Sprawling, shady courtyard gardens with decadent guesthouses fit for a king – that’s what the best riads in Marrakech have to offer discerning travelers.
Discover the 10 best riads in Marrakech, Morocco in our guide and learn about the must-see sights that make Marrakech a bucket list destination!
Why You Should Visit Marrakech 2024
Marrakech, Morocco souvenirs on the market in Medina January 2017/Elena Odareeva/Shutterstock
In western North Africa, an ancient minaret tower looms over an intricate 12th century Moorish mosque that can be seen for miles in the distance. This is the symbol that you’ve arrived in Marrakech, Morocco.
Marrakech is characterized by its vibrant, aromatic streets and narrow alleys lined with busy souks where sellers hawk their wares – pottery, leather goods, woven textiles, jewelry, and spices.
These markets thrive in the walled labyrinth of alleys known as the medina, or the old part of the city, that has proudly stood since the medieval period and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic, sprawling palaces and mosques are scattered throughout Marrakech, giving the modern-day city a clear and present connection to the distant past.
While the Moorish-style Koutoubia Mosque is the largest and most famous, the Ben Youssef Mosque is the oldest in Marrakech and the high-walled Kasbah Mosque draws hundreds of people each day.
While the Royal Palace is beautiful to look at, you can’t go in. Two other palaces demand your attention (and a few hours of your time): Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace. Located just beyond the southern medina walls, the palaces are separated by a short, 10-minute walk.
The 19th-century Bahia Palace is in shockingly good condition with gardens, massive rooms, and courtyards to explore. The 16th-century El Badi Palace is much older and stands in ruins. Still, it’s an adventure to wander the ruins and step over the dilapidated walls into great rooms with Moroccan tile floors still intact.
Throughout Marrakech, you’ll find hidden surprises around every corner, like the Jardin Marjorelle gardens (nicknamed Yves Saint Laurent gardens after the designer bought and restored it).
Hang your hat at one of Marrakech’s luxurious guesthouse hotels, called riads, that boast their own lush courtyard gardens and are often crowned with a fountain centerpiece.
It’s incredible how Marrakech’s riads seamlessly bring together the styles and patterns of Morocco’s rich past with modern-day comforts. We’ll show you the 10 best riads in Marrakech next.
The 10 Best Riads in Marrakech
The best riads in Marrakech are mostly concentrated around the medina district in the old, medieval part of town. Here, you’ll find a range of guesthouses known for offering top-tier service and gorgeous, supremely comfy rooms that overlook shady courtyard gardens.
Let’s take a closer look at each riad to see which one will be the best fit for your trip!
1. Riad Les Nuits de Marrakech
Source: Booking.com
Earning an unheard-of 10 star average rating from guests, Riad Les Nuits de Marrakech stands apart as the best of the best and belongs on every world traveler’s must-stay list.
Steps away from the bustling Jamaa El Fna square and marketplace, this traditional riad offers luxury amenities worthy of royalty with an onsite Moroccan restaurant serving delicious dishes.
Choose a room with a view of the pool, courtyard, or garden – they’re all fabulous. A pristine pool waits for you to take a dip, a hot tub is there for a relaxing soak, and you’ll enjoy sitting on the terrace overlooking the medieval medina district.
A hearty, tasty breakfast served in the dining room, your suite, or on the terrace makes it easy to fuel up for a day of exploring the ins and outs of Marrakech.
You’ll be greeted with a cold drink, traditional dessert, and a smile when you get to your suite. The staff loves offering first-time travelers tips for navigating the busy souk markets!
2. Riad Alili
Source: Booking.com
Enjoy a stay at Riad Alili if you’re after perfection or something very close to it. This riad gets exceptional reviews from guests and features a pool, spa, and onsite restaurant.
Tucked away in the immersive medina district of Marrakech, Riad Alili is in the best part of the city. You’ll get a great nights’ sleep here – guests really rave about the supreme comfort of the beds.
