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.


  • 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 $318
    Chic  -  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 $362
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Designer  -  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 $178
    Value chic
    Hideaway  -  An intimate spot with only 5 rooms.
    Cooking classes  -  Check for timings.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Recommended 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 $240
    Exclusive offer  -  Early Bird and Long Stay Offers
    Elegant
    City Style
    Cooking classes  -  Voted Best Cooking School in Morocco 2012
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Travel Intelligence
  • 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 $223
    Foodies  -  Fantastic cuisine.
    Luxury
    Restaurant  -  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 $341
    Luxury
    Spa breaks
    City Style
    Restrictions 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 $301
    Honeymoons  -  Wonderful suites.
    Spa  -  In-room treatments available.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
    Recommended by  -  I Escape, Johansens, Travel Intelligence
  • 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 $196
    City Style
    Romantic Break
    Romantic  -  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 $157
    Exclusive offer  -  10% off
    Families
    Spa  -  In-room treatments available.
    Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
    Recommended 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 $105
    Cooking classes  -  Check for timings.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Spa
    Four 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 $231
    Foodies  -  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 $223
    City Style
    Swimming 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 $131
    Value chic
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Sights 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 $209
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Spa
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor/outdoor
    Sights 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
    Foodies
    Honeymoons
    Spa breaks
    Gourmet
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Kiwi Collection
  • 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 $164
    Restaurant  -  One of the best restaurant's in Marrakech.
    Luxury
    Foodies
    Romantic  -  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 $118
    Exclusive offer
    City Style
    Swimming 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 $210
    Exclusive offer  -  Long Stay & Early Booking Offers
    Chic
    City Style
    Local 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 $170
    Exclusive offer  -  Summer Special
    City Style
    Cooking 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 $79
    Exclusive offer  -  Free night offer
    Value chic
    Spa  -  Hammam and yoga lessons.
    Sights nearby  -  Well located for major sights.
Written by  Daisy Finer, posted Friday, 12th February 2010
comments powered by Disqus
Your shortlist (0)