Morocco is a fast becoming a firm favourite with budget travelers. An exotic land that is only a short flight from Europe, on a typical holiday you can can bag a bargain in the souks, go on a desert adventure, or get lost in the narrow lanes of a Medina.
If you have already visited the larger cities such as Marrakech and Fez, look slightly further afield and you will find plenty of opportunities to experience authentic travel in Morocco. And there’s nowhere more authentic to stay than a Moroccan riad.
These traditional guesthouses are fantastic value for money and offer similar benefits to many of the hostels in Morocco – a friendly, family-run atmopshere, the odd free meal, and private rooms. They also feel typically Moroccan, with beautiful decor like tiled courtyards and giant floor cushions.
To continue our love affair with Riads, we’ve picked some of the most beautiful in Morocco – we hope you like them as much as we do!
Top marks in all of our review categories for staff, cleanliness, atmosphere and facilities, Riad Karmela is a beautiful oasis just 8 minutes’ walk from the main square of Djemma El Fnaa. Joel will help you navigate your way around the city and offer invaluable tips for bargaining in the souks. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and the 5-bed rooms are ideal for groups of friends or families. Enjoy the Jacuzzi on the terrace, the dappled shade of the orange trees and the onsite hammam and massage room. Breakfast is included. Private rooms from €35 per person, per night.
Find other cheap Marrakesh hotels.
2. Riad Jnane Sharazade, Casablanca
Get ready to recite “Here’s looking at you, kid…” in this plush Riad in Casablanca, the setting for the classic love story. There are only six rooms at this artsy apartment, each an eclectic mix of Art Deco and traditional Moroccan style. There’s also a pretty garden, roof terrace and internet in every room. Private rooms from €50 per night. Search for a Casablanca hostel or riad.
3. Riad Dar Chifra, Fes
A laid-back oasis in the heart of Fes, the Riad Dar Chifra is located on a hill overlooking the Medina. The friendly hosts are incredibly welcoming, and offer a home made breakfast on the patio, and mint tea and pastries in the afternoon. There’s even a Hamman on site, for the ultimate spa indulgence. Private rooms from €40 per night. Search for a Fes hostel or riad.
4. Riad Zahra, Essaouira
In hippie hot spot Essaouira, the Riad Zahra is only 2 minutes walk to the beach, and boasts beautiful views of the ocean. The Riad is certainly pretty, with its Andalucian and Arabian architecture and tiled floors, but it’s the facilities that really make Zahra stand out. There’s a pool, restaurant and bar on site, satellite TV in the bedrooms, facilities for children, a solarium, and a kite-surfing school for tackling the famously rocky surf. Private rooms from €25 per night. If you are looking for a hostel Essaouira offers plenty of beautiful riads by the sea.
This rural retreat is set in an ancient two-hectare olive grove in the peaceful village of Imarigha, 9km south of Asni, and an hour from Marrakech. Perfect for a romantic getaway, the Riad has four intimate cottages surrounding a large swimming pool, all framed by the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. The chef has worked at some of the best restaurants in Marrakech, so expect top quality Moroccan cuisine. Private rooms from €34 per night.
6. Riad Jomana, Marrakech
Surrounded by the bazaars and lively streets of the Old City, the Riad Jomana is a jewel of a guesthouse in Marrakech. With only two rooms and two suites to choose from, this is a peaceful place to crash after a hectic day of sightseeing. The service is second to none, with a friendly doorman, and team offering a selection of excursions furthur afield. The massages and escorted tours are top-rated by guests. Private rooms from €17 per night. Find other riads, hostels.
7. Pension Soukia, Chefchaouen in Northern Morocco
This traditional Andalucian house is in the mountain village of Chefchaouen, northern Morocco. There are 13 spacious rooms here, but you can also opt to sleep under the stars on the roof terrace in the summer! Right beside the Medina, you can walk to traditional shops, selling local produce like wool garments and woven blankets, and a delicious crumbly goats cheese. Private and shared rooms from €7 per night. Book riads and hostels in Chefchaouen.
8. Kasbah Timdaf, High Atlas Mountains
This traditional Berber building is an eco-friendly lodge, at the foot of the High Atlas mountains. Stay here for the chance to visit some of the many natural landmarks nearby, and enjoy a rustic cottage surrounded by almond trees and olive groves. Private rooms from €27 per night. Find High Atlas Mountains riads and hostels.
9. Lunetoile, Essaouira
This riad is also located in the popular Moroccan beach resort of Essaouira. A dedicated and 200-year old family-run guesthouse, staff can assist you with wonderful eating out options, including some of the city’s fantastic seafood eateries. Lunetoile has idyllic rooms to suit couples or families and the roof terrace offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Private rooms from €17.50 per night. If you are looking for a hostel Essaouira is a perfect city escape.
10. Riad Zahraa, Meknes
The Riad Zahraa is in Meknes, a more laid-back alternative to Marrakech and Fez. This charming guest house is in the heart of the Medina, tucked behind a secluded alleyway. Feast your eyes on the central courtyard, with its Islamic arches, antique carved furniture and tiled floors decked out in Berber rugs. Private rooms from €17 per night.
So, with your accommodation sorted, be sure to check out our budget guide to Marrakech and how to have cheap holidays in Morocco.
Morocco is full of backpacker friendly properties, and right now, if you book a property with HostelBookers, you’ll get an exclusive discount on desert tours with Authentic Morocco. Check out details of the offer here, and get ready for a desert adventure this winter!
January 10th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
I stayed at Equity Point last week. It’s truly lovely, until you take a shower. Always cold and with anemic pressure, it won’t ever satisfy.
January 11th, 2011 at 10:32 am
Hi Kevin,
Sorry about your experience at Equity Point. If you booked with HostelBookers they give you the opportunity to review your stay at the property and you can mention this in your review.
September 27th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Riad Numero 9 in Fez is a-mazing. I stayed there a couple of years ago and it was probably the best place I have ever been. Swwon
September 27th, 2011 at 4:22 pm
I stayed at Riad Ghallia last spring when I was in Marrakesh and I couldn’t recommend it more.