When the hubbub of Marrakech’s blushed-walled medina and the full-throttle action at nearby Jemaa el Fna Square get a bit much, this former spice trader’s home becomes much more than just a place to lay your head. We felt the madness of the medina melt away the moment we stepped through the door. Opened in 2014 as a passion project for German and Arabic owners Alexandra and Ahmed, Riad 11 Zitoune is easily one of the prettier hideaways on the city’s hip riad scene, not least for the curated interiors that combine classic Moroccan design with contemporary flourishes to a highly refined effect.
The pair have gone big on recasting the riad as a soothing space where things feel homespun and relaxing. As we stepped into the main building, we were greeted by a scene-stealing tiled courtyard with green and duck-egg blue hues. The 11 luxe-leaning rooms and suites spread across the two neighbouring riads are spoiling - all with pillowy double beds and bathrooms decorated with traditional tadelakt plaster. There are private yoga classes, a rooftop restaurant, and terraces with sunloungers and lofty views. Add to this thoughtful staff who'll happily assist with your every need and prices that won't eat into your spending money, you've got the perfect recipe for a boutique stay in the heart of the medina.
Highs
- A desirable Marrakech address in the centre of the medina, just a three-minute walk from Jemaa el Fna Square
- Relaxed and sociable atmosphere created by owners Alexandra and Ahmed and their lovely staff
- Just 11 individually styled rooms with delightful décor that mixes up classic Moroccan craftsmanship with modern design flourishes
- A rooftop restaurant serving masterful Moroccan cuisine
- Great value with all the trimmings: private yoga sessions, peaceful roof terraces, a plunge pool and a Jacuzzi
Lows
- The main riad's courtyard and rooftop terrace are quite small, but guests can also use the one at the annexe
- Access to all but one room in the main building is via a steep staircase, so not suited to those with mobility issues
- No TV in the rooms may niggle teenagers, but there is WiFi
- They're old buildings and we experienced the occasional issue with water and power in the main hotel, but it didn't affect our stay
- We've not seen the annexe for ourselves yet, but it looks like a brilliant addition
Best time to go
Our favourite time to visit Marrakech is from March to May, but September to November also rewards with warm (but not ridiculously balmy) weather. December to February tends to experience sunshine and blue skies, but it can get extremely chilly at night. Avoid June to August unless you’re a fan of the heat (average temperatures are from 29C to 36C most days).
Our top tips
Ladies should pack a shawl for chilly evenings and cover-ups for the souks - although Marrakech is a very tolerant society, women will feel self-conscious in mini skirts and vests. Be inspired by Talitha Getty and wear a kaftan - there are hundreds on offer in the souks.
- Boutique Riad
- 11 rooms
- Restaurant
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Plunge Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Hot tub
Rooms
There are just 11 equally delightful rooms and suites between the two riads, only a short walk from each other. Each has a tasteful mix of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and simple yet soulful modern design. Expect plenty of colour, handmade furniture, vibrant fabrics and artworks, and comfortable French-style double beds swathed in high-quality linens and plentiful pillows. The three suites in the main building also come with their own private terraces. Bathrooms are decorated with traditional tadelakt plaster and have showers, Egyptian cotton towels and bathrobes, lounging chairs, vanities and toiletries.
All the light-flooded rooms assure ample creature comforts such as air-conditioning, heating, safes and hairdryers. There are no TVs or telephones as the owners want to keep things tech-free (that said, there is WiFi). We stayed in one of the two Junior Suites (Saffron and Pistachio) on the second floor which offer the most living space. Each has a double bed, separated by a gauze curtain from a sitting area with a day bed (suitable for a child) and a furnished terrace; we found this to be the perfect spot for reading and gazing up at the cobalt-blue Marrakech sky.
The rest of the rooms are spread over the three floors. Olive Room is the only room on the ground floor; it opens into the communal courtyard so lacks the privacy of the rest, but makes a good choice for anyone wanting to avoid the steep riad stairs. Green Tea Deluxe Studio has a narrow layout but we liked the small private terrace outside.
