How delicious to step from the hot, dusty chaos of the souks (with the day's treasures in hand, of course) into the white-columned serenity of Riad Capaldi’s courtyard. A labour of love for owners Ed and Tara Lyle, this stylishly restored retreat is an intimate jewel box that feels more like a private residence than a hotel.
For one thing, more than the average amount of space is dedicated to the beautiful communal areas, which range from a chandelier-lit lounge with an arched fireplace to a bougainvillea-trimmed roof terrace with views stretching all the way to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Then there's the above-and-beyond service from the staff, who think nothing of walking you to and from nearby restaurants, and the contemporary Moroccan-style rooms and suites, which have hand-carved furniture and sumptuous fabrics. Days begin with breakfast on the roof, with the city’s exotic markets spread out at your feet, and end with drinks or dinner in the sun-splashed courtyard, which glows pink after dark in the light of romantic red-glass lanterns; just perfect.
Highs
- An unbeatable location, steps from the souks and restaurants of the medina, 10 minutes' walk from Djemaa el Fna, and near landmarks such as the Musée de Marrakech and the Ben Youssef Medersa
- Plenty of space to unwind, including the sprawling roof terrace, a library and a cosy salon with a fireplace for cooler evenings
- Wonderful breakfasts-with-a-view, plus tasty Moroccan lunches and dinners on request
- Round-the-clock care from the on-site manager and his staff, who organise excursions and provide recommendations
- Easily combined with a few days at The Capaldi, Ed and Tara’s country hotel in the Atlas Mountains' foothills
Lows
- Rooms lack privacy due to glass doors and windows (but you can close the wooden shutters)
- Being in the medina, it's hidden down a narrow pedestrianised walkway - not easy to find or accessible by taxi
- It's also next door to a mosque, so you'll hear the early morning call to prayer
- WiFi is only available in the ground-floor communal areas
- No children under 12
Best time to go
Marrakech is at its best in spring and autumn, when it's warm but not oppressively hot. The city bakes in the summer months of July and August. By the end of October the evenings are cold, although the midday sun is still warm enough to bask in. The weather in winter, from November to March, ranges from cold and rainy to balmy and clear.
Our top tips
Ask the concierge to recommend a shopping guide for at least one trip to the souks. We got a guided tour, a history lesson, a behind-the-scenes peek at metal, leather and rug workshops and help with haggling - all with no pressure to buy.
- Boutique Hotel
- 7 rooms
- Breakfast (+ other meals on request)
- Over 12s only
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
- Games and books to borrow
Rooms
Each room and suite is individually decorated, with shuttered windows and French doors that bring in plenty of sunlight. The poetically named rooms open directly onto an arched walkway overlooking the inner courtyard. Most are doubles, but Cinamon and Ivoire can be set up as twins on request. We loved Jasmine's fireplace - perfect for cosy winter evenings.
The suites are much more private. Oulidia is tucked around the corner and it's double bedroom has stairs leading up to a private area of the roof terrace. Largest is the 2-storey Dome Suite, a mini palace with a separate lounge, delicate white fretwork, cut-metal lamps and intricately painted woodwork. Stunning.
Gorgeous Moroccan details include herringbone bejmat floors, Berber rugs, hand-carved bedside tables, traditional black-wood ceilings and velvet curtains pooling by the door. Ensuite shower bathrooms have dark polished tadelakt walls and traditional copper fittings.
Luxurious amenities include Egyptian cotton sheets and towels, robes and slippers, artisan soaps and shampoos, complimentary bottled water, and vases of fresh flowers.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
A traditional breakfast is served every morning on the roof terrace, in the courtyard or in the dining room. Expect fresh bread, Moroccan pastries, homemade jams from sister hotel The Capaldi, freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee and tea, fruit salad, yoghurt and a choice of eggs.
Lunches and dinners can be ordered with a few hours’ notice; the manager will discuss the menu with you. Our supper was an absolute feast of Moroccan dishes, including delicious pastillas, lamb tagine, spiced vegetables and butter-soft poached pear for pudding. There’s also a short but well-chosen wine list.
Staff are always happy to recommend restaurants, make reservations and even walk you there and back. Le Foundouk, an easy stroll from the hotel, is known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine, stylish interiors and lovely roof terrace.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Experience the souks - a multi-sensory adventure - and tour Marrakech’s spectacular historical sites - the Saadian Tombs, the Musée de Marrakech (housed in the stunning Dar Menebhi Palace), and the 14th-century Ben Youssef Medersa, once the largest Islamic school in Morocco
- Browse the Maison de la Photographie. Just 50m from Riad Capald, it houses photographs depicting life in Morocco in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and its roof terrace is a great place to stop for mint tea or a tagine
- Visit Yves Saint Laurent's 12-acre Majorelle Garden, a short taxi ride from the medina and filled with cacti, palms, trickling fountains and giant bamboo
- Book an expedition to the Atlas Mountains. Ride a camel, go trekking or hot-air ballooning or enjoy a quiet lunch, a swim or a stay Riad Capaldi's peaceful sister hotel
- Back at the riad, sunbathe on the roof terrace, cool off in the pool, browse art books in the library or compare purchases in the lovely salon
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Hot air ballooning
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Traditional cultures
- Trekking
Kids
The riad is aimed at couples, and the stairs, open galleries and roof terrace are not safe for young children. Those over 12 are welcome, but there are no extra beds and only one room (Cinamon) can be set up as a twin.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Riad Capaldi is in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, a 10-minute walk from Djemaa el Fna (the main square).
By Air:
Fly to Marrakech Menara (9km away). From here, it's a 10-minute taxi or hotel transfer to the medina, followed by a short walk to the riad. We recommend taking a transfer through the hotel so that you don't get lost on foot.
By Public Transport:
Rail and bus travel in Morocco is pretty good and extremely cheap. Marrakech is one of the main hubs, linked to Fes, Casablanca and Tangiers. Transfers from the train and bus stations can be arranged on request.
By Car:
We don't recommend hiring a car in Marrakech; you won't be able to drive within the medina, and parking is extremely difficult.
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape. 
More on getting to Morocco and getting around
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara 9.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 175.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape