In a new city, the best luxury hotels are not those that simply cocoon you from the cacophony that awaits the minute you set foot out the front door, but those that do so while providing an authentic glimpse into the distinctive culture and energy of said city. For that reason, it would be remiss to stay at a standardised luxury hotel chain or even a sleek villa for one’s first visit to Marrakesh. No, there is only one true accommodation choice for a sojourn to the Moroccan capital: a riad.
Drawing from Middle Eastern and Indian architecture (the word ‘riad’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘riyad’, which means ‘garden’), Moroccan riads typically refer to a traditional house built around a central garden or courtyard. Typically found within the medina or historic areas of Moroccan towns, riads are designed with privacy and intimacy in mind; oriented around the aforementioned garden or courtyard and thoroughly insulated to block out the extreme temperatures and noise of the surrounding city. Formerly the lodgings of wealthy merchants, royalty, and the bourgeoisie, many of Marrakesh’s riads have been converted into luxury accommodation. Retaining their storied history while adapting to the needs of contemporary travellers, these luxury riads in Marrakesh incorporate modern comforts and amenities while celebrating traditional Moroccan architecture and incorporating traditional details. The ideal base for exploration in—and respite from—the medina, these are the best luxury riads in Marrakesh.
1. Royal Mansour
In Royal Mansour, you don’t simply stay in a riad, you have your own riad. Something of a medina within the medina, Royal Mansour crafts a world of its own within the hubbub of Marrakech, providing a respite from the surrounding city while remaining firmly rooted in place. Despite its Homerian scale, each of Royal Mansour’s 53 riads (with one-, two-, three-, and four- bedroom options available) boasts a unique aesthetic which celebrates Moroccan architecture and traditional art while celebrating local handicraft and craftsmanship. Impeccable landscaping and a heady slate of dining options—both Moroccan and European—round out the offering, ensuring you needn’t leave the premises to enjoy a taste of Marrakech’s finest.
Price: from $2000AUD/night
2. Riad Melhoun
An expansive riad near Bahia Palace and Médersa Ben-Youssef, Riad Melhoun is a traditional 15th-century house in the heart of the medina. Blending luxury with tradition, it’s home to a serene courtyard (complete with a pool), a rooftop lounge (there’s a pool here too), and a traditional spa and hammam, as well as a fine dining restaurant showcasing local cuisine. Rooms are understated yet elegant, with local craftsmanship highlighted at every turn.
Price: from $450AUD/night
3. Riad Kheirredine
An opulent luxury riad in Marrakech, Riad Kheirredine boasts rather romantic interiors in its rooms and suites, with both classic and contemporary design options available. With three heated pools (including one on the rooftop), a spa, and a traditional hammam, there are ample opportunities for rest and relaxation amidst the city exploration here.
Price: from approx $360AUD/night (€200/night)
4. Riad Be
Tucked away in the heart of the medina, Marrakech’s historical centre, Riad Be is a design lover’s dream. A veritable visual feast, every part of the riad is teeming with colour, pattern, and texture. Each room takes on its own design aesthetic, while the rooftop terrace and shared garden and pool make for the ideal way to meet fellow travellers.
Price: from approx $270AUD/night (€150/night)
5. Riad Jardin Secret
A 16th-century riad in the heart of the medina, Riad Jardin Secret has been lovingly bestowed with new life courtesy of a Parisian couple. The characterful property complements its Moorish architecture and original tilework with thoughtful decor that remains true to tradition — think, an emphasis on local craft and an abundance of antiques.
Price: from approx $330AUD/night (1900 Moroccan Dirham/night)
6. Riad Azzar
Bathed in tones of ochre and burnt sienna, Riad Azzar is a hotel that celebrates its North African locale. Placing privacy front of mind, Riad Azzar crafts an intimate respite within in city, neatly tucking its six rooms and suites around a central courtyard with a pool. Decor showcases the owners’ collection of art and antiquities from their travels to Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, and Iran, while the in-house restaurant plates up authentic Moroccan cuisine.
Price: from approx $200/night
7. Riad Brummell
A stone’s throw away from the Jardin Secret and Dar el Bacha palace, Riad Brummell is a chic, adults only stay in the medina. Housed within a 19th-century building with five suites, its harmonious proportions and Moorish architecture have been treated to a modern restoration (complete with a pool) by Barcelonan architect Claudia Raurell, while the terracotta interiors are complemented by an eclectic selection of design-led furniture, such as Marset’s Aura glass lamps and Egon Eiermann’s folding chairs. Suites are lush and well-appointed, with the aforementioned terracotta tones teaming up with tactile plaster walls, moulded ceilings, and furry rugs to create a warm atmosphere.
Price: from approx $185AUD/night (€103/night)
8. Le Petit Yasmine
Ideally suited for friends and families travelling together, this three en-suite bedroom riad is exclusively available to book in its entirety. Located outside the medina, it’s accessible by car or taxi and boasts ample space for both retreating and convening. There’s an al fresco lounging section on the rooftop terrace as well as a private pool and housekeeping service provided for breakfast every morning. For couples and solo travellers wishing to book a single suite, the Riad Yasmine next door is another viable option.
Price: from approx $900AUD/night
9. Riad Momo
A peaceful bohemian respite hidden near the bustling Jemaa El Fna Square, a warm honeyed neutral colour palette of terracotta, mustard yellow, and cream is punctuated with traditional colourful mosaic and verdant square tiles and finished with brass details. The design-led space is brought to life by charming homely local hospitality and what several visitors proclaim is one of the best breakfasts in the city.
Price: from approx $450AUD/night
10. Riad Kniza
A mere hop from Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Riad Kniza provides a chic tranquil retreat from the onslaught of oh-so-charming snake charmers outside the riad walls. Rose-tinged public spaces are swathed in greenery, with abundant nooks and hiding holes to enjoy a cup of mint tea and wind down before reentering the medina.
Price: from approx $470AUD/night (€260/night)
11. Riad Sadaka
A five-bedroom riad that underwent a refresh a few years ago, Riad Sadaka blends traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary comforts. Common spaces are drenched in colour and flanked by greenery, while en-suite bedrooms take on calming earthy tones. With their mosaic style tiles and vivid hues, the bathrooms here are a destination in and of themselves, offering a masterclass in making the most of a small space. Riad Sadaka can be booked by room or in its entirety.
Price: from approx $700AUD/night
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Words by Theo Rosen
