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The Best Riads in Marrakech: Where to Stay in the City

ByJess Inions

There’s one hill I’ll die on when it comes to where to stay in Marrakech – always choose a riad over a hotel.

These traditional Moroccan houses are the best way to experience the local culture, and after multiple trips to the city, I’ve stayed in four different riads.

Nothing beats the hospitality, the design, or the feeling of stepping off a chaotic medina street into a peaceful courtyard that feels worlds away from the city outside.

This guide covers the four riads I’ve personally stayed in, with honest recommendations on which one to pick based on your budget and what you’re looking for.

Marrakech riad courtyard with a large turquoise mosaic-tiled pool at its center, flanked by white horseshoe arches, tall arched windows, and potted palms. A wrought-iron balcony with flowing white curtains looks down from above, and cream cushioned seating lines the edge.

Where to stay in Marrakech

If it’s your first visit to Marrakech, I’d recommend staying in the medina – the old part of the city inside the historic walls.

This is where you’ll find the souks, Jemaa el-Fna Square, the Koutoubia Mosque and most of the main things to do. It’s also home to the majority of the riads in the city.

Outside the medina you’re more likely to find bigger hotels such as the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental and The Oberoi, and whilst these are all stunning, I don’t think they have the same charm as a riad.

Plus, I love the convenience of being able to step out of the door and into the madness of Marrakech without needing to take a taxi.

Elevated view of a bustling Marrakech market square filled with stalls of woven baskets, straw bags, and souvenirs sheltered under colorful parasols, with shopfronts and pink medina rooftops stretching into the distance.

Tips for booking your riad in Marrakech

If you’ve never stayed in a riad before, here are a few things worth knowing before you book:

  • Arrange your airport transfer in advance. Riads are tucked down narrow alleyways and streets that cars can’t access, so you can’t get a taxi directly to the door. I always like to arrange airport pick up with my riad, and someone will meet you at the car and walk you to the door. Definitely do this if you’re arriving at night, as the medina streets aren’t well lit.
  • Download an offline map. Signal in the medina can be patchy, so I’d recommend downloading Maps.me before you go. It works without phone reception and is a lifesaver when you’re trying to find your way back to your riad after a day of exploring.
  • Pack earplugs. The call to prayer happens five times a day, starting very early in the morning, and you’ll almost certainly hear it from your room. It’s one of my favourite things about staying in the medina, but if you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs just in case.
  • Check whether the pool is heated. Most riads have a swimming pool in the central courtyard, but they’re often freezing as they’re tucked away on the ground floor and don’t get much sunlight. If you’re planning to actually swim, check whether the pool is heated before you book.

Best Riads in Marrakech

I’ve personally stayed in all of these riads, so this guide is based on my own experience.

1. Riad 72

Riad 72 is my top recommendation for where to stay in Marrakech. I’ve stayed there twice and it offers everything you need for your trip.

Bright Marrakech riad courtyard with cream walls, intricately carved white shutters, rattan armchairs with pink cushions around small white tables, tall potted palms, and a balcony with a latticed railing above an arched wooden doorway.

Location

Riad 72 is located down a quiet street just a short walk from the souks. You’re a fifteen minute walk from Place des Épices, ten minutes from Le Jardin Secret, and only five minutes from Bacha Coffee, all some of my favourite things to do in Marrakech.

What I love most about the location is that there’s several riads on the street, and they all pay for security to monitor the area.

On my second stay here I was travelling solo, so it was really reassuring knowing that there was security, as the narrow streets in the medina are quite poorly lit at night.

If you’re a first time visitor to Marrakech, I think this location is one of the best.

A woman in a pink dress and straw hat stands at the center of a Marrakech riad courtyard, framed by tall white horseshoe arches, carved wooden doors, rattan armchairs, potted palms, and a patterned pink rug.
Moroccan breakfast spread on a round table in a riad courtyard, with fried eggs, a crepe, a bowl of berries, fresh orange juice, coffee, and a wooden board of jams and condiments, set among rattan chairs and palm fronds.

Rooms

There’s fourteen rooms and suites, ranging from a classic room to the Arte Suite, which comes with a terrace and a jacuzzi. Even the smallest rooms here are very spacious.

They’re quite stripped back in design which I really like as it adds a very calming feel to the space.

