10 Beautiful Riads Where to Stay in Marrakech
Marrakech isn’t just a city—it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. From the maze-like alleys of the medina to the hypnotic rhythm of the Jemaa el-Fnaa, this city pulses with life and color and energy. You’ll find yourself navigating spice-scented souks, dodging motorbikes, and being charmed by the call to prayer echoing through the city, and you’ll find yourself being shaken by the vibrancy of it all.
I’ve always said the Marrakech is like a triple shot of espresso straight to the senses. Wonderfully chaotic. But chaotic nonetheless. This city can be overwhelming if you’re not at least mentally prepared. So that’s where this pocket guide comes in—a no-nonsense rundown of what to see, eat, and experience, so you can soak it all up and make the most of this remarkable destination.
the Marrakech series…
CLICK TO JUMP!✷ Marrakech Pocket Guide: Everything you Need to Know Before Visiting the Daughter of the Desert
✷ Marrakech Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Eat
✷ Best Things to Do in Marrakech (coming soon!)
But first...What is a Riad?
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with a central courtyard or garden, often featuring a fountain at its heart. The architecture is designed for privacy and tranquility, with inward-facing rooms to create a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling streets of the Medina. Typically adorned with intricate tilework, carved plaster, and lush greenery, many riads in the city have been transformed into boutique guesthouses.
From hostel-like to luxurious and opulent, Riads come in all sizes and budgets, and you will not believe how affordable some incredibly charming and beautiful riads are.
Why choose a Riad over a hotel?
While you will still find regular hotels in Marrakech…why choose a hotel you could find anywhere in the world when you could choose a beautiful stay unique to the destination?
And if that isn’t reason enough, here are four reasons why you should book a Riad instead of a hotel.
Staying at a Riad will provide an intimate and authentic Moroccan experience.
Riads are more likely to be locally owned, ensuring that your money goes into the local economy vs. some international hotel chain.
Staying at a Riad will mean you’re staying in the Medina, close to the action and the vibrant life and experience Marrakech’s old city is.
Most Riads include traditional Moroccan breakfast, usually served in their inner courtyards or their rooftops, so this will be a great start to your day!
See? Booking a Riad is a quintessential part of the Marrakech experience!
Scroll down for 10 beautiful Riads in Marrakech for every kind of traveler and every budget…
10 Beautiful Riads Where to Stay in Marrakech
This is the first Riad I ever stayed at in Marrakech, and I absolutely loved it. Located just a few minutes away from the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, and incredible restaurants like Bistro Arabe. The riad was very quaint and colorful, with very comfortable and cozy rooms.
And just so you get an idea of how lovely people in Marrakech are…I left a pair of glasses behind at this place, and they kept them for me for months until a friend picked them up and brought them back to Spain for me!
The Vibe: Colorful, homey and eclectic
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$
With its pink finishings and boho-meets-kitsch decor details like lush velvet drapes, this is the stay I’d recommend for solo female travelers and ladies on a girl’s trip. This place is as beautiful as it’s comfortable, and being tucked away in a quiet alleyway, it really feels like an oasis in the middle of the Medina.
I only stayed here for a quick night, and I wish I had more time to enjoy this riad.
The Vibe: Boho, modern, with a touch of kitsch!
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$
SOURCE: BOOKING.COMThis is the riad I booked for my parents when I traveled to Marrakech with them. With every corner beautifully designed and crowned with local arts and crafts, it’s one of those places where you just wish you could stay there and live forever.
It’s the perfect mix of Marrakech’s boho soul and sleek and modern design. And even if this place wasn’t as beautiful, I’d choose Riad Alnadine over and over again just for how incredible the staff was.
The Vibe: Colorful, homey and eclectic
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$
SOURCE: BOOKING.COMAn affordable, cozy, and colorful Riad in an amazing location. In traditional Moroccan style, this riad is a bit of a maze, taking you through different stairways to get to different areas overlooking the inner courtyards. And to a lovely rooftop terrace overlooking the city where breakfast is served!
