One of my favorite things to do in Morocco is not actually a specific sight or activity, but the immersive experience of staying in a riad — a traditional Moroccan house built around a secluded courtyard.
A riad will give you a true taste of traditional Moroccan hospitality, will ensure an utterly tranquil base even at the heart of the noisy and chaotic cities, and will surround you in beautiful architectural details that remind you constantly that you’re in an exotic place.
It’s interesting how your choice of accommodation can actually add a whole new level of experience to your Morocco trip. I consider a riad stay an absolute must-do, especially if it’s your first time in Morocco!
I’ve stayed in Marrakech several times now and have had the chance to enjoy several riads over the years at different budget levels — from backpacker to luxury. Let me explain what to expect of a riad before recommending several of my favorites.
Pros and cons of a riad
A riad is amazing if you enjoy a home-like and typically boutique stay. However, their traditional design and architecture also give it certain characteristics that may make a more conventional hotel a better option, depending on your priorities.
The name “riad” comes from the Arabic “ryad”, meaning garden. This is because these traditional multi-story houses are usually centered around a courtyard with a small garden, fountain, or sometimes a pool.
One of the first things you’ll notice is that there are no external windows or external balconies, so don’t book a riad hoping for a view!
But it’s absolutely by design: following the Islamic idea of privacy and inward reflection, the buildings are not outward-facing but intimate little sanctuaries.
You may be surprised that beyond an old wooden carved door at the end of a small alley, there is actually a gorgeous riad hiding behind the stone walls. Arriving at a riad is a bit like stepping through a portal!
While you might miss that balcony with a view, all of the quarters usually connect with the central courtyard — a little haven that may have palm trees and gently rippling water.
Riads usually also have a rooftop terrace where you can grab breakfast in the morning sun, putting you in touch with the city around you.
Because of the historical layout, the rooms in a riad can be just a tad on the cozy side. If you’re dreaming of staying in some kind of expansive suite with king-size beds in Marrakech, a modern hotel may have what you’re after.
In a riad, you can expect traditional Moroccan design, a homely atmosphere, a medium-sized, and a boutique vibe — a bit like staying in a mini-palace!
Best riads in Marrakech
There are over 1,500 riads in Marrakech alone, and no, I clearly haven’t stayed in them all. I’ve personally stayed in just a handful, though not before researching hundreds of listings to pick out some of the real gems at different price points.
It may say ‘best riads in Marrakech’ because that’s what people search, but what I present here are actually several riads I have stayed in personally or that friends have recommended, leaving out several others that didn’t live up to my expectations.
I’m confident these picks will give you an amazing experience, whether you’re a solo backpacker or on a luxury family trip looking to treat yourself!
Premium Riad: Riad la Caleche & Spa
Located at the end of a residential alley just a little off one of the main market streets, you would never know this place of luxury is hiding here in plain sight. (In fact, one little tip: I highly recommend marking the location on your map app before you go. There are no signs, and the medina can be quite disorienting!)
Despite being tucked away in a wonderfully quiet area, you’re just a 5-minute walk away from the famous Jemaa el Fna square. I loved the refined decor at Riad la Caleche, and the small pool in the courtyard lets you cool off after a long day of exploring.
The best part is the elaborate breakfast served on the rooftop terrace, which includes crunchy Msemen flatbread, soft pancakes, local peanut and almond sauces, fruits, and more.
The calmness of this riad makes it a real oasis despite being right at the heart of the action. The on-site spa and hammam were a big plus for us too; we loved adding some relaxation to some hectic days, bargaining for prices at the markets. For these reasons, it’s my top pick for a more premium riad in Marrakech.
Check in at Riad la Caleche
Alternative options in this price category: (Approx. prices)
Budget Riad: Riad Rockech
Want to stay in a riad while still keeping your wallet full for buying a new rug at the souks? Then I recommend Riad Rockech, which still offers a welcoming and visually appealing riad experience at a budget-friendly price.
