I have been visiting Marrakech at least every other year for the past decade. I fell completely in love with the place and I have never really fallen back out of it. The colours, the tiles, the textiles, the food, the energy — as an interior stylist it is one of the most visually intoxicating cities in the world and I find something new to obsess over every single time I go.
One of the questions I get asked most often is which riad to stay in and which area to choose. So I thought it was time to put everything I know in one place. There are some genuinely jaw-dropping dream riads in Marrakech that come with a serious price tag, but there are also so many beautiful, stylish, affordable riads that are family-run and completely worth a stay. Here is my honest list — places I have stayed in, places on my wish list, and places that are at least worth a visit if you love interior design and tiles.
MORE ABOUT MAXINE BRADY
Maxine Brady is an award winning interior stylist in Brighton. She has 25 years experience styling homes and interiors for magazines, brands and TV shows across London, the UK and internationally. Follow her on Facebook (113k) and TikTok (12K)) Listen to Maxine’s Interiors Podcast: How to Home
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WHEN TO GO TO MARRAKECH
I first went to Morocco about 20 years ago. My friend from Paris spends every summer there and she invited me to join her family. And I instantly fell in love. The colours, the smells, the winding little alley ways. I feel like I’m on an adventure everytime I visit.
If I can, I’ll try to go out there at least once a year usually around my birthday in May, and again in October or November. Both trips are brilliant for completely different reasons, and I think they are genuinely the two best times to go.
Best Months
May is the last month of spring and one of the very best months to visit Marrakech. Ramadan is over, the temperatures are warm and completely comfortable rather than overwhelming, the plants are in full bloom across Jardin Majorelle and Jemaa el-Fna, and the schools have not yet broken up for summer so it is not too crowded. For me it is the perfect combination everything is open, everything is beautiful and you can actually walk around and enjoy it without melting.
October and November are equally brilliant and for different reasons. The summer heat has gone, the evenings start to feel properly atmospheric again, the light is extraordinary and the city feels more itself somehow. You’ll find the city less touristy, and more alive with local life. It is also a genuinely lovely time to break up the grey of the British autumn before the cold really sets in, which is exactly why I keep going back.
The other months to know about: March and April are also good, though March can still be a little rainy and April overlaps with Easter which pushes prices up. September is warm and pleasant but still carries some of the summer heat. December and January can be chilly at night and are busier than you might expect with Europeans escaping cold weather.
Months to avoid
July and August are genuinely brutal. Temperatures regularly hit 40 degrees and above and the heat makes sightseeing almost impossible during daylight hours. It is really only worth it if you plan to spend most of your time in your riad’s courtyard or by the pool.
The other thing to check before you book is Ramadan. The dates shift every year because they follow the lunar calendar. In 2026 Ramadan ran from mid-February to mid-March, and in 2027 it falls early February to early March. May, October and November are safely clear of it. During Ramadan many local restaurants close during the day, some attractions have shorter hours and the rhythm of the city shifts considerably. It is not impossible to visit but it is worth knowing about before you book, especially if good food and open shops are important to you.
WHAT IS A RIAD AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM A HOTEL?
Before we get into the list, it is worth understanding what a riad actually is because once you know, you will never want to stay in a regular hotel ever again.
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around a central interior courtyard or garden. The word itself comes from the Arabic for garden. From the outside, riads give almost nothing away and then you walk down a narrow alley, push open an unassuming door, and the whole thing opens up inward. That contrast between the rough, dusty street outside and the calm, beautiful world within is one of the most magical architectural experiences I know. Magical!
The courtyard is the heart of the riad. It is usually symmetrical, centred around a fountain or small pool, and decorated with zellige tilework and those incredible hand-cut geometric Moroccan tiles that you will find yourself photographing obsessively. The walls are typically finished in tadelakt, a traditional polished plasterwork that is smooth, lustrous and completely distinctive. Above the courtyard, rooms are arranged on multiple floors with carved wooden screens, arched doorways and lanterns that cast the most beautiful light in the evenings. Most riads have a rooftop terrace where you will want to spend every morning over breakfast looking out over the terracotta rooftops of the Medina.
A riad is intimate in a way the average hotel simply cannot be. You are a guest in what was once somebody’s family home, usually looked after by a small team who genuinely care. There is mint tea on arrival, breakfast made fresh that morning, and the kind of personal attention that makes you feel like the most important person in the building because in a riad with six rooms, you practically are.
