RIADRIADSleeping
Marrakesh has it all: you can sleep anywhere from the funkiest fleapit to palaces straight out of
some Orientalist Hollywood fantasy. Take your pick: authentic riads hidden in the heart of the
souqs ; budget-friendly inns right off the Djemaa; ville-nouvelle hotels, ranging from budget to
business class; or Palmeraie villas, with pools amid swaying palms. Luxury resorts are closing
ranks around Marrakesh, offering suburb-sized rooms at rates from €600 (Mamounia) to
€6000-plus (Royal Mansour) – but for personal attention and trendsetting Marrakshi style, they
can’t compete with medina riads and Palmeraie villa guesthouses.
Wherever you go, know that the rates for Marrakesh accommodation are more expensive
than anywhere else in Morocco. Prices are continuing to rise, as the value of the dirham
fluctuates against the euro, petrol prices make supplies dearer, and the state levies additional
taxes on guesthouses. Even so, more travellers are coming back for their second, third and
seventh helpings of Marrakshi hospitality.
R&R WITH B&B: MARRAKESH RIADS
Marrakesh’s medina has 200 authentic riads (mudbrick courtyard mansions) converted into guesthouses, more than any other
city in North Africa. Step from clamorous souqs through a riad’s ancient wooden doors and you’ll find yourself listening to
songbirds, ice clinking in drinks and your own thoughts – suddenly, Marrakesh’s balance of extremes makes perfect sense.
The licensed riads in this chapter have been selected not on looks alone, but for convenient locations, gracious staff, home-
cooked meals and prime opportunities for relaxation and cultural immersion. Lonely Planet recommends riads that promote
environmentally sustainable practices, fair compensation, time off, community engagement, cultural exchange and genuine
Moroccan hospitality. You can help – send your candid riad feedback to [email protected].MEDINA
Riad Al Massarah €€€
Offline map Google map ( 0524 38 32 06; www.riadalmassarah.com; 26 Derb Jedid; d
incl breakfast Dh1200-2000; ) The ultimate feel-good getaway: British-French owners
Michel and Michael redesigned this ancient riad to maximise comfort and sunlight, and minimise
electrical and water use. Offers excellent tradition-with-a-twist Marrakesh cuisine, in-house
hammam and massages, cooking lessons and spot-on shopping tips – all while donating to a
Marrakesh shelter for street children, providing full benefits to a staff of five, and earning
environmental distinction as Morocco’s first Green Key–certified riad.
Tchaikana €€
Offline map Google map ( 0524 38 51 50; www.tchaikana.com; 25 Derb el Ferrane,Azbest; d incl breakfast Dh1000-1800; ) With a Tuareg tent-post bed in one room and a
boat suspended from the ceiling in another, Tchaikana has the adventurous spirit of a true
Marrakesh caravanserai. Travellers plot souq forays over lavish breakfasts hosted by witty
English-speaking Belgian owner Jean-Francois, and return at happy hour to compare bargains
and plan Sahara eco-adventures. Navigating the winding derb is a challenge, but staff can walk