How to Reserve a Riad When Visiting Morocco

Editor's note: On September 8th, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Morocco in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 45 miles southwest of Marrakech, leading to over 2,800 casualties as of this update. Airports are operational, and the country remains open to visitors. Ongoing relief and rescue operations are in effect, with various organizations accepting donations.

If you search for “riad” and “Marrakech” online, you’ll be greeted by a cascade of stunning images showcasing Morocco's enchanting spots, filled with exquisite mosaics, inviting courtyards, intimate pools, and stylish people enjoying the sun in straw hats and flowing caftans. If you’re curious about what a riad is, how it compares to a hotel, and whether it should be part of your Moroccan getaway, we’re here to clarify.

What exactly is a riad?

A riad is a quaint guesthouse or boutique hotel, featuring rooms arranged around a central courtyard or garden. Found throughout the medinas of Morocco, these places often appear modest from the outside but reveal intricate Moroccan artistry within, making the experience feel like stepping into an entirely different realm.

The term “riad” can refer to anything from a small, privately-owned rental home to an elegant guesthouse, such as the seven-room Riad Jardin Secret in Marrakech, renowned for its detailed plasterwork and stunning zellij tile designs, all the way to the expansive 53-room riads of the opulent Royal Mansour hotel, created for King Mohammed VI as a testament to artisanal skills. Generally, the key distinctions between a riad and a hotel lie in their size and the services provided, but the differences extend much deeper.

Gorgeous Moroccan riads available for booking

Here are some recommended riads (mentioned throughout this piece):

1. Riad Jardin Secret in Marrakech
2. Royal Mansour in Marrakech
3. El Fenn in Marrakech
4. Riad Goloboy in Marrakech
5. Le Riad Yasmine in Marrakech
6. Palais de Fès, a group of historic houses in Fez
7. Riad El Amine in Fez
8. Riad Fès in Fez
9. Riad Jardin des Biehn in Fez
10. L’Heure Bleue in Essaouira
11. Riad Inna in Essaouira
12. Salut Maroc! in Essaouira
13. Riad Zyo in Rabat

Are riads exclusive to Morocco?

While riad-style accommodations can be found in various cities throughout North Africa, Morocco takes pride in its riads, with the Moroccan National Tourism Office referring to them as “the pinnacle of Moroccan hospitality.”

Ghita Tazi, co-owner of Palais de Fès, a collection of historic houses from the 14th century situated on the outskirts of the ancient medina in Fez, describes a riad as “representing more than just a physical space; it’s a place that transcends mere lodging.”

As Tazi puts it, “A riad embodies a family-like warmth and authentic Moroccan hospitality.” I experienced this firsthand during my solo stay at Palais de Fès earlier this year. From the friendly doormen who greeted me with smiles each time I returned “home” to the nurturing restaurant manager, Hayat, who wrapped a shawl around my shoulders when she noticed I was cold one evening, the personal touches made staying in a riad special. “It feels like being embraced by a caring family that takes pride in your well-being,” Tazi adds.

What to anticipate during your stay at a riad

When El Fenn opened its doors in 2004, it was among the first Moroccan riads to seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship, such as tadelakt polished plaster walls, with vibrant colors, modern art, and mid-century furnishings. Co-owner Vanessa Branson describes the essence of a riad as featuring “cozy lounging areas, graceful architecture, tranquility, aromatic spices, friendly staff, warm marble beneath your feet, and citrus trees.” This collection of traits encapsulates the experience of staying at El Fenn, which consists of 13 interconnected riads and is renowned as one of the city’s most stylish, art-focused accommodations.

Overall, a stay in a riad offers a sense of serenity and tranquility, enveloped in beauty—whether that’s through interiors inspired by local craftsmanship, like at Riad El Amine in Fez, or a more contemporary vibe with modern art and vivid colors, as seen at Marrakech’s Riad Goloboy. Some riads highlight a central swimming pool as the focal point, such as the one in the stunning green-and-white tiled courtyard at the Instagram-favorite Le Riad Yasmine, also located in Marrakech.

What sets a riad apart from a hotel?

Many riads exude a cozy, home-like atmosphere, often featuring resident pets like dogs, cats, and even tortoises. Their intimate scale allows for personalized service, and it can feel as though you're staying in a shared residence, with all rooms opening into a common courtyard. If traveling with a group, it might be more suitable to rent an entire riad for yourselves.

Most small riads don’t have their own restaurants, but they typically offer breakfast prepared on-site, along with authentic Moroccan dishes—like tagines and couscous—if ordered in advance. This provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy genuine home-cooked meals.

While guesthouse-style riads usually have staff available 24/7, this may not be the case if you choose to privatize a riad. It’s important to think about what suits your needs. I recently booked an unstaffed riad in Marrakech for my parents’ golden wedding anniversary, and in hindsight, I wouldn’t choose that option again. We faced some unsettling encounters on the narrow, dimly lit alley leading to it and experienced late-night knocks from people asking for money. Having staff on-site not only enhances security and comfort but can also be invaluable if you get lost in the maze-like medina and struggle to find your way back.

