Planning a trip to Morocco involves a lot of components, but easily, one of the most fun parts is sifting through all the picture-perfect Marrakech riads and dreaming about which one you want to wake up in.
Riads are an indispensable part of a Marrakech trip: these historic family-run Moroccan guesthouses located in the old medinas are quite literally reason enough to travel to Morocco.
It can be utterly overwhelming to pick where to stay in Marrakech, so I’ve written this guide [and fully revamped it for 2024, picking new properties that have arisen since I last wrote the post].
My goal with this post is to show you all the best riads in Marrakech for all budgets (skipping over bigger luxury hotels) — this way, you can spend more time planning other parts of your Morocco trip, like taking a trip to the Sahara desert or deciding what to wear.
What is Staying in a Riad Like?
Morocco is a country that is largely hard to access for tourists, where culture dictates a big divide between not only men and women, but also locals and visitors.
Most riads are quite small and intimate, with a central floor plan based around an open central courtyard with plenty of lounge spaces to access, as well as a roof terrace.
Meanwhile, up above on the floors surrounding the courtyard, there are private rooms with their own en-suite bathrooms.
Since you are being hosted by a local family, often the same family who has owned the house for generations, these Marrakech riads are a special liminal ‘third space’ where you are hosted and thus get a small glimpse into the lives of locals.
Riads can range from small and humble (Shakira, Shakira) to much more luxurious, with spa and pool amenities.
Why Stay in a Riad?
So, you might wonder, aren’t there any hotels in Marrakech? Well, yes, but a riad is a much better choice.
Partly, it’s because Marrakech riads are insanely photogenic, but that’s not the real draw of staying in one (for me, anyway). It’s all about the host. Your riad hosts can make a huge difference in your stay – recommending guides, drivers, and off the beaten path spots where you won’t get ripped off as a tourist.
Unfortunately Marrakech is a bit of a viper’s den: scams are rampant and it’s a rite of passage to get taken advantage of in some way, shape, or form during your time there.
But your riad host is almost like a ‘fixer’ – solving cultural and logistical problems, negotiating fair deals (though of course, not just out of good will — they’ll also get a small cut), and just generally helping you navigate the more difficult aspects of Moroccan culture for outsiders.
Since they typically only has a handful of guests at one time, as a riad is much, much smaller than your traditional hotel, they can offer you that 1:1 attention that Marrakech, quite frankly, demands.
How Much Does Staying in a Riad Cost?
I’ve picked gorgeous and stylish Moroccan riads in each budget category for a wide selection of the top riads in Marrakech.
For the purposes of this article, I’ve generally defined budget as being generally under $100 USD a night, mid-range as $100-200 USD a night, and luxury as $200+ USD per night.
However, keep in mind that prices do fluctuate depending on room type/size available, time of year, and other variables, so use the budget categories as a guide rather than as gospel.
You may see some hotels in the luxury category for as little as $100 a night in certain low seasons (mid-summer and the dead of winter, generally), so these are really loose guidelines, but they should be helpful in getting started.
My Top 3 Picks for Marrakech Riads
This post can admittedly be a bit overwhelming, with a whopping 21 options!
If that’s overwhelming, I’ll give my top pick for each budget category below, so you can more quickly navigate this post.
#1 LUXURY PICK
#1 MID-RANGE PICK
#1 BUDGET PICK
Top Picks for Luxury Riads in Marrakech
Angsana Riads Collection – $$$ – Book Now
The amount of beautiful public spaces Angsana has is hard to comprehend.
You’ll really feel like you’re a guest in someone’s mansion, between the courtyard, the rooftop terrace, lounge with reading nooks and fireplace, outdoor pool, hammam and indoor pool, tea and breakfast rooms, etc.
You could play one epic game of hide-and-seek in this riad, that’s for sure.
The attention to detail here is what sets this riad apart.
From the daily fresh flowers in their fountains to the beauty of their free continental breakfast spreads to the gorgeous pots they serve their rave-reviewed tagines in, everything is beautiful here.
Their rooms are also quite beautiful, with genuine Moroccan furnishings and beautiful artwork that complements the rooms perfectly. Some rooms have a bathroom with their own tub, whereas others have showers.
Every room in this riad is a little different (and that’s what makes it special) so be sure to sort through the room photos before you pick your room.
