Marrakech has already became one of my favorite travel destinations. It’s colors, extraordinary architecture, delicious food and welcoming people, it all makes unforgettable memories. There is more and more direct flights connections to Marrakesh, so within just few hours you can find yourself in this magical world. There is no better way of getting to know the city and its culture than staying in a traditional riad instead of a hotel. Riads are a typical Moroccan houses with an interior garden or courtyard and can also have a small swimming pool. It’s a beautiful introduction to give you some insight into the authentic Moroccan culture of living.
There are many beautiful riads in Marrakech so once you try to google it, you may get overwhelmed with the choice. Even though they all look tempting on pictures, not all of them are worth booking. It happened to us that one of our riads turned out to be located in not really great area and in reality, did not match the pictures presented on the page. Therefore I picked for you 4 riads that I liked the most and I can sincerely recommend for your stay.
For the full information on how to plan your trip you may also want to read Step by Step Guide To Your Marrakesh Trip and do not forget to go through 8 Important Tips To Stay Safe in Marrakesh.
1. Le Riad Berbere
The list opens my absolutely favorite Le Riad Berbere that stole my heart at first sight. The attention to beautiful details, spectacular rooftop terrace and top quality service will make the best out of your stay. You can expect really warm welcome and honest tips from Ingrid, who is successfully managing the place. Rooms are outstanding and there is also a common area available for guests. You can relax by the little swimming pool during warmer days or by the cozy fireplace on the colder days.
What is also worth mentioning is delicious food so you can eat for a reasonable price in your riad without the need of going to any restaurant. When booking this place remember to ask the staff to pic you up from the taxi spot. As the riad is hidden in the small street of the old town called medina, it will be impossible for you to find it on your own.
SUMMARY
Location – TOP, right in the heart of medina, very close to many attractions, but heading to the riad for the first time you may need a support to find it. Also, the taxi cannot arrive at the door so you have to walk a bit what is good to know if you carry heavy luggage.
Food – Absolutely top quality food, you can eat delicious 3 course dinner for 17 euros per person, wine is available in riad for about 15 euros per bottle.
Interior – super picturesque inner patio and rooftop terrace, rooms are beautifully decorated and really cozy.
2. Riad Yasmine
Another Moroccan gem is Riad Yasmine. If you are interested in this one, it will be good to book it a way upfront. Because of its Instagram popularity this riad is fully booked most of the time, but is really worth staying. The famous swimming pool is even more beautiful in reality and what you cannot see from the pictures it the most incredible hospitality. Right at the welcome we have been told all the necessary tips how to move around Marrakesh, what kind of tourists traps we can be hunted in and how to avoid them. I cannot thank enough for all the help and information we got.
Rooms in riad are beautiful and the common area consist of swimming pool and fire place lounge room. There is also a very nice rooftop terrace available from where you can spot Atlas Mountains.
SUMMARY
Location – on the side of medina, but still close enough to reach many attractions by foot. The taxi can arrive right at the door so no need to walk with your luggage.
Food – Fantastic home made food, 3 course dinner costs 17 euros per person. Wine is available for around 17 euros per bottle.
Interior – super picturesque inner patio and terrace, some rooms have a fireplace but there is also a common fireplace area where you can enjoy your meal or delicious moroccan tea.
3. Riad Ennafoura
Riad Ennafoura is another masterpiece created by the the owner of Le Riad Berbere and is basically located just next door. The interior is outstanding and your room will be cozy and super clean. But what I loved the most was the service that went above and beyond my expectations. Whatever we needed, if this was a room service, ironing, private dinner, we have been treated like VIP guests. I wish all the hotels could learn form this Morrocan hospitality.
Ask for a guidance when you arrive for the first time as this riad is located just next to Le Riad Berbere and is equally hard to find.
SUMMARY
Location – TOP, right in the heart of medina, very close to many attractions, but heading there for the first time you may need a support to find it. Also, the taxi cannot arrive at the door so you you have to walk a bit what is good to know if you carry heavy luggage.
Food – Absolutely top quality food, you can eat delicious 3 course dinner for 17 euros per person, wine is available in riad for around 15 euros. You can enjoy your dinner in the Riad Ennafoura or, if you wish, in the next door Le Riad Berbere.
Interior – Beautiful inner patio and rooftop terrace, rooms decorated with a great attention to details and equipped with everything you may need. On colder days additional heating is available in every room and at the patio.
4. Riad Les Yeux Bleus
Another riad worth staying is this blue painted traditional Moroccan house, Riad Les Yeux Bleus. There are quite spacious two inner patios available for guests. One of them has a swimming pool the other one a comfortable fire place area where you can enjoy a private dinner. The manager of the place knows Marrakesh very well and can arrange for you additional services like henna painting, massage or restaurant booking. Food is great and there is also wine available, but it’s more pricey than in other riads. Rooms are heated but at the time of our visit heating in the common areas was not working properly. If you are coming in the colder months it would be recommended to check in advance if the heating is in place.
SUMMARY
Location – good location in the medina, just ten minutes on foot from the square of Jemaa el Fna. Easy to find and not much walking from the taxi is needed.
Food – Breakfast is very simple but on request you can order really nice dinner for around 20 euros per person. Wine is available in riad but is more pricey than in other riads and costs around 30 euros per bottle.
Interior – Beautiful two inner patios including one with fire place where you can enjoy a private dinner even in bigger groups. There is also a small swimming pool in the riad and beautiful rooftop terrace.