THE BEST AREAS TO STAY IN MARRAKECH
Choosing your area is almost as important as choosing your riad. I’ve organised these areas so you can get a sense of the city. I tend to stay in a different area each time so that I can explore a new part of Marrakech.
THE MEDINA — best for first timers and design obsessives
The Medina is the ancient walled city and where most riads are found. It is chaotic, beautiful, loud, overwhelming and completely addictive. Staying here puts you right in the thick of the souks, the spice stalls, the tiled fountains, the narrow alleys and the best places to eat. The northern souk quarter around Jemaa el-Fna is the busiest and most touristy, while the southern areas around the Mouassine quarter feel a little more local and residential. If it is your first time, the Medina is where you want to be.
THE MELLAH — best for history and quieter streets
The Mellah is Marrakech’s historic Jewish quarter, built in the sixteenth century. It sits just south of the Medina and feels completely different as it is quieter, more layered, with a specific and fascinating history of its own. The architecture here is distinct, with enclosed wooden balconies and yellow-painted buildings. It is within easy walking distance of the Medina and close to the Bahia Palace. If you want to be in the thick of things but slightly removed from the tourist circuit, the Mellah is a brilliant and still very underrated choice.
THE KASBAH — best for a slightly calmer base
The Kasbah sits just outside and south of the Medina and has more of a residential feel. It is a little less hectic than the central souk area but still very central as you are walking distance from the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace, and an easy taxi ride from everything else. A good choice if you want the immersion of the old city without being right on top of the busiest streets.
GUELIZ — best for modern amenities and nightlife
Gueliz is the modern French-built part of Marrakech with wide boulevards, contemporary restaurants, wine bars and proper shops. It is a very different experience from the Medina and lacks the traditional atmosphere, but if you want easy access to bars and a more European feel it works well. Most riads are in the Medina rather than Gueliz, so you will more likely find yourself in a hotel here.
THE PALMERAIE — best for luxury and space
The Palmeraie is a lush district about ten minutes from the Medina, full of palm trees, grand walls and some of the most spectacular hotels and estates in Morocco. If budget is not a concern and you want space, gardens and genuine luxury, this is where to look. It is further from the souks but transfers are easy.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARRAKECH!
My interior stylist’s pick of the BEST marrakech raids by budget: from cheap to chic!
So where to stay in Marrakech? I’ve stayed in so many different spots from larger riads with roof top pools, to tiny little family run places with three rooms. Below is my pick of places I have stayed, and places I want to stay in. I’ve sorted them by budget so there is something for everyone in this list.
The BRILLIANT BUDGET stays: under £100 per night
RIAD SMARA: a hidden gem run by the loveliest English couple
Where: Northern Medina, seven minutes from Jemaa el-Fna Book: booking.com | Website: riadsmara.com
Riad Smara is run by Kim and George, a brilliant English couple who looked after us so well that I am already planning when to go back and stay with them again. The riad has been beautifully refurbished and filled with vibrant colours, hand-beaten metal furniture and carpets sourced from different regions across Morocco. There is an indoor pool, a hammam, a rooftop terrace with a Berber tent and traditional tadelakt bathrooms. It sits right in the heart of the Medina surrounded by carpet sellers, bakers, lamp shops and woodworkers which gives you a real feel for the authentic diversity of the city the moment you step outside. The moment you close the door behind you though, it is all calm and beautiful and completely lovely. A genuinely brilliant affordable find.
Best for: anyone who wants a personal, family-run feel, great design details and a brilliant location without spending a fortune
RIAD LE PETIT JOYAU: the name means little jewel and it absolutely delivers
Where: Kasbah, five minutes from the Saadian Tombs Book: booking.com | Website: riadlepetitjoyau.com
Le Petit Joyau is a recently renovated riad in the Kasbah area with eight rooms, an indoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Reviews consistently rave about the design and every part of it is thoughtfully considered, from the Moroccan lamps to the zellige tiles to the ceramics, and it all adds up to something that feels genuinely beautiful and personal rather than generic. The hosts are warm and attentive and the breakfast gets an almost universally enthusiastic mention. At around £50 per night it is outstanding value and well worth knowing about if budget matters.
Best for: first timers, solo travellers, couples who want beautiful design without a big price tag
DAR EL KHARAZ: authentic and charming in the heart of the souk quarter
Where: Mouassine, Northern Medina, five minutes from Jemaa el-Fna Book: booking.com
Dar El Kharaz sits in the Mouassine quarter right in the thick of the Medina, close to the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the souk. It is a genuinely authentic riad with a lovely central courtyard full of orange trees, traditional rooms and a homely atmosphere that makes you feel immediately welcome. Owner Liliane is an attentive host and guests consistently mention the smell of orange blossom, the birdsong in the courtyard and the sense of calm the moment you step inside. A proper old-school riad experience at a very accessible price.