Concierge and 24-hour guest services mean you’ll be waited on hand and foot with answers to any questions you have about navigating Marrakech.
Rooms have either city, pool, garden, mountain, or courtyard views. Your room may have a seating area, terrace, or balcony overlooking the city and the minaret towers looming over mosques.
The restaurant serves traditional Moroccan dishes along with breakfast each morning. The riad offers bikes for guests to use while exploring the city.
3. Dar Andamaure
Source: Booking.com
The exceptional Dar Andamaure riad prides itself on beautiful, thriving gardens in the courtyard along with traditional décor and close proximity to the bustling Jamaa El Fna square.
Rooms have an inner courtyard view that’s so lush and relaxing with plenty of shade and filtered sunlight. You can enjoy breakfast on the rooftop terrace with great views of the old city!
The rooftop terrace is phenomenal, offering panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Guests appreciate the heated indoor pool that’s always a go, no matter the weather.
Dine at the onsite restaurant to taste bold, Moroccan flavors that immerse you in the Marrakech experience from the first course to dessert. Guests rave about the quality of the food, comfortable beds, friendly staff, and free airport transfers that make getting there and back a cinch.
4. Riad Jardin Des Sens & Spa
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Nestled in an unassuming alley close to the Jamaa El Fna square and marketplace, Riad Jardin Des Sens & Spa is a luxurious guesthouse set in the historic medina district.
Just feet from the Museum Dar Si Said and a few minutes’ walk from the lively square, this quiet and tranquil riad focuses on providing the most relaxing and complete guest experience.
The spa facility offers massages, a Turkish bath, body wraps and treatments, and yoga classes for the ultimate chance to unwind. Rooms have a view of the 3 pools, courtyard, or garden with a sun terrace to enjoy nice days.
A year-round outdoor pool is the prime spot for hanging out on a hot day! Some rooms feature a seating area, balcony, or patio – be sure to double check which room you’re booking if you decide to stay.
Sweet touches, like fresh flowers in the room, will take your stay to another level. Enjoy delicious food from the onsite restaurant that serves a great breakfast and several dinner options!
5. Riad le Saadien
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Quiet and private with only 5 bedrooms, Riad le Saadien is one of the best riads in Marrakech and manages to remain one of the more affordable options with a clean, minimalist design.
You’ll be greeted at check-in with mint tea and pastries – talk about a warm welcome! Each day begins with a hearty breakfast – eggs cooked your way, spreads and jams, pancakes, tea, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and coffee – all served on the rooftop terrace.
Like many of the best riads in the city, Riad le Saadien is in the old medina district where it’s safe, peaceful, and quiet at night. You’re just over a mile from the stunning Bahia Palace here.
Friendly concierge services give you tips for using taxis without getting scammed, haggling at the souks, and navigating the city like a seasoned pro. The onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can enjoy a delicious meal 3 times a day if you don’t venture far beyond the riad.
6. Royal Mansour Marrakech
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When only the best will do, the premium accommodations at Royal Mansour Marrakech will check every box on the most discerning traveler’s list.
This luxurious, centrally-located property boasts a spa, 3 swimming pools, 3 bars, and 4 onsite restaurants that each boast an incredible 3 Michelin star rating.
A private rooftop terrace with a heated plunge pool, loungers, and dining area is the definition of total luxury. The spa, or wellness temple, may be where you get the best massage you’ve ever had.
Enjoy a ‘breakfast of kings’ by candlelight with a procession of plates filled with delicious foods presented with modern, artistic flair. With 4 restaurants serving Moroccan, French, American, and Asian cuisine, your dining options are limitless.
Live music in the evenings, outdoor fireplaces for ambiance, wellness classes, and a full beauty salon are other incredible amenities at Royal Mansour Marrakech. If you can afford the steep price for this level of luxury ($1,000+ per night), it’s well worth the splurge. You’ll never want to leave!
