I always insist on checking into a riad when I visit Morocco, no matter whereabouts in the country I’m visiting. These gorgeous traditional houses offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities while providing unique insight into an authentic way of living. Marrakech, in particular, is home to a countless number of beautiful riads, complete with central swimming pools, rooftop terraces, stained glass-windowed bathrooms, and warm tones in every direction. Heading to Marrakech soon and not sure where to stay? Read on for all of the best riads in the city!
Riad Jardin Secret
Proving that good things come in small packages, Riad Jardin Secret is a boutique Riad hotel with charming, authentic decor and the service to match. This is a place where you can feel the magic of Moroccan culture and history, as well as the creativity and personality of the owners, a Parisian couple who used to work in fashion. Riad Jardin Secret has five beautifully soulful rooms, each with a unique character and decor. You can choose from the White Room, the Pink Room, the Green Room, the Blue Room, or the Yellow Room, depending on your mood and preferences. But the best part of Riad Jardin Secret? The pink rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy views of the Atlas Mountains with a glass of sugary mint tea.
Key Amenities:
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Bathrooms stocked with organic bath products
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Vegan restaurant on-site
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Great location in the Bab Doukkala neighborhood
El Fenn
If you’ve admired an influencer or celebrity’s trip to Marrakech, there’s a fair to reasonable chance they stayed at El Fenn. This iconic spot is a luxury hotel in the heart of the medina and is owned by Vanessa Branson, the sister of Richard Branson. With a fusion of stylish and traditional vibes, El Fenn is set behind plain walls but reveals stunning architecture and decoration on the inside. Each of its 41 individually styled rooms and suites come with a different theme and decor, featuring elements like hand-stitched camel leather floors and hand-mixed lime plaster walls. Expect panoramic views of the city, oversized bathtubs, soft cotton sheets, and the finest mattresses to be a given while staying here.
Key Amenities:
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Three swimming pools
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Rooftop cocktail bar
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Spa featuring a hammam
Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 2, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco— +212 5244-41220
Riad Kniza
One of the best places to stay in Morocco, Riad Kniza is also one of the most historical riads around and dates back to the 18th century. The owner, Mohamed Bouskri, is a renowned antiques dealer and tour guide who restored the riad using traditional materials and artisans, offering unique insight into Moroccan history. As you explore this spot, you’ll also be able to admire his exquisite collection of art and furniture from various periods and cultures. With a range of rooms and suites to suit groups of all sizes, Riad Kniza offers a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of the medina and is a wonderful place to stay, no matter who you’re traveling with. The smaller nature of this spot means the owner is always happy to share his tips and guidance for getting the most out of the city, too.
Key Amenities:
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Mix of rooms and suites
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Moroccan restaurant on-site
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Panoramic views of the mountains
34 Derb l'Hotel Bab Doukala، مراكش 40000, Morocco— +212 5243-76942
Riad L'Orangeraie
Riad L’Orangeraie is the definition of charming. A boutique spot with gorgeous, spacious rooms, Riad L’Orangeraie was inspired by the delicious spices of Marrakech, and that theme is used throughout its spaces. Each room is named after a different spice and comes complete with traditional Moroccan style, with wooden ceilings, tiled floors, and local crafts. But don’t think it’s all about tradition; Riad L’Orangeraie also has air conditioning, room service, and a safe to keep your stay as relaxing as possible. Here, you’ll find two pools, one on the ground floor and one on the rooftop terrace, where you can relax on sun loungers or in the jacuzzi. There’s also a restaurant serving delicious Moroccan cuisine, like tagines, couscous, and salads.
Key Amenities:
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Free daily breakfast
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Access to a rooftop terrace
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Assistance booking tours
61 Rue Sidi el Yamani, Marrakesh 44030, Morocco— +212 661-238789
Riad 72
Riad 72 is the perfect blend of Moroccan heritage and contemporary style. Located in the heart of the medina, it has four rooms and one suite, ensuring a cozy atmosphere for all guests. Rooms here are spacious, elegant, and comfortable, with amenities like a fireplace, a marble bathroom, and a Bose sound system. Riad 72 also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains and the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner before venturing out to explore the city. Perfect for anyone looking to switch off at the spa, the hotel also has a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath, where you can relax and rejuvenate.
Key Amenities:
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Rooms feature artwork, marble bathrooms, and a fireplace
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On-site spa featuring a traditional Moroccan hammam
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Access to a rooftop terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains
72 Arset Aouzal Rd, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco— +212 5243-87629
Riad Joya
Riad Joya is one of Marrakech’s coolest riads, particularly if you’re someone with an eye for design. The hotel was designed by the Italian architect Umberto Maria Branchini, with a unique and artistic ambiance across its seven suites, each inspired by a different African or Asian culture. Choose from the Dar Arabe, the Ambergris, the Domus, the Zanzibar, the Ottomane, the Tuareg, or the Naos suite, each with its own gorgeous decor. Like all of Marrakech’s coolest riads, Riad Joya has a rooftop terrace with picturesque views over the city – a top choice for enjoying a mint tea while watching the sunset. Ideally located for exploring one of the world’s most walkable cities, the staff at Riad Joya are always more than happy to recommend local tours or ways to explore the rest of Morocco while you’re here.