Best for: anyone who wants an authentic, lived-in riad feel rather than a polished boutique hotel
RIAD BOUSSA: rooftop terrace, garden and great reviews
Where: Northern Medina, close to Ben Youssef Madrasa and Bahia Palace Book: booking.com
Riad Boussa is a well-reviewed mid-range riad with a rooftop terrace, garden and spa services. Guests love the traditional Moroccan breakfast and the genuine hospitality of the staff. A solid, reliable choice in the northern Medina.
Best for: couples wanting a quiet, comfortable base with a bit more space
THE MID-RANGE: stays between £100 and £250 per night
RIAD ALOÈS: my go-to affordable favourite and a brilliant all-rounder
Where: Northern Medina, three minutes from Jemaa el-Fna Book: booking.com
Riad Aloès is the one I keep coming back to and recommending to friends who ask where to start in Marrakech. It is a four-star riad with just six rooms. It is tiny, intimate and beautifully looked after. The rooms have traditional Moroccan decor with wooden doors, tadelakt tiled floors and a level of attention to detail that makes you slow down and actually notice things. There is a heated plunge pool in the courtyard, a rooftop terrace where breakfast is served with views over the Medina towards the Koutoubia Mosque. The location is unbeatable as it is just three minutes from the main square and close to everything without being right in the noise. Warm, well run and genuinely lovely at this price point.
Best for: first timers, couples, anyone who wants a beautiful reliable base in the heart of the Medina
THE MELLAH HOTEL: the most design-forward riad I have ever stayed in
Where: The Mellah (Jewish Quarter), three minutes from Bahia Palace Instagram: @themellah_marrakech
The Mellah Hotel is one of those rare places where design truly tells a story. Located in Marrakech’s historic Jewish quarter, the whole building feels cinematic, like stepping into a timeless editorial shoot inside the Medina. Owner Simo Azzouz has an impeccable eye and it shows in every single detail. The floors in several spaces are camel leather, a material with a weight and warmth unlike anything synthetic comes close to. There are hand-cut zellige tiles throughout, Moroccan brass lighting, freestanding copper and brass tubs in some rooms and works by leading contemporary North African artists on the walls. Ten rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, and home-style Moroccan cooking that is some of the best I have eaten anywhere in the city. It quickly became one of my favourite hotels I have ever stayed in anywhere. If you can treat yourself, this is the one.
Best for: design obsessives, interiors lovers, anyone who wants a genuinely elevated artistic stay
THE SPLURGE-WORTHY ONES: when budget is not the question
LA SULTANA: five riads in one, right next to the Saadian Tombs
Where: Kasbah, next to the Saadian Tombs Book: booking.com | Website: lasultanahotels.com
La Sultana is a genuinely rare find: five adjoining historic riads that have been restored and connected into one extraordinary boutique hotel with 28 individually designed rooms and suites. The interiors are breathtaking: intricately carved cedar wood ceilings and beams, ornamental plasterwork, striking zellige tiles, copper finishes, antiques and objects collected from across Morocco. Featured in Elle Decoration, every room has its own distinct character without ever tipping into themed or kitsch. The 2,000 square metre rooftop terrace overlooks the ancient Saadian Tombs on one side and the Atlas Mountains on the otherand one of the most extraordinary views I have seen anywhere. There is a heated pool, a hammam spa in jade green and terracotta, and a rooftop cocktail bar. Truly special.
Best for: a real splurge occasion, design lovers who want to feel genuinely immersed in the very best of Moroccan craftsmanship
MOVENPICK MANSOUR EDDAHBI: not a riad, but the spa is a luxury experience you will not forget
Where: Hivernage district, close to the Medina Website: movenpickmarrakech.com
I went here for the spa and it was a luxury experience I genuinely will not forget. The Ô de Rose spa by Cinq Mondes is an extraordinary hammam with four scrub rooms, sauna, jacuzzi, seven treatment rooms, a yoga studio and a pool, all set in a minimalist black and white space with touches of copper. The hotel itself is a five-star large-scale property in the Hivernage district rather than a riad, and it has a completely different energy with three swimming pools, several restaurants and lush gardens across five hectares. It is not the intimate Medina experience, but if you want a day or evening of serious pampering this is where to go.