Riad El Hara – $$$ – Book Now
If we’re purely talking aesthetic value, Riad El Hara is one of the most Instagrammable riads in Marrakech. Every corner, from its jade and mint colored courtyard to its ornate arches with gauzy curtains to its beautiful cerulean-tiled rooftop pool, begs you to photograph it.
But a luxury riad isn’t just about looking nice in pictures, of course: it has to have the service and amenities to back it up.
Besides the standard spa and restaurant, this riad also offers a library, free airport pickup, and even in-room childcare (at an additional cost, of course, but this is really useful for families who want some 1:1 couple time).
The shared properties are really lovely, but to be honest, they often are in riads of all budgets.
What really sets apart a luxury riad from a more modest one is what the private rooms are like: and here is where Riad El Hara excels.
Their rooms are soundproofed (something you’ll appreciate when that before-sunrise call to prayer warbles on), with large sitting areas separated from the bed area.
Many of the rooms have fireplaces, and the bathrooms are so gorgeous they look like they’re straight out of an interior design magazine.
The beds are very comfortable, with memory foam beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, and down duvets (great if visiting in the cooler months of the year). And if you’re visiting in the hotter months, of course, the hotel has A/C.
Riad Almisk – $$$ – Book Now
Another gorgeous luxury riad option, Riad Almask has one of the most beautiful roof terraces in Marrakech, all the better for their generous daily breakfast spread.
With sun loungers, arches, and plenty of interesting architectural elements, this sets it apart from more standard riad roof terraces.
Their courtyard is lovely too, with a floor with a beautiful rainbow mosaic of tiles, a fountain overflowing with freshly picked flowers, and tons of lounging areas in little nooks and crannies.
And don’t forget that beautiful hammam!
The rooms are some of the most spectacular and unique of all the Marrakech riads listed here. I particularly love how detailed and intricate the painted ceilings are: it’s like laying in bed and looking up at a piece of art.
The seating areas are also quite spacious so you have a lot of room to spread out and not feel cramped in your bedroom, something I really appreciate as a messy traveler.
Riad Dar Anika – $$$ – Book Now
Some riads opt for a more minimalist style; Riad Dar Anika is all about maximalism and expression.
With an ornate dining room that looks straight out of a Moorish palace, there’s simply a feeling of elegance in much of the riad, perfect for those who really want to feel pampered.
Compared to the maximalist style of the rest of the riad, the rooms are a little simpler, which makes them feel more spacious.
You’ll find all the typical Moroccan design elements you want but in an uncluttered atmosphere.
Other amenities include a roof terrace, a covered plunge pool in the courtyard, on-site spa offering massages and treatments, and on-site babysitting for an additional charge.
Riad Noir d’Ivoire- $$$ – Book Now
After a while of looking through luxury riads, they can blur together a bit.
They all offer beautiful Moroccan design, pools, roof terraces, and ample courtyard space for lounging.
So what sets Riad Noir d’Ivoire apart? Its premium rooms, especially its two-story honeymoon suite complete with an in-room hot tub.
And I promise I won’t tell if you book the suite for yourself even if it’s not your honeymoon.
But don’t worry, even its standard double rooms are absolutely beautiful.
Riad Les Yeux Bleus- $$$ – Book Now
There’s a lot to love about Riad Les Yeux Bleus (Riad Blue Eyes in English) but let’s start with that gorgeous pool and courtyard!
Another thing I think is quite special about it is how colorful its rooms are, with options ranging from canary yellow to brilliant blue, all with fun pops of color.
Besides its beautiful rooms and courtyard, it also has a lovely rooftop courtyard, an on-site café and a bar/lounge. However, note that it doesn’t have an on-site spa!
You can ask the concierge to arrange you a spa day, but it’s worth noting there’s no on-site hammam.
Riad Monceau – $$$ – Book Now
This luxury riad has one of the best locations in Marrakech: just a one-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna Square (and a few minutes more to the souks for shopping).
The rooftop views of Koutoubia Mosque and the medina are hard to beat, too!
Besides its great location, there’s also all the perks you’d get with a typical riad of this caliber: a wonderful courtyard with a pool, an on-site spa and hammam with hot tub, and in-room breakfast.
The rooms are lovely and charming, very typical of Morocco with some unique art, and some even have a spa bath or a fireplace.
