10 Highly-Rated Riads in the Marrakech Medina for a Heritage Stay
- Malika
- Feb 1, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 8
Want to stay within the medina during your Marrakech escape? Discover 10 of the best hotels in the city's historic core, putting you within walking distance of all the major attractions.
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. Many occupy beautifully restored buildings that have been given a new lease on life as tourist accommodation.
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!
In this article, discover 10 of the best riads in the Marrakech medina, whether you're travelling on a budget or looking to splurge on a luxury stay.
For more information about visiting Marrakech, including things to do and the best times to visit, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
The beautifully decorated courtyard of Riad Palais Sebban, one of the best riads in the Marrakech medina (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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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
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best budget Marrakech riad with a pool
Best mid-range Marrakech riad for couples
Best luxury Marrakech riad near Jemaa el-Fnaa
Best luxury Marrakech riad with hammam
Best budget Marrakech riad with hammam
Best adults-only riad in Marrakech medina
Best Marrakech riad with pool for families
Romantic Marrakech riad for couples
Best budget Marrakech riad with rooftop terrace
Best budget Marrakech riad near Badi Palace
Best riads in Marrakech medina
Breakfast is served at Riad Salman - one of the best riads in the Marrakech medina (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best budget Marrakech riad with a pool
Located just a stone's throw from Bab Doukkala, Riad Salman is a great choice if you're arriving into Marrakech by bus (the Gare Routiere is five minutes away on foot). All of the rooms at this medina riad overlook a centrepiece pool where you can enjoy a refreshing dip on hot, summer days.
Beautifully decorated with traditional tiles and woven rugs, the rooms at Riad Salman are the perfect place to retreat at the end of a long day's sightseeing. If possible, opt for one with a bathtub! Additionally, there's a wonderful rooftop terrace with large cushions where you can lounge in the evenings.
“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)
Best mid-range Marrakech riad for couples
With its gentle lighting and imaginative interiors, this adults-only riad in Marrakech radiates romance. I was fortunate to experience a stay here during my last trip to Marrakech and it truly was heavenly.
Riad Livia is tucked away on a quiet street near Ben Salah Mosque and boasts five exquisitely decorated suites. Additionally, there's a stunning rooftop terrace set across multiple levels and with a refreshing plunge pool. While breakfast is included in the rate of this Marrakech medina riad, delicious dinners are also available on request.
“A gorgeous retreat in amongst the beautiful chaos of the bustling medina” - Sarah (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 Marrakech riad is just five minutes’ walk from Djemaa el-Fnaa and Koutoubia Mosque. It's named after its former owner, Caïd Sebban, and underwent a four-year restoration to become the stunning hotel seen today.
All of the rooms at Riad Palais Sebban are richly decorated for those who crave opulence, with gorgeous plasterwork, wood carvings and zellige tiles throughout. Panoramic views across the medina are on offer from its rooftop terrace while the onsite spa is the place to go for massages or a traditional hammam.
“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)
Planning a luxury stay? Discover more high-end options with these boutique hotels in Marrakech.
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. Moroccan, Indian and Spanish design elements have been beautifully combined while the modern bathrooms boast stone tubs or jacuzzis.
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! I particularly love the fireplace for a cosy winter stay.
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. It's located in a quiet corner of the medina's east, not far from the bustling thoroughfare of Derb Dabachi. There are spacious doubles and twin rooms, with some allowing for an extra bed if you're a group of three or a small family.
Aside from its beautifully decorated rooms, this beautiful riad in the Marrakech medina is a standout due to its onsite spa, complete with a traditional hammam and treatment rooms. Meals can be enjoyed beneath the shady trees in the interior patio or on the sun-drenched rooftop terrace.
“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. It's located smack-bang between El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs - Bahia Palace and the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum are also within easy reach.
