What is a riad and why stay in one?

When researching places to stay in Marrakech, you’ve likely come across both hotels and riads. Seeing all the options for riads has probably left you wondering: What is that? Should I stay in one?

This post is all about Moroccan riads and why you should stay in one during your visit to Marrakech.

What is a riad?

A riad is a traditional Moroccan home built around a symmetrical garden or fountain. The word is derived from the Arabic word for garden, riyad. They are larger homes and estates built two stories or taller with their rooms facing inward. This design helped maintain privacy as well as protect inhabitants from the desert heat.

Moroccans value privacy and would often have their homes only modestly and inconspicuously decorated on the outside. Once you enter it would be a completely different world, however. Their interiors are usually extremely ornate and lavishly adorned.

Riads usually only belonged to the wealthier citizens in society (most commonly merchants) and housed their entire families. Over time, however, these structures were abandoned and began to fall into disrepair.

As these homes have grown in popularity with tourism to Morocco, many of these estates have been restored and repurposed as beautiful guesthouses and stunning boutique hotels for tourists to stay in. They are considered the quintessential Morrocan experience when visiting.

Known for their excellent personalized service, staying at a riad can feel more like staying with relatives than at a hotel. Every guest room is decorated differently that uniquely showcases Moroccan culture and architecture. It’s one of the best ways to experience the local culture.

What about hotels?

Hotels you are probably a little more familiar with. They are also a great option for travelers looking for accommodations in Morocco – but the experience will be less personalized and unique.

Hotels tend to have traditionally uniform rooms, more formalized service, and are further away from the medina due to their size. Hotels in Morocco are also rated from 1 to 5 stars, but these ratings can be confusing and may not reflect what you are used to in a Western country. For example, a 4-star hotel in Marrakech may not be as luxurious as a 4-star hotel in Miami. As a result, riads tend to be the preferred accommodation when staying in Morocco, especially Marrackech.

Why stay in a riad?

Riads are specific to Morocco and a quintessential part of their culture. Staying at one (even for just part of your visit) is must to get the full Moroccan experience. Nothing beats the oasis-like reprive they provide from the bustling streets of the medina.

There are also so many options to choose from that range from the more budget-friendly to the ultra-luxurious. So you can easily tailor your experience based on your personal tastes. Riads also known for their excellent local cuisine made with fresh ingredients that are sure to wow you during your stay.

9 Stunning Options to Choose From

Riad Anyssates
Riad Enchaté
Riad Zhor
Riad Itrane
Amber Epices Medina Riad
Riad al Rimal
Dar Anika
Riad & Spa le Secret de Zoraida
Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis

Here are 9 stunning options to choose from for your trip to Marrakech. Check out these gorgeous riads using the gallery above and check out their booking availability using the links below.