7. Riad Dar Hamid Hotel & Spa
Source: Booking.com
Riad Dar Hamid Hotel & Spa is a 4-star riad offering affordable luxury in the heart of the medina district. It’s close to the Jemaa El Fna square, Mousassine Museum, and Le Jardin Secret.
A distinctively Moroccan tiled courtyard with a fountain centerpiece and sun terrace with loungers create welcoming spaces to relax outside.An onsite restaurant and bar make mealtimes and unwinding in the evenings easy!
The restaurant serves traditional Moroccan food along with breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. High tea and cocktail hour are nice touches.
The rooms are spacious, the beds are comfortable, and you can rent the entire home (up to 26 people) during parts of the year or stick to a single room. All rooms include a fridge, oven, and coffee machine with nice views of the garden, pool, Atlas Mountains, or city.
Continental breakfast serving pastries, pancakes, spreads and jams, fresh juice, and coffee is highly rated by guests who say it’s hard to finish it all.
8. Riad Nouceiba Marrakech
Source: Booking.com
Riad Nouceiba Marrakech is a small riad located in the old part of the city where it’s quiet, safe, and serene for travelers. There’s an outdoor pool, garden, and terrace along with an onsite restaurant.
Some rooms open up to a patio where the sweet, Moroccan air can be enjoyed – it’s worth double-checking your room features before booking!
It’s one of the quietest locations you can stay in, making it ideal for a romantic or relaxing retreat. While it’s conveniently located, it’s a bit further from the center of the medina for the ultimate calm and quiet.
The rooftop plunge pool is surrounded by lush, green plants and a covered area with plush, cushioned loungers. This riad serves excellent food, where guests wanted to eat again and again during their stay.
It’s within walking distance of the most popular attractions. The staff is rated as extremely helpful, offering tips to navigate the city and the old medina district with ease. Airport transportation can also be provided to make your trip a little easier.
9. Riad Bayti
Source: Booking.com
Minutes from Jamaâ El Fna Square, Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace, Riad Bayti is a great place to call home base during a trip to Marrakech. Traditional Moroccan décor fills the space, immersing you in a local experience that feels authentic with added touches of luxury.
Every room has a great view of the city, garden, or inner courtyard. Your private bathroom features original Tadellakt, a Moroccan waterproof lime plaster.
Spend time on the rooftop terrace, where you’ll be served a generous continental breakfast daily, or take your meal to the patio or your room.
Afterward, take a dip in the plunge pool or relax on the comfortable sun beds as you take in incredible views of the city. Head next door to use the hammam (Turkish bath) or order massage services in your room.
Dinnertime means a full, traditional Moroccan meal in the cozy dining room with a fireplace. Amenities are great here, with car rental available onsite and a concierge to help plan tours and activities for your trip.
10. Riad Kasbah & Spa
Source: Booking.com
Riad Kasbah & Spa offers exquisite suites that envelope you in opulence, a hammam and spa, excellent views, and traditional Moroccan décor in a private, serene setting.
When you book, you can select a room with a view of the pool or courtyard. On the beautiful rooftop terrace, you’ll take in truly stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. At night, enjoy views of the Koutoubia Mosque, illuminated and brilliant in the distance.
One pool sits in the inner courtyard, surrounded by loungers for those sweet, lazy days. Another pool is outside, and both are open year-round. The onsite restaurant serves excellent Moroccan dishes that delight the taste buds.
Breakfast is served on the terrace each day and gets rave reviews! The décor is beautiful here and guests comment on how spacious and clean the rooms are. The central location in the medina district is convenient to everything.
Things to Consider
Planning a trip to any of the best riads in Marrakech is exciting, but it also means there are a lot of things to consider and figure out. Here are some helpful tips to get you started!
- Access by car is challenging. Most of the best riads in Marrakech are not directly accessible by car since they’re located in the old medina district, where streets are very narrow. You might have to walk the final 40-100 feet to your riad, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.
