" and "slightly traumatized tourist." It's a tough line. My biggest fear? The food poisoning. I hope I avoid it. I'll keep you updated on the status of my stomach.
Day 3: The Beach, the Breeze, and a Bit of a Breakdown
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Beach day! Drove out of the medina, I wish there was a beach that I didn't have to drive out of the medina. The water was crisp, even if the beach was a little crowded. I went swimming, though I realized I’m not a great swimmer. Still fun! I got sand everywhere. Eating a pastry, and a wave just threw itself at me, like a salty comedian. This is life, huh?
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a seaside cafe. Ate more food than i should have, but who cares? After all, my only goal is to have fun. Watched the boats dance on the skyline. I'm feeling… oddly emotional. Like, I keep wanting to cry. Is it the travel fatigue? The overwhelming beauty? The realization that I’m a hot mess? Maybe all three. Or maybe it's the bread. The bread is really, really good.
- Evening (4:00 PM - onward): I got back to the riad, and decided to do absolutely nothing. And that was a good idea. Wrote in my journal, drank mint tea, and watched the sunset from the terrace. I feel a little better now. I miss my dog.
Day 4: A Thousand Words (and a Thousand Regrets)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Spent the morning in the old town. I was determined to get a better photo of the Kasbah. I failed. Everything seems slightly askew, like it's viewed through a slightly warped lens. That's the way I am. At a certain point the photo just felt like a chore.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): I decided to try the souk again, and this time, I actually did well! I bargained for a beautiful rug. I can't wait to see how ugly it is! I drank a coffee, and it was perfect.
- Evening (4:00 PM - onward): I went to the hotel and spent the evening looking back on my bad pictures. They might have been bad, but they were my bad pictures. I am leaving tomorrow, so I decided to go for one last dinner. Ate a delicious meal and ordered a taxi back to the hotel.
Day 5: Departure (…and a Promise to Return, Eventually)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last breakfast at the Riad. Said goodbye to the friendly staff. Tangier, you magnificent, chaotic, utterly charming place.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Last-minute souvenir shopping (because I ALWAYS leave it to the last minute). Picked up a few spices. It's not a good idea, but I do it anyway.
- Evening (3:00 PM - onward): Departed from Tangier. The flight was smooth - a stark contrast to the city, and I'm sad to leave. I already miss the chaos, the smells, the cats, and the moments of utter bewilderment. I’ll be back. I promise. Maybe. Eventually.
Final Thoughts:
Tangier isn't perfect. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s sometimes overwhelming, and it'll probably leave you with a few battle scars (metaphorical and otherwise). But that’s also why it’s so damn captivating. Go. Get lost. Embrace the chaos. And for the love of all that is holy, learn a few basic Arabic phrases. You won’t regret it… mostly.
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Okay, spill it. Is Arous Chamel *actually* a hidden gem? Like, is it Instagrammable?
Alright, alright, let's cut to the chase. Instagrammable? Oh honey, Arous Chamel *is* Instagram. It's practically begging for you to throw a kaftan on and pose dramatically in the courtyard. BUT… and this is a big but… it's not just about the photo ops. Honestly, I went planning to curate my feed. I left with a whole new appreciation for old doors and the smell of orange blossom. The pics? They're good. The memory? Priceless. There's this one tile mosaic in the courtyard… I swear I spent a solid hour just staring at it. My partner thought I'd lost my mind. I probably did. In a good way.
What's the vibe like? Is it all hushed whispers and perfect service or something more… real?
Real. Oh, it's real. Picture this: arrived late, frazzled from the medina. You're hot, you're tired, you've probably just been ripped off for a bottle of water. Then you walk through that tiny little door – it feels like entering Narnia! The staff are lovely, genuinely so. But not in a Stepford-perfect way. There was a tiny mishap with the shower in our room (a minor flood, nothing a few towels couldn't handle). They were mortified! But honestly? It was endearing. It's not overly polished, and that's part of the charm. You feel like you're staying in someone's beautiful, slightly imperfect *home*, not a sterile hotel. And that’s what I loved about it!
