Look no further for the best place to stay in Marrakesh. We’ve travelled to over 36 countries (at the time of writing) and we genuinely think this Riad is the best place we’ve stayed so far!
We simply had to write about it so you can stay too.
Resort Vs Riad
You may be weighing up whether to stay in a resort or within the Medina itself. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re travelling to Morocco for; a pool holiday? or to experience the culture and city?
Even if it’s the former, we were surprised at how much relaxing could be done within the Medina itself. Above the hustle and bustle of the souks are hidden rooftops offering a haven of relaxation (and sun!).
Many Riads also come with a pool or at least a roof terrace for lounging.
If you’re still torn and thinking of opting for a resort, we strongly recommend at least a few nights staying in the Medina (old town). You can experience a pool holiday wherever, but there is no place like Marrakesh so soak it up whilst you’re there by splitting your stay.
Is it worth staying in a Riad?
We think staying in a Riad is an absolute must in Marrakesh.
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses, built to house multiple generations around a central courtyard.
Many have been transformed into hotels now but most remain traditional in design. Our guide told us Riads traditionally didn’t have a swimming pool as many do now. These were added to make them more attractive to tourists. We were happy the Riad we stayed in didn’t have one, making it more traditional in design.
Riad El Marah
You can rest easy that you won’t fall in love with the idea of staying at this Riad and then find out it’s hundreds of pounds/euros a night.
We simply don’t travel in that way. We wouldn’t be able to travel as much as we do if we stayed in luxury places.
This is why we were so excited to find this because it feels like luxury. Except without the price tag!
On average this place is around €65 a night – an absolute steal!
Riad El Marah is by far the most luxurious stay we’ve ever had the joy of experiencing. It truly made our stay in Marrakesh more comfortable and enjoyable. The hospitality is absolutely second to none, and the brothers who host the Riad go out of their way to make your stay as special and convenient as can be.
Arriving at the Riad
Navigating taxis from the airport can be tricky, and it’s often easier if you can pre-arrange one with your Riad. They did this at minimal extra cost and even sent a staff member to meet us from the taxi.
Cars aren’t allowed in the Medina during certain hours so someone met us and walked us through the souks to the Riad.
We arrived late, and it would have been difficult to navigate the crowds with not having a local sim card for maps in the labyrinth of the souks. We found our trusty (offline) friend maps.me didn’t work as well as usual.
A friend of mine visited Marrakesh before us and told us she arrived late, and in the rain and struggled to find her way (but in the end did).
She told us to prepare ourselves for a hard sell of additional tours. The Riad she stayed in tried to sell her tours after her long flight for over an hour (and she hadn’t eaten).
There was none of this at Riad El Marah. We were greeted with mint tea and local pastries and was even given the option to check in the following day if we wanted to.
When we did ask for recommendations we were given a list of delicious local restaurants and sights to explore, along with a map of which souks are best for what (e.g. Argon oil, textiles, metalwork, leather).
Location
The Riad is located centrally in the Medina, only a 5-minute walk from Jamee Al Fnaa Square. This means you’re close to most sights, and you’re in the middle of the souks and action.
Despite this, the Riad itself has a peaceful atmosphere and I was perplexed at how it remained so quiet. It’s like a door to another world.
We would sit on the rooftop and play cards and not hear any of the hustle and bustle below. At breakfast, we’d even hear the tiny birds that would drift into the Riad (as it’s open-topped); a bliss way to start the day.
The only sound you hear reminding you of the outside world is the call to prayer as there is a local Mosque on the same street. If you’re a light sleeper ear plugs are a good idea, that way you can pop them in and go straight back to sleep (or not even be woken at all). I’m a very light sleeper and although I woke up, I’d soon drift back off and it didn’t bother me, it’s actually quite a peaceful way to start the day.
Joe would tell you I’m very moody if I get woken up so this is an achievement! If it didn’t bother me, you’re fine.
Our room had the intricate design Morocco is known for, with hand-carved doors, tiled walls, and carved plaster.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included for free with the stay and is served on the roof terrace each morning. We stayed for 4 nights and never got bored as there was variety each day. They served homemade, local food and would happily tell us the best way to eat things if we asked.
There was always enough food, usually, there were 3 homemade items served with fresh bread, a variety of homemade spreads, coffee or local mint tea and fresh orange juice. One morning we even got homemade yoghurt with a drizzle of honey.
We got to try Msemen (Moroccan pancakes) which I was chuffed about as they were on my ‘must eat’ list.
We’d always have a laugh at breakfast with the hosts as we’d ask them to teach us different local words each day. They were very patient with us even though our pronunciations were likely appalling.
I had a birthday whilst we were there. Joe and I are very low-key kind of people, but Joe asked as per the tradition we’d created, how to say ‘happy birthday’. He told us, and then rushed off and said something about a surprise. I couldn’t have predicted what followed!
I toyed with keeping it secret to protect future surprises they give, but simply had to show you!
Special celebrations
Let the Riad know if you’re travelling with someone who has a birthday (or you’re celebrating a special occasion). They really do pull out all the stops.
Joe casually told them it was my birthday (on the day). He only told them so they’d teach him how to say ‘Happy birthday’ in the local dialect.
We returned from our day out to find they’d decorated our room. I was so touched by this and had to go and find him to say thank you. As I left the room I found him heading towards our room with a professional, personalised cake just for me!
I was bowled over that they would do this for a guest. I find birthdays tricky since my mum died (hence why we came away for it), and this truly touched me and meant the world to me.
We begged and begged for them to enjoy the cake with us, but they were having none of it!
I should say at this point (even though it’s very unnecessary since we have approx 3 readers), that the Riad had no idea we write travel blogs in our spare time. They would have done this for any guest.
Sold? You should be! Check here to see if it’s available to book for your stay in Marrakesh.
Need some inspiration for things to do (and eat!) whilst in Marrakesh? Look no further, we’ve written up our key recommendations.
Unique things to do in Marrakesh
Great places to eat in Marrakesh (including local recommendations)