Since our last visit, the annexe building has been added, 50 metres from the main hotel. The rooms here, spread over three floors, have been designed with groups in mind but share the same colourful charm as those in the original riad. There are two cosy Double Rooms, one ground-floor Triple Room and a pair of Family Suites that sleep 4-6. Kids will love the bespoke cave-like bunk beds in the latter, and you get separate bedrooms. There's also a rooftop terrace and a Jacuzzi downstairs for post-medina decompressing.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is a hearty affair of pressed orange juice, fresh fruit, bread, eggs, pancakes, buttery rotis, overnight oats with creamy yoghurt and a choice of mint tea or excellent coffee.
A relaxed restaurant on the annexe building's rooftop terrace serves classic Moroccan fare alongside sweeping city views. Expect traditional tagines, cous cous, Lebanese small plates and light sandwiches. It's a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, and guests staying in either of the riads are welcome to spend the evening here.
The main riad has no formal restaurant but a set lunch or dinner menu can be requested; there's a relaxed eat-where-you-like (and when-you-like) dining policy so meals can be enjoyed in your room, in the courtyard, or on the roof terrace - just give the team a little notice. There’s a huge emphasis on homecooked dishes, all of which are made with locally-sourced fresh ingredients and flavoured with aromatic spices from the souks. We didn't have much choice in our dinner, a classic chicken tagine, but it was delicious nonetheless.
If you fancy a change of scene, they also run a cafe restaurant, Cafe Munich, a short walk from the riad. It's the first in the Medina to have a kids' play area, making it ideal for hungry families.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Kids' meals
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Haggle your heart out in the souks (only 50m away!) and save space in your suitcase for spices, woven carpets, handmade Berber rugs, leather goods, silver jewellery and all manner of trinkets
- Embrace the chaos of nearby Jemaa el Fna Square, the city’s dazzling centrepiece with a constant stream of fire eaters, snake charmers, jugglers, acrobats, musicians and dancers
- Visit Maison de la Photographie for its eyebrow-arching collection of photos, glass negatives and documents dating from the 1870s to the 1950s. Also spend time at Musée Yves St Laurent, making a beeline for the designer’s studio with its original décor, sketches and swatches
- Owners Alexandra and Ahmed will happily advise on the best sightseeing spots in Marrakech; they can arrange a well-curated selection of activities and tours, near & far, long or short - just ask
- Back at the hotel, take a yoga class on the rooftop terrace or soak in the Jacuzzi room. Later, ask staff to book you in at the nearby hammam to enjoy a steamy bathing ritual with black soap and a liberal slathering of mud
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Museums / galleries
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Well being
- Yoga
Kids
Kids of all ages are welcome at Riad 11 Zitoune, though there isn’t a huge amount here to keep little ones occupied. However, being just a five-minute walk from the pram-accessible Jemaa el Fna Square is a real plus. The riad offers kids' menus and family rooms, while baby cots and extra beds can be arranged on request. There are also iPads for guest use, and free WiFi everywhere.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The annexe building is best for families. There are two Family Suites that can each sleep a family of four in a double bedroom and a twin room with cool bespoke bunk beds. The Triple Room has a handcrafted 'duplex' bed that a child will enjoy.
In the main building, the two Junior Suites (Saffron and Pistachio) have a double bed separated from the rest of the room by a curtain, a single day bed for a child, and a private furnished terrace. Alternatively, the Green Tea Deluxe Studio and the Ginger Suite can each fit an extra bed or baby cot on request.
Children's meals:
Kid-friendly meals like chicken nuggets and spaghetti bolognese are available
Families Should Know:
There are steep steps in the riad so keep an eye on toddlers.
Distances:
- Airport: 20-minute drive
- Hospital: 10-minute drive
- Supermarket: 5-minute walk
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Riad 11 Zitoune is on Derb Lakhdar in Marrakech's medina. It's a five-minute walk south of Jemaa el Fna Square.
By Air:
Fly into Marrakech Menara (6km), which is served by international and budget airlines.
From the Airport
The riad can arrange an airport transfer (20 mins), or you can take a taxi to Riad Mokha where you’ll be met by the riad guard (it’s a five-minute walk from here).
By Car:
If you want to hire a car (for your travels outside Marrakech), see our car rental recommendations. Note you can't bring cars into the medina.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara 6.0 km
Other:
- Beach 170.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
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