This place is like a private art museum, but without a trace of stuffiness. Once the home of a German ambassador, the riad makes an exotic, idyllic base from which to explore the souks and palaces of Marrakech. Spread over 7 interconnecting houses, this 14th-century building has been turned into an elegant ‘home from home’ - a glorious mix of chic, comfort, hospitality and art. Wander around the labyrinth of rooms, staircases, balconies and alcoves and you’ll discover magnificent Berber and Islamic art treasures - a true feast for culture-vultures.
The more epicurean meanwhile, can enjoy the heated plunge pool, the hammam (steam bath), the tented roof terrace, the library, and some excellent food and wine. Just a short walk from the front door is the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, bustling with snake-charmers, storytellers, medicine men and food stalls, in what has been described as one of the world’s greatest shows.
Highs
- Great location just a 10 minutes walk from Djemaa El Fna and surrounded by the winding souks
- Hidden down a quiet road, with a leafy courtyard and a sprawling rooftop, this is truly an oasis of calm
- The food is delicious and served by friendly staff, either on the roof terrace or in the courtyard, depending on the weather
- It's a great option for families with huge suites and a self-contained house sleeping up to 5
- There's a plunge pool and most rooms have air-conditioning to provide welcome relief from the heat
- You have your own private museum of North African art
Lows
- This isn't your typical hotel, so instant service isn't a guarantee, though there's usually someone at the front desk
- The complex series of stairs and winding hallways can make it difficult to find your room - we got lost a few times
- Some of the cheaper ground-floor rooms are a bit dark
- It's a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest taxi drop-off point - though porters are at hand
- Its location down the narrow alleyways of the medina requires a good sense of direction, especially at night
- 2 cots
- Baby bedding
- Potty
- Bottle warming
Some equipment may need to be requested in advance
French-speaking babysitting available by arrangement; English-speaking babysitting might also be possible.
Baby monitors available that work from the restaurant to bedrooms.
Kids can be accommodated for dinner; ask the team in advance. Some rooms (Blue House, Ottoman Senior Suite, Master Suite) have simple kitchenettes with a stove and fridge (all rooms have a minibar). There are plenty of cafés and restaurants within walking distance.
- Heated plunge pool in shared courtyard
- Some toys and books for toddlers
- Camel rides in the desert
- Get henna tattoos (ask the concierge for the best place)
- Explore the souks and spice market
- Visit a Berber village
- Visit historical sites like The Secret Garden and Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Riad Hotel
- 15 rooms
- Breakfast + other meals on request
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Babysitting
- Creche / Kids Club
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The 15 stylish and peaceful rooms and suites all differ in size, décor and layout, with some having the welcome addition of air-conditioning, plus a bath instead of shower. Larger suites also feature a separate child’s room, fireplace, sitting area and kitchenette. The Senior and Master Suites also have TV's. Unlike some traditional riads, the bathrooms are fitted to a high standard and the beds are comfortable, though those in the Blue House are quite narrow (140cm). Don't be surprised to find your double bed made up with 2 single duvets - the owners are German.
Aesthetes will delight in the historic objets d’art that grace each room. Lie in bed staring up at the 18th-century painted ceiling in the Douiriya Suite, or step into the Chaouen Suite through an intricately patterned door, carved in the homonymous town in northern Morocco. With this kind of decor in your bedroom, you need hardly venture out to the museums!
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- WiFi
Eating
A simple Moroccan-style breakfast is included and served on the tented roof terrace (weather permitting) or in the courtyard under the orange trees. Expect bread, pastries, honey and jam, tea and coffee, fruit salad, homemade yoghurt, freshly squeezed orange juice and your choice of eggs.
Lunch and dinner is available on request. The dinner menu is sent in an email each morning, with options like homemade soup, Moroccan salads, traditional tagines and couscous. (Vegetarians and other diets can be catered for, but let them know in advance.) There is also a good selection of local wine, as well as some nice European wines. Meals are served wherever you wish - in your room, at a private table in one of the courtyards, or more communally in the dining room. All rooms have complimentary water and some also have basic cooking facilities: fridge, small hob, saucepan, crockery etc.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Kids' meals
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Make use of the riad's private Hammam (steam bath) and book in for a scrub or a massage (or both)
- Haggle your way around Marrakech’s evocative and fascinating souks offering a bewitching array of textiles, carpets, leatherwork, spices and jewellery
- Engross yourself in the fire-eating, snake-charming, food-vending madness of Djemaa El Fna
- Wander through the winding, tiled corridors of the Madrasa Ben Youssef
- Explore the tanneries to witness one of Morocco’s oldest (and smelliest) arts
- Take a guided tour around Marrakech’s main sights including the Koutoubia Mosque, Palais el Badi and the Saadian tombs
- Seek shade in Le Jardin Majorelle and the Yves St Laurent museum (make sure to book well in advance)
- Check out Le Jardin Secret and have a traditional mint tea in the colourful courtyard
- Dine in lavish surroundings at one of Marrakech’s grand palace restaurants
- Escape to the Atlas mountains for a trek or a meal with a Berber family
- Take a day trip to the Agafay desert for a camel trek, ATV ride or a private dining experience
- Head to the Atlantic Coast for a swim, surf and a lunch of fresh fish
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Golf
- Hiking
- Museums / galleries
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Traditional cultures
Best Time to go
Marrakech is baking in the summer months and can be crowded, though the riad is a cool and quiet escape any time of year. For city exploration and outdoor adventures, we prefer the spring and autumn, when the midday sun is warm, the evenings are cool, and the souks and sites a little less hectic.
Our Top Tips
While it can be fun to fill your days with sites and activities, set aside some time to wander and get lost in the maze of souks. The vendors don't hassle too much, so you can take your time to look around. If you are interested in doing some shopping, make sure to haggle! They'll be disappointed if you don't, and the first price they offer is usually at least three times higher than it's worth.
Location
Riyad El Cadi is in the heart of Marrakech's bustling medina.
By Air
Marrakech Menara (5km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
By train / bus
Marrakech has good rail and bus connections to the rest of Morocco, including Casablanca and Agadir.
However you arrive, you should ask the riad to meet you - it is tricky to find otherwise! Take a taxi to the drop-off point for the riad, where a porter meets you with a trolley for your bags. Assuming you arrive in the afternoon (see below), it's 10-15 mins walk from there through the medina's winding alleys to the riad - not easy to find without a guide.
When heading off in the morning, it's just 5 minutes walk to Marrakech's main square, Djemaa el Fna, where you can catch a taxi any time until 1pm. After 1pm, the square is now closed to vehicles for security reasons.
Car Hire
If you do want to hire a car (for your travels outside Marrakech) see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions with be provided when you confirm your booking through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Morocco and getting around.
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara 5.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 180.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km
Our guests' ratings...
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