I’d been dreaming of staying in one of the magical riads in Marrakesh since I first saw the beautiful tiled walls and stunning interior designs on Instagram.
My Instagram feed, probably just like yours, has been filled with the most stunning pictures of riad doors, courtyard gardens, and ornate interiors.
And with that, I set off to explore some of the most incredible riads in Marrakesh on my recent trip.
From traditional Moroccan architecture to modernized design and amenities, these riads offer a unique insight into authentic Moroccan culture.
A riad is typically a house or palace with an interior walled garden, courtyard, and magnificent architecture. The concept of the riad is to create an oasis within the chaos of city life.
Trust me, after a few days in the busy city, the calmness and tranquility of the riads are a welcome refuge.
Planning a trip to Morocco? Book Morocco’s top activities through GetYourGuide (my go-to when I’m abroad!)
Once I stepped into one, I was immediately enchanted! The beautiful interior design, with its carvings and tiling, the welcoming pools, and intricate furnishings all immediately caught my eye and I was convinced I was never leaving.
I’m sure that you can imagine just how easy it is to fall in love with the riads of Marrakesh.
Many riads in Marrakesh only have 5 – 10 rooms, so they book up very quickly. As soon as you know your dates for Marrakesh, you should get to booking a riad.
We were booking ours a couple of months before our trip and kept finding a lot of them to be sold out due to their limited capacity. So be sure to make your reservations ASAP!
If you’re looking for an amazing place to stay when exploring Morocco, be sure to check out one of these incredible riads.
See what’s available for your dates via booking.com:
Booking.comTop 7 Riads in Marrakesh
1. Riad Anya and Spa
Located right in the heart of the Medina, Riad Anya and Spa is a gorgeous boutique hotel. This riad boasts beautiful Moroccan-style architecture, with an interior courtyard and pool, traditional tiling, and adorned furnishings.
I absolutely loved staying at this riad! Not only were the Atlas Mountains breathtaking, but the property has a pool on the patio and a hot tub on the terrace for max relaxation.
Each morning you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast while in the evenings, you can head up to the rooftop terrace to watch the sunset as you sip on some yummy mint tea.
The attention to detail at the riad is what makes it one of the most popular places to stay in Marrakesh. From the stunning carved wooden doors to the intricately tiled walls and the little flower petals welcoming you in the hot tub, this riad sets the bar pretty high.
2. Riad Yasmine
We’ve all seen those stunning pictures of Riad Yasmine’s courtyard on the gram and you guessed it, it’s even more beautiful in person!
The way the shades of green and white tile come together and the greenery of the plants are just to die for, not to mention all the succulents that adorn the courtyard walls.
The rooms here also have that classic Moroccan feel with beautiful tiling and extravagant furniture. It’s truly a sight to behold!
You’ll feel like the star of your own Moroccan fairytale staying at this riad. From their delicious traditional food to the spacious and indulgent rooms, you’ll feel like royalty!
The best part of all is the breathtaking rooftop terrace with views of the Koutoubia Mosque. It’s undoubtedly the perfect place to relax or take in the sunset over Marrakesh’s skyline. You’ll feel like you’re right in the heart of Morocco when you enjoy a meal on this desert-inspired rooftop.
3. Riad Anayela
All of my Moroccan dreams came true at Riad Anayela. This beautiful and historic riad is located in the heart of the medina, surrounded by a maze of narrow streets that are buzzing with life.
Built over 300 years ago, this Marrakesh riad tells a story of traditional Moroccan architecture and design. It took years to be restored and made into a modern-day sanctuary.
The moment I stepped in, I was amazed by the intricate details and the peaceful interior courtyard with its lush plants and swimming pool. The rooms are luxurious, with contemporary furnishings that still remain true to Moroccan style.
Staying at the Anayela is a luxurious, authentic experience that will touch your soul. It’s a calm place to relax, but it also subtly inspires and stimulates your senses.
The staff at Riad Anayela were amazing—they were so friendly and warm and we enjoyed our chats with them so much. When it was time to leave we were giving everyone hugs. I’ve never felt so attached to hotel staff members before but we had such great conversations with them!
