If I’m honest with you, sometimes I visit Marrakech just to stay at its riads and hardly leave the property once I arrive. The medina can be an assault on the senses and returning to the calming oasis of a riad is something I always relish. Not only that, but staying at a riad in Marrakech offers a unique insight into the architectural history of Morocco, even if some are stylistically modern.
Nothing can quite prepare you for the incredible design that lies behind the unassuming doors of Marrakech’s riads and I encourage you to stay in as many as your adventures allow!
To help you out, here are 10 of the best riads in the Marrakech medina to discover, with something for all budgets.
For more information about visiting Marrakech, including things to do and the best times to visit, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech
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BEST RIADS IN THE MARRAKECH MEDINA
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top recommendations for the best riads in the Marrakech medina:
Best luxury Marrakech riad with hammam
Best Marrakech riad for families
Best budget Marrakech riad with rooftop terrace
Best budget Marrakech riad with a pool
Nestled within the medina, all of the rooms at Riad Salman overlook a centrepiece pool where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. Beautifully decorated with traditional tiles and woven rugs, its rooms and patio are the perfect place to retreat during the heat of the day.
“The riad is immaculate. If you want to see real Moroccan culture with a brilliant location, you should book here.” - Orla (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
A beautifully tiled pool in the courtyard of Riad Salman (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Riad Farhan $$
Best mid-range Marrakech riad for couples
With its neutral colour palette and wooden accents, Riad Farhan has to be one of the most best riads in the Marrakech medina. It boasts a spacious pool and plenty of lounges where you can relax with a book, as well as a sun-drenched terrace for listening to the call to prayer ring out.
“Beautiful place with amazing facilities. Calm and tranquil vibes” - Sara (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
A painted door leads to a beautifully decorated room at Riad Palais Sebban (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best luxury Marrakech riad near Jemaa el-Fnaa
Dating from the 19th century, this beautifully restored riad in Marrakech is just five minutes’ walk from Djemaa el-Fna Square and the Koutoubia Mosque. It’s richly decorated for those who crave opulence and boasts panoramic views across the medina from its rooftop terrace.
“Easily one of the most beautiful places I've ever stayed. You could wander around for days and not fully absorb the fine detail and stunning atmosphere all around you.” - Eric (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
Looking down on the central patio of Ambre Epices Medina Riad in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best luxury Marrakech riad with hammam
Occupying a former spice merchant’s house, this elegant Marrakech riad features six rooms, all of which are named after points along the Spice Route. In addition to its sparkling swimming pool, hammam and rooftop terrace, Ambre Epices Medina Riad offers complimentary pastries and Moroccan mint tea for guests each afternoon - yum!
Discover more Marrakech riads with hammams here.
“The best accommodation I've ever booked….It scores 100% at all levels.” - Fatima (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
Moroccan artefacts decorate a lounge at Riad Dama & Spa in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best budget Marrakech riad with hammam
Decorated in earthy tones, the air-conditioned suites at Riad Dama & Spa epitomise Moroccan style. Aside from its spacious rooms, this beautiful riad in the Marrakech medina is a standout due to its onsite spa with a traditional hammam and treatment rooms.
“This was an incredible experience in Marrakesh, I would advise anyone to stay here” - Jack (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
Breakfast is served on the terrace at Riad Le Petit Joyau in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best adults-only riad in Marrakech medina
Intimate and elegant, Riad Le Petit Joyau is an adults-only riad in Marrakech that’s ideal for honeymooning couples and friends. The petite plunge pool is an idyllic spot to submerge yourself during the heat of the day while the rooftop terrace is a treat for sundowners.
“The riad was absolutely amazing, clean and beautiful! Hamza and the staff are lovely and always there to help!” - Elena (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
One of the inviting rooms at Riad l'Oiseau du Paradis in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best Marrakech riad with pool for families
Just 10 minutes’ walk from Djemaa el-Fna Square is this stunning Marrakech riad, which boasts views of Koutobia Mosque from its rooftop terrace. Lush indoor plants bring a pop of colour against the earthy hues of its inviting rooms. Aside from serving breakfast, traditional Moroccan dishes are available for lunch and dinner.
“Amazing value for money with very friendly staff and in a superb location, couldn't ask for more!” - William (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
An ornate balcony frames the courtyard at Riad & Spa Le Secret de Zoraida (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Romantic Marrakech riad for couples
Each of the air-conditioned suites at this Marrakech medina riad is individually decorated and there’s an undeniable romance throughout the property. I particularly love the spa with its marble-clad hammam and the hot tub on the rooftop terrace - bliss!
“The service was very impressive. They were always ready to help whenever guests needed.” - Daijie (read more reviews here)
Best budget Marrakech riad with rooftop terrace
Centred around an inviting swimming pool, this affordable Marrakech riad is just 50 metres from the Bab Yacout gateway. The cosy rooms are beautifully decorated with colourful textiles, and between the rooftop terrace and the plant-filled patio, there are plenty of charming places to relax.
“Amazing experience, everything was perfect. Would recommend to everyone.” - Mafalda (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
A colourfully decorated room at Riad Carina in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best budget Marrakech riad near Badi Palace
Located next to Palais el Badi, Riad Carina is one of the best riads in the Marrakech medina for those seeking a budget stay. It features earthy materials such as natural stone, terracotta and wood throughout the property while traditional Amazigh textiles provide warmth and colour. The rooftop pool is another big plus!
“Overall an amazing riad to stay in and great location too.” - David (read more reviews here)
As you can see, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to incredible stays in the "Red City" and a standard hotel just can't compare with the charm of a Moroccan riad. I hope that this selection of the best riads in the Marrakech medina helps to inspire your stay in what is a fascinating city.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.