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Heading to Marrakech to start your Morocco holiday? Great idea! Whether you visit the Red City for the first or tenth time, staying in a traditional Moroccan riad is a great way to experience the city.
Riads are Moroccan houses with an open courtyard and rooms dotted around that courtyard. They are set up in a way to keep cool in Morocco’s very hot summer months. Many have been converted into small hotels these days, most only with a handful of rooms. They usually offer a real home away from home experience and if you want to forgo anonymous hotels during your holidays, staying in a riad is the way to go.
I am introducing you to what I consider the best riads in Marrakech. Of course, all tried and tested by myself and with something for each budget.
Tips for staying at a Riad in Marrakech
There are a few things that are a bit different when you are staying at a riad in Marrakech. Regardless of which riad you choose, here are some tips to make your stay more enjoyable:
- Most riads are located in the Medina, the old town of any given city. Especially in Marrakech that means a maze of tiny alleys and souks – overwhelming if you don’t know where you are going. Ask your riad to organize a pick-up from the airport for you. This will cost you a few bucks more than a taxi but it will be worth it. The driver will drop you at a location close to your riad as cars can’t drive in the Medina. Afterwards, either a porter or staff will fetch you to take you to the riad – perfect if you don’t know your way around yet.
- Get a Sim Local eSIM and/ or download Maps.Me to navigate in the Medina. It doesn’t work a hundred percent, but overall pretty well.
Use code MIDNIGHTBLUE to get 5% off your eSIM - For longer distances, you can get a tuk-tuk in the Medina. Unlike cars, these can drive in the narrow streets. The rides are a bit more expensive but tuk-tuks are driven by men with disabilities, so you are also paying for a good cause.
- There a plenty of mosques in the Medina so chances are the call to prayer may wake you. Take earplugs if you are a light sleeper!
- You can find and book the majority of riads in Marrakech on Booking.com or Agoda. Alternatively, you can book directly on the riad’s website. Different forms of payment are accepted, just check with them beforehand, but most do take credit cards these days. Prices are either shown in Moroccan Dirham or Euro.
- Some riads have rooms with a very open floor plan. This includes the bathrooms. Not every bathroom and toilet will have a proper door, some only have a visual screen. If bathroom privacy is important to you, check before you book what the situation is.
- Most riads have pretty narrow staircases and no elevator. If you have limited mobility, ask for a room on the ground floor, or even better check out Palais Tara & Spa below, one of the few riads with elevator in Marrakech.
- Summers can be brutal in Marrakech – book a riad with a pool and thank me later!
The best Riads in Marrakech – Tried & Tested
Riad Sakkan
While most riads in Marrakech are beautiful and feel exotic when you first arrive, you will notice pretty quickly that some look almost cookie-cutter. Riad Sakkan is a welcome exception. Its motto is ‘laidback luxury’, with sa-kan meaning home or a place to feel good. That said, my home isn’t quite as luxurious, but I am not one to complain when given a suite and told to relax.
Sakkan offers 4 different room categories, and is currently expanding, with each room being individually styled. Even the smallest hideaways start at 20m2 – an already decent size for any riad room in Marrakech. If you want a bit more space, the Signature Suite is 50m2 with a four-poster bed, a copper tub with homemade verbana bath salts, and a bay window overlooking the pool.
If you are braving the Moroccan summer, this pool will be your spot. It is quite big, and there are plenty of comfy loungers, towels, and sunscreen. One courtyard over, you will find a little garden area with couches and a pond with baby tortoises, and on the other side, the in-house hammam and spa.
Another highlight awaits in the form of their roof with various sun terraces, the bar, and the restaurant, where breakfast is served. While the location of Riad Sakkan is close to many restaurants in the Medina, you can also get lunch, dinner, and of course, Moroccan tea here. If you want to venture out, take a look at their website as they share some of their favorite places to shop, eat, and experience all that Marrakech has to offer – expertedly curated, of course!
For those afraid of getting lost, you can ask them to organize transfer from the airport. That said, Sakkan’s location is not only super central, but also convenient. From Bab Lakssour, you just walk straight for a few minutes with absolutely no chance of getting lost. Even though that is usually part of the charm when staying in the Marrakech Medina…
- Book a room at Riad Sakkan here
IZZA
If you are looking for a luxury riad in Marrakech, look no further than IZZA. The new-ish 14-room riad in a quiet part of the Medina has all the charm of a traditional riad but none of the disadvantages. This includes a lot of space thanks to it actually being seven riads connected by three courtyards.
While you won’t lack traditional Moroccan design, the whole interior and concept of “House of Friends” is an homage to interior designer and bon-vivant Bill Willis and his Marrakech entourage. History around every corner, scrumptious Berber rugs and copies of Arabian Nights on the nightstand meet an impressive modern art collection at the Museum in The Medina within the riad. The collection holds over 300 pieces including significant NFTs.