If you’re looking for a truly special experience in Marrakesh, I highly recommend staying at the Riad Anayela. Not only will you get to stay in an amazing place with breathtaking views, but also enjoy delicious traditional cuisine and a unique cultural experience.
4. Riad Be Marrakesh
This boutique guest house feels like home. You’ll be welcomed by warm-toned corridors that lead up to a cozy courtyard.
The swimming pool is surrounded by greenery and Morrocan tilework and the colors of the walls make you feel like you’ve stepped into a dream.
The traditional Moroccan-style furniture, handcrafted carpets, and enchanting architecture will take your breath away.
Additionally, the private rooms are all individually decorated with authentic Moroccan pieces, making them unique and inviting. They also feature modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning, so you can be comfortable during your stay.
Riad Be Marrakesh is the perfect place to stay if you want to relax after exploring the medina. It’s also conveniently located near the Djemaa El Fna square, so you won’t have far to go after exploring.
5. Riad Melhoun & Spa
The open-concept courtyard of Riad Melhoun & Spa is just breathtaking. The fountains, the tiled pool, and the multitude of seating areas with lush greenery make it a perfect oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
Experience a romantic getaway in one of the suites at this luxury riad. From beds draped with Moroccan fabrics to spacious bathrooms, each room is tailored to provide ultimate comfort and relaxation.
The spa offers a variety of treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Enjoy a massage in their tranquil atmosphere or take a dip in their swimming pool for some extra pampering.
You can also experience a traditional hammam steam bath and get a unique insight into Moroccan culture.
The rooftop terrace is a lovely place to have dinner under the stars with your friends or significant other while taking in Marrakesh’s skyline. If you need to cool off, there’s also an additional plunge pool where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.
6. Nelia De Marrakesh Hotel Boutique & Spa
For a more intimate setting, Nelia De Marrakesh is a great option. It’s a boutique hotel with only 3 styles of suites that feature traditional Moroccan decor and modern amenities.
Each morning I enjoyed my breakfast on the roof terrace that’s surrounded by a beautiful garden. I was in awe of the view of the surrounding medina, with its terracotta homes and busy streets.
The hotel also has a fabulous spa with traditional hammam treatments and massages that are perfect for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing. Enjoy their sauna, or steam room, or take a dip in the plunge pool for some extra relaxation.
Nelia De Marrakesh Riad is just a 7-minute walk from Bahia Palace and Djemaa el Fna. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to attractions while still having a tranquil escape in the heart of Marrakesh.
7. Riad Jardin Secret
Riad Jardin Secret is a true gem in Marrakesh. This traditional riad is full of character and charm while the Arabic décor creates a warm ambiance that you won’t find anywhere else.
The pink rooftop is one of my favorite places here because it’s so adorable and has plenty of great spots for pictures! You’ll love having breakfast up here while you take in the breathtaking view of the medina.
The riad only has 7 rooms which are all individually decorated and feature a mix of traditional Moroccan and modern elements. You’ll love the colorful rugs, cushions, and artwork that make each room unique.
The true star of this place is the central courtyard, with its intricate mosaic designs and lush plants. There’s also a swimming pool that you can lounge by while enjoying a cool refreshment under the Moroccan sun.
I always feel more at home when there are little furry guests around, and there is a lovely cat who likes to lounge in the garden all day long. So cute!
The owner’s pup also likes to hang out on the rooftop terrace with guests. It feels like one big family here.
Riad Jardin Secret is the perfect place to stay if you want an authentic Marrakesh experience. It’s conveniently located near the Djemaa El Fna Square and the bustling markets of the medina.
As you can see, Marrakesh has no shortage of amazing riads to explore! From cozy boutique hotels to luxurious spas, the city has something for everyone. No matter which one you choose, make sure to take time to enjoy all that the riad has to offer while you’re there.
You won’t regret it!
Looking for more Marrakesh content? Explore my other Marrakesh travel guides here.
Exploring the Souks of Marrakesh: Everything to Know Before You Go
6 Epic Day Trips from Marrakesh
Marrakech Nightlife: What to Do and Where to Go
The Perfect Two-Week Morocco Itinerary
The Best Time to Visit Morocco: A Complete Guide
7 Epic Things to Do in Merzouga
FAQs
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
