A Riad is what dreams are made of. It’s an authentic Moroccan home carved around trickling fountains and lemon trees. After experiencing the colorful chaos of Marrakech’s Souks, we treated ourselves to the serene tranquility of Moroccan Riads. Whether it is a pool villa in Bali or an ocean view room in Hawaii, we love places that are immersed in local charm.

Marrakech : 4 beautiful Reasons to stay in a Moroccan Riad instead of a hotel

1. Riads in Morocco are drop dead Gorgeous

Encrusted with traditional mosaics and richly tapestried carpets, a Moroccan Riad is one of the best places to stay in Marrakech. Riads are usually styled around a central leafy courtyard, adorned with pillars, fountains and arches. We stayed at Riad Idra in Marrakech.

Just as I recommended wood and stone Hanoks in Seoul for authentic Korean experience, I urge you to stay at least once at a traditional Moroccan Riad in your lifetime.

While they are stunning , these Riads are not without their own shortcomings. They are quite expensive costing more or equal to 5 star hotels (without the 5 star facilities). Our room costed us approx. $250 USD per night and included set menu breakfast in the price.

Dappled in sunlight, our marble courtyard at Riad Idra was speckled with fallen flowers from the tall trees growing within. On hot afternoons we sipped on Moroccan iced mint tea in these lush gardens. Every Morning we woke up to the sweetest songs of desert sparrows.

2. In-House delicacies and Traditional meals

Our lovely hostess and her army of chefs and butlers spoilt us rotten during our stay in Marrakech’s Riad. Each meal here was crafted with local spices and served with love. Our favorite was the in-house Moroccan chicken Tagine with preserved lemons. It is one of the must try foods in Morocco. Besides the pastilla and tagines, we indulged in lots of lesser-known Moroccan delicacies from traditional homes. Living in a Riad will guarantee impressive hospitality and authentic kitchens!  

3. Moroccan Riads boast of impeccable hospitality

Unlike the big hotels of Marrakech, a Riad has a special character and a personal touch. No gyms and conference rooms here , but you will find olive trees, turquoise fountains and antique libraries. It is after-all somebody’s home. Unlike AirBnBs, here you will be pampered by the host and there is always someone to attend to your needs.

Most Riads have about 6 -10 rooms, each done up differently  in typical Berber style and have all the comforts of a hotel. If you are traveling to Morocco with kids, then Riads are a good place to stay because of the ample spaces to play around (and helpful staff). One of the top things to do in Marrakech is to stay in a Riad. It is a unique experience to be had at least once in a lifetime.

4. Location is unbeatable

The Riads in Morocco are full of surprises. Twisting narrow lanes measuring exactly one donkey-cart wide and seemingly endless network of dark alleys eventually blossom into luxurious Riads!

You will never guess that those claustrophobic lanes can lead to such leafy beautiful courtyards. Inside the Riad is  green, cool, peaceful and quiet. In other words – diametrically opposite of everything that is outside of it.

Our Riad called Riad Idra was located in the heart of Marrakech. All the iconic tourist sights could be covered on foot easily because of its central location.

So the next time you find yourselves travelling to Europe with kids, then remember Morocco is just a short flight away from Spain or Portugal with a world of difference.

While most of Morocco is chaotic and bustling, you will find your oasis of serenity in the traditional Riads of Morocco!