Top Picks for Mid-Range Riads in Marrakech
Riad Les Ammonites – $$ – Book Here
With a garden straight out of Eden and a nautilus-shaped small plunge pool that would make Fibonacci proud, the courtyard of Riad Les Ammonites is everything you look for in a Marrakech riad.
The room types are varied and unique, each with their own distinct personality evoking the beauty of the medina (without any of the chaos of it)
Despite being a budget-friendly property, it’s also an all-in-one destination. There’s an on-site spa with a Turkish bath (hammam) where you can also request massages and other treatments.
There’s also a delicious restaurant in-house serving homestyle Moroccan cooking.
Riad Le Rihani – $$ – Book Here
With a lovely aesthetic, the eco-friendly Riad Le Rihani is one of the most stylish and Instagrammable riads in Marrakech on this list — you’ve probably already seen photos of that pool before ever reading this post.
From the moment you arrive and are welcomed with traditional Moroccan pastries and mint tea, you’ll feel at home.
Centered around an outdoor pool, there’s also a rooftop terrace where you can relax in a canopy bed, a hotel library, a fireplace area, and a hammam offering a handful of different massage treatments.
Each room has its own individual personality, stylishly decorated with a luxe yet relaxed Moroccan aesthetic.
In terms of rooms, there are everything from double rooms to suites to larger 4-person family suites if you want or need more space.
Since many riads in Marrakech can be a little on the cramped side, the spaciousness of Riad Le Rihani is a huge plus, especially for couples or for families.
Riad Yamina 52 – $$ – Book Here
The courtyard at Riad Yamina 52 is basically a garden which the entire riad is built around, complete with a dip pool in the middle of everything so you can fresh after a hot day out exploring the medina.
There’s also a gorgeous cradle of trees above it, shielding the pool (and your skin!) from the sun.
There’s also a rooftop terrace to enjoy a shady mid-day break from exploring Marrakech when you want some peace and quiet.
The rooms are pretty much a Morocco-inspired Pinterest board come to life: beautiful rugs, traditional lanterns, wooden furniture, colorful textiles.
There are a variety of rooms at a range of price points, from surprisingly affordable doubles to more luxurious suites.
Riad Charme d’Orient – $$ – Book Here
This captivating courtyard’s aesthetic is almost reason enough to book this charming riad. The fact that it scores a 9.7/10 on Booking, a near perfect score, almost helps seal the deal.
Similarly, there’s an on-site spa and hammam with massage services as well as a restaurant serving up Moroccan food cooked from the heart.
The big difference from other Marrakech riads? This is an adults-only property, making it perfect for a romantic, childfree escape.
The style inside the rooms may be traditional, but the rooms are quietly, modernly luxe: Tempur-pedic mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets for all.
Now that’s a recipe for a good night’s sleep. And with how delicious breakfast the next morning looks… you just might wake up drooling.
Casa Lalla – $$ – Book Now
This peaceful riad offers a great value with all the perks you’d want.
We’re talking spa, a rooftop terrace with an Atlas Mountains view, a plunge pool, and a beautiful breakfast room in the courtyard.
The rooms are a little on the basic end but they’re quite comfortable and spacious regardless.
Ryad Dyor – $$ – Book Here
The design of this riad is understated beauty at its finest: white walls broken up with pops of color, beautiful tilework, plants, and a touch of intricate, local detail.
This central Marrakech riad has a plunge pool and hammam on site — and at night, the courtyard gets an even more magical look with lanterns and candles surrounding the pool area.
From beautifully embroidered pillows on a bench inviting you to relax, traditional leather poufs to sit on, wood elements, intricate Moroccan tilework, this Marrakech riad screams tasteful luxury, whereas some other riads can be a little over-the-top in their design.
The rooms are large, extremely spacious, and a beautiful mix between modern and traditional Moroccan elements, with soaringly high ceilings and tasteful decoration. Some even have spa baths!
The riad is slightly larger than others, as it’s a combination of two family-owned riads which have been blended together; the original property dates back centuries and the walls are over 300 years old!
BCK Art Riad – $$ – Book Now
From the gorgeous pool to the plush Berber rugs to its colorful aesthetic, BCK Art Riad stands out in every way.
