Riad Nerja Hotel

Got a taxi to go to the hotel and we were told by the driver he cannot go all the way there and we needed to walk for 10 minutes but if we phone the hotel they should come and meet us and carry our items of luggage. I thought this was strange why he could not go there but then realised afterwards why. It was a narrow pathway, an isolated alleyway which vehicles cannot go through. I called the hotel number, but it was the wrong number! It wouldn't ring! As we pulled up to what looked like the slums of the neighbourhood we followed our Google map (GPS as they call it, and thank god we bought a sim card with data). The path was like a maze. Some local kids surrounded us. Asking us where we are going, and they can help. We refused. But they stuck to us like glue as to them we were a walking atm. As we walked in the heat I had this dreadful feeling that I cannot be walking to and fro like this in this dangerous area for the rest of our stay and being followed everyday day by the local kids. Nor did it look safe coming back to the hotel in the evenings as I didn't see any street lights. The place looked like the slums. Still, I thought I might get surprised. Don't judge by looks. The kids guessed we were going to that particular hotel and started guiding us when we didn't need their help. We reached the end of the pathway to a big door. It looked so ancient and didn't look like a hotel. My heart sank. Boys pestered us for money, and we said we had no cash, and they offered to go atm with us. Knocked on the door, and it felt like we were entering the London dungeon. Everything was so dark and gloomy. We went in and down some steps that looked like a basement... The man whoever he was was nice. We told him about the phone number and he was saying oh it has been changed and he will give us the right number. He told us to take a seat on the sofa, but the place looked so dirty and stained. I looked around, and I just wanted to cry. It was unhygienic and smelly. It was the worst hotel I've been to. I didn't see anyone else at the 'hotel'.I told my partner in my language that I ain't staying here. Let's go. My partner told the man I felt scared here and we couldn't stay. The man tried to persuade us, but I was adamant that I wanted to leave straight away. It was nothing like in the pictures. I guess they used old pictures of the hotel on the website when it first opened up, which is misleading because it certainly does not look like that now. Also, those who put more than 2 stars... I'm sure they are reviewing the wrong hotel??? Needless to say, we briskly walked back down to the same path, discussing plan B and happened to see a cab drop off a passenger. Quickly negotiated a price without sounding desperate and rushed to another hotel, which was x10 better and in a very good location close to all amenities. It was a bad start what seemed like a nightmare however Marrakech was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed the attractions there

My travelling Partner had an unfortunate issue with her passport at customs at Marrakech airport which led to us cutting our trip short, and me arriving at the Riad very late at night. Regardless, when I arrived, the owner was incredibly welcoming and helpful. He offered me food and drinks despite the late hour, and helped me to arrange a taxi back to the airport in the morning, after he had arranged for me to have breakfast, without me even asking. Without the help of the gracious owner of this establishment, I would have been stranded and unsure of how to get back home. My only regret is that we could not spend the whole week here as we had planned. The Riad itself is spacious and clean, with lovely rooms and a great roof terrace. I would definitely recommend to anyone.