In the heart of Morocco, Marrakech is THE flagship destination of the Maghreb! With ideal weather all year round, and only a 3-hour flight from Paris, Marrakech is an intoxicating, colourful and warm city that is hard not to fall in love with.
Marrakech has a lot of riads, so much so that choosing one can be difficult. To help you, we have selected some riads in Marrakech according to the following criteria: to be located in the heart of the Medina, to have a swimming pool, to offer a quality service, and to have a decoration which makes you dream.
Staying in a Moroccan Riad
There are many riads in Morocco, especially in Marrakech, which is known as the ‘red city’ because of its distinctive architecture, with red clay walls and ramparts overlooking the medina, the historic quarter in the heart of the city.
The word “riad” means “garden”, but it is also used to designate a traditional house built around a patio or an interior garden. These courtyards, often with a fountain, keep the riad cool in a natural way. Rooftop terraces and a swimming pool often complete the picture, and the layout of these traditional houses provides privacy from the noise of the city.
A stay in one of these typical Moroccan riads offers an authentic experience for your stay, all year round. This traditional accommodation allows you to be greeted by friendly hosts, to have peace and privacy when you want it, and at the same time to be just a few minutes away from the incredible bustle of the city centre.
The best riads are located just a little away from the hustle and bustle of Jemaa el-Fna Square, but are within easy walking distance of all the major tourist attractions, making them a perfect retreat during your stay.
The most beautiful riads in Marrakech
Most riads are located in the heart of the medina, the steep streets of the old town. Most of these traditional urban residences have a terrace or rooftop with a breathtaking view of the city and the magnificent sunsets. They also have a central patio or indoor garden, usually with a small pool to cool off in after a long day.
Sleeping in a riad is the certainty of being in the centre of the city, close to the activities of the souk and the typical restaurants. You’ll fall in love with the lush green gardens and iconic decorations, with their warm colours, patterns and textures.
Riad Yasmine
Riad Yasmine is without a doubt the most famous riad in Marrakech. With its typical Moroccan decoration (as well as its furniture), it is one of the most popular with tourists from all over the world and is one of my favourite riads in Marrakech.
The 485m² establishment is more of a small private hotel than a family riad as it can hold up to 16 guests at any one time. The riad has many rooms on the ground and first floors and some sublime suites. Each suite has its own decoration or colour scheme.
Riad Be in Marrakech
Riad Be in Marrakech actually consists of two riads which are traditional Moroccan private houses connected on the roof terrace. Each riad has its own style. The Oasis is overgrown with plants, patterns and colours, while the Riad Essence is composed mainly of traditional handcrafted woodwork such as doors, with Moroccan tiles in multiple colours. The charm of this riad is undeniable and the Moroccan cuisine offered is exceptional.
Riad Dar Anika in Marrakech
The Dar Anika riad in Marrakech is a luxurious and very intimate riad located at the entrance of the old souk. This riad has 12 rooms decorated with care. Ideal for relaxation, this riad offers a swimming pool and a hammam. You can also enjoy the magnificent roof terrace where you can admire the whole of Marrakech.
The rooms and suites are spacious and carefully decorated. The outdoor spaces are absolutely extraordinary and will charm you for sure.
Riad Berbere
This superb 17th century riad in Kâat Benahid has been restored by the renowned Belgian architect Quentin Wilbeaux. Sobriety and authenticity are the watchwords of this riad: the large, lush Islamic garden has been faithfully preserved, while five minimalist rooms highlight the period craftsmanship and design of the house. This understated simplicity and respect for the house’s architecture is carried throughout, making it a truly tranquil retreat in a dense and atmospheric part of the medina. A dreamy Moroccan breakfast of fruit, pancakes, mountain honey and homemade jam is served on the rooftop terrace or on the room balconies.
Riad Marrakech : Ksar Kasbah & Spa
In the historical district of the Kasbah, a few minutes away from all the cultural monuments, the Ksar Kasbah & Spa appears as one of the riads not to be missed in Marrakech. This traditionally designed riad consists of 12 rooms and a large private flat set in 4 hectares of lush gardens. All rooms include a large desk, a private bathroom and access to the patio with a beautiful small pool. This guest house in Marrakech provides guests with cars and bicycles, ideal for exploring the red city in complete peace of mind.
Riad Azzar
This traditional riad, located a few minutes from Djemaa el-Fna Square, is rooted in its North African heritage. It has just six rooms, decorated with African artwork and a small pool in the patio, surrounded by bougainvillea and bamboo. On either side of the pool are two lounges, one with a fireplace and large French windows, the other with red velvet tables and chairs. The owners of Riad Azzar, Maryk and Cees, a Dutch couple who have lived in Marrakech for many years, will be happy to organise excursions and outings for you to enjoy your stay in Marrakech.
La villa des Orangers
It’s hard to resist the discreet charm of the tree-lined Riads in the Medina. If there is an exclusive and unmissable address, it is this one. The Villa des Orangers is a vast Riad with three inner courtyards, two heated swimming pools and even a small garden. So many refined places condensed and intertwined one into the other and which allow you to feel invited for a moment in an exceptional place. Here, styles, cultures and periods are mixed, club armchairs rub shoulders with “Berber carpets” also known as African or Mauritanian mats.
Riad Dar One
Riad Dar One is located in the Jewish quarter of Marrakech. Although it has the charm of the old riads, it is a very different riad from the others. There are many bright colours (turquoise, aubergine, fuchsia…) and the materials used (marble, leather, wrought iron, tadelakt, velvet, silk…) are diverse but this does not tarnish the decor. On the contrary, everything is in perfect harmony. If you are looking for a place to stay that is full of pep but super cosy, you are in the right place, this one is one of the most beautiful riads in Marrakech in my opinion!
The difference between hotel and riad
Marrakech riads are guesthouses generally located in the city’s medina, which is the “old town”. You can find them in other Moroccan cities.
The rooms in a riad are located around the central courtyard, on two or three floors. They have a central patio or interior garden, often decorated with an ornamental fountain. Some even have a small swimming pool. The decoration is usually composed of mosaics and many plants.
Due to the tourist boom in the city, many riads in Marrakech have been rehabilitated and converted into charming hotels, sometimes a little too modern for my taste.
