Choosing a riad in Marrakech means choosing a way of living the city. Behind an often discreet door, the house is arranged around a patio, with bedrooms opening onto this courtyard and a terrace higher up. Before comparing photos, it is worth setting a few simple criteria: the size of the group, the location in the medina, the amenities actually listed and the budget per traveller. This guide goes through them in the order in which they matter.
Every riad in our selection is rented in full: your group has the house to itself. What changes from one riad to another is the capacity, the location and the amenities, and each property's listing sets them out.
Riad or villa: what really changes
The first difference is the place of the outdoors. In a riad, life happens inside the walls: the patio serves as an open-air living room, and the roof terrace hosts breakfast or the end of the day. In a villa, the outdoors is a garden, and a pool is more common.
The second concerns getting around. A riad in the medina opens straight onto the lanes and the souks, and Jemaa el-Fna square can be reached on foot; on the other hand, the last stretch to the door is often walked, luggage included. A villa is reached by car and every outing into town has to be organised.
The third is the atmosphere. A riad looks inwards and its walls shield it from the noise of the street: the calm is often surprising for such a central place. A villa offers space and distance. If your stay is mostly spent in town, on foot, the riad is the logical choice. If it is mostly spent at the house, in the garden, look at villas instead.
Choosing your location in the medina
The medina is not uniform. Some lanes live to the rhythm of the souks all day, others are residential and fall quiet in the late afternoon. The right location depends on what you plan to do: a few steps from the souks if you want to go out and come back often, a quieter street if the riad must also be a place to rest.
The second criterion is access. The lanes of the medina are narrow and often pedestrian: the car stops at a car park or on a square, and you finish on foot. The shorter this walk, the easier arrival and departure are, especially with suitcases or young children. Ask our team where the car stops for the riad you are interested in, and how long it then takes to reach the door.
To decide between two addresses, compare them on these two points, how lively the street is and the walk from the car, rather than only on their distance from the main square. Each riad's listing shows its location, and our guide to riads in the medina describes the character of each neighbourhood.
What to check on the listing
Bedrooms and capacity first. The number of travellers shown on the listing is a maximum. Also look at the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and at how the beds are split if your group brings together several families or children.
The terrace and the patio next. These are the riad's shared spaces: their size, the shade available and the furniture say a lot about how the group will live together day to day.
The pool, if it matters to you. Many riads do not have one. If it does not appear among the amenities on the listing, assume there is none.
The stairs. A riad usually spreads over several levels, linked by stairs that are sometimes narrow, and the terrace is at the top. With young children, elderly people or heavy luggage, ask before booking.
Comfort. Wifi, air conditioning or a hammam are shown on the listing when they are present; if they are not listed and they matter to you, ask for confirmation.
Finally, what is included. Cleaning, linen, breakfast or a welcome on arrival: nothing is automatic and everything depends on the property. Ask in writing what is included in the price and what is not, before confirming.
Working out the price per person for a riad
The price shown on a riad's listing is for the whole house, for one night. To know what the stay represents for each person, the method has three steps: multiply the nightly price by the number of nights, add whatever is not included and that you have had confirmed in writing, then divide the total by the number of travellers.
This method often changes the comparison. A large riad that is well filled can cost each person less than a small house with a lower nightly price. It only holds, however, if everyone has a real bed: check that your group does not exceed the capacity on the listing.
Finally, compare for the same dates, since the rate depends on the period. The starting price of the riads in our selection is given in the frequently asked questions below.
Mistakes to avoid
Choosing on the photo of the patio alone. A beautiful courtyard says nothing about the number of bedrooms, the bathrooms or the access: read the whole listing.
Filling the riad beyond its capacity. The number of travellers shown on the listing is a limit.
Forgetting the luggage. If the car stops far from the door, arrival is on foot through the lanes: find out before you travel.
Assuming everything is included. Cleaning, breakfast or a welcome depend on the property: have the list confirmed in writing.
Sending an incomplete request. Give your dates and the number of travellers, adults and children: our team needs this information to reply to you.
Choosing a riad when what you mainly want is a garden and a pool. In that case, a villa is a better fit; our guide to choosing a villa in Marrakech sets out the criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Where should you start when choosing a riad in Marrakech?
With the number of travellers and how the beds are split, then with the location in the medina and the walk from where the car stops. After that come the amenities shown on the listing and the price per traveller.
What size of riad should I choose for my group?
In our selection, riads sleep from 2 to 36 travellers depending on the property. Choose a capacity at least equal to the size of your group and check the number of bedrooms on the listing.
Can you find a riad with a pool?
Yes, depending on the property: 6 of the 18 riads in our selection have a pool shown on their listing. If the pool does not appear there, assume there is none.
From what price can you rent a whole riad?
Whole riads in our selection start at €285 per night. This price covers the entire house: divide it by the number of travellers to get the cost per person. The rate varies with the dates.
What should you ask in writing before booking a riad?
What is included in the price, such as cleaning, linen or breakfast, where the car stops and the walk to the door, as well as the possible arrival time. Ask our team these questions before booking.
Private riads in Marrakech, rented in full
Namira Lodge
Riad Agadir
Riad Aziz
Riad Bab
Riad Clef
