RIADRIADRIADRIADspring and autumn, and are indicated in this chapter.
» » Make them an offer Off-season or last-minute, you’ve got a bargaining advantage: most riads have fewer than 10 guest
rooms, and they need to fill rooms to cover operating costs.
» » Stay longer If you’re staying a week or more you might get rates of up to 30% off; these are often posted on riad websites.
» » Bring friends and family Renting out an entire riad in exclusivity with friends or family is a good deal for everyone; rates
usually start around Dh5000/8000 per night in low/high season for up to six rooms and 15 people. Browse riad and villa rentals
at www.terremaroc.com, www.riadsmorocco.com, www.habibihomes.com and www.ilove-marrakech.com.Dar Soukaina $$
Offline map Google map ( 0661 24 52 38; www.darsoukaina.com; 19 Derb el-Ferrane, RiadLaârouss; s incl breakfast Dh770-970, d Dh970-1300, tr Dh1115-1400; ) Fraternal twin
riads: the first (Dar I) is all soaring ceilings, cosy nooks and graceful archways, while the
spacious double-riad extension (Dar II and III) across the derb offers sprawling beds, grand
patios, a plunge pool and handsome woodwork. Omar keeps both houses running like
clockwork and can give you insider tips on Marrakesh. A 20-minute walk from the Djemaa and
nearest gate, but near parking on Riad Laarous.
Hotel du Trésor $
Offline map Google map ( 0524 37 51 13; www.hotel-du-tresor.com; 77 Derb Sidi Bouloukat; sincl breakfast Dh425, d Dh390-525, ste Dh840; ) Not since the Rolling Stones tumbled
down these derbs has Marrakesh seen such rock-n-roll style. Fourteen rooms flank a cool
whitewashed courtyard with chequered tile, a towering orange tree and mod Panton chairs
perfect for posing by the large plunge pool. Behind painted doors are walls of vintage mirrors
reclaimed from the Mamounia, crystal chandeliers over a red-velvet-padded bed, and in the
terrace Blue Suite, a soaking tub and gold-mosaic fireplace. The proprietor is, obviously, Italian;
French, Italian, and Spanish are spoken here.
Riad Hanane $$
Offline map Google map ( 0524 37 77 37; www.dar-hanane.com; 9 Derb Lalla Azzouna, Kaat
ben Nahid; d incl breakfast Dh1115-1785; ) Lounging comes naturally at this chic retreat.
Sunny guest rooms have architect-designed details – skylights, book niches, domed bathrooms
– and mod cons: iPod docks, safes, hairdryers, Sens de Marrakesh toiletries, free coffee and
mineral water. Guests are drawn to the panoramic terrace, honour bar and English- and
French-speaking concierge, who arranges car hire, guides and dinners. Located near Ali ben
Youssef Medersa, it’s a hike to the Djemaa, but worth it.
Les Jardins de Mouassine $
Offline map Google map ( 0672 58 10 78; www.lesjardinsdemouassine.com; 20 Derb Chorfa el-Kebir; d incl breakfast Dh500-990; ) Hidden behind the souqs off Rue el-Mouassine, a
couple of blocks from the Djemaa el-Fna, this double riad offers 20 snug guest rooms and top-
notch communal facilities: lounges, library, bar, plunge pool, hammam and a barbecue grill on
the vast terrace. Themed rooms highlight Marrakshi artisan specialities – drums, camel bags,
children’s slippers – and a few have a private terrace. New parents will appreciate that baby