When it comes to seeking out accommodation in Morocco, one option will show up in nearly every city: the riad. A riad is a type of traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. Now, read a handful of riad reviews and you will likely find words like oasis and retreat used over and over to describe the experience. This still leaves the question open: How to choose the right Riad in Marrakech?
First, what is a riad?
A riad, in simplest terms, is a Moroccan guesthouse. But the term actually refers to the type of building the guesthouse is housed in. The word “riad” means something close to “garden”, and so a riad will have an interior garden.
The rooms in a riad will be situated around a central courtyard garden, often with a fountain or pool. Technically, accommodations without a garden should be called a „dar“, but the terms riad and dar are somehow used interchangeably, especially when you’re searching for a place to stay in Marrakech.
Notably, most riads will be small (sometimes only with 4 to 6 rooms), and many will have a rooftop terrace.
If you want a true Moroccan accommodation experience in Marrakech, you’ll want to stay in a riad.
Riads in Marrakech
WHERE I STAYED
I staid in three different riads in Marrakech already. They all were in a different price category (from €100 per night to €20 per night).
And here’s what I experienced:
Location
Looking back, I have to say that the cheapest riad actually had the best location. Hence, you cannot say that the most expansive one is in a better location than the others are, unless you want to differentiate between the ’new‘ Marrakech and the ‚old‘ Marrakech (Medina).
Usually, you will spend most of your time in the Medina if it’s your first visit. Hence, a riad located nearby would be perfect. I recommend to read my Marrakech itinerary and plan your days beforehand. Then, choose a riad that fits the best.
Since many Medina streets aren’t accessible by car, be sure to check if the staff can help you with directions or even pick you up.
Tip: If your riad can only be reached on foot, inquire as to whether the riad offer transfers. If so, use this offer – mostly they have very reasonable prices. For example, one raid offered us a transfer for €15 while a taxi from the airport to the Medina was officially €14. Hence, any price between €15 and €20 will be fine.
Pro tip: Forget Apple Maps during your time in Marrakech. Use google maps instead. You can use it while still connected to wifi and then turn on airplane mode to avoid any fees. Google maps will still work for the route.
Amenities
After location, the next thing I looked at when searching for riads were the things included. Of course, you can expect to have bedding, towels, and a private bathroom included. Most riads will also include breakfast with your room rate. This is a thing I’d really recommend as we found it difficult to find good breakfast in Marrakech, but the ones at our riads were superb!
Other things to look for:
- a pool
- a rooftop terrace
- an on-site restaurant
- an on-site hammam
- air conditioning
Tip: You don’t need to drink endless amounts of orange juice in your riad though. The ones at Jemaa El Fna were too good to be missed! Usually, a large glas of orange juice is around 10 MAD.
Size
If you ask me, go for a smaller riad with not more than 6 rooms. We stayed in one larger riad and it was very loud and unpleasant as some of the guests thought it’s a party district for themselves. When I asked them kindly to be a bit more quiet, they got even more loud. Hallelujah. You will definitely avoid this!
Tip: If you’re planning to stay in a quieter riad, be sure to book well in advance! The popular riads do fill, no matter what time it is.
Design
Lastly, in this digital age where everything ends up being posted on social media, you might want to take design into account when looking for a riad.
Again, this definitely doesn’t mean that you have to spend a fortune on accommodation! Many Marrakech riads have traditional design elements like mosaic tiles, carved woodwork, and Berber carpets, while others have been updated and more modernized.
Whatever you prefer, you can get some good insights on their own websites or through booking sites.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I PAY FOR A RIAD IN MARRAKECH?
Marrakech isn’t this cheap destination many people assume. Food and accommodation can be just as pricey here as in large cities in Europe.
When I first took a look at Airbnb, I found riads for about €5 and was very suspicious. I ended up booking a riad for €20 and wasn’t disappointed!
Here are three pictures of the riads and what I paid for them (2 persons, 1 night price):
€25 per night, breakfast included, great location, friendly staff
€60 per night, breakfast included, not so great location, okay staff
€100 per night, breakfast included, great location, best staff
The breakfast always was more or less the same, mint tea was free {except for the €60 riad} and the rooftop terraces were equally good.
You might also enjoy:
- Review – Riad Ambre Et Epices
- How to spend 3 days in Marrakech
- Instagram Spots in Marrakech and where to find them
- Things to skip in Marrakech and what to do instead
Pin for your next adventure to Marrakech!
Tabitha, you’re the best! I simply love that you always have more posts on a specific location. That really, really helps me with my travel plans and I do not have only half information.
I really appreciate your work!
Thank you, Mary! That’s so nice of you 🙂