The courtyard may lack a water feature, but the cozy vibes, tiled wash basins, and potted palm trees easily make up for it. Not to mention the breakfast is stellar, with all the usual Moroccan breads and accompaniments, with a choice of coffee or delicious local mint tea.
We had the lower-floor room immediately on the right, which had a really fun decorative feature: the bathroom is actually hidden behind a door inside the wooden closet. Well played. (This room shows up as the Budget Double Room on Booking.com)
In terms of location, it’s not exactly in the old medina, but it is still favorably located in the Kasbah neighborhood just south of it. We enjoyed walking up the Rue de la Kasbah market street towards the old centre — unlike other areas, it’s a mix of tourist and local businesses here. It’s only a 20-minute walk to key sights like the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace.
If you’re by car on a road trip in Morocco, then Riad Rockech’ location is ideal. The medina is a nightmare to park in, but here you’re just a 2-minute walk away from a major park lot just outside the city walls. You can safely leave your car at the parking lot for free and get in and out of Marrakech with relatively little stress.
Book a room at Riad Rockech
Alternative options in this price range: (Approx. prices)
Backpacker Riad: Riad Dia
The first riad I ever stayed in was actually Riad Dia, on my first backpacking trip through Morocco. It may not have the refined decor of a boutique riad, but one thing it does have: a wonderful social atmosphere.
The layout of a riad is actually perfect for a hostel. With everything funneling through the central courtyard, it creates a natural meeting point you simply cannot miss. Chatting with fellow travellers at the breakfast table, by the pool, or on the rooftop is how I linked up with several other backpackers for part of my trip.
There were a lot of travellers in their 20s and 30s when I stayed here for a week, but there was also a woman in her 60s travelling solo, so there was a real all-aged family atmosphere.
Part of what made my stay here really special was the staff, who would always offer mint tea and genuine travel advice. One of the staff members even took a couple of us on an unpaid just-for-fun tour of some local areas outside the medina, which is probably not par for the course but still highlights the overall staff-guest interaction at this riad.
This is a classic hostel, so the metal beds may be a little creaky, but the place is comfortable enough and just a stone’s throw from the central square. Despite having moved up the accommodation price scale on my family travels, I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again if I’m back in Marrakech on a solo trip.
Book a stay at riad dia
Alternative options for backpacker riadhs: (Approx. prices)
Luxury Riad: Riad Dar Zaouia
Did I stay here? Actually, no… it was slightly out of my budget. But if you want luxury, I’ll give you luxury: this is the highest-rated riad I found that is truly in the upper scale of comfort and sophistication. Because I want to hit all the price levels in this guide, I include it here as my pick for the upper range of luxury.
This riad is a beautifully restored 17th-century palace that somehow manages to feel both deeply historic and quietly indulgent. You can feel the spirit of old Marrakech in the architecture—tall archways, intricate carved details, and zellige-tiled courtyards all around you.
It offers five luxurious rooms—Rayyan, Tasnim, Zaitoun, Abrar suite, and Baraka family suite—each one meticulously designed, featuring ensuite bathrooms, slippers, bathrobes, and signature toiletries. Beyond the rooms, there’s a heated indoor plunge pool tucked under vaulted stone arches, and upstairs, a rooftop terrace with wide-open views stretching out toward the Atlas Mountains.
From what I’ve read in reviews (and obsessively scrolled through), the hospitality here is on another level. Guests get a local cellphone during their stay, with hotspot access and staff on-call via WhatsApp in case you get turned around in the souks or just need a recommendation.
The Riad is slightly out from the main square (Jemaa El-Fnaa), maybe a 15- 20 minute walk, but walking through the maze of little roads and past all the shops is basically half the fun of being in the Medina. Plus, it is very close to major tourist spots like Le Jardin Secret Gardens and Madrasa Ben Youssef.
View Rooms at Riad Dar Zaouia
More luxurious riad picks in Marrakech: (Approx. prices)
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