The 10 most beautiful riads in Marrakech

Marrakech means "land of God" in Berber, one of Morocco's official languages. But the city has inherited another name because of the ochre colour found on all its walls: the red city. The walls are covered in it, giving Marrakech a natural sepia filter. Good vibes emanate from its endless alleyways and the pleasant smells emanating from the houses and street vendors. The souk, a Moroccan market selling a thousand and one products, is a meeting place for locals and tourists visiting the citadel. In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, you'll find some typical and... absolutely peaceful accommodation. Small riads are traditional Moroccan dwellings inherited from the Arab-Andalusian period. Square in shape, these typical houses are arranged around a patio. Some offer breathtaking rooftop views, while others offer traditional massage services to help you relax.

The courtyard of a typical riad in Marrakech, Morocco.

- ©ZCphotography/Shutterstock

1. Riad Dar K: the most bohemian of all

Nestling in the heart of the old town, this riad is an excellent choice for a place to stay in Marrakech. It is just a few steps from the medina and souk, the old Koranic school, the Ben Youssef medersa, and close to Jemaa-el-Fna square. The advantage of staying at this establishment is that you can explore the centre of Marrakech quickly.

©Riad Dar K / Booking.com

This riad is tastefully decorated. The choice was made to use noble materials and natural tones, all in a very refined Berber style. It is magnificent. All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom with hairdryer and free toiletries.

©Riad Dar K / Booking.com

The rooms open onto a pretty patio with trees and a pond. The charming staff welcome guests 24 hours a day. Airport transfers can also be arranged. There is a restaurant on site where you can order typical Moroccan dishes. As a little bonus, the hotel has a roof terrace with a lovely view of the city.

Riad Dar K Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad Dar K

A refined decor and comfortable rooms for a relaxing stay in the red city.
9 Fabulous
From
£137 / night
Book

2. Riad l'oiseau du paradis: the most welcoming

A lounge bar, a water park, a library and the sound of a running fountain... Welcome to the Bird of Paradise, a riad that lives up to its name given the high standard it offers. It is ranked as one of the best places to stay in Marrakech. A true paradise with ochre highlights, the local colour.

©Riad l'oiseau du paradis / Booking.com

With its 14 rooms individually decorated in a traditional Moroccan style and accessorised with beautifully carved furniture and a few colourful touches, everything has been thought of to ensure you have a pleasant stay. Each room has a private bathroom, a sitting area and free Wi-Fi access.

©Riad l'oiseau du paradis / Booking.com

Situated a stone's throw from the Medina, the hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the souks and 10 minutes from Jemaa-el-Fna square. We are welcomed with mint tea by the pool... Breakfast is also available on site. The highlight of the show is a little higher up, where sun loungers are set up to enjoy the view of the red city and the warm sun!

Riad l'oiseau du paradis Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad l'oiseau du paradis

A riad full of charm, where the staff play an important role.
9.4 Fabulous
From
£84 / night
Book

3. Riad les Bougainvilliers: the most traditional

Set in an immaculate white setting, this riad is decorated in the finest Moroccan tradition and with great taste. Handcrafted zellige, beautiful oriental doors and a lagoon-blue pool set the tone for this beautiful establishment. In the evening, the pretty traditional lanterns are lit to subdue the atmosphere, giving it an air of a thousand and one nights.

©Riad les Bougainvilliers / Booking.com

As well as the stylish decor, the staff are attentive and welcoming. A set of tables and deckchairs are laid out on the hotel's terrace, so you can enjoy a moment of relaxation just a few metres above the red city.

©Riad les Bougainvilliers / Booking.com

The riad enjoys a strategic location in the heart of Marrakech, 2 minutes from Jemaa-el-Fna Square. The Bahia Palace is a 5-minute walk away and Marrakech-Menara airport is 6 km away.

Riad les Bougainvilliers Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad les Bougainvilliers

Central accommodation with beautiful spaces and attentive service.
9.2 Fabulous
From
£100 / night
Book

4. Riad Agathe: the most intimate

With its 8 rooms, this riad is a soothing little cocoon far from the hustle and bustle of the red city. A pretty fountain adorns the patio, giving off a relaxing rustle. A lounge with a fireplace is available for cooler nights, as is a WI-FI connection for keeping in touch with the outside world.

