Sounds Of The Souks

Category: Places to stay.

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

Discover the beauty of spending time in a traditional riad. Immerse yourself in the culture of Marrakech where you will experience peace and tranquility co-existing with the hectic pace of life outside.

  • Riad Laila.

    A mid range riad on the outskirts of the medina

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riad Laila is a stunning riad with the most beautiful courtyard.

    It is larger than most riads, and the courtyard is full of exquisite plants, including mandarin trees and hibiscus.

    There is a large swimming pool for guests to enjoy.

    The rooms are tastefully furnished and modern.

    This is a more recently renovated riad.

    The rooftop is very pretty and a great spot for sunbathing or relaxing with a refreshing mint tea and looking at the views over the medina.

    The rooftop.

    Riad Laila is the perfect riad for those people who are looking for spa like feel to their Morroccan experience.

    The staff exude professionalism and wear uniforms. They keep a keen eye on guests, and the place is run immaculately.

    Everything is spotlessly clean, and it’s the kind of place where you can spend ages just relaxing by the side of the pool.

    Riad Laila is a high-end accommodation at the most northern side of the medina.

    It is close to the bus station and around a 25-minute walk from the centre.

    The Jardin Majorelle is a short walk away.

    I found Raid Laila fine for a couple of days but did miss the charm of a more authentic and traditional family run riad.

    The food was not the best either.

    I’m a vegetarian, and I was disappointed with my meal.

    I basically had a few vegetables served as a side dish.

    This could have been because of the language barrier.

    The overall impression was that everything felt slightly clinical and lacked the laid-back, homely feel that Marrakech is known for.

    However, if you’re looking for a complete break away from the excitement and sensory overload of the medina, Riad Laila may be perfect for you.

    It is visually appealing and one of the nicest gardens boasting 840m2.

    Inside the high walls of the riad, it is tranquil and relaxing.

    They have a resident tortoise called Laila who loves you to feed her hibiscus flowers.

    Laila the riads namesake.

    The surrounding streets are very quiet, and so I preferred taking a taxi during the evening to the main square.

    It’s a decent walk in the heat also.

    Riad Laila is at,

    104 Diour Jdad

    Zaouia Abbassia

    Marrakech 40000.

    For more information about places to stay in Marrakech, contact me via the email address below;

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • Riad Dombaraka

    A peaceful oasis.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    It has a beautiful courtyard with a small pool for guests to cool down in.

    The plants are exquisite, and listening to the birds singing amongst the foliage is blissful.

    Every inch of riad Dombaraka is tastefully decorated with beautiful paintings and furniture.

    It feels as if you are staying in a royal palace.

    The rooftop is spacious with great views. It’s great for sunbathing with plenty of spaces to sit soaking up the hot, morroccan sun.

    View from the rooftop.

    There is a wonderful library with an assortment of books and fine furnishings.

    The library.

    The riad is kept spotlessly clean, and the staff are friendly and happy as they go about their job.

    Riad Dombaraka is owned by a French woman called Dominique, who gives her guests the warmest welcome on arrival.

    She suggests places to eat and visit, also arranging transport through the souks in order for the guests to get to them.

    I always felt safe and well looked after.

    The breakfast was lovely. It was traditional Morroccan food with plenty of variety and very filling.

    Riad Dombaraka is not particularly budget accommodation, but it is definitely good value for money.

    It is an elegant riad whilst maintaining its traditional character and charm.

    Guests are offered fresh water for free and regularly asked if they would like a pot of mint tea.

    Relaxing by the pool, listening to soft music and birds singing, you would never know the craziness of the Souks are literally a stones throw away outside the door.

    The courtyard.

    Outside the riad door, there is still evidence of the earthquake in 2023.

    There are locals selling vegetables and fish, giving a true picture of morroccan life.

    Inside the riad, you experience a whole different world. One of decadence and serenity.

    I highly recommend Riad Dombaraka.

    It is absolutely stunning, and guests are treated well.

    It’s like staying in a warm, homely environment, and the food is delicious.

    The address is,

    47.Derb El Qadi medina. Medina Azbezt 40030

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    For information on places to stay or eat in Marrakech, contact me:

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • RIAD PERSEPHONE

    A pretty riad close to Jemaa El Fna.

    Courtyard in Raid Persephone.

    This is a large riad very close to the main square. It has a very pretty courtyard with beautiful plants and a swimming pool.

    The colour of the walls are a lovely blue that works really well against the lush green foliage and tiled flooring.

    The rooftop is large with plenty of seating and a warm jacuzzi. It’s lit up in the evening and looks incredibly pretty.

    Views from the rooftop.

