What Is a Riad in Morocco?

If you’re traveling, how do you choose where to stay? A good location, a nice bed, and a shower with hot water are the three most important things to me. One of the best things about being on a journey is being close to a place to get a hot shower and a good night’s sleep. It is not easy to find good places to stay in Morocco. Before you make your final choice, you should do some study. For a comfortable and memorable stay in Morocco, consider booking a riad.

This travel blog will tell you what is a riad and why you should choose it over a hotel.

What is a Riad in Morocco?

In Morocco, a riad is a traditional house with a garden or courtyard in the middle. It is like a cozy house that is meant to keep everything quiet and private. When you walk into a riad, you will see that the rooms are made around a square in the middle. When it is hot outside, this feature helps keep the house cool.

Most riads are very pretty on the inside. This shows how skilled and creative the people who make things in Morocco are. In the center of the courtyard, there may be a small fountain or even a pool with plants all around it. You can unwind and enjoy a moment of peace and quiet there, away from the busy world outside.

In Moroccan society, riads are important because they are safe places where families can share time together. Riads may look old-fashioned, but they often have modern amenities like Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

What is the Difference Between a Riad and a Hotel?

When you compare riads and hotels, the first thing you will notice is their size. Riads are much smaller, usually with less than 10 rooms. This small size makes them comfy, and each room often has beautiful, unique decorations that show off traditional designs.

Riads offer a very personal touch. The staff pays attention to what you like and helps make your stay a unique one. Staying in a riad in Morocco is not just about comfort; it is also about experiencing the local culture. You get to live like the locals, which is something hotels can not always offer.

In a riad, you will also have the chance to try the local food. The meals are made fresh which is different from the usual food you find in the hotels.

Riads History

When we look into the past of riads, we are taken back to Volubilis, a Roman city close to Fez. In riads, Roman and Islamic styles come together beautifully. A courtyard in the middle of these homes, which often has a beautiful fountain, guides the building. This design makes it a private, quiet area that feels like an oasis in the middle of a busy city.

In addition to their form, riads are also cultural places. Often, they have pretty designs on them, like gardens, cut wood, and colorful tiles. These parts show a mix of art styles from various places and times.

Riads have become more important over time. They still have that old-world charm, but they have been improved to make people more comfortable. At the moment, many riads are not only homes but also cute little traditional hotels. They are great for tourists who want to stay somewhere different because they have both old-fashioned charm and modern amenities.

Best Riads in Morocco

When you visit Morocco, choosing the right place to stay is key to enjoying your trip. In cities like Marrakech and Fes, some of the best places to stay are called riads. The following are the best and most recommended riads in the most visited places in the country.

Best Riads in Marrakech

When you visit Marrakech, you will come across some of the best places to stay called riads. Here are the top 3 best riads there:

• Riad Merzouga: The traditional Marrakech hotel Riad Merzouga is right in the middle of the old medina, just 1.4 km from Jamaa el-Fna and 250m from the Saadian tombs. This amazing riad has free WiFi, a kitchen that guests can use, and a butler service.
• Riad Tassili: The Riad Tassili is in the heart of Marrakech’s old medina, just a few steps from the famous Jamaa El Fna square, which is home to the world’s largest open-air theater. The Riad was made using only Moroccan materials and techniques. There is free WiFi, a garden, and air conditioning in the rooms at this amazing riad.
• Riad Bahia Salam: This 4-star riad is 10 km from Menara airport. It provides guests with bike rental and transfer service to the airport. This pet-friendly riad has a swimming pool on the roof and is only a 10-minute ride from Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam and other nature sites.

Best Riads in Fes

In the ancient city of Fes, Morocco, you will find a lot of options of riads to choose from. Here is our list of the top 3:

• Riad Al Makan: Riad Al Makan in Fes is a traditional Moroccan hotel that is known for its beautiful tilework, carved wood features, and garden in the middle. It has both traditional Moroccan beauty and modern conveniences. It is also close to the old medina and offers individual service.
• Riad Dari Fes: The Royal Palace Dar El Makhzen is only 2 km away from this lovely riad. The hotel has a garden, free WiFi throughout, non-smoking rooms, secretarial services, and a terrace.
• Riad Fes Ziyat & Spa: This riad has a beautiful terrace outside under a starry sky that is great for spending quality time with family and friends, having a lovely evening, or celebrating a special occasion.

Best Riads in Merzouga Desert

In the middle of the Merzouga Desert, amazing riads offer unique experiences that deeply connect you to the calm desert. The following are the most recommended ones:

• Riad Merzouga Dunes: This riad is located in the small ksar of Taboumiat. It is a new and beautiful riad with 11 beautiful rooms and two restaurants. The staff and the services are amazing.
• Riad Dar Morocco: This beautiful riad is situated near Riad Merzouga Dunes. The rooms, the restaurant, and the views of the dunes from the terrace are just amazing.
• Riad Jouba: Located in the center of Merzouga, Riad Jouba has beautiful rooms, each one of them with a color and a design, reflecting the diversity of the Moroccan cities. The staff is friendly and welcoming.

Best Riads in Essaouira

When visiting the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira, choosing the best riad where to stay is important for a comfortable experience. Here are the recommended riads:

• Riad Chbanate: The area around Riad Chbanate is where the old Kasbah used to be. It is a quiet spot to stay away from the old medina. Essaouira is busy, but the riad is in a great spot that makes it feel calm and peaceful.
• Riad Dar Maya: This riad is one of the most beautiful riads in Essaouira. It has unique and modern furniture in every room, making the whole place feel classy for couples and families. 
• Riad Baladin: It is located in the middle of Essaouira’s medina. It has a calm, traditional Moroccan feel. In order to give guests an authentic experience, traditional Moroccan design elements are put in the rooms in a beautiful way.