“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.”

Hotel review

An unnamed simple wooden door, in the Dar El Bacha district of the medina, hides the stylish and immaculate interiors of Riad de Tarabel. Once inside you’re transported into a fairy tale of enchantment and wonder with interiors that only the French can conjure up; gentle palettes of greys, softly lit candelabra and large paintings carefully positioned around the riad all give you the feeling of being cocooned in luxury. There are three courtyards, pretty with nooks to relax in and one is home to the grey tiled heated swimming pool which is 1.4m deep – cleverly designed to ensure privacy, no rooms look onto or open onto this outside area. There are mesmerising rooftop views from the terrace where you can relax on sun loungers and soak up the sun with a cool drink in hand. The beautifully styled rooms on both floors are large and dreamy and utterly romantic. All have pretty floor tiles, fireplaces and some boast two roll top baths complemented by large bottles of Ortigia bath and body products. The whole property is dotted with bamboo, rattan and cedar furniture, traditional tadelakt walls and French antiques. The food (Moroccan and international) is delicious and prepared to order by the first class chef; we recommend you enjoy a candlelit supper (presented on exquisite French china) in one of the sitting rooms in front of the fire, the ideal way to spend your first night. A Moroccan style breakfast, with freshly made traditional pancakes and eggs to order, is served on the roof terrace (except if it's raining) with delicate linen napkins and beautiful tableware - every tiny detail has been thought of here. Click a hidden button on a large gilt mirror next to the sitting area in the first courtyard and the glass slides across to reveal another adjoining riad dedicated to pampering and spoiling. The spa, Les Bains de Tarabel, is a world of its own. The feeling of serenity and relaxation spreads over the two light-filled floors and the aromas of orange blossom and eucalyptus fill the air. The double hammam is where you should head to first to experience the traditional Moroccan ritual followed by a relaxing or invigorating massage. Only the best organic products from Moroccan Aromatherapy brand Nectarome are used ensuring the best sensual spa experience in the medina.

Lulu Townsend
Lulu Townsend Review published: 21/10/2024

Recommended for

  • City Style

    • An elegant colonial-style riad filled with French antiques.
  • Spa breaks

    • The spa is a separate connected riad with hammam, facials, massages and relaxation area.
  • Chic

    • Filled with French antiques and art, you'll find it difficult to find a more chic riad.
  • 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.
  • Opulent

    • No expense has been spared on the beautiful rooms and suites.
  • Restaurant

    • You can order something to eat from midday until 10pm.
  • Sights nearby

    • Just a short walk from the royal palace, Dar el Bacha.
  • Antiques

    • The rich interiors include beautiful French antiques.
  • Luxury

    • Large rooms, plenty of space and beautiful antiques.
  • Great walks

    • Take a stroll around the beautiful Jardin Majorelle.
  • Views

    • Jaw-dropping views from the roof terrace.
  • Honeymoons

    • The most romantic riad in Marrakech.
  • Spa

    • The best spa in Marrakech.
  • Restrictions on children

    • Ages 16 and over only
  • Roof terrace

  • Quiet

  • Colonial

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Traditional

  • Historic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    10 rooms in this hotel
  • Car not required

    Riad de Tarabel is right in the centre with everything in the Médina within walking distance.
  • Massage

    Head to the spa for a hammam followed by massage, not to be missed during your stay.
  • Fireplace

    There are fireplaces in the sitting rooms and some of the rooms.
  • Airport transfer

    The airport is just 15 minutes away. Transfers can be arranged.
  • Outdoor dining

    Dine on the rooftop terrace on ridiculously chic French china.
  • Restaurant

    You can order something to eat from midday until 10pm.
  • Views

    Jaw-dropping views from the roof terrace.
  • Swimming Pool

    Heated throughout the year, 1.4m deep.
  • Suites

    Large, opulent and utterly romantic.
  • Spa

    The best spa in Marrakech.
  • Restrictions on children

    Ages 16 and over only
  • Garden

    Two courtyards.
  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Roof terrace

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Bath robes

  • Wifi

Activities

  • Local markets

    • Situated amidst the Medina, step out of the hotel and scour the souk for treasures.
  • Sights nearby

    • Just a short walk from the royal palace, Dar el Bacha.
  • Great walks

    • Take a stroll around the beautiful Jardin Majorelle.

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? They love the calm, the privacy, the style, the attention to details, the service. What is there to do in the area or on site? There is a lot of to do. Visiting the different monuments and museums, walking in the medina, enjoying a mint tea on a rooftop, taking a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or the Agafay desert.

What kind of breakfast do you offer? A mix of Moroccan and French breakfast, served on French china with delicate linen napkins. During the summer months it's served on the rooftop unless it's raining when it's served downstairs.

Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? We offer lunch and dinner on order. We can recommend nice places with Moroccan food or international food nearby.

Which is your most popular room, and why? One junior suite with a fireplace which has 2 bathtubs in an open space as well as a shower. Our most impressive room is the Large Suite with its split-level bathroom and enormous bath.

What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms? We accept children only from 16 years old. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Tarabel is not just a boutique hotel. It’s a house. One of the most important things is to make you feel at home with luxury service. When you come to Tarabel, plan to spend time in the house to enjoy it!

Other reviews

Riad de Tarabel

A grand, colonial-style riad with an Old World atmosphere, acres of space spread through four interconnected houses, an eight-metre heated pool, multiple lounges and terraces and 10 handsome and luxurious bedrooms.

Originally published by The Telegraph

THE HOT LIST 2016

French aristocrat Leonard Degoy has expanded what was always an elegantly proportioned, colonial-style riad into a spacious and graceful guesthouse filled with Proustian memoirs and decadent Gallic touches.

Originally published by CNTraveller

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