Minimalist Marrakech riad bedroom with a wooden mashrabiya headboard painted red, a large pink-and-red circle mural on the white wall, brass pendant lanterns, and a neutral textured throw on a low bed.
BOOK YOUR STAY

Rooftop

There’s two rooftops at the riad, one is where breakfast is served, so there’s tables and chairs, as well as a large terrace with comfy sofas and a separate area with sun loungers.

Marrakech riad rooftop lounge with long cream cushioned benches piled with linen pillows, low wooden tables, woven rattan pendant lights hanging from a reed-and-bamboo canopy, and terracotta planters of palms framing the space.
Marrakech rooftop terrace with carved peach-colored arches, a marble bistro table flanked by pink-cushioned wire chairs, prickly pear cacti in terracotta pots, and a sun-drenched view across rooftops to distant trees.
Marrakech rooftop seating area at golden hour, with a cream rattan sofa and pale blue cushions on a low wooden table, a green-tiled fountain edge, and a view across pink rooftops toward a tall stone minaret.
Marrakech riad rooftop terrace with a green-tiled plunge pool, a curved pink sofa scattered with cushions, agave and barrel cacti in the foreground, and a view across the medina to the Koutoubia Mosque minaret and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Marrakech rooftop seating area at golden hour, with a cream rattan sofa and pale blue cushions on a low wooden table, a green-tiled fountain edge, and a view across pink rooftops toward a tall stone minaret.
Marrakech riad rooftop terrace with a green-tiled plunge pool, a curved pink sofa scattered with cushions, agave and barrel cacti in the foreground, and a view across the medina to the Koutoubia Mosque minaret and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

On the other rooftop there’s a plunge pool, with incredible views of the Atlas mountains. The pool wasn’t there the first time I stayed so having it the second time was amazing.

Usually swimming pools in riads are on the bottom floor in a small courtyard that doesn’t get much sun, so they’re often absolutely freezing and rarely used. But the rooftop pool gets loads of sun throughout the day so the water can warm up.

There’s also a bar next to the pool so you can grab a cocktail and enjoy an incredible sunset.

Marrakech riad rooftop with a long turquoise pool lined by agave plants, white sun loungers, and three macramé-fringed parasols, with a view across the medina to the Koutoubia Mosque and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Spa

One of the best parts about Riad 72 is the incredible spa. Getting a Hammam (a steam bath) is one of the best things to do in Marrakech, and they have one in the riad, so it’s really convenient.

They also offer massages, facials, and you can even get your nails done.

Extra details

When you check into Riad 72 you’re greeted with a traditional Moroccan mint tea and hand washing ritual, and you’re then given your own mobile phone that you can use to make local calls, or contact the riad if needed.

The breakfast is extensive, and one of the best I had in Morocco. There’s pastries, crepes, eggs, jams, honey and fruit.

All of these extra touches made my stay a little more special.

2. Riad L’ Atelier

Riad L’Atelier was the first riad I stayed in on my first trip to Marrakech several years ago. There’s only five bedrooms so it has a really intimate feel, and the service here is the best out of everywhere on this list.

I was travelling with my boyfriend, and the riad owner gave us both a tour of the medina when we first arrived, just to make sure we felt comfortable and we knew how to navigate the area.

He also took us to a few of his favourite stalls and shops, which was such a lovely way to start our trip.

Marrakech riad courtyard with a green-tiled plunge pool flanked by tall citrus trees, white horseshoe arches over a tadelakt seating nook, patterned blue-and-white floor tiles, and a woven basket holding a striped towel.
Marrakech riad pool nook with a small green-tiled plunge pool, cream tadelakt walls and arches, built-in benches with mustard cushions, a rattan pendant light, and patterned floor tiles dappled with sunlight.
Marrakech riad courtyard with a green-tiled plunge pool flanked by tall citrus trees, white horseshoe arches over a tadelakt seating nook, patterned blue-and-white floor tiles, and a woven basket holding a striped towel.
Marrakech riad pool nook with a small green-tiled plunge pool, cream tadelakt walls and arches, built-in benches with mustard cushions, a rattan pendant light, and patterned floor tiles dappled with sunlight.

Location

Riad L’atelier is located in the medina, fifteen minutes from Jemaa el-Fna Square, and just 10 minutes from Café des Épices, one of my favourite rooftop bars in Marrakech.

BOOK YOUR STAY

Rooms

The rooms here are simple and stripped back. They don’t feel typically Moroccan as the colours are quite muted – there’s lots of grey, pink and white, which creates a really relaxing feel.

