A great Marrakech holiday needs a great place to stay. The city has plenty of hotels — but in my books, you can’t do better than a riad in the Marrakech medina, or old walled town.
These beautiful old Moroccan houses are right in the middle of old Marrakech — a maze of busy streets, narrow alleys and colourful markets flowing with a constant stream of people, motorcycles, cars, donkeys and even the occasional camel. From the outside, riads usually don’t look like much: just another door in a pink wall down a nondescript alley. But step through the door and you’re in another world.
Each riad is built around an inner courtyard — a haven of peace amidst the heat and hustle of the streets outside, and onto which each room opens. Some riads also have a rooftop terrace, or even a pool. Most are small, with just a few rooms.
Modern to traditional, expensive to budget
That’s where the similarities end. Some riads maintain a traditional style, with arches, tiled floors and carved woodwork. I know this, as I have stayed in 3 such riads. But search for “riad in Marrakesh” and you’ll see more modern styles as well — as well as some very pricey rooms.
I’m sure the high-end riads are amazing, but you can still have an incredible experience even with more reasonable prices. The courtyard of the Riad Les Trois Mages, where my friend and I stayed for our Marrakesh holiday, was absolutely gorgeous, surrounded by sumptuously decorated living rooms and very comfortable rooms. Breakfast was to die for — Morcoccan pancakes, fresh fruit, eggs, Moroccan bread and homemade jam served in the courtyard. Each night we vowed to skip it the next day, having eaten so much during the day, but each morning we could not resist. On top of this, whenever we dropped in for rest, we were served mint tea and delicious pastries. Plus the staff was friendly and helpful.
I’ve also stayed at riads priced for backpackers — these were simpler, but also lovely.
Bottom line: if you’re headed to Marrakech, I strongly recommend you stay in a riad!
Our Marrakech riad