©Riad Agathe / Booking.com

The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, heating, a small lounge and a private bathroom. In the bathrooms with shower, a "rain effect" shower head has been installed for total relaxation, even in the bathroom. Some rooms have a bathtub, always in an elegant and sober decoration. Toiletries are provided free of charge.

©Riad Agathe / Booking.com

A maid service is available every day. Other services are available on request, including the loan of cots and theorganisation of excursions and guided tours. If you rent a car, you can park in the nearby public car park at an additional cost.

Riad Agathe Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad Agathe

A great place to stay in the imperial city.
9.3 Fabulous
From
£85 / night
Book

5. Riad Assala: the most typical

Located between Dar El Bacha and Place Jemaa-el-Fna, Riad Assala is ideally placed for exploring the Medina and Moroccan markets. The house opened its doors and has been welcoming visitors since 2003, with its sumptuous decor and two patios. A swimming pool has been built in the more recent patio, while the older patio has preserved the carved details dating back to the 17th century by the master craftsmen of the time.

©Riad Assala / Booking.com

The establishment offers a selection of duo rooms with a double bed or two separate beds and some suites. All rooms have a view of one of the two patios and include a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer.

©Riad Assala / Booking.com

This riad's little bonus is undoubtedly its traditional hammam, which will complete your experience of the establishment. Breakfast can be served in the dining room or on the lovely outdoor terrace. Additional services are available on request, such as lunch preparation, a massage or ordering a taxi.

Riad Assala Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad Assala

A welcoming establishment in the traditional style of Marrakech.
9.2 Fabulous
From
£67 / night
Book

"Treat yourself to the comfort of being pampered in an atmosphere just like at home, thanks to the dedication of Fatima, Kabira, Mustapha and Ahmed, for whom you become the most important people". "

Lala Fatna

6. Riad Dar El Souk: the most bucolic

This riad is located in the Zitoun Kedim district, just a short walk from Jemaa-el-Fna square. Marrakech-Menara airport is a 19-minute taxi ride away and Marrakech train station is 10 minutes away. The building features a beautiful tiled patio with a deep pool and lush vegetation. Wi-Fi internet access is available in the hotel's public areas.

©Riad Dar El Souk / Booking.com

The rooms are decorated in a traditional style, with a strong emphasis on colour. Warm tones have been used along with oriental style furniture. Each room has its own wardrobe and en suite bathroom.

©Riad Dar El Souk / Booking.com

A roof terrace overlooks the accommodation. Inside, the oriental ambience dominates, with four-poster beds adorned with curtains in local colours and pretty flower pots. The restaurant's kitchen serves typical Moroccan dishes and offers an international selection. Every morning, breakfast awaits those with a sweet tooth.

Riad Dar El Souk Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad Dar El Souk

A plunge into the heart of the medina, just a few minutes from Place Jemaa-el-Fna
9.2 Fabulous
From
£86 / night
Book

7. Riad Farhan: between sobriety and tradition

This establishment is located in the sought-after Dar Basha district, right in the heart of the medina. It enjoys immediate proximity to the local souks and allows guests to immerse themselves in the culture of Marrakech from the moment they walk through the door. Rebuilt in 2014, it has been redesigned to welcome travellers in a luxurious space with a swimming pool set in an elegant, flower-filled courtyard. Bougainvillea and palm trees have taken up residence here.

©Riad Farhan / Booking.com

You will be greeted in a friendly atmosphere by attentive **, multilingual** staff. The hosts are keen to offer services to make every traveller feel welcome and at home. The rooftop terrace is furnished with comfortable sofas and footstools in an oriental style. Other communal areas have been designed for relaxing after a day exploring the city, snuggling up by the fireplace or simply reading a good book; the bhou is overlooked by a magnificent traditional hand-painted ceiling that is well worth a look.

