Riads — Staying in Marrakech€€
A Riad (Arabic for "garden") is a traditional Moroccan townhouse with a courtyard — and in Marrakech, there are over 1,500 of them converted into guesthouses. Staying in a riad is not just accommodation, but a cultural experience: You sleep behind unassuming Medina doors in rooms with zellij mosaics, cedarwood ceilings, and tadelakt walls (polished lime plaster), have breakfast on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Medina, and are welcomed by a housekeeper who serves you mint tea.
€ Budget (300–600 MAD / 30–60 € per night)
Riad Dar Zaman · Riad Zitoun Lakdim — Charming small riad with 6 rooms, courtyard with orange trees, rooftop terrace. Breakfast included. Simple but authentic and lovingly run by a Moroccan-British couple. From 350 MAD/night.
Riad Laayoun · Derb el-Ferrane — 4 rooms, quiet location in the northern Medina, pool in the courtyard. Excellent breakfast with msemen (Moroccan crêpes) and freshly squeezed juice. From 400 MAD/night.
€€ Mid-range (600–1,500 MAD / 60–150 € per night)
Riad BE Marrakech · Derb Sidi Bouamar — Stylish mix of Moroccan design and modern comfort. Heated pool, hammam, excellent cuisine (dinner by reservation). 5 rooms, personal service. From 850 MAD/night.
Riad Kniza · 34 Derb l'Hôtel — One of the flagship riads since 2002. Museum-like decor with antique carpets, Berber jewelry, and art collection. Restaurant, spa, rooftop terrace. From 1,200 MAD/night.
€€€ Luxury (from 1,500 MAD / 150 €+ per night)
La Mamounia · Avenue Bab Jdid — The legendary palace hotel (since 1923), where Churchill painted and Hitchcock stayed. 209 rooms and suites, 8 hectares of gardens, 4 restaurants, spa. One of the most beautiful hotels in the world. From 4,000 MAD/night.
Royal Mansour · Rue Abou Abbas el Sebti — King Mohammed VI had this hotel built as a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. Each "suite" is its own three-story riad with a private pool. The service staff moves through underground tunnels so as not to disturb guests. From 8,000 MAD/night.
Where to Stay in the Medina?
- Riad Zitoun / Kasbah (South): Close to the Bahia Palace and Djemaa el-Fna. Many good riads, moderate prices. Recommended for first-time visitors.
- Mouassine / Bab Doukkala (North): Quieter, closer to the souks and Jardin Secret. Upscale riads.
- Sidi Ben Slimane (Northeast): The quietest, most authentic — but farthest from Djemaa el-Fna.
- Guéliz / Ville Nouvelle: Modern hotels, pool, air conditioning — but no Medina feel. Good for comfort travelers.
💡 Tipp
Your riad will arrange for you to be picked up from Djemaa el-Fna — most riads are not accessible by car in the alleys of the Medina. Provide your riad with your flight number and arrival time, and someone will be waiting at the square or at an agreed meeting point. The first time, you will NOT find your riad alone — this is normal.
