Marrakech Medina
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.
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Riad El Fenn
Marrakech
A designer riad, owned by Vanessa Branson, and furnished with flair in the heart of the Marrakech medina. Lush gardens, secluded terraces and courtyards, surrounding fragrant rose gardes, and magnificent views of the city. The ultimate place for wellbeing.
21 rooms from $318Chic - An arty riad filled with British modern art and Moroccan collectables.Roof terrace - Magical views at night.Honeymoons - Stunning suites.Local markets - Good for local colour. -
Riad Farnatchi
Marrakech (Rue Souk el Fassis)
Elegant and spoiling luxury riad. Traditional white marble hammam and fabulously chic suites - a really exquisite and intimate spot.
9 rooms from $362Local markets - Good for local colour.Views - Great views from hotelDesigner - Uniquely designed interiors.Romantic - Good for couples. -
Riyad El Mezouar
Marrakech (Issebtinne 40000)
Boutique hotel with an elegant aristocratic ambience. Its understated style avoids fake orientalism. It provides authentic peace and harmony with simpler white washed walls, orange trees, and a beautiful inner courtyard.
5 rooms from $178Value chicHideaway - An intimate spot with only 5 rooms.Cooking classes - Check for timings.Views - Great views from hotelRecommended by - Tablet, Travel Intelligence -
Dar Les Cigognes
Marrakech Medina
Understated elegance created through fusion of Moroccan and European styles in these two riads. Beautifully decorated rooms, fantastic views from the roof top terrace, and delicious food - an award winning haven in the heart of Marrakech.
10 rooms from $240Exclusive offer - Early Bird and Long Stay OffersElegantCity StyleCooking classes - Voted Best Cooking School in Morocco 2012Local markets - Good for local colour. -
La Maison Arabe
Marrakech (Bab Doukkala)
Iconic restaurant turned luxury hotel with magnificent interior. Understated elegance - sublime combination of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and smart European style. Fountains, swimming pool and delicious cuisine. For those who like the best.
26 rooms from $223Foodies - Fantastic cuisine.LuxuryRestaurant - Recommended.Romantic - Good for couples. -
Villa des Orangers
Marrakech
Smart French-owned hotel with authentic Moroccan decoration. Sophisticated rooms with rich Moroccan-style wooden furnishings, beautiful and luxurious hammam, and inner courtyards for relaxing. A destination for wellbeing and pampering.
6 rooms from $341LuxurySpa breaksCity StyleRestrictions on children - Over 12s only. -
Riad Enija
Marrakech
Intimate, modest and painstakingly beautiful restored family home. Bubbling fountains, tropical gardens, turquoise tiles, fairytale rooms - a heavenly fiction for honeymooners.
15 rooms from $301Honeymoons - Wonderful suites.Spa - In-room treatments available.Romantic - Good for couples.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Riyad Al Moussika
Marrakech (Kennaria)
An intimate and romantic riad with excellent service. Courtyards flooded with sunlight. opulent shaded rooms, delicious Italian-Moroccan-French cuisine - the perfect romantic hideaway.
6 rooms from $196City StyleRomantic BreakRomantic - Good for couples.Local markets - Good for local colour.Recommended by - Tablet -
Riyad el Cadi
Marrakech (Dabachi)
Calm, stylish refuge filled with fine furniture and art. Beautiful white washed patios and roof top sun terrace. A place of tranquility and calm. Its accommodations are well suited for families.
15 rooms from $157Exclusive offer - 10% offFamiliesSpa - In-room treatments available.Local markets - Good for local colour.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - I Escape, Travel Intelligence -
Dar Tchaikana
Marrakech
Carefully displayed artworks at this minimalist-chic hotel in the heart of the medina. Stark white walls, authentic pottery and classical music in the communal areas. Great breakfasts and views over the city towards the mountains from the roof-top terrace.
5 rooms from $105Cooking classes - Check for timings.Great walks - Good for walkers.SpaFour poster beds - For romantics. -
Riad Kniza
Marrakech
Opulent surroundings, gastronomic multi-course dinners, antiques and artworks - the chance to live like King and Queen in this expertly-run riad.
11 rooms from $231Foodies - Outstanding cuisine.Restrictions on children - Teenagers are welcome.Cooking classes - Check for timings.Romantic - Good for couples.Recommended by - I Escape -
Riad Madani
Marrakech (Derb Dabachi)
An eclectic mix of furniture fills a warren of rooms at this unique riad set in beautiful grounds. Shabby-chic at this eccentric home from home. An oasis of peace with a swimming pool in the centre.
14 rooms from $223City StyleSwimming Pool - Excellent outdoor pool for sunbathing.Local markets - Good for local colour.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Riad Honey
Marrakech
Simple but stylish rooms in a well-located and inexpensive riad. Truly unostentatious authentic surroundings - rugs, wrought iron beds, rich cottons. Great value for money.
8 rooms from $131Value chicViews - Great views from hotelSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Local markets - Good for local colour. -
Riad Zolah
Marrakech (Mouassine)
New boutique riad in a great location. Seemless mix of traditional Moroccan decoration and modern comforts. Two central courtyard patios, rooftop terrace, plunge pool and hammam. An intimate spot for romantics.
6 rooms from $209Romantic - Good for couples.SpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorSights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Maison MK
Marrakech
A fabulously relaxing and romantic retreat in a frenetic city. Subtly lit rooms with neutral tones and sensual shapes. Sensational food, fantastic hammam, and wonderful roof top terrace. Truly luxurious.
6 rooms from $360 -
Le Riad Monceau
Marrakech
Stunning, luxury riad-hotel, featuring a gastronomic Moroccan restaurant and Cookery School. Stunning bedrooms with private jacuzzis, attractive patio with swimming pool, traditional hammam spa, and one of Marrakech's best restaurants. For those who like the finer things in life.
7 rooms from $164Restaurant - One of the best restaurant's in Marrakech.LuxuryFoodiesRomantic - Good for couples. -
Riad Al Boraq
Marrakech Médina
A cosy, authentic riad with charming staff and great-value prices. Simple and fresh - a great base from which to explore Marrakech.
6 rooms from $118Exclusive offerCity StyleSwimming Pool - Cooling plunge pool for summer stays.Local markets - Good for local colour.Spa -
Riad Kaiss
Marrakech (Riad Zitoun Kedim)
The beauty and elegance of this riad stands out from the crowd. Light airy rooms with striking furnishings, indulgent spa, and traditional cuisine - serenity amidst the bustle of the city.
9 rooms from $210Exclusive offer - Long Stay & Early Booking OffersChicCity StyleLocal markets - Good for local colour.Designer - Uniquely designed interiors.Recommended by - Travel Intelligence -
Dar Fakir
Marrakech (Kennaria, Medina)
Romantic central Riad with flickering lights and cosy rooms. Exceptional value for money. Elegant rooms in Berber style in creams and beiges. A place to impress.
7 rooms from $170Exclusive offer - Summer SpecialCity StyleCooking classes - Check for timings.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Local markets - Good for local colour. -
Riyad Edward
Marrakech (Zaouia Sidi Bel Abbes, Bab Taghazout,)
A delightful Bohemian and old fashioned riyad just outside the centre of the Medina. The tallest rooftop garden in the medina makes up for simple rooms that are wonderfully inexpensive. Fantastic views over the city and a beautiful swimming pool.
9 rooms from $79Exclusive offer - Free night offerValue chicSpa - Hammam and yoga lessons.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.
Daisy Finer,
posted Friday, 12th February 2010