There are so many nooks and crannies of this designer riad to relax in, and there’s colorful art on the walls to add vibrancy and a modern touch to the more traditional Moroccan elements.
The rooms are decorated in a more modern style, with quirky wall art, white linens, and exposed wood elements, perfect for someone who prefers a little more of a streamlined look rather than over-the-top glamor.
One thing to note — this riad is a little more away from Djemaa El Fna than others – about 1 kilometer away – but this means it’s a little extra tucked away from the noise.
Top Picks for Budget Riads in Marrakech
Riad Marraplace – $ – Book Now
If you don’t mind foregoing a courtyard pool, this is a great riad in Marrakech!
You can still enjoy all the beautiful aesthetics of a top-quality stay without the triple digit price tag.
The rooms are still beautiful — think lots of wood detailing, stained glass windows that stream in light beautifully, and all sorts of ornate carvings original to the design.
Riad Eloise – $ – Book Now
If you want to save on your stay in Marrakech but still enjoy riad amenities like a pool, Riad Eloise is a great choice.
So what’s the catch? It’s a 15-minute from the main square, but personally, I find that a blessing, not a curse!
Other than that, it’s a great stay, with a rooftop terrace, pool, and in-house restaurant. Note that there is no spa, so you’ll have to make reservations elsewhere if you want pampering.
The rooms aren’t the most updated, but for the price, you have to make a sacrifice or two.
Riad of the Moon – $ – Book Now
This affordable guesthouse is a great option for those looking to save a little while still having the full Marrakech riad experience.
It does a plunge pool, albeit a very small one, but still great for photos and for cooling off!
The rooms are rather basic which is where you get the savings from, but if you want to enjoy the common spaces more, this is a great choice.
Riad Villa Sidi Baba – $ – Book Now
Another great riad except for the small fact that this one has no pool to enjoy in the courtyard.
Aside from that though, it’s incredibly beautiful — I especially love the detailing on the doors, which are very photogenic.
The rooms are a little small but comfortable, but this property is more about its shared spaces (like many riads, let’s be honest).
Riad Chayma – $ – Book Here
The courtyard of this Marrakech riad is a little unique in that the plunge pool is covered and set aside rather than being underneath the hot sun.
This is great for summertime swimmers who don’t want to burn! It has a really lovely atmosphere, too, and the courtyard is a great place to enjoy your daily breakfast.
The rooms of the riad are quite beautiful, integrating traditional wooden Moroccan furnishings with eclectic textiles for a place that truly feels personal and distinctly Marrakech.
This property is also adults-only, making it great for couples looking for some quiet R&R time without the noise of kids. There’s also a spa, as well as a rooftop terrace to enjoy mint tea and mocktails on.
Riad Al Nour – $ – Book Here
One of the big reasons to pick a Marrakech riad comes down to how much you like the courtyard. Unlike traditional hotels, where you spend more time in your personal room, Marrakech riad courtyards are the main public space you’ll enjoy.
While this particular budget riad doesn’t have its own plunge pool, th e courtyard makes up for it with a dense grove of orange trees, a colorful sitting area, and rooftop terrace if you want to change it up and relax with a view.
The hotel utilizes a lot of color in its design, with vibrant monochromatic rooms with lots of Moroccan detailing and decor, including en-suite bathrooms inspired by hammams.
I also love the attention to detail all throughout the riad, like how the upper floor’s walkways that overlook the courtyard are lined with beautiful blue tilework that reminds me of Turkey’s famous Iznik ceramics.
Riad Samsli – $ – Book Now
This lovely budget-friendly riad is still quite aesthetic!
It has its own plunge pool and a really beautiful red and pink tiled courtyard, complete with some trees for greenery. No spa, though, so take note of that.
The rooms aren’t extremely modern but that’s part of the charm. They have some original detailing from the riad, like wood-carved ceilings and stained glass windows in the rooms.
Allison Green is a former teacher who has been travel blogging since 2016. She has a Masters in Teaching and a B.A. in English and Creative Writing. Her blog posts merge her background as an educator with her experience traveling to 70+ countries to encourage ethical, meaningful travel. She has been a speaker at the World Travel Writers Conference and her writing, photography, and podcasting work has appeared in National Geographic, CNN Arabic, CBC Canada, and Forbes, amongst others. Now a full-time traveler, she has lived in Prague, Sofia, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