©Riad Farhan / Booking.com

The rooms are spacious, with balconies overlooking the patio and swimming pool. One room is on the ground floor and has direct access to the courtyard. They are air-conditioned and decorated with attractive Berber furniture. All in a sober, authentic style.

Riad Farhan Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad Farhan

Refined decor and attentive service.
9.2 Fabulous
From
£114 / night
Book

8. Riad Kbour & Chou: the quietest

Riad Kbour & Chou is a haven of peace, situated in the north of the Medina in a confidential corner sheltered by ancient walls. The establishment offers 6 rooms, in a space imbued with absolute serenity. With its interior garden, courtyard and sunny patio, the place is a perfect blend of authenticity and modernity.

©Riad Kbour & Chou / Booking.com

Having fallen in love with the red city, the two charming owners first lived on the street before acquiring their own establishment a little further down the road, which they have christened Riad Kbour & Chou. With backgrounds in architecture and the hotel trade, they have decorated the whole place with great taste, where every detail counts. The rooms are all equipped with bed linen and towels.

©Riad Kbour & Chou / Booking.com

For the comfort of guests, each room has its own bathroom, always in a refined style with oriental touches. The colourful zellige in the rooms is magnificent and a true reflection of Moroccan culture.

Riad Kbour & Chou Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad Kbour & Chou

Pretty rooms nestling in lush vegetation for a peaceful stay.
9.5 Exceptional
From
£205 / night
Book

9. Riad Matham: the most historic

Before becoming a splendid hotel, Riad Matham was a huge mansion belonging to a wealthy Berber family. Situated in the historic Kaat Ben Nahid district, it enjoys a perfect location in the centre of the medina. On its doorstep are the colourful alleyways and lively souk. Just a few minutes away is the Place des épices and the famous Jemaa-el-Fna square.

©Riad Matham / Booking.com

The rooms surround a lovely patio planted with palm, olive, orange and bougainvillea trees, the scent of which permeates the entire residence. The courtyard features a pool for cooling off on hot summer days. The décor has retained the charm of the past, blending comfort with Berber tradition. Painted ceilings, old doors and sculpted stucco are traditional features that immerse us in the history of the place.

©Riad Matham / Booking.com

Several relaxation areas have been created in different universes to help you relax and give free rein to your thoughts. Take the time to read, rest or meditate, all activities that you don't have time to do the rest of the year. There's also a hammam and a massage room. A few metres further up is a pretty terrace with a view over the city of colours.

Riad Matham Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad Matham

This accommodation offers a selection of rooms in a traditional Moroccan style.
9.5 Exceptional
From
£81 / night
Book

10. Riad Palais Sebban: the most picturesque

A heritage of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture, the Riad Palais Sebban is an incredible establishment steeped in history and culture. It acquired its letters of nobility from its former owner, the caïd Sebban, who looked after the premises for many, many years. Situated at the foot of Jemaa-el-Fna Square, it is ideally located for visiting the city and taking a quiet break while exploring it.

©Riad Palais Sebban / Booking.com

The spacious rooms are all different and have been individually and authentically decorated. They are decorated with Arabo-Andalusian elements. Bathrobes and toiletries are provided. The hotel also boasts a lovely swimming pool and a rooftop with panoramic views over the city.

©Riad Palais Sebban / Booking.com

The house offers a wellness service to immerse you in traditional Moroccan culture, with a spa offering a hushed ambience and the scents of rose, jasmine, cinnamon and patchouli lulling the atmosphere during a massage.

Riad Palais Sebban Marrakech
Booking.com

Riad Palais Sebban

Housed in an old building dating back to the 19th century, the establishment enjoys a strategic position in the ochre city.
9.2 Fabulous
From
£149 / night £99
Book
by Val HANCOCK
Need a hand? take a look at our guide
Marrakech
Marrakech
Latest news
Quiberon
A weekend in Quiberon
Nantes
The Bouffay district, the historic heart of the town
Porto Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio and its terroir, an anthology of culinary specialities
Porto Vecchio
Porto-Vecchio, a land of hikes
Nantes
The Jardin des plantes, Nantes' botanical treasure trove
Read more articles
Best cities