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To Riad or not to Riad? 15 Best Boutique Hotels in Marrakech

Marrakech is a heady blend of colour, spice, sunshine and activity which can leave the fresh-off-the-plane visitor very much in need of a hammam and a mint tea. But if you’re booked in to one of our Guru recommended best boutique hotels in Marrakech then that will definitely be taken care of, plus a lot more. And from the boutique comfort you’ll soon be ready to hit the streets and souks again.

Many of our Gurus’ favourite places to stay in Marrakech are beautiful, traditional Moroccan riads, some of which we feel have similar qualities to what we’d call a "boutique hotel" in other countries. Morocco is known for its beautiful artistic heritage, and some of the tile work, stucco and carved wood design in these properties is up there with the city’s cultural highlights.

But if you’re looking for something a bit more modern then our list of the best boutique hotels in Marrakech has something for you too. As well as some amazing restaurants-turned-hotels and some peaceful Palmeraie retreats if you’re here to relax as well as immerse yourself in the medina.

The Best Riads in Marrakech

Riad de Tarabel

  • Romantic, with fairytale French interiors, Riad de Tarabel (above) is one of the most luxurious riads in the medina. With a hidden spa, 1.4m deep heated pool and large luxurious suites (some with two baths) it's a great choice for first timers to the Red City.
  • Riad Adore is a beautiful, newly restored property in the heart of the medina, just minutes from the souks. The ten rooms are chic and contemporary, and all boast sumptuous furnishings, luxury bed linens and a balcony too. There's a charming roof terrace, small plunge pool, micro-spa and hammam and delicious dinners on request. A real delight!
  • Riad Jaaneman is a luxurious riad with just five beautifully appointed suites - think four poster beds, marble floors, vast bathrooms and balconies with views to the Atlas Mountains.
  • The Riad El Fenn is a hip yet carefree hangout with beautiful artistic details. Walls are hung with art, tables are covered in silk, courtyards are tree, and tortoise, filled, there are piles of Berber cushions everywhere, and plenty of flowers too. There’s also a rooftop terrace with incredible city views, a hammam, screening room, a library and two pools.

For a romantic stay

[image id=2e5b4f108a40d552106ffb2b0122aea61" size="600x422" alt="Dar Zemora"]

  • Dar Zemora is a traditional, six room hotel nestled in amongst beautiful gardens of olive, palm and lemon trees. The decor is colourful and Moroccan and there’s a heated pool and romantic dining room. The large garden makes this a private and peaceful place to stay.

Great value boutique hotels

Dar Les Cigognes

  • Understated and elegant, with design that combines Moroccan tradition and European style, Dar Les Cigognes is in a great location, with fantastic views from its roof terrace. There are 11 rooms, each unique, in these two converted riads, joined into one by a bridge over a small alleyway. There’s also a spa, harman and hot tub.
  • In an off-the-beaten-track medina location, Dar Hanane represents excellent value for money. Its six rooms and suites are beautifully elegant, plus there's a fabulous roof terrace with epic views, charming courtyard, and delicious traditional cuisine if you want to dine in.
  • Just ten minutes walk from Djemaa el Fna, the Riad Les Yeux Bleus is charming and unpretentious, tucked away down a pink alleyway. Elegant and very Moroccan, there’s a trickling fountain, a rooftop view, bright colours in the decor and in the bougainvillea-filled courtyard and the smell of lemon trees. There’s a small hammam, and very reasonable prices.

Marrakech's Modern Style Boutique Hotels

  • Recently restored, the Riad Joya is wonderfully unfussy, with natural materials used in a simpler, more modern way. The rooms and courtyards are bright and light with modern furnishings and the service standards are high.
  • The Villa des Oranges is a smart, 27 room hotel with a fusion of Moroccan and European decor. Think beautiful mosaic floors and wood panelled walls. There’s a luxurious hammam and a tranquil inner courtyard.

Family friendly boutique hotels

Ryiad el Cadi

  • Ryiad El Cadi is a calm refuge in the heart of town, with 15 peaceful rooms and just the right amount of fine furniture and art so you’re not constantly panicked about it. The white washed walls keep it simple and there’s a lovely roof-top sun terrace.

The Best Boutique-y Hotels in Marrakech

This category is a bit different, with those hotels our Gurus love, but may not quite fit the boutique bill perfectly.