    The square is visible from the rooftop, and you can hear the lively sound of everything that is going on until late at night.

    I chose a room on the rooftop. It was exceptionally pretty and decorated in a Saffron colour.

    Saffron room.

    For light sleepers, you may find the early morning call to pray rather loud, and the noise from the square may be a bit of a problem.

    The sound of the food stalls being dismantled can be heard until the early hours of the morning.

    I would recommend taking ear plugs.

    Riad Persephone is not a reasonably priced accommodation, and it is not a luxury riad.

    It has a rustic charm, and some areas are a little bit tired and in need of a face-lift.

    If you prefer a traditional style of riad, this is what you will get but at a high-end price. Don’t expect a five-star experience. You may be disappointed.

    The riad offers the usual activities and has a hammam.

    Riad Persephone is in a great location, close to some nice restaurants and shops.

    It is vibrant and colourful, with a few cosy little nooks to sit and relax.

    Interior of Riad Persephone.

    If you’re looking for a traditional riad,there are similar riads that have excellent customer service at a more reasonable price.

    At Raid Persephone, you are paying for the close proximity to the Jamma El Fna.

    Overall, it is aesthetically pretty and very close to the main square.

    If you are looking for a more intimate place with a friendly,  homestay vibe, there are better options available.

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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  • STAYING IN A TRADITIONAL RIAD

    The best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Marrakech.

    Library inside a riad

    No-one should come to Marrakech and miss out on the wonderful experience of staying in a riad.

    If you truly want a taste of Moroccan life, spending time in a riad with traditional zellige tiles and the sound of gurgling water from the fountain in the central courtyard will give you just that.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Riads are the homes once lived in by the well-to-do of Marrakech. They are built around a central courtyard and have various citrus trees and foliage in the middle, reaching up through the open rooftop.

    The roof top can be reached by climbing the tiled steps, where you will be greeted by colourful seating areas to escape from the heat and admire the views of the medina below.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    The rooms are traditionally decorated in Moroccan lamps and Berber fabrics, including cushions and bedding with the most exquisite patterns and colours.

    I prefer to stay in the mid- range priced riads because they still maintain their original appearance, and it’s like being immersed into a tale from 1001 nights.

    The higher priced riads are also very beautiful but tend to lose some of their authenticity for me.

    Many riads have been renovated by Westerners to appeal to the needs of tourists. They are modern and have televisions and bidets in the rooms.

    My choice of riad is a family owned property, one that still has it’s old world charm and feels as though I’m staying with a Moroccan family.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Some of the riads I have stayed in have a slightly rustic quality. They cook delicious home cooked food and offer a Hammam service.

    Waking up to the sounds of birds singing in the trees, and the gentle flowing of water from the fountain is such a wonderful start to the day.

    The early morning sunshine reflecting off the beautifully tiled floors, puts you in a happy mood for the day.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    Most riads provide their guests with breakfast, which is often sweeter than we are used to in the west.

    Some riads cook omelettes, and there are always fresh orange juice and homemade yoghurts and jams served with traditional bread.

    The msemen pancakes served with honey and amlou are my absolute favourite.

    Many riads have a resident tortoise

    I love sunbathing on the rooftop, listening to the call to prayer from the Koutoubia mosque and the sounds of the gnawa musicians in the square.

    In the evening, I like to watch the sunset as the Jamaa El Fnaa comes alive with thousands of visitors.

    You can hear vendors calling out to beckon them into their food stalls, the aroma of the food cooking catches your breathe and the merry throng of the street performers entertaining the masses can be heard.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    Back in the courtyard, you feel as if you are in an oasis. The calm, peaceful environment is a far cry from what is happening outside the big heavy wooden door of the riad.

    The sound of Moroccan music playing quietly in the background, adding to the  spirit of your surroundings, creating an authentic experience.

    Image by Freebird Tracey.

    When I stay in a riad, the people working there can’t do enough to ensure I have a brilliant time. They are kind and helpful, and nothing is too much trouble. They are always smiling and happy to chat with their guests about Marrakech and it’s history.

    They suggest places where you can eat and can arrange excursions for their guests.

    Many of the larger riads have swimming pools. They are a welcome retreat after the exhausting heat of the hot African sun.

    I like to spend a few days having what I call a ‘riad experience’ just relaxing by the pool amongst the flora and fauna before heading off to do activities.

    Whichever type of riad you choose to stay in, you won’t be disappointed.

    It’s one of the most delightful experiences you can have whilst visiting Marrakech.

    Images by Freebird Tracey.

    I can’t wait to return..

    Ask for recommendations.

    tracey.wright1963@googlemail.com
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