The plunge pool at this highly-rated medina riad is an idyllic spot to submerge yourself during the heat of the day while the rooftop terrace is a treat for sundowners. Guests always rave about the friendliness of the staff and just how spotlessly clean the property is.
“The riad was absolutely amazing, clean and beautiful! Hamza and the staff are lovely and always there to help!” - Elena (read more reviews here)
Discover more adults-only hotels and riads in Marrakech 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-Fnaa Square is this stunning Marrakech riad, which is tucked away on a quiet street in the medina's east. It boasts wonderful views of Koutobia Mosque from its rooftop terrace where you'll find a handful of sun loungers. In addition to double and twin rooms, there's a triple and a family room for those visiting Marrakech with kids.
I particularly love the interior patio of Riad l'Oiseau du Paradis, which is overflowing with trees and plants that provide a pop of colour against the earthy walls. Aside from serving breakfast, traditional Moroccan dishes are available for lunch and dinner if you don't feel like venturing out.
“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 Zoraida (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Riad Zoraida $$
Romantic Marrakech riad for couples
Positioned on the northern edge of Bahia Palace, Riad Zoraida is a boutique hotel that oozes charm. It feels completely different to many other properties within the medina, largely due to its black lattice balconies and monochromatic colour scheme.
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 in the medina's northwest. The cosy rooms are beautifully decorated with colourful textiles and rattan furnishings that give them a natural warmth.
Between the rooftop terrace and the plant-filled patio, there are plenty of charming places to relax. The onsite spa includes a massage treatment room and a traditional hammam for a steam-infused cleansing ritual.
“Amazing experience, everything was perfect. Would recommend to everyone.” - Mafalda (read more reviews here)
Best riads in Marrakech medina
Best budget Marrakech riad near Badi Palace
Located on the northern edge of El Badi Palace, Riad Carina is one of the best riads in the Marrakech medina for those seeking a budget stay. It's also within a stone's throw of Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs - you really are in the heart of all the action!
In the beautifully decorated rooms, you'll find earthy materials such as natural stone, terracotta and wood, together with traditional Amazigh textiles that provide warmth and colour. The rooftop pool is a big plus - having somewhere to cool off on hot summer's days cannot be overstated!
“Overall an amazing riad to stay in and great location too.” - David (read more reviews here)
Tips for selecting a hotel in the Marrakech medina
If you're considering a hotel or riad in the Marrakech medina, it's important to remember that the area is pedestrian-only, meaning you can't drive directly to the entrance to drop off your bags. If you are driving in a rental car, there are several secure parking lots (manned by attendants) close to the medina's entrances, which are safer than leaving your rental car on the street.
Once you book your accommodation, your hotel will usually reach out to share details about the nearest and safest parking options, along with directions for walking to the property (you can also check this on Google Maps). Most Marrakech hotels in the medina can also arrange for someone to meet you at the parking area, often with a trolley to help carry your luggage.
Nearly all hotels and riads in Marrakech offer an airport pickup service, which I highly recommend for a hassle-free arrival. Alternatively, you can book a fixed-price airport transfer with the team at Welcome Pickups.
A driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign that has your name written on it and they will coordinate with your riad for someone to meet you in the parking area. This makes getting to your hotel much easier than navigating the winding streets of the medina on your own!
When planning your stay in Marrakech, it's wise to consider the noise from nearby bars and clubs, as well as sounds from the many mosques in the medina. You can look on Google Maps to see if there are any nightlife venues located adjacent to the property you are considering or read through reviews from previous guests to check if nighttime noise is an issue.
As there are so many mosques in Marrakech, it's difficult to avoid hearing the call to prayer when staying at a hotel or riad in the medina. Personally, listening to the call to prayer ring out across the city is one of my favourite Marrakech experiences!
Generally speaking, the more luxurious the property, the better the soundproofing will be. If you're a light sleeper and worried about being disturbed by the Fajr adhan (the dawn call to prayer), it might be a good idea to pack some earplugs, just in case.
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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.
