“A beautiful boutique riad that has aced the combination of traditional beauty & laid-back contemporary luxury. Expect mosaics, exquisitely carved woodwork & grand soaring ceilings in art-filled rooms. Rooftop restaurant serves particularly good Moroccan fare. Chic centrally-located pied-a-terre.”

Hotel review

Located down a myriad of winding streets in the heart of the medina, this beautifully converted yet low-key riad unveils pleasant surprise after suprise.

The entrance opens onto a serene traditional courtyard featuring impressive works of Moroccan craftmanship including statement Moucharabieh woodwork & ornate fluted pillars. Meandering staircases lead to lofty rooms & exotic suites that look out onto the inner chamber; authentic wooden shutters allow cooling breezes & atmospheric views in, while maintaining a romantic feel & plenty of privacy.

Decor features an eclectic blend of artwork from the continent, local pieces & tasteful European touches; think tribal art, intricate wood carvings & Victorian tubs alongside moody colour palettes.

The rooftop is the ultimate Marrakech fantasy; surrounded by terracotta walls & iconic blue skies, the sprawling multi-layered space boasts exotic plants, shady parasols & private sun-lit corners for winter sun-bathing. If you overheat there's a small pool or shaded dining area. A short climb takes you up to a higher terrace which offers panoramic views well beyond the city's limits.

Quiet, tranquil & grown-up, this is the place for boutique breaks à deux with a blend of exploring - sites, restaurants & shops are all easy walking distance - and plenty of downtime. The friendly owners, long-term Marrakech residents, are very present & offer a treaure-trove of local tips.

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

Recommended for

  • Romantic Break

    • Tucked away within the riad for greater privacy, the Walata suite boasts a roaring fireplace & romantic four-poster bed
  • Local exploring

    • Well-located between the Djemaa el Fna and the Kasbah, a short walk from Bahia Palace, Badi Palace & the Saadian Tombs
  • Short break

    • Fab location makes this a perfect choice for a short sunshine-filled weekend; walk to almost everything in Marrakech
  • City Style

    • Achieves the perfect balance of sense of place, traditional architecture & contemporary comforts
  • Designer

    • In the dining room an installation of 440 hand-blown droplets falls from the sky like a column of crystal rain, a magical effect
  • Whirlpool Bathtub

    • Luxurious suite bathrooms decked out in marble, polished granite & Moroccan tadelakt boast deep soaking tubs big enough for two
  • Great walks

    • Leave Marrakech on a day trip to Ourika Valley, a lush oasis of vegetation in the foothills of the magnificent Atlas Mountains
  • Sit-out Terrace

    • Rooms open-out onto a traditional inner courtyard complete with decorative woodwork, atmospheric water feature & lush palms
  • Sights nearby

    • Go on a morning tour of Marrakech which includes the sweet gardens of Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Tower and the Saadian Tombs
  • Historic

    • Built in the 19th century as the palace of the Khaloufi family. A loving three year restoration has restored it to glory
  • Restaurant

    • Delicious home-cooked traditional Moroccan dinners & generous breakfasts are served al fresco on the rooftop
  • Other Activities

    • Tours of the city's many lovely botanical gardens - including Marjorelles - can be arranged for guests
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • Sidi Ifni has its own private terrace facing the courtyard; Azrou comes with a garden-facing veranda
  • Cycling

    • Bicycles can be hired for guests who wish to explore the area & cycling tours can be arranged
  • Organic food

    • Fruit used in the restaurant is grown in the owner's gardens, a short drive outside the city
  • Local markets

    • There is an abundance of buzzing souks & markets to explore just minutes from the property
  • Artworks

    • The owner's varied collection of African and Moroccan art & photography adorns the walls
  • Owner managed

    • The inspiring Dutch owners run an NGO assisting Moroccan girls with higher education
  • Wedding license

  • Learning

  • Full of character

  • Lively area

  • Opulent

  • Museums

  • Townhouse

  • Boutique

  • Groups

  • Chic

  • Child friendly

  • Wildlife Area

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Close to nightlife

  • Four poster beds

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Cooking classes

  • Downtown

  • Family Suites

Facilities

  • Rooms

    7 rooms in this hotel
  • Views

    Climb the viewing tower for incredible vistas over the entire city & snow-capped Atlas Mountain beyond
  • Roof terrace

    Lush oasis in the heart of the medina with sun loungers, dipping pool, covered terrace & dining area
  • Whirlpool Bathtub

    Luxurious suite bathrooms decked out in marble, polished granite & Moroccan tadelakt boast deep soaking tubs big enough for two
  • Sit-out Terrace

    Rooms open-out onto a traditional inner courtyard complete with decorative woodwork, atmospheric water feature & lush palms
  • Restaurant

    Delicious home-cooked traditional Moroccan dinners & generous breakfasts are served al fresco on the rooftop
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    Sidi Ifni has its own private terrace facing the courtyard; Azrou comes with a garden-facing veranda
  • Fireplace

    Certain rooms have open wood-burning fireplaces for cosy winter evenings
  • Swimming Pool

    Refresh yourself with a dip in the rooftop's small but stylish pool
  • Massage

    Massage, body and beauty treatments available
  • Cots available

  • Sitting Room

  • No pets

  • Bicycle hire

  • Child friendly

  • Not suitable for disabled guests

  • Outdoor dining

  • Garden

  • Babysitting

  • Laundry

  • Safe

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Four poster beds

  • Wifi

  • Concierge

  • Air conditioning

  • Bath robes

  • Family Suites

  • Bar

  • Wedding license

  • Car not required

  • Suites

  • Airport transfer

  • Walking distance restaurants

Activities

  • Great walks

    • Leave Marrakech on a day trip to Ourika Valley, a lush oasis of vegetation in the foothills of the magnificent Atlas Mountains
  • Sights nearby

    • Go on a morning tour of Marrakech which includes the sweet gardens of Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Tower and the Saadian Tombs
  • Other Activities

    • Tours of the city's many lovely botanical gardens - including Marjorelles - can be arranged for guests
  • Cycling

    • Bicycles can be hired for guests who wish to explore the area & cycling tours can be arranged
  • Local markets

    • There is an abundance of buzzing souks & markets to explore just minutes from the property
  • Learning

  • Museums

  • Close to nightlife

  • Cooking classes

  • Wildlife Area

Map & Location

Other reviews

Riad Siwan Marrakech, Morocco

Riad Siwan is a Marrakech riad hotel offering elegant interiors, stately guestrooms, impressive art installations, a huge sundeck, numerous activities, contemporary bedrooms and local Moroccan cuisine, near the Bahia Palace, the Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs.

Originally published by The Telegraph

Riad Siwan

They have a novel way of transporting your bags through the narrow alleyways which lead up to the unmarked door at Riad Siwan — by wheel barrow. Once you're safely in with all your luggage, you'll find a charming home, which was rebuilt from rubble over three years.

Originally published by The Times

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