Key Amenities:
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Stunning city views from the rooms
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Rooftop terrace and restaurant
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Assistance booking tours and activities
22 Derb El Hammam, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco— +212 5243-91624
Riad Anika
Check into Riad Anika and you’ll immediately be greeted with fresh Moroccan mint tea and pastries. Well located at the entrance to the old souk, the traditional market where you can find everything from spices to carpets, Riad Anika is filled with atmosphere and charm and is a top choice for anyone looking to authentically enjoy the spirit of Marrakech. Here, you’re only steps away from the lively and colorful center of Marrakech with its snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians. Each of the 12 rooms at this breathtaking spot has a different theme and decor, while the communal areas come bursting with color, too. While you’re here, cool off in the hotel’s pool and admire the great views from the rooftop.
Key Amenities:
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Courtyard swimming pool
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On-site restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine
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Access to a rooftop terrace
112 Riad Zitoun Lakdim, Marrakech 40000, Morocco— +212 5243-91751
Riad Africa
Like its name suggests, Riad Africa is all about celebrating the African continent with a range of uniquely designed rooms that encapsulate the spirit of this part of the world. Composed of four Marrakech merchant houses, you’ll find Riad Africa a little away from the hustle and bustle of the center. While it may be tucked away down a quiet side street, it’s filled to the brim inside with beautiful touches and colorful decor. Expect marble bathrooms and oversized beds as standard, as well as a multi-level rooftop terrace with options for dinner and drinks. The hotel also offers themed nights with food and drink to match, offering a different option if you’d rather spend a night at the hotel instead of venturing out.
Key Amenities:
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Uniquely designed rooms with marble bathrooms and oversized beds
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Multi-level rooftop terrace for dinner and drinks
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Arabia Spa with traditional hammam
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Cooking classes available for guests
Riad Zitoun Lakdim, Marrakech 40000, Morocco— +44 1428 605833
Hotel Central Palace
Not all riads in Morocco are for luxury travelers and Hotel Central Palace offers something a little more budget-friendly without waving goodbye to beautiful decor or great service. An ideal mix of value, comfort, and convenience, Hotel Central Palace Marrakech is located in the heart of the medina and is close to many of the city’s best attractions, like the Rahba Kedima Square, the El Badi Palace, and the Jemaa el-Fna square. The hotel is home to all of the essentials, as well as a small hammam, where you can experience a traditional Moroccan steam bath, and a rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city, especially at night when it’s lit up by lanterns.
Key Amenities:
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Breakfast served daily on the roof terrace
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Access to a games room
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Spa with traditional treatments, including a small hammam
59 Sidi Bouloukat, Marrakesh 40040, Morocco— +212 5244-40235
Riad Les Hirondelles
While Riad Les Hirondelles may be located inside the medina, you’ll feel a world away from the fast-paced nature of the center once you’re inside its doors. A spacious riad with a tranquil, chic theme throughout, this stylish spot features a beautiful terrace with panoramic views of the city down below. As well as its central pool, you’ll find cooking classes, beautifully decorated bedrooms, and unbeatable service when you check in here. A family-run riad, it comes complete with some gorgeous kittens and plenty of recommendations for the best ways to explore the city and further afield while staying here.
Key Amenities:
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Central courtyard swimming pool
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Plant-filled terrace with panoramic views of the city
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On-demand fresh fruit cocktails
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Cooking classes available
Riad Karmela
You’ll notice some of Riad Karmela’s resident guests lazily wandering around the property from the moment you arrive, and by guests, we mean the family of tortoises that call this Riad home. Offering the perfect mix of charm, comfort, and authenticity, Riad Karmela is made up of 19 rooms and suites with different color combinations and themes. Larger than your typical riad, the hotel also has three courtyards with fountains and orange trees, where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere after a busy day exploring the city. While here, it’s well worth spending some time simply admiring the hotel itself, home to an eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and textiles from various cultures and periods.
Key Amenities:
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Two heated pools
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Access to three courtyards and a rooftop terrace
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On-site spa with a range of treatments
Azbetz, 10 Derb El Ferrane, Marrakech 40000, Morocco— +212 5243-87937
Riad BE
Riad BE offers something a little different from your standard Moroccan riad. This beautiful hotel offers a fusion of Moroccan and Scandinavian design with clean lines, natural materials, and pops of color. The result? A hotel that looks like it’s fresh off the pages of a design magazine, set in a perfect location in the center of the medina. This is one of the best places to stay if you’re exploring Morocco with someone special, thanks to the romantic atmosphere of the communal areas. Take a dip in the pool to cool off from the heat, which comes surrounded by plants and lanterns, offering a relaxing, romantic ambiance. If you’re looking for an extra dose of culture, this hotel also offers a Moroccan cooking class.
Key Amenities:
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Central pool surrounded by plants and lanterns
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Scandinavian-Moroccan fusion design throughout
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Moroccan cooking classes available
à côté de la grande mosquée، 23 Derb Sidi Lahcen O Ali, Marrakech 40030, Morocco— +212 5243-84511