The rooftop terrace – is it as dreamy as it looks in the photos? Because, you know, expectations…
Okay, the rooftop. Prepare yourself. It *might* be better than the photos. I'm not even exaggerating. Think a tiny hidden garden, a million cushions, and views that stretch across the medina to the sea. We spent one entire afternoon up there, just drinking mint tea (which, by the way, is phenomenal) and watching the sunset. I even… *gasp*… did some writing! Can you believe it? Me, writing! Usually all I manage is a shopping list. Be aware though, those rooftop cushions? They're *very* comfortable. You might get stuck up there forever. I almost missed dinner.
Food! Tell me about the food! Do they have good breakfasts, and is it worth it?
The food… right. Breakfast? Absolutely. Don't even *think* about skipping it. Freshly squeezed orange juice (seriously, the best I've ever had), crusty bread, local jams, pastries you’ll dream about. And the best part? It's all served in that courtyard I mentioned earlier, under the morning sun. It's a feast for the eyes *and* the stomach. Honestly, I think I gained five pounds just from the breakfast buffet. And I have *zero* regrets. One day they gave us a little selection of tagines at our door – it was a beautiful mistake. It wasn't on the menu but, boy, was it good!
Okay, but let's get practical. How's the location? Easy to get around?
Location, location, location, right? Arous Chamel is smack-dab in the heart of the medina. Which means… it's a bit of a maze to find at first. We got lost (multiple times). Embarrassingly so. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Everyone is super helpful. Once you get your bearings, though, it's brilliant. You're steps away from the souks (get ready to haggle!), the Kasbah, and all the action. But because it's tucked away, it's surprisingly quiet and peaceful inside. Best of both worlds! The only downside? The medina's noises… the call to prayer, the cats fighting… It can get a little loud early in the morning, it comes as part of the package!
Anything I should be warned about? Any hidden drawbacks?
Alright, okay, the downsides. Firstly – and this is crucial – the stairs. Lots and lots of stairs. Not ideal if you have mobility issues. My knees were screaming after a few days. Secondly, the Wi-Fi can be a little… patchy, let's say. Think of it as a digital detox. Embrace it! And finally, be prepared to fall in love. Seriously. You might just leave a piece of your heart (and maybe a tile mosaic) behind. I’m half-kidding, half-serious. I’m pretty sure I'm still pining.
So, would you go back? And *why*?
Would I go back? Are you kidding me? I'm actively plotting my return. Why? Because Arous Chamel is more than just a place to stay. It's an experience. It's the feeling of actually being *somewhere*. It’s the smell of incense, the sound of the wind, the sun on your face, the taste of mint tea… It's that *feeling* of being completely immersed in a different culture, a different world. And that, my friends, is worth way more than any perfectly-lit Instagram photo. Plus, I need to get revenge on those rooftop cushions. They almost got me!
Any tips for first-timers, maybe?
Oh, absolutely! Firstly, learn some basic Arabic phrases. Even a "Shukran" (thank you) goes a long way. Secondly, pack light – those stairs again! Thirdly, embrace the chaos of the medina. Get lost, get a little confused, and most importantly, *haggle*! (Start low. Really low!). Finally, and this is crucial: take a deep breath, slow down, and let the magic of Arous Chamel wash over you. Oh, and bring a good book for the rooftop.
Okay, okay. Let's talk about *that* one defining moment. Spill the Tea. What's *the* thing you'll remember forever?
Alright, alright. Fine. I'll tell you about *the thing*. The one that will forever be etched into my memory. It wasn't the sunset, beautiful as it was. It wasn't the breakfast, delicious as itUnbelievable Ooty Getaway: FabExpress SRJ Thaneesh Residency Awaits!
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