Article • Marrakech, Morocco, Africa
A Collection Of The 8 Most Affordable & Best Luxury Riads in Marrakech
Last Updated On: January 24, 2023
No trip to Morocco would be complete without staying in a so-called “riad”. The word riad comes from the Arabic language and means “garden” or even “paradise”. Once you leave the airport and get a glimpse of the chaotic city of Marrakech, you will start to understand and truly appreciate the relaxing escape of a riad.
A riad is basically a Moroccan guesthouse and can be anything from basic to super luxurious. Riads are usually pretty intimate and only offer a handful of rooms (4 – 7 rooms), which are carefully placed around an inner courtyard boasting a lush garden, fountains, or a plunge pool. The more luxurious riads are often a cluster of multiple courtyards combined providing guests with a greater selection of rooms and little nooks to retreat to. Expect rooftop pools, an onsite spa, and sometimes even a restaurant.
With over 1000 to choose from, finding the right riad for your stay in Marrakech can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With this blog post, I hope to inspire you and help you find the best luxury riads in Marrakech. All riads listed below have been personally visited by @thenomadicpeople and reviewed to our best capability. We have taken the time to put together A Collection Of The 8 Most Affordable & Best Luxury Riads in Marrakech with a starting price as low as $110 per night, so there should be a riad for every taste and price point.
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1. Riad Anayela
Marrakech
Riad Anayela was the first and one of the best riads we ever stayed in. Read our post about Everything You Need To Know Before Traveling To Morocco to get all the information you need for your first trip to Morocco. We had arranged an airport pick-up and were honestly a little bit confused once our driver led us into a dark alleyway where we knocked on a nondescript door. Once the door opened, it didn’t take long for our jaws to drop. Inside was a spacious courtyard boasting a stunning plunge pool along with an open-air courtyard. With only 3 rooms and 2 suites, the riad promotes a very intimate and personalized experience. Riad Anayela sits quietly in the northeast corner of the old medina and while it seems a little bit out of the way, walking to the Souks and Ben Youssef Madrasa only takes 10 – 15 minutes.
I am still dreaming of our vegetable and lamb tagine that we enjoyed during a romantic candlelight dinner on the rooftop terrace. I am not sure if it’s because this was our first Tagine ever, but it was really really good!
2. Riad 42
Medina, Marrakech
Riad 42 is located in the heart of the old medina and within walking distance to most sights such as the Souks, the Medersa Ben Youssef, and the Maison de la Photographie. Despite a rather minimalistic interior design the riad evokes a feeling of home and welcomes all guests with open arms. The riad boasts a total of 5 individually designed rooms—2 suites and 3 double rooms—each with large comfortable beds, soaring ceilings, and en-suite tadelakt bathrooms.
This white dream of a riad is one of the most desired accommodations in all of Marrakech and usually booked out months in advance due to its unmatched price point. Plus, after a long morning out in the medina who wouldn’t want to come back to this beautiful riad to soak up the sun at the rooftop terrace and take a dip into the refreshing plunge pool.
3. Ryad Dyor
Medina, Marrakech
Ryad Dyor is a chic boutique hotel set amidst the hustle and bustle of the Marrakech Medina. What used to be three separate riads, is now a stunning boutique hotel with 7 individually designed rooms. Each room and suite is different, featuring luxurious amenities and an eclectic mix of beautiful antiques. Relax in one of the two shady courtyards under an orange tree or sit poolside and enjoy the hot sun. A beautiful breakfast spread can be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace and for the full Moroccan experience make sure to make a reservation for the in-house hammam and spa. Thanks to its convenient location, Ryad Dyor is the perfect base for exploring all the impressive sights Marrakech has to offer.
4. Riad De Tarabel
Medina, Marrakech
Riad De Tarabel is a romantic boutique hotel serving the feeling of home on a golden platter. It is by far one of my favorite riads in Marrakech. As you probably already know, most riads located in the medina of Marrakech can only be reached on foot since there are no cars allowed within the small, narrow streets. However, Riad De Tarabel is conveniently located near a bigger street, which allows for easy taxi drop-off while remaining within walking distance to the Souks, famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, and the royal Dar El Bacha Palace.
Draped in luxury, the riad encompasses a total of four courtyards with 10 individually styled rooms, carefully placed amidst two. In the other two courtyards, one can either bask in the sun next to the pool or enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment.
5. El Fenn
Medina, Marrakech
El Fenn is one of the most desired riads in all of Marrakech and for good reason. No two rooms are the same. Some are a bright magenta, others are a mustard yellow. Some have 4 bedrooms, others have their own private rooftop terrace and plunge pool. But all have the same signature style, luxurious and unique. With 31 rooms and suites, three swimming pools, a 7000 square foot roof terrace, a spa, 2 cocktail bars, a restaurant, and a shop, El Fenn is one of the bigger riads in Marrakech. Located inside of the medina, all the popular sights are within walking distance. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind luxury riad in the heart of Marrakech.
6. Riad BE
Medina, Marrakech
Riad BE is located right in the heart of the old medina of Marrakech and one of the most affordable riads in the city. Tucked in a side alley the riad offers a quiet and laid-back lodging experience. Riad BE is adjacent to Riad Essence. It basically combines two individual riads to host a multitude of travelers from all around the world. This is where the past meets the present. Riad BE boasts a very colorful and more traditional courtyard design with retro tiles covering the floor and walls whereas the Riad Essence offers a more modern and clean design using earthy and warm tones. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace or around the plunge pool on the patio. The rooftop is a combination of both Riads and is filled with Instagram-worthy corners, perfect to read a book or meet fellow travelers.
Riad BE is also one of the few riads with its own private yoga studio (the Flow Studio). Join a morning yoga class, and definitely consider taking advantage of the on-site hammam.
7. La Mamounia
Marrakech
La Mamounia is a 5-star luxury hotel and located only minutes from the old medina of Marrakech and within walking distance to the lively Jemma-el-Fnaa Square. This place is everything else but a small intimate Riad, however, despite its size the service is personal and there is a wow effect behind every corner. The grounds are filled with beautiful fountains, integrate walls, and dotted with stunning Moroccan design facets. No matter what room category you choose, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the distant Atlas Mountains, the surrounding gardens, and the Koutoubia Mosque.
The hotel features one of the best spas in all of Marrakech and will truly spoil all your senses. Pick from a great selection of treatments and make sure to take advantage of their stunning indoor pool and spa facilities afterward. There is no better place to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the bustling city of Marrakech.
8. La Sultana
Marrakech
La Sultana Marrakech is a 5-star luxury hotel located in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Medina. The riad boasts a total of 28 luxurious bedrooms and suites, each with its own decoration and design. La Sultana looks like a living piece of art, with lots of detail and every corner has a story to tell.
The staff is kind, has humor, and will make you feel like royalty. Lounge by the heated outdoor pool and enjoy panoramic views from the restaurant’s terrace. A dining experience that will transport you to an exotic middle eastern garden estate. While the price tag is high, it is worth every penny. Expect to fall for La Sultana’s old-world charm. This oasis is only minutes walking distance from the royal palaces, the vibrant souks, and a multitude of museums and therefore a great base when exploring Marrakech. There really is no better place to return to after a busy and hectic day of exploring the medina.
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