  • La Maison Arabe is an iconic restaurant turned luxury hotel with 26 rooms, in the heart of the medina. Does it qualify as a boutique hotel? Maybe? But it’s got that sort of vibe, with a beautiful blend of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and European style, and of course excellent food.

Still not sure which to book?

To Riad or not to Riad? 15 Best Boutique Hotels in Marrakech

El Fenn
El Fenn

Marrakech

Unique understated bohemian hipness meets flawless service in this sprawling interlinked 12-riad strong hotel owned by Vanessa Branson, on the edge of the Marrakech medina. Lounge out in one of the vast colourful suites, sprawl across the roof terrace and restaurant with views of the Atlas Mountains

  • Honeymoons - Stunning suites and spectacular views, spa treatments and belly dancers plus unbeatable food — what more could you want?
  • Local exploring - On the edge of the Medina there is no end to the exploring to be done.
  • Chic - An arty riad filled with British modern art and Moroccan collectables.
  • Roof terrace - Magical views at night.
from AU$405 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Dar Zemora
Dar Zemora

Marrakech

Understated luxury in the Palmeraie a short drive from the medina that will appeal to couples and small groups seeking poolside peace in a beautiful garden location. Ideal for completely unwinding.

  • Country Escape - A totally tranquil property near the bustling city of Marrakesh making it the ideal place to relax after a day's exploration
  • Romantic Break - A romantic haven, with lavish fourposter beds, incredible dinners and lush gardens with pool
  • Tennis - Access to tennis courts can be arranged by the hotel.
  • Swimming Pool - Two outdoor pools
from AU$468 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Dar Les Cigognes
Dar Les Cigognes

Marrakech (Marrakech Medina)

An understated and elegant Riad, in the heart of Marrakech. The beautifully decorated rooms fuse Moroccan and European styles to create enchanting spaces. Fantastic views from the roof top terrace, while you chow down on award winning delicious food. Simply magical.

  • City Style - Magical rooms in a stylish Riad, with award winning restaurant and extensive spa services- all in the center of Marrakech!
  • Elegant
  • Cooking classes - Learn to cook traditional Moroccan food with the school that was voted Best Moroccan Cooking School in the world.
  • Local markets - Less than a ten minute walk away you'll find Jamaâ El Fna Square, the main market in Marrakech
from AU$267 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
La Maison Arabe
La Maison Arabe

Marrakech (Bab Doukkala )

Iconic restaurant turned luxury hotel, in the Medina of Marrakech. The decor is a sublime combination of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and smart European style. Every detail sings charm, old-school elegance, and history.

  • Romantic Break - Romantic suites, with deep soaking tubs and palatial beds combined with spa, hammam, roof terraces and poolside loungers
  • Cooking classes - On site cooking workshops and courses for learning all the secrets of Moroccan cookery from the experts
  • Local exploring - You're right in the heart of the medina — ideal for exploring the souks
  • Restaurant - The renowned restaurant is still one of the best in town
from AU$335 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Villa des Orangers
Villa des Orangers

Marrakech (Place Ben Tachfine)

Smart French-owned hotel with authentic Moroccan decoration. Sophisticated rooms with rich Moroccan-style wooden furnishings, plus beautiful and luxurious hammam, inner courtyards for relaxing and fabulous fine dining restaurant. An elegant city stay just outside the medina.

  • Spa breaks - The lavish Nuxe Spa treatments are professional and totally spoiling, nevermind the Hamam and multiple pools.
  • City Style - An elegant Riad, minutes from the main attractions, with an exclusive feel and first rate amenities.
  • Foodies - The food is outstanding and the restaurant is recognised as one of the best in town
  • Luxury
from AU$772 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Riyad el Cadi
Riyad el Cadi

Marrakech (Dabachi)

Calm, stylish refuge filled with fine furniture and art. Beautiful white washed patios and roof top sun terrace. A place of tranquility and calm. Its accommodations are well suited for families. A stay in history, amidst history.