Best for: a spa day, a treat, or if you want a larger hotel rather than the intimacy of a riad
ON MY WISH LIST: the dream stays I want to go to next time I visit morocco
JNANE RUMI: the most talked-about new opening in Marrakech
Where: La Palmeraie, ten minutes from the Medina Instagram: @jnanerumi | Website: jnanerumi.com From: around €500 per night
Jnane Rumi opened in 2025 and immediately became the most talked-about design property in Morocco. It sits in the Palmeraie surrounded by a hundred-year-old garden of over 150 palm, olive and pistachio trees, in a building originally designed by acclaimed Tunisian architect Charles Boccara. The interiors are a stunning mix of European antiques, contemporary North African art, Moroccan zellige and earthy textiles. Outdoor pavilions in turquoise and striped pink and white, grand suites with nine-metre vaulted bathroom ceilings and sunken tubs, a vast sea-green tiled pool under gold-edged parasols. Wallpaper magazine called it a rich and colourful tapestry of Moroccan art and craftsmanship. Absolutely on my list.
Best for: serious design lovers, luxury seekers, anyone who wants a genuine creative retreat
JNANE TAMSNA: a boho estate in the Palmeraie that has been on my radar for years
Where: La Palmeraie Website: jnanetamsna.com
Jnane Tamsna is a legendary Palmeraie estate that has been attracting a bohemian crowd of artists, writers and design lovers for years. Designed by Meryanne Loum-Martin with interiors that blend luxe ethnic style with genuine warmth, the property spreads across five houses, five pools and nine acres of serene gardens landscaped by Gary Martin. There are 24 rooms and the whole place can be taken over for events and celebrations. Elle magazine called it “luxe ethnic style,” Vogue said the cuisine takes you to seventh heaven. The New York Times described it as a beautiful oasis in olive groves. On my list for a very long time.
Best for: groups, celebrations, anyone who wants space, gardens and real bohemian glamour
DAR DIVINE: worth following for the interiors alone
Instagram: @dar_divine_medina
I found Dar Divine on Instagram and have been watching it ever since. The interiors are stunning layers of pattern, colour and texture that feel deeply Moroccan but completely fresh and contemporary. Follow this one if you love tiles and colour the way I do.
Best for: Laid-back vibes and cool interiors
STARSEED HOUSE: for the maximalists among us
Instagram: @starseedhouse
Bold, eclectic and full of personality, this is maximalism done with a real eye and genuine restraint where it counts. The kind of place where every corner gives you something new to look at. The colours alone in this riad will have you rushing back home to decorate your pad!
Best for: colour lovers, out-of-this world interiors, photo backdrops
RIAD BE MARRAKECH: the hottest riad in Marrakech that nobody can ever get a room in
Where: Bab Doukkala, Northern Medina, close to Jemaa el-Fna Website: be-marrakech.com | Instagram: @bemarrakech
I have always wanted to stay at Riad BE and I have never managed it because it is perpetually fully booked. That alone tells you everything you need to know. This is genuinely one of the hottest places to stay in Marrakech right now and has been for years. Two connected riads with a spa, an indoor yoga studio and a rooftop yoga terrace all joined together on the roof. The concept is brilliant and the interiors are exactly as beautiful as you would hope.
The good news is that you do not actually have to be a guest to experience it. I booked a yoga class at their Flow Yoga Studio on my last trip, which gave me the perfect excuse to properly nose around the interiors. They are stunning. I love the zellige tiles, tadelakt walls and Moroccan lanterns you could wish for, layered with a cool contemporary bohemian feel that is entirely its own thing. They also have a little shop on site which is worth a visit in itself.
If you cannot get a room at the main riad, they also have The Douiria, a private riad next door that sleeps up to six and is perfect for a group of friends. And if you want to go further afield, BE Agafay is their desert hideaway about 40 minutes from the city with yurts, a pool and some of the most extraordinary views in Morocco.
Book as far in advance as humanly possible. And if you cannot get a room, book a yoga class or a spa day and go and see the interiors anyway. You will not regret it.
