14 Best Riad’s in Marrakech
Marrakech is a magical city well worth getting to know. And what better way to become acquainted than to stay and mingle with locals in the middle of all the excitement and chaos? The riads of Marrakech often times resemble authentic and charming family homes. Many of contemporary riads are restored and designed by world-known architects who love to maintain the main characteristic of the spaces while adding touches of contemporary design. We’ve handpicked our favorites to make sure you have an unforgettable trip to Marrakech.
#1
Riad Mena + Beyond
70 Derb Jdid
Riad Mena is a serene and spacious Riad situated in the heart of the Medina with beautiful rooms, plant-filled courtyards and a country outpost. For those who yearn for a piece of quiet while traveling, just forty-five minutes away in the Ourika Valley is the Riad Mena & Beyond’s two-acre permaculture farm. While the riad is the creative city-stay, capturing the inspiring and international essence of Marrakech, the farm is the counterbalance to this, allowing guests to spend the day or some nights away from the bustle of the city.
#2
Snan 13
Medina
Light, water and night are three leading symbols that are central in the design of riad Snan13. While sitting on the patio, you can admire views on the city’s medina, the sunset, Koutoubia’s mosque or Dar el Bacha’s Palace. This boutique riad hotel is located in Mouassine, the oldest neighbourhood of Marrakesh.
#3
El Fenn
Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 2
Restored by curator Vanessa Branson, with carefully chosen art pieces from Batoul S’Himi and Terence Donovan, this majestic place is a definite crème de la crème. Lush gardens, marble swimming pools, and organic gardens with songbirds chirping – perfect environment to unwind and have a glass of wine or just sit down and do nothing.
#4
Dar Darma
11/12 Derb Tarik Sidi Bouharba
Intimate, elegant and low-key – That’s Dar Darma in a nutshell. Enjoy the patio, swimming pool, hammam and terrace with extensive views. Reserve a massage or “gommage” to make the relaxing time away from home complete. Dishes prepared by Dar Darma’s cook Maria include: harira soup, meat or vegetable tajines and some other typical platters.
#5
Riad Edward
Derb Merstane, 10
Formerly a home to the relatives of Morocco’s ruling family, Riad Edward is now one of the top riads of Marrakesh. It was restored by its English owner, but some of the pieces remained, for example carved cedar ceilings, local artefacts and rugs.
#6
Riad Noire d’Ivoire
Derb Jdid
If you wish to sleep under the stars or have an idyllic dinner outside, do not think twice, this is your riad. Attention to details seems to be its trademark. Sumptuously tasseled drapes, Moroccan ornaments, and carved in wood designs make the picture complete.
#7
Riad 72
72 Arset Azwel Bab Doukkala
This intimate and sophisticated Riad with only 4 rooms boasts a truly brilliant combination of traditional Moroccan hospitality and Italian flair. Clean lines, minimalist decor, and sleek furniture set Riad 72 apart from other traditional guest houses. The solarium terrace offers great panoramic views of the whole Medina in addition to its peak location, which can’t be beat.
#8
Riad Fes
5 Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana Fès
A subtle mix of Andalusian sumptuousness and Moroccan art de vivre, the Riad Fès reflects its prestigious past and the refined civilisation to which it belongs. This majestic palace is an authentic example of Hispanic-Moorish architecture, boasting four harmoniously styled patios, sculpted doors and zelliges on the walls, stucco arcades and marble basins.
#9
Riad Les Yeux Bleu
N° 7 Derb El Ferrane, Rue Fatima Zohra, Bab Doukkala, Medina
You will find this Marrakesh boutique riad just 10 minutes walk from the square of Jemaa el Fna. 8-bedroom Riad Les Yeux Bleus will not make it easy for you to get to know the city of Marrakesh. It has a lot to offer: two patios – one with a swimming pool, the other one featuring a stylish marble fountain – a library, a hammam, and a roof terrace with a bar.
#10
Riad Kaiss
Derb Jdid
Rebuilt by designer Christian Ferre, this luxury boutique hotel is combines Moroccan with modern French style in a wonderful manner. Many ravel about the suite on the roof, which has its private terrace. 9 rooms and suites are appointed to different types of travellers.
#11
Riad Madani
64, Derb Moulay Abdelkader
Step into XIX-century residential palace with its 1000 m2 patio. Riad Madani has 15 luxury rooms at your disposal, 6 of which surround the patio. Moorish architecture prevails, but not only. Collection of Chinese paintings, prints of Picass, and shields from Papua New Guinea are just some of the examples of pieces of art that can be found on the walls of the riad.
#12
Riad L’Orangeraie
61, Rue Sidi el Yamani
Two French brothers restored this neglected space, which before belonged to Marrakech’s influential Tigani family. Nowadays, L’Orangeraie is a boutique hotel with 7 rooms and suites, all carrying the names of local spices and colors, and 2 extensive patios. On one of them guests can relax listening to the sounds of the fountain and enjoying the scent of aromatic plants. The other one comprises a mosaic swimming pool and hammam.
#13
Riad Les Cigognes
108, rue de Berima, Medina
A sister property of Riad Kaïss, Riad Les Cigognes also belongs to Sansoucci Collection. Situated in the Palace Quarter, it was transformed by world-known architect Charles Bocarra into an exquisite 5-star boutique. Dar Les Cigones means “House of Storks” and it was named after the birds that perch on the elevation of the Royal Palace of Hassan II located opposite the riad.
#14
Riad Awa
Der Hajra
Located just next to the Royal Palace, Saadian Tombs, Bahia and Badi palaces Riad Awe is an attractive and convenient place to stay. On the terrace, comprising of 2 levels, you might enjoy the views over the Atlas Mountains. Back on the ground floor there is a hammam and a massage room.
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