The rooms are little sanctuaries that offer a glimpse into Berber hospitality and give you a feeling of staying in a friend’s house. If you had a very fancy friend that is. Someone who has the coziest bed and linens, soap that smells like orange blossoms, and tiny tarts as a welcome on your nightstand. In addition, modern creature comforts that are not a given in Morrocan riads like fast wifi, hot showers with great water pressure, and a heater unit for winter stays.
Special mention goes to the incredible rooftop restaurant where you can indulge in breakfast dishes far beyond the usual Moroccan selection as well as lunch, dinner, and cocktails. And if you are not a fan of the ubiquous mint tea you will be glad to learn that IZZA’s team makes a mean Americano.
Riad Brummel Medina
Riad Brummel is one of the latest and best riads in the Marrakech Medina. It just opened after their success of Maison Brummel Majorelle and their property in Barcelona. The tiny riad only has five rooms. Google Maps will take you to the door, trust your app as it is as hidden as it gets. Once you walk in you will be greeted by a waft of oud and a cool oasis of tranquility.
There is something about the design that really appeals to me and if you are not keen on over-opulent Moroccan decor, this might be the riad for you. Brass accents, muted colors, dusty rose walls, and simple lines await.
Of course, there is a roof terrace with a restaurant where you get breakfast. You can also order snacks and dinner throughout. The staff will provide you with a beautifully curated map of Marrakech and you can get in touch via WhatsApp if there is anything you need.
My tip: Do take earplugs! While the call to prayer does not bother me, Riad Brummel is not very sound-proof so if people are talking in front of their rooms, chances are you will hear every word.
Kitula Marrakech
Kitula was and still is one of my favorite riads in Marrakech. The setting is just so incredibly beautiful as you feel like you are stepping into a tropical greenhouse full of lemon and orange trees. In the center a beautiful little pool and some loungers, surrounded by tables for breakfast or dinner.
The rooms are on the ground or first floor. I previously stayed at their balcony room which felt like a proper writer’s refuge and has as the name implies its own balcony.
During my last trip, I stayed in Zitoun which I liked even more. Since there is so much greenery, even the rooms on the ground floor feel private and hidden. And can we talk about that “disco-ball”?!
Simo, the manager, is incredibly kind and helpful. To be honest, Kitula is particularly hard to find if you don’t know where it is so I would definitely ask him to meet you at Bab Laksour if you are staying for the first time.
Riad El Aaiun
Riad El Aaiun is the latest addition to the Brummell family, and is located in the north of the Medina. It lacks the classical riad look and instead you will get a bit of 70s chic, a bit art gallery, and a bit lived-in home (of someone really cool). Compared to Brummell, it looks a lot less designed – in a good way!
Each room is individually styled and very spacious. Good air conditioning, soft linens, a strong shower and a bidet in the bathroom, and fast wifi are standard amenities. On the ground floor, you have various sitting areas, including a lounge with a fireplace for winter, and on the rooftop terrace is the breakfast area as well as a small pool.
Breakfast is a true delight and a nice change from the usual Moroccan breakfast spread. Good Americano, orange blossom chia pudding, and eggs à la mode make for a welcome start in the day.
Riad El Aaiun’s location has both advantages and disadvantages. It is very close to the Bab el Ayadi parking, where the staff will meet you. The parking is a very convenient location if you are driving to other parts of town, and it only takes a few minutes to walk to the riad. The Souk el Khemis is also close by. That said, if you quickly want to get lost in the Medina or walk to a restaurant, the location is not for you, as everything is quite far.
Palais Tara & Spa
I came across Palais Tara & Spa in a rather unusual way as my foster kitten Attie lives in front of the riad with her mum. Stray cats are a huge problem in Marrakech, and this one stole my heart, so I took her to the vet. I also made friends with two lovely women who work at the riad and who like cats as much as I do.
On my last day, I went to say goodbye to Attie and also had a look inside the riad. While the location is in a rather dark, small alley (like so many riads in Marrakech, to be honest), the inside is bright and airy. They have various room sizes with something for everyone. Best of all, they are one of the few riads in Marrakech with an elevator! This is a rarity and great if you have mobility issues or are traveling with older or very young family members.
On the top floor, you will find various seating areas with a restaurant, terraces for tanning, and a huge pool. While most Marrakech riads have a pool, this is one of the biggest I have seen. And of course, they have a spa, as the name implies, that is also open to outside guests. If you go, please say hi to my kitten – she looks like a mini-panther and likes to hang out on the motorcycle outside.
Riad Atay
For my last nights during my most recent Marrakech trip, I stayed at Riad Atay. Its location is very central, close to Le Jardin Restaurant, the Madrasa Ben Youssef, and the Marrakech Museum. That said, it is quite a walk from the road by the Dar El Bacha Museum, as you have to loop around to get to the riad. While my sense of direction is quite good in Marrakech, even I got lost a couple of times. Definitely ask them to organize your airport or train station pick-up, as they will also get you a porter to bring you to the riad.