Best for: design obsessives, yoga lovers, anyone who wants a genuinely unique and beautiful Marrakech experience
EL FENN: a world famous design icon and firmly on my bucket list
Where: Bab El Ksour, Medina, close to Jemaa el-Fna Website: el-fenn.com | Instagram: @elfennmarrakech Rooms from: around €342 per night
El Fenn is one of those places that genuinely needs no introduction. It is world famous, it has been on the Condé Nast Gold List four times, and as an interior stylist it is absolutely on my bucket list to stay there one day. Forty one individually designed rooms and suites, three swimming pools, a 1,300 square metre rooftop terrace, spa, two cocktail bars, two restaurants and a beautifully curated boutique — all packed into a riad in the heart of the medina. No two rooms are the same. Some are hot pink, others teal. Some have hand-stitched camel leather floors, others have hand-mixed lime plaster walls. The whole place is a masterclass in layering mid-century European furniture with the very best of Moroccan design.
The brilliant thing about El Fenn is that you do not have to be a guest to experience it. Non-residents are welcome to visit the rooftop bar and terrace every day from 12.30, no reservation required, for drinks and light bites with some of the most extraordinary views over the medina rooftops. If you want to follow it with lunch or dinner, book in advance as it gets busy. They also have a gorgeous boutique on site selling exclusively Moroccan products — from their signature Serghini pottery to slippers and kaftans — which is genuinely one of the best shops in Marrakech and well worth a visit even if you are not eating or staying. And for something really special, they run design and culinary retreats throughout the year which are extraordinary if you can get a spot.
It is also one of the most photogenic places in the entire city. I cannot go to Marrakech without stopping in for a rooftop drink and coming away with a camera full of images. If you love interiors, colour and design, El Fenn is an unmissable Marrakech experience whether you stay there or not.
Best for: design lovers, a rooftop drink with a view, boutique shopping, once-in-a-lifetime stays and design retreats
AND IF YOU LOVE looking at BEAUTIFUL RIADS IN GENERAL…
Follow @riadlovers which is my go-to saved account on instagram. It is exactly what it sounds like and a wonderful rabbit hole to fall down on a Sunday afternoon.
MY 6 TOP TIPS FOR BOOKING A RIAD IN MARRAKECH
With so many riads to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are my go-to tips so that you can book the Marrakech riad if your dreams.
1. Book direct or via Booking.com
Many smaller riads offer their best rates through Booking and the reviews are genuinely helpful for getting a real picture of what to expect. Most have active instagram accounts so drop a message there as well for the best rates. But remember, places book up quickly to don’t hang around.
2. Always check the location carefully
The Medina alleys all look the same on a map. A three-minute walk to Jemaa el-Fna is very different from a twenty-minute walk. Look at reviews for notes on how easy it is to navigate.
3. Contact the riad before you arrive
Give them your arrival time and ask them to send someone to meet you. The first time navigating the Medina with luggage can be genuinely confusing and a good riad will always help. Most will book a taxi airport pick up for you for 40 euros. And then they will meet you to guide you through the street with a trolly for your suitcases.
4. Ask about the rooftop
This is where you will eat breakfast and spend your evenings. Make sure yours has one worth sitting on. I’ve had the best early morning views soaking in the souks, watching birds and listening to the sounds of the medina…bliss!
5. Check the pool
Marrakech in summer is very hot. Most good riads now have a little pool but they are often in the courtyard or on the roof and are more like a plunge pool. Although you might get hot, you won’t want to be splashing around in a little pool in the courtyard, as they tend to be more decorative that for swimming. It’s worth confirming before you book. If you want a proper swim, either look into day hotels with pool access, or into a riad outside the medina.
6. Do not book the cheapest riad you can find
A bad riad experience can colour your whole trip. I stayed in one where my room was damp, no windows and off the courtyard so very noisy which was so disappointing. The difference between a £25 and £50 per night riad is often enormous in terms of design, cleanliness and care. It is worth the extra.
Where to Stay in Marrakech: Your Ultimate Guide From an Interior Stylist
I’ve really enjoyed writing this post, as it has taken me down a trip to memory lane and I will be planning a trip back to Marakesh very soon to get my shopping fix soon. I’m also planning a post on what to buy in Marakesh, and where to eat so keep checking back with me.
And if you have a riad you love and think I should know about, drop it in the comments below. I’m always up for updating these posts!
love Maxine x
More about Maxine
I’m an interior stylist, creative director and interiors journalist based in Brighton, working across London, Sussex and the wider UK. With 25 years of experience across magazines, brands, TV and private homes, I specialise in creating spaces that feel joyful, considered and full of personality. Find details of my services at maxinebrady.com/interior-styling-services and follow me on Instagram at @maxinebradystyling for daily inspiration. You can also listen to the How to Home Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on Instagram @maxinebradystyling and on Pinterest for more styling ideas, real-life renovations and practical design advice.
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