  • City Style - Five stunning 14th-century Riads, with enchanting interiors, cool leafy courtyard and tented roofterrace, right in the Medina.
  • Local exploring - Just around the corner from the all-singing, all-dancing, fire-eating, snake-charming, food-vending madness of Djemaa el-Fna.
  • Artworks - Lofty architecture, museum-worthy textiles, historic objects d’art and original frescoed features
  • Local markets - Explore the wonderful and wild souks haggle over an array of textiles, carpets, leatherwork, spices and jewellery.
from AU$267 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Riad Jaaneman
Riad Jaaneman

Marrakech

A highly luxurious boutique Riad in the Medina. Romantic chic suites, some with four poster beds, have marble floors, photographs on the walls, delicate Italian bedding, enormous bathrooms, and balconies with views towards the Atlas mountains. Glorious courtyard and roof terrace. A stylish haven.

  • City Style
  • Romantic Break
  • Sights nearby - Situated in the heart of the medina, a stone's throw from the souks and the Dar el Bacha Palace
  • Views - Wonderful views of the Dar el Bacha Palace over to the Atlas Mountains
from AU$324 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Riad Joya
Riad Joya

Marrakech (Derb El Hammam 26/27)

This recently restored riad is a breath of fresh air amidst the melange of Marrakech's medina. Light & bright with sleek European feel & contemporary furnishings, natural materials & traditional decor maintain Moroccan heritage feel. There's a roof terrace, small spa & restaurant serving local food.

  • Local exploring - A haven of calm yet easy walking distance to the medina's bustling shops, souks, sites & restaurants
  • Families - Unlike most riads, there are several good options for adjoining rooms, extra beds & family set-ups
  • Romantic Break - Statement Zanibar Suite boasts sumptuous four-poster canopy bed & romantic in-room fireplace
  • City Style - Not your typical dark wood, 'oud' perfumed riad. This property is airy & modern in feel
from AU$323 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Riad Les Yeux Bleus
Riad Les Yeux Bleus

Marrakech

Charming unpretentious riad with 11 individually designed rooms, located in the Bab Doukkala district, 10 minutes walk from Place Jemaa el Fna. Plus there's a large roof terrace and two small plunge pools for cooling off. Ideal for those seeking peace and quiet.

  • Local exploring - Just inside the medina walls in the Bab Doukkala neighbourhood, right in the centre of the action for explorers.
  • Cooking classes - Ask at the hotel about nearby cooking classes, there are plenty of great ones in the area!
  • Local markets - Jemaa El Fna square is only a ten minute walk and is the main market of Marrakech.
  • Sights nearby - Bahia Palace and Conference Palace are both nearby.
from AU$275 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Riad de Tarabel
Riad de Tarabel

Marrakech (Quartier Dar El Bacha Marrakech Médina)

Spacious and elegant, this colonial style riad in the bustling Marrakech medina is the epitome of luxury. French antiques are scattered throughout the property alongside traditional Moorish architecture. Feast on regional classics, be pampered in the spa. Perfectly placed for city exploring.

  • City Style - An elegant colonial-style riad filled with French antiques.
  • Local markets - Situated amidst the Medina, step out of the hotel and scour the souk for treasures.
  • Romantic - With stylish French interiors it's hard not find Riad de Taravel utterly romantic.
  • Boutique - Small, private and peaceful, Riad de Tarabel is close to perfection.
from AU$372 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Riad Adore
Riad Adore

Marrakech ( Dar el Bacha, Marrakech Medina)

A truly elegant riad in a superb central location mere minutes from the Souk Cherifia. Rooms are airy and bright with sumptuous furnishings and balconies. The restaurant offers an exciting menu and there's an honesty bar, a micro-spa and hammam to boot. A real delight!

  • Local exploring - The souks, medina and main square are all easily accessed from the property
  • Sights nearby - Go on a morning tour of Marrakech which includes the sweet gardens of Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Tower and the Saadian Tombs
  • Local markets - There is an abundance of buzzing souks and markets to explore
  • Spa - Massage/Treatment room on the roof terrace.
from AU$243 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Dar Hanane
Dar Hanane

Marrakech ( Kaat Benahid)

The pared down interiors of Dar Hanane and its six simple yet elegant rooms attract a discerning crowd looking for an authentic Moroccan experience in the medina. There's a small plunge pool, and roof terrace with city views. An ideal spot if you want to be far from the madding crowd.

  • Local exploring - Museums and souks are within 5 minutes walk.
  • Sights nearby - The souk and the main square are just a short (5 minutes) walk away.
  • Boutique - Each of the six rooms is individually styled.
  • Local markets
from AU$186 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
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Written by Kat Parr Mackintosh

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