Riad Atay is one of the most beautiful little guesthouses in Marrakesh. I love their clean and simple design with just a few Moroccan touches; clean and modern rather than opulent. Downstairs, you have a lounge as well as a tiny pool, and on the roof, you have plenty of sun beds as well as a shower to cool off.
The rooms themselves are simple but have comfy beds, strong aircon, and very hot showers. One thing to note: there are no locks on the door. While there are cameras in the common areas and the riad is never unattended, I personally didn’t love this fact.
If you don’t mind that and won’t miss a pool, Atay is a great choice as it is one of the more budget-friendly riads in Marrakech and simply beautiful.
- Book a room at Riad Atay via: Booking
The Central House Marrakech Medina
Marrakech riads are beautiful and a unique way to experience the Medina. However, the options are not always cheap, especially if you are traveling in high season.
A great and budget-friendly option is the Central House Marrakech Medina. It is both a riad and a hostel in Marrakech’s Medina. In addition to small private rooms, they have various-sized dorm rooms, both coed and female-only. You can get a bed starting at $20 per night!
They also have a beautiful pool in the center of the riad and a rooftop terrace with a restaurant and sun loungers. The location also couldn’t be better, as you are within walking distance of the Madrasa Ben Youssef and other sights in the Medina.
Riad Di Siena
If you are looking for one of the best affordable riads in Marrakech look no further than Riad Di Siena. It is right around the corner from Kitula and close to Foundouk Gargaa, my new favorite lunch restaurant in Marrakech – a big plus for location.
Admittedly while I was there, it was raining quite a bit so the riad couldn’t really put its best foot forward, but I still liked it. If you have been waiting to meet a dog in Morocco this might be your place as the riad is named after the owner’s Golden Retriever Siena. But don’t worry, they also have a couple of cats…
Rooms are quite spacious with everything you may need including a huge shower/ bathtub combo and yes – a door to close to the bathroom. The latter is not a given in some of Marrakech’s riads.
Breakfast is either served in the courtyard at a long communal table or in the adjacent living room. You get all of your Moroccan breakfast staples as well as sizzling shakshuka. If you want you can also pre-order dinner at the riad.
All in all, Riad Di Siena might not compare to the others in terms of style but with rates way under $100, this is an unbelievably well-priced riad.
- Book a room at Riad Di Siena: Booking
Riad Chambres d’Amis
Chambres d’Amis was the first riad in Marrakech I ever stayed at and it still has a special place in my heart. I even stayed there with my family for my 40th birthday!
Luxurious is not the word to describe it but I love their interior with modern neon accents and small, comfy rooms. While they don’t have a pool in the courtyard, there is a cozy seating area, a lounge with a fireplace, and of course, a beautiful roof terrace.
Rooms are definitely on the smaller side, including the beds but it is still one of the most affordable riads in Marrakech and the service is amazing. You get breakfast and can also pre-book dinner – one of the best meals I have ever had in Morocco – and they have a pretty much never-ending supply of wine.
My tip: I love the location, hidden but super close to Jemaa El Fna. Alas, you will need someone to show you the way. I recommend you ask them to organize an airport transfer for you when you first arrive. A porter will meet you at the taxi and take you to the riad so you can memorize the way.
Le Riad Yasmine
Some of the best riads in Marrakech have made it thanks to Instagram fame, but the OG was definitely Riad Yasmine thanks to a pic that Gypsea Lust shot at their amazing pool.
Honestly, this riad is popular for many other good reasons though. Yes, the pool is especially lovely as are the surrounding murals but there is more. First, there is the Riad’s cat Bowie and its designated lounging spot. The rooms are absolutely incredible, calm and homey at the same time with various sizes to fit all budgets.
Another highlight is their breakfast spread and I really like the location too. You can basically drive right up to the door, not a given for a riad in the Marrakech Medina. And just around the corner is Limoni, a great choice if you are looking for a good pizza or homemade pasta.
- Book a room at Riad Yasmine: Agoda
Riad Les Yeux Bleus
Jewel tones come to mind when I think of Riad Les Yeux Bleus and no, blue is not the only color. If you are looking for a chic riad that seamlessly blends Moroccan design with modern touches, this is the place for you.
Its design resembles a mini version of El Fenn thanks to those pops of color and clear lines but without the price tag. It also has a really big pool (at least for a riad in the Medina) so it is a great choice for a summer holiday. And of course, there is a roof terrace to soak up the rays.
Les Yeux Bleus is located in a part of the Medina that I have really come to love. Close to Bab Laksour and Le Jardin Secret with plenty to explore and see without getting too lost.
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