The only downside is that the upper rooms get some early noise because of breakfast preparations.
The Vibe: Cozy and local
Where: The Medina
Budget: $
SOURCE: BOOKING.COMRiad Samir is like a little secret you’re glad to have stumbled upon. It’s the perfect stay to let the city’s chaos fade into a peaceful hum and rest after a day of exploring.
Its white and green zellige tiled courtyard will make you feel like you’re in a different time. Comfy rooms, beautiful details, friendly staff, and great location, and a hint of romance…Riad Samir truly has everything you need.
The Vibe: Timeless meets modern
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$
SOURCE: BOOKING.COMWith its leafy courtyard, turquoise plunge pool, lantern-lit corners, and boho details, this gorgeous Riad is a tiny slice of paradise within the Medina. Just a 15-min walk away from the main square, Riad L’Oiseau du Paradis is the perfect location to be near the action, but still tucked away enough to be in a quieter and more relaxed area.
The Vibe: Tropical meets Moroccan boho
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$
SOURCE: BLISS-HOTEL.NETI found this place by coming to the spa, and I fell in love with it. While this is not the most traditional Riad, it’s worth coming even if it’s just for the spa or the yoga classes. Every corner is absolutely beautiful: massive ornately carved doors, carefully selected antiques, and contemporary design handicrafts, Bliss Riad Marrakech is a feast to the eye and the senes.
The Vibe: Something out of Architecture Digest…but at an affordable price!
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$
SOURCE: BOOKING.COM One of Marrakech’s most stunning riads. Dar Darma is all about moody elegance where every nook and cranny is a surprise. Originally a private home, this Riad was transformed fusing Italian design with local charm.
Its opulent suites and lounges and themed happy hours will whisk you into an Agatha Christie novel, allowing you to bask in its nostalgic and subtle sophistification. All while being mere steps away from some of Marrakech’s most iconic destinations, like the Medersa Ben Yousef.
The Vibe: Moody, old-time luxury
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$$
SOURCE: BOOKING.COMWhile the rooms may be small, every detail is curated, and taken care of at Riad Elegancia. Wake up to a Marrakech dream, with colorful light pouring from the stained windows, enveloped in traditional Moroccan charm. Step out the door and immerse yourself into life in the Medina, and when you’re ready to relax, head back and enjoy the rooftop terrace with views of the city and the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
The Vibe: Moody, old-time luxury
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$
SOURCE: @ELFENNMARRAKECHOk, so this one is not a Riad, but it’s worth including in your Marrakech radar because ElFenn is *sigh* oh-so-dreamy. It’s a reference when it comes to design and hospitality in Marrakech, dazzling with bold colors, serene courtyards, art-lined walls, and candlelit nooks. It’s a dreamy getaway that’s a colorful representation of Morocco’s vibrant and gaudy essence. Unlike most stays in the city, ElFenn is a sprawling property of 13 inter-connected buildings, 42 rooms, 3 pools, 2 restaurants, and a cocktail rooftop bar. So if you’re looking to indulge in an unforgettable stay while in Marrakech, look no further.
The Vibe: Vibrant, luxurious design with a bohemian and artsy soul
Where: The Medina
Budget: $$$
bonus!
La Ferme Nomade, Agafay Desert
If you want to plan a day trip outside of Marrakech, head to La Ferme Nomade in the Agafay Desert, a glamping hotel with fully-equipped luxury tents to sleep beneath the stars in a swanky way, as well as a pool and lounge area where you can relax with a good book and some Moroccan mint tea or a cocktail.
Their common area is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving some of the best Moroccan meals I’ve tasted so far.
You can book car service to and from Marrakech with the hotel, and you can also book activities in the desert like quad-bike tours through them too.
Never, ever travel without Travel Insurance!
While Marrakech is pretty safe, travel insurance is a must, no matter your destination. Accidents and incidents can happen anywhere and anytime. Unexpected medical bills, stolen items, missed flights…make sure you and your belongings are protected abroad.
🗺️ Find all the places in this pocket guide in my Marrakech map here!
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