I stayed in room number four which has a large bathtub in the middle of the room. I’m a big fan of a bath so this was a huge plus point for me. There is also a separate bathroom with a shower.

Minimalist Marrakech bathroom with a sculptural concrete soaking tub, white waffle robes hanging on the wall, recessed plaster shelving holding folded towels and small objects, and a black-and-cream Beni Ourain rug on the polished concrete floor.
Simple Marrakech guest room bedside detail with a cream wall, a vintage brass wall sconce on a black iron arm, a rustic wooden log stool, and a bed dressed in white linens with striped beige pillows.
Minimalist Marrakech bathroom with a sculptural concrete soaking tub, white waffle robes hanging on the wall, recessed plaster shelving holding folded towels and small objects, and a black-and-cream Beni Ourain rug on the polished concrete floor.
Simple Marrakech guest room bedside detail with a cream wall, a vintage brass wall sconce on a black iron arm, a rustic wooden log stool, and a bed dressed in white linens with striped beige pillows.

Swimming pool

There’s a small swimming pool in the courtyard when you first enter the riad. It’s surrounded by plants and it’s such a relaxing place to hang out. It’s cold though, so brace yourself!

Rooftop

The roof terrace at Riad L’ Atelier is one of my favourites on this list as you get amazing views of the Atlas Mountains on a clear day, and you’re in the heart of the medina so you can sit and listen to the call to prayer and really soak up the atmosphere.

There’s tables and chairs where you can have breakfast, and sun loungers for the warmer days when you just want to relax.

Marrakech riad rooftop with two rattan sun loungers topped with cream cushions and woven straw hats, shaded by a tall conical reed parasol, alongside potted cacti and grasses against a white tadelakt wall.
Marrakech rooftop dining nook with a rustic wooden table and woven rope stools, oversized rattan basket pendant lights, a terracotta jug holding dried stems, and tropical plants framing a stone column.
Marrakech riad rooftop with two rattan sun loungers topped with cream cushions and woven straw hats, shaded by a tall conical reed parasol, alongside potted cacti and grasses against a white tadelakt wall.
Marrakech rooftop dining nook with a rustic wooden table and woven rope stools, oversized rattan basket pendant lights, a terracotta jug holding dried stems, and tropical plants framing a stone column.

3. Riad NayaNour

Riad NayaNour is an excellent budget option, with rooms starting from £100 a night. It also has a heated swimming pool, which is a huge bonus and a real rarity.

Symmetrical riad courtyard in Marrakech with a turquoise tiled plunge pool, white Moorish arches, carved wooden doors and floor cushions for lounging.

Location

Riad NayaNour is located in the middle of the medina, down a quiet street with a few other riads.

It’s a fifteen minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna Square and within easy reach of most of the main sights.

Rooms

There’s seven bedrooms, including two suites, and I stayed in one of their standard rooms.

The room I stayed in was more basic and a bit more dated than the others on this list, but it was comfortable, spacious and spotlessly clean, and if you’re spending most of your time exploring the city, that’s all you really need.

It’s also the most affordable Riad on this list, with rooms starting at £100 per night.

Marrakech riad bedroom with a deep terracotta accent wall behind a cream upholstered bed, a colorful geometric artwork above, gilded teardrop bedside lamps, and a carved wooden window letting in soft light.

Swimming pool

The pool at Riad NayaNour is beautiful. It’s a really good size, and it’s heated, which is such a rarity for a riad pool.

This means it’s actually usable throughout the year, which is an amazing benefit of this place.

There’s comfy sofas around it, as well as tables and chairs if you want to sit and have a drink.

BOOK YOUR STAY

Rooftop

The rooftop terrace is huge, with plenty of areas to sit if you want to have breakfast there or enjoy a drink overlooking the medina. There’s also sun loungers great for relaxing on a sunny day.

4. Riad Botanica

Riad Botanica is probably the most beautiful riad on this list, with a gorgeous courtyard filled with plants and trees.

Classic riad courtyard in Marrakech with a star-tiled plunge pool, black and white geometric floor tiles, orange trees and Moroccan lanterns.

Location

Riad Botanica is easily walkable to all the main sights in the medina. The one thing I’d flag is that it’s slightly further from the nearest taxi drop-off point than some of the other riads I’ve stayed in.

It’s not far at all in the grand scheme of things, but if you’re travelling solo and walking back at night, you do notice the extra few minutes through the narrow streets.

