The prettiest riads in Marrakech
"The city taught me colour," said Yves Saint Laurent. "Before Marrakech everything was black." It’s a sentiment that doesn’t just apply to the bustling streets of Marrakech, but also to the city’s ornate riads. Originating from Middle Eastern architecture, Morocco’s riads are typically defined as traditional houses built around an interior garden or courtyard. Over the years many have been transformed into guest house stays, with private rooms and wonderfully serene shared common areas – often with picture-perfect courtyard swimming pools or roof terrace gardens. Some new-wave riads have even begun to combine western boutique hotel trends with whimsical Moroccan architecture and traditions, cementing themselves on our list of the best hotels in Marrakech. Riad stays are in such high demand that Airbnb recently added them to their search categories, making it even easier to discover these often hidden gems.
Riad Sadaka
Following a full renovation in 2021, Riad Sadaka is wonderfully bright and shiny, particularly its courtyard plunge pool – resplendent in turquoise tiles, flanked by two tall trees and heated so you can swim at any time of year. When you’re not taking a dip to the sound of bird song, head up to the roof terrace where a wooded dining area presents the perfect spot to enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast of Moroccan pancakes with local yoghurt and jams. Also on the rooftop is a relaxation area with sun lounges, an outdoor shower plus a hammam where you can book treatments. The riad can be rented exclusively, so it’s a great option if you’re travelling in a group. Take over all five bedrooms but leave the cooking up to Nadia – the governess of the riad.
Price: from £260 per night for up to six guests, minimum three night stay
Riad Goloboy
From an eye-popping courtyard completely bathed in Majorelle blue to bedrooms painted in sultry shades of purples, greens and greys, Riad Goloboy is a feast for the eyes and one of our picks for the most beautiful hotel in the world. It's not just about colour at this eight-bedroom boutique stay, every detail is a masterclass in a whimsical style. Creamy, intricately carved plaster makes a statement headboard for a bed, while pastel-coloured armchairs and gold velvet banquettes stand out amongst the charcoal tadelakt bar and sitting room. There's a lot to look at and yet all feels very peaceful and hidden, making it a best-kept secret spot within the heart of Sidi Mimoun, the neighbourhood that's also home to the famed hotel La Mamounia.
Price: from £93 per night
Rigot TangRiad Secret Jardin
The star of this secret garden riad is the central courtyard, where the resident cat stares out chirping birds in the banana trees. The thoughtful interior details in the rooms have been sourced from local markets, so you can shop the look, and the dried pampas grass and flowers throughout the hotel can be bought and whisked away when you check out. This riad, at its heart, is a creative hub where artists take up months-long residencies to soak up inspiration from Marrakech’s fine creatives and work on artistic projects detached from the rest of the world. The owner’s dog, a dead-ringer for Toto from The Wizard of Oz, snoozes on the pink rooftop while you have breakfast overlooking the skyline – an unmissable delight of staying here. Sophie Knight
Price: from £130 per night
Riad Melhoun
This sprawling riad near Bahia Palace has all of the bells and whistles of a modern hotel – a restaurant, room service, a spa – along with some of the most beautiful interiors in Marrakech. There are not one but two swimming pools here – one on the rooftop amongst a cacti garden, while the other, in the courtyard, take inspiration from the pool at Ben Youssef Madrasa, the largest Islamic college in Morocco. After a day exploring the souks there are several nooks and hideaways for relaxing and enjoying a quiet cup of mint tea, or you can book in for a treatment at the hammam and spa. The eight rooms here are equally as beautiful as the shared spaces, each enjoying its own style, some with four poster beds.
Price: from £107 per night
Hicham El HadajiRiad Tahyra
You’re within a five-minute walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the bustling heart of Marrakech, but you’d never know it from inside the peaceful walls at Riad Tahyra. Once the private home of a carpet merchant, the seven-room riad is an exquisite example of Moorish architecture with mosaic tilework, intricate arches and a central courtyard, set to the serene soundtrack of a bubbling fountain.
Price: from £81
Riad Dar el Souk
All the traditions are on display at Riad Dar el Souk, from the Zellige mosaic wall in the courtyard to the fruit trees and fountains on the rooftop terrace. All seven rooms are in keeping with Moroccan design, some with four poster beds and raised floors, only deviating from tradition slightly via private seating areas on the shaded verandah. The riad has a spa and a restaurant, all with a relaxed home-away-from-home approach. Supper can be served anywhere you like, whether by the fireplace in the Moroccan salon to the Caidel tent on the roof terrace or under the stars in the courtyard.
Price: from £78
Riad Makila
Located near the Bab Laksour Gate as well as the new city, Riad Makila treads the line between old and new, inside as well via its traditional architecture teamed with minimalist decor. The overall vibe is fresh and bohemian, particularly at the rooftop terrace where sheltered daybeds overlook the gardens of Dar El Bacha. You can book one of five rooms as well as a spacious family suite, or take over the whole pad with a group of up to 18.
Price: from £105 per night