Are riads exclusive to Marrakech?

Riads can be found throughout Morocco and often reflect the unique character of their respective cities. While searching for the perfect riad may feel daunting, the quest is part of the joy of discovering the right fit for you.

In the coastal town of Essaouira, many riads are integrated into the city’s ramparts, featuring external windows that offer stunning ocean views and refreshing sea breezes. Riad Inna combines the essence of a riad with a water sports center that provides surfing and kite-surfing lessons, while Salut Maroc! boasts rooms filled with vibrant colors and striking contemporary mosaics, along with breathtaking Atlantic sunsets from its rooftop restaurant.

In the relaxed capital of Rabat, which many travelers tend to overlook (don’t—it's a warm and inviting city that deserves your attention), Riad Zyo makes you feel like part of the family; owner Ali and his sons greet you with hot mint tea and pastries as soon as you arrive.

In Fez, which boasts the oldest and largest medina in Morocco, Riad Jardin des Biehn serves as a lush oasis filled with plants. Once a palace outbuilding, it features water elements, fragrant jasmine, and a delightful on-site restaurant and boutique that may inspire you to recreate the riad aesthetic at home.

Guidelines for booking and selecting a riad for your stay

Nowadays, the distinction between a riad and a hotel can be somewhat blurred. Several luxury boutique hotels in Morocco, such as Palais de Fès and El Fenn, began their journeys as small riads and have since expanded significantly.

Branson removed “Riad” from El Fenn’s name a decade ago as the property expanded to include neighboring riads, adding more rooms, a restaurant, room service, and laundry services. “Our offerings became so much richer than what many expected from renting a room in a smaller riad, and it was time to set ourselves apart,” she explains. Did this expansion mean that El Fenn lost its riad essence? Not at all, she insists. “Since El Fenn consists of many different riads and courtyards, the ambiance remains the same; it’s just amplified!”

Consider the amenities

When choosing a riad, there are several key factors to keep in mind. Are hotel-like amenities—such as room service, concierge, and laundry—important to you? If they are, properties like El Fenn, Riad Fès in Fez, and L’Heure Bleue in Essaouira provide hotel comforts while still giving you the feel of a riad.

Would you prefer to book a room in a riad or have the entire property to yourself? Airbnb offers a range of private options, from simpler accommodations to luxurious multi-bedroom riads complete with pools and exquisite decor. However, not all of these properties are situated in the medina, so be sure to verify the location if that’s a priority.

Determine how close you want to be to the medina

Other considerations include whether you prefer to be in the heart of the medina or on its outskirts, which can often be more affordable but might complicate navigation. Are you traveling with heavy luggage or have mobility challenges? If so, it's wise to check if the riad you’re considering is easily accessible by taxi. What season are you traveling in? Summers can be quite hot, so verifying whether the bedrooms have air conditioning is advisable.

Think about mobility and noise levels

If you’re traveling with elderly family members or very young children, or if you have mobility concerns, you might find getting around challenging. There can be numerous trip hazards—such as steep, narrow stairs, loose rugs, dim lighting, and ledges—as well as central plunge pools that are not easily child-proofed.

Noise can also be an issue. I’ve experienced fellow guests returning in the early hours and continuing their festivities in their rooms. While this is not common, sound can travel easily in riads due to shared courtyards, which is something to consider if you're a light sleeper.

Reserve in advance

Given that many riads are relatively small, it’s wise to book your stay in advance. This applies equally to renting an entire private riad. Aim to secure your reservation six months ahead for an entire riad, and consider booking even earlier during peak travel times.

Inquire about alcohol policies beforehand

While enjoying a few drinks on your riad’s rooftop is delightful, it’s wise to ask about alcohol policies in advance. Many riads offer a fridge stocked with wine and beer and are generally fine with you bringing your own. However, since Morocco is a Muslim country, some may prefer to keep alcohol off the premises. It’s best to check in advance to ensure you’re being respectful before popping those drinks open.

Not all rooms come with keys for locking while you're away

A unique aspect of many riads—including some that operate like hotels—is that individual rooms often lack keys for locking while you're out. One riad owner mentioned, “we don’t need keys here,” which might not sit well with all travelers. If you prefer to lock your room, some riads will gladly provide a padlock, or you can bring your own. Rest assured, all doors do lock from the inside with a traditional metal bolt, keeping you secure at night.

A final note

Staying in a riad offers a charming, immersive experience that highlights the unique aspects of Moroccan hospitality and allows guests to marvel at the intricacies of Moroccan decorative arts up close. With a plethora of options, you can easily hop from one riad to another throughout Morocco. As Tazi beautifully puts it, “A riad embodies the soul of Morocco, wrapping visitors in its rich cultural embrace and leaving a lasting impression on their hearts.” Who wouldn’t want to experience that?

This article was initially published in 2019 and was last updated on August 23, 2023, to provide the latest information.