Rooms

There’s six bedrooms, all beautifully furnished. I stayed in a room on the ground floor, which was really spacious and well-designed.

Because it’s on the ground floor, it was a little dark, which you do find quite a lot in riads because of the way they’re built upwards around the central courtyard.

If natural light is important to you, I’d ask for one of the upper-floor rooms when booking.

Marrakech riad bedroom with a double bed beneath an arched patterned headboard, brass wall sconces, pastel block-printed wallpaper, and a vibrant pink and blue Berber blanket folded at the foot. Wooden shutters frame an ornate wrought-iron window.
BOOK YOUR STAY

Courtyard and pool

The courtyard is gorgeous, with tiled floors, parasols, orange trees overhead, and a swimming pool in the middle with chairs and tables around it.

It’s the kind of space you could easily spend a whole afternoon in.

Image 1: "Overhead view of a Marrakech riad courtyard with a blue-tiled plunge pool, a black-and-white striped umbrella shading a rattan sofa with an orange throw, patterned floor tiles, and a flowering citrus tree reaching up past a wrought-iron balcony.
Marrakech riad courtyard with a small blue-tiled plunge pool, a striped sun lounger with red and white towels, brass lanterns and green ceramic pots along the edge, and dappled light filtering through an overhanging citrus tree.
Image 1: "Overhead view of a Marrakech riad courtyard with a blue-tiled plunge pool, a black-and-white striped umbrella shading a rattan sofa with an orange throw, patterned floor tiles, and a flowering citrus tree reaching up past a wrought-iron balcony.
Marrakech riad courtyard with a small blue-tiled plunge pool, a striped sun lounger with red and white towels, brass lanterns and green ceramic pots along the edge, and dappled light filtering through an overhanging citrus tree.

Rooftop

The rooftop is a really peaceful spot. There’s a dining area with tables and chairs where breakfast is served, a bar, and sun loungers on the other side. It’s a lovely place to relax away from the chaos of the medina below.

View across a Marrakech riad with white walls and green-tiled rooflines, looking up toward a rooftop terrace with black-and-white striped awnings, a black lattice pavilion, and palm trees against a clear sky.
Marrakech riad rooftop terrace with green Moorish arches and brass lanterns, black-and-white striped umbrellas, white wrought-iron tables and chairs, patterned tile flooring, and small potted citrus trees along the edge.
Marrakech riad rooftop bar with a textured green stone counter, rattan stools with black-striped trim, golden teardrop pendant lights, and a black-and-white striped awning above patterned tile floors.
Marrakech riad rooftop terrace with green Moorish arches and brass lanterns, black-and-white striped umbrellas, white wrought-iron tables and chairs, patterned tile flooring, and small potted citrus trees along the edge.
Marrakech riad rooftop bar with a textured green stone counter, rattan stools with black-striped trim, golden teardrop pendant lights, and a black-and-white striped awning above patterned tile floors.

FAQs

What is a riad?

Riad’s are traditional Moroccan houses spanning several floors, with a courtyard in the middle. The most magical thing about riads is that despite being in the heart of the busy medina, once you shut the doors behind you, it feels like a sanctuary.

Is it better to stay in a riad in Marrakech?

If you want an authentic experience during your trip to Marrakech, then I’d strongly recommend ditching the big hotels and staying in a riad. Not only will you receive the best of Moroccan hospitality, they’re well located close to the main sights.

What is the difference between a riad and a hotel in Marrakech?

Riads are typically smaller than hotels, with fewer rooms built around a central courtyard. Staying in a riad means you’ll have a more personal experience, it feels as though you’re staying with family!

Are riads more expensive than hotels?

No, riads aren’t more expensive than hotels. In fact, most of the time riads are significantly cheaper than hotels. There’s so many riads to choose from that it’s easy to find the perfect place for your budget.

Do riads have private bathrooms?

Yes, the majority of riads have private bathrooms. These days, riads are on the same level as luxury hotels, with incredible interiors, rooftop bars and restaurants, heated swimming pools and even spas. So you don’t need to worry about sharing a bathroom.

Read my other Marrakech guides:

The 8 Best Marrakech Restaurants: My 2026 Recommendations

The 12 Best Things to do in Marrakech

12 Best Rooftop Bars in Marrakech: My Top Recommendations

Hi, I'm Jess, a full time travel blogger from the UK. I've visited 36 countries and I love sharing my experiences with you to help you plan your trips.

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