“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.”

Hotel review

Combining the aesthetics of Ancient Greece, modern day Italy & traditional Marrakech, this stylish boutique riad is a hidden haven set within the medina's atmospheric winding back streets.

The spacious central courtyard is the heart of the property; admire mature olive trees, bubbling fountain & glossy Italian stone facade that leads up to a perfect roof terrace with sun loungers & shaded seating areas. After days shopping in surroundings souks, indulge in the hammam, book a couple's massage or find respite on the expansive roof terrace with it's views over the city. Rooms & suites vary in style but have a contemporary edge; slick tadelakt bathrooms boast large rain showers while statement canopy beds add an air of romance. Dine on the spacious rooftop or in the intimate European-style dining room; cuisine ranges from Moroccan classics to light European fare.

A contemporary and slick choice for those after a change from classic Moroccan riads.

Ellie Boulstridge
Ellie Boulstridge Review published: 2021-10-05

Recommended for

  • 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
  • Restaurant

    • With mood lighting & courtyard views the romantic restaurant channels Arabian Nights vibes; it serves Italian & Moroccan cuisine
  • Roof terrace

    • Relax on sunloungers or dine al fresco on the charming rooftop; the Koutoubia Mosque can be viewed in the distance
  • Sit-out Terrace

    • Sleek central courtyard sets the tone with monumental pillars, intricate woodwork, bubbling fountain & olive trees
  • Local markets

    • An afternoon at one of the surrounding souks - that the city is rightly famous - for is an afternoon well spent
  • Cooking classes

    • Book a Moroccan cookery class with the property's chef; it can be done on the rooftop or in the kitchen
  • Sights nearby

    • Hear call to prayer at Koutoubia Mosque or visit the ancient sight of the Saadian Tombs
  • Owner managed

    • Italian owned and Italian designed; the riad is the vision of Umberto Maria Branchini
  • Learning

    • The nearby Marrakech Museum is a great place to learn about such a diverse city
  • Organic food

    • Lunch on healthy salads made of fresh, locally grown vegetables
  • Great walks

    • Explore 12 verdant acres at the Majorelle Botanical Gardens
  • Mountain biking

    • In the Atlas mountains can be arranged through the hotel
  • Intimate

    • Offers the feel of an elegant private home
  • Designer

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Wedding license

  • Family Suites

  • Gourmet

  • Other Activities

  • Full of character

  • Lively area

  • Opulent

  • Townhouse

  • Spa

  • Riding

  • Artworks

  • Boutique

  • Cycling

  • Golf

  • Historic

  • Chic

  • Quirky

  • Child friendly

  • Quiet

  • Wellbeing

  • Contemporary

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Romantic

  • Free wifi

  • Views

Facilities

  • Rooms

    7 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    With mood lighting & courtyard views the romantic restaurant channels Arabian Nights vibes; it serves Italian & Moroccan cuisine
  • Roof terrace

    Relax on sunloungers or dine al fresco on the charming rooftop; the Koutoubia Mosque can be viewed in the distance
  • Sit-out Terrace

    Sleek central courtyard sets the tone with monumental pillars, intricate woodwork, bubbling fountain & olive trees
  • Sauna/Steam

    Private hammam needs to be pre-booked, there's also a couple's treatment room
  • Fireplace

    Downstairs rooms come with warming fireplaces for cosy winter stays
  • Airport transfer

    Airport transfers are included in the rates
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Library

  • Car not required

  • Wedding license

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Outdoor dining

  • Bar

  • Meeting Room

  • Cots available

  • Massage

  • No pets

  • Not suitable for disabled guests

  • Laundry

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Spa

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Room service

  • Family Suites

  • Suites

  • Concierge

  • Four poster beds

  • Wifi

  • Free wifi

  • Views

  • Air conditioning

  • Safe

  • Bath robes

Activities

  • Local markets

    • An afternoon at one of the surrounding souks - that the city is rightly famous - for is an afternoon well spent
  • Cooking classes

    • Book a Moroccan cookery class with the property's chef; it can be done on the rooftop or in the kitchen
  • Sights nearby

    • Hear call to prayer at Koutoubia Mosque or visit the ancient sight of the Saadian Tombs
  • Learning

    • The nearby Marrakech Museum is a great place to learn about such a diverse city
  • Great walks

    • Explore 12 verdant acres at the Majorelle Botanical Gardens
  • Mountain biking

    • In the Atlas mountains can be arranged through the hotel
  • Other Activities

  • Riding

  • Cycling

  • Golf

Map & Location

Other reviews

RIAD JOYA

Seven rooms in a traditional riad in the heart of the souks, a twisty three-minute stroll to the western side of Djemaa el Fna Square. This elegant space—owned by Italian friends and sumptuously renovated by an Italian designer—tones down the gaudiest of Moroccan clichés without sacrificing a sense of place.

Originally published by Condé Nast Traveller

Riad Joya hotel, Marrakesh, Morocco: review

Riad Joya, in Morocco, is a Marrakesh hotel offering grand architecture, a rooftop bar, plunge pool, cookery lessons, exceptional service and seven sumptuous suites, near Djemaa el-Fna.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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