- Smaller riads are usually quieter. Although the top riads are located in the peaceful old district, the larger guesthouses with more rooms tend to be noisier due to the additional guests. If you’re truly seeking solace and relaxation, head to a smaller riad, like Riad Nouceiba Marrakech or Riad le Saadien.
- Don’t be fooled by the word “spa.” Many riads advertise a spa in the name, but we’ve found that some don’t actually have spa facilities onsite. You may need to go next door or to another location to use the spa facilities, so it pays to do your research before visiting if you’re hoping to use the hammam or get a massage.
- Branch out for meals. While the best riads offer an onsite restaurant that serves excellent food, it’s worth venturing out and trying other restaurants once or twice while you’re in Marrakech! Be sure to ask your hotel concierge for recommendations on delicious food near your riad.
- Keep safety in mind. Morocco is safe to visit overall, but scams and petty theft can be a problem for tourists. You can relax at your riad, but traveling out into town will open you up to the possibility of crime. Your concierge can help you by advising the usual taxi rates (to avoid taxi scams), recommending restaurants, and indicating the areas where you’ll feel safest out in town.
Frequently Asked Questions
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You probably have more questions about visiting riads in Marrakech. Getting answers is the key to smart travel! Check out the FAQs below to learn more.
Is it better to stay in a riad in Marrakech?
Staying in a riad in Marrakech is an incredible experience that feels much more authentic than staying in a hotel.
With hand-tiled floors, intricate Moroccan architecture, and bold, colorful accents in tandem with personalized guest service and luxurious amenities, the best riads in Marrakech easily win over hotels.
How do I choose a riad in Marrakech?
Choose a riad in Marrakech based on the amenities you'd like, your budget, and the attractions you plan to visit. Look for a centrally located riad within walking distance of the attractions you'll be visiting for convenience. Some riads have pools, spa facilities, rooftop terraces, and award-winning restaurants.
Your budget will be a major factor in choosing the right riad for your stay. Expect to spend somewhere between $170-$500/night to stay in a highly-rated riad. The best riads (like Royal Mansour Marrakech) can be over $9,000 per night during peak season!
What is the best district to stay in Marrakech?
The medina district, which is the old medieval part of the city, is the best part of Marrakech to stay in. This area of the city is filled with historic architecture, colorful souk markets, and is peaceful and quiet in the evenings.
Staying in the medina district will put you close to the action in the heart of Marrakech and well within walking distance of the most popular attractions, like the Bahia and El Badi Palaces, souks, and Jardin Marjorelle gardens.
What is the difference between a riad and hotel in Marrakech?
Marrakech hotels are a bit more homogenous and less authentic than riads. Riads offer a real taste of the local culture, from decor and architecture to food and service, that fully ground you in the Marrakech experience.
Many riads aren't directly accessible by car in the old part of the city with narrow alleys and streets, while hotels are easier to access and better for someone not interested in a full-on Moroccan culture immersion.
What hotel did the Kardashians stay in in Morocco?
Kim Kardashian has stayed at the luxurious La Mamounia, a famous hotel in Marrakech known for its star-studded guest list.
Famous guests of the past have included Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Tom Cruise, and Anna Delvey (Netflix's "Inventing Anna").
So, What Are the Best Riads in Marrakech?
The best riads in Marrakech offer a distinctively Moroccan flair with excellent amenities – comfortable rooms, delicious food onsite, pools, and above-and-beyond guest service.
From Riad Les Nuits de Marrakech to Riad Kasbah & Spa, you can’t go wrong when you choose one of the very best Marrakech destinations from our list.
Strolling through the tiled courtyard, plunging into a pristine pool, retiring to your spacious and tidy room, and enjoying world-class meals from breakfast through dinner are only the beginning.
With great locations well within walking distance to the best Marrakech attractions, spas, markets, and restaurants, you’ll be living in luxury for as long as you stay at your riad.
We think it’ll become your new go-to space in Morocco!