Marrakech has it all: sunshine, gorgeous gardens, ridiculously exciting shopping, exotic music, trendy restaurants, history, romance, atmosphere. What is more this so near, so far idyll comes complete with a host of seriously cool hotels. There are large hotels for sure (famous La Mamounia reopened its doors in 2009 after a two year closure), but for those who want to join in the party the rise of the riad is a revelation. These converted townhouses, deep in the heart of the hub, are transforming the hot, dusty, noisy medina into a 21st-century lifestyle destination. Characterized by plain facades, duck-your-head doorways, and decorative interior courtyards, the bliss of staying in a riad is that you are so close to the action, and yet in your own utterly authentic oasis. They are intimate affairs, most with fewer than ten beds. Their order bears no reflection on our preference.
Written by Daisy Finer
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“New boutique riad in a great location”
- Moderate
- Easy to reach from Bab Laksour gate, near the Mouassine Fountain
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“Intimate, modest and painstakingly restored family home”
- Moderate
- In the heart of central Marrakech, down a winding alley from Djemaa el-Fna square
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“Calm, stylish refuge, filled with fine furniture and art”
- Moderate
- In the heart of the old town, a 3-minute walk from Djemaa el-Fna square
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“Elegant, spoiling mini hotel with 24-hour room service”
- Luxury
- In the oldest part of the medina, around the corner from the Medersa Ben Youssef museum.
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“An eclectic mix of furniture fills a warren of rooms at this unique riad”
- Moderate
- Close to Djemaa el-Fna square on derb Moulay Abdelkader
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“Fabulous retreat in a frenetic city”
- Luxury
- City centre; just off main square
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“Stylish combination of Moroccan and European styles in two riads”
- Moderate
- In the heart of the medina, a five minute walk to the Djeema el-Fna square and with street access
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“A riad of character crammed with antiques and knick-knacks”
- Moderate
- A few minutes walk from Djemaa el-Fna square and the souks
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“Smart French-owned hotel with authentic Moroccan decoration”
- Luxury
- Next to Djemaa el-Fna square, in the heart of the city
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“Simple but stylish rooms in a well-located and inexpensive riad”
- Inexpensive
- in a very quiet part of the old city, a 15-minute walk from the D'Jemaa el Fna
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“Unbeatable service at this cosy romantic riad”
- Luxury
- Close to Djemaa el-Fna square in a lively yet tranquil part of the old city
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“Iconic restaurant turned luxury hotel with magnificent interior”
- Luxury
- Near the Bab Doukkala mosque, a 5-minute walk from Djeema el-Fna square
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“Designer riad, owned by Vanessa Branson and furnished with flair”
- Luxury
- In the medina, close to the Bab El Ksour, five minutes walk from Djeema-El-Fna square.
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“Carefully displayed artworks at this chic, minimal hotel”
- Inexpensive
- Five minutes from Djemaa el-Fna square in the heart of the medina
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Photo by flickr user lin padgham
