Riad Laila is a stunning riad with the most beautiful courtyard.
It is larger than most riads, and the pretty garden is full of exotic plants, mandarin trees, and hibiscus.
There is a large swimming pool for guests to enjoy.
The rooms are tastefully furnished, modern, and luxurious.
Riad Laila was recently renovated and refurbished.
The rooftop is very pretty and a great spot for sunbathing or relaxing with a refreshing mint tea looking at the views over the medina.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Riad Laila is the perfect riad for people who are looking for a luxurious spa like experience in Marrakech.
The staff exude professionalism and wear uniforms.
They keep a keen eye on the guests, and the place is run with an air of precision.
Everything is spotlessly clean. It’s a place where you can spend ages just relaxing by the pool in peace and tranquillity reading a book.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
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.
Raid Laila was lovely for a couple of days, but I did miss the charm of a traditional family run riad inside the medina.
It all depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
If it’s a complete, restorative setting in beautiful surroundings, Riad Laila is ideal.
There is food served at the riad, but the vegetarian options appeared to be limited at the time I stayed there.
My 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 is a good choice of accommodation.
It is visually appealing and has one of the nicest gardens boasting 840m2.
They have a resident tortoise called Laila who loves you to feed her hibiscus flowers.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The surrounding streets are very quiet, so I preferred taking a taxi to the main square in the evening.
It’s a long walk in the heat also, but taxis are readily available.
Riad Dombaraka has a beautiful courtyard with a small pool for guests to cool down in.
The plants are green and lush, and listening to the birds singing amongst the foliage is a blissful experience.
Every inch of riad Dombaraka is tastefully decorated with beautiful paintings and elegant furniture.
It feels as though you are staying in a royal palace.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The rooms are large and decorated with interesting African artefacts, and the bed was really comfortable.
The rooftop is spacious with great views across the rooftops of the city.
It’s great for sunbathing with plenty of spaces to sit and sunbeds for soaking up some of the hot, morroccan sun.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There is a wonderful library with an assortment of books for guests to read, and it’s furnished with tasteful Moroccan furniture.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The riad is kept spotlessly clean, and the staff are very friendly.
They appear happy to be a part of this wonderfully peaceful environment.
Riad Dombaraka is owned by a French woman called Dominique, who gives her guests the warmest welcome when they arrive.
She suggests nice places to eat and visit and orders tuktuks to take you through the souks.
The riad is a hidden gem, located down a few winding alleyways.
There are locals selling vegetables and fish, giving a true picture of morroccan life, but I always felt safe.
There is evidence of the 2023 earthquake that took place in Marrakech and work going on to restore the area to its former glory.
The breakfast at Riad Dombaraka was lovely.
It consisted of traditional Morroccan food, including msemen pancakes, eggs, fresh fruit, and yoghurt.
There was plenty of variety, and it was very filling.
The coffee was real coffee and gave me the boost I need to motivate me in the morning.
Riad Dombaraka is not considered to be budget accommodation, but it is definitely good value for money.
It is an elegant riad, quite luxurious, yet maintains its traditional character and charm.
Guests are offered gratuitous fresh water and regularly asked if they would like a pot of mint tea.
Relaxing by the pool, listening to the sound of music playing in the background and birds singing, you would never know the craziness of the Souks are literally a stones throw away outside the door.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Behind the door of riad Dombaraka, the scene is serene and tranquil.
I highly recommend Riad Dombaraka.
It’s far enough from the stimulating Jamaa El Fna, yet everything is within easy walking distance.
Riad Persephone is a large riad located very close to the Jamaa El Fna.
It has a pretty courtyard with lots of beautiful plants everywhere and a large swimming pool.
The colour of the walls is painted in a lovely cobalt blue like that of Jardin Marjorelle and works really well against the lush green foliage and tiled flooring.
The rooftop is large with plenty of seating and a warm jacuzzi for guests to use.
Lit up in the evening, the rooftop looks incredibly pretty.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The square is visible from the rooftop, and you can hear the lively sounds of everything going on until late at night.
I chose a room on the rooftop. It was exceptionally pretty and decorated in a beautiful Saffron colour.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
For some people, the close proximity to the main square may be perfect.
If you’re a light sleeper, you may find the early morning call to pray rather loud, and the noise from the busy square may be a bit problematic late at night.
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 has a rustic charm, and some areas are a little bit tired and in need of a face-lift.
However, if you prefer a traditional style of riad, this is what you will get but at a high-end price.
This is largely due to its strategic location and the view of Jamaa El Fnaa from the rooftop.
The riad offers activities for guests, such as quad biking and a visit to Agafay desert.
There is also a hammam.
Riad Persephone is situated close to some popular restaurants, including Le Salama and L’Mdina.
It is a vibrant and colourful riad with cosy little nooks to sit and relax in.
Images by Freebird Tracey
If you’re looking for a traditional riad with pretty surroundings, Riad Persephone is a good choice of accommodation.
It all depends on whether you want to be overlooking the action in the main square or not.
For many people, this is a bonus.
Other people may prefer a quieter, relaxing atmosphere on the rooftop listening to the sound of nature.
Overall, Riad Persephone is aesthetically pretty and very comfortable.
Be mindful. There are a lot of steps up to the rooftop, so people with mobility issues may struggle.
Everyone visiting Marrakech should stay in a traditional riad at least once.
If you want a taste of authentic Moroccan life, spending time in a riad inside the walls of the medina will give you one.
Traditional zellige tiles and the sound of trickling water from the ornate fountain in the central courtyard is just a small part of what riad life has to offer.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Riads are the homes once lived in by the well-to-do of Marrakech.
Whole families lived inside them, and they offered a private, secluded place, especially for the women in the family.
They are built around a central courtyard with the windows facing inwards and have citrus and palm trees in the centre, reaching up through the open rooftop.
Many have a small pool for cooling off in, and most of them still have their original fountain from when they were first constructed.
The rooftop can be reached by climbing the steep tiled steps.
You will be greeted by a vibrantly coloured seating area where you can escape from the heat and admire the incredible views over the medina.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The interior rooms are traditionally decorated in Moroccan lamps and Berber artefacts, which include colourful rugs, cushions, and exquisitely handcrafted furniture.
Many riads around the medina have been purchased by Westerners, renovated and refurbished to appeal to the ever growing influx of tourists.
A lot of riads still maintain their original appearance, and staying in one is like being immersed in a tale from ‘1001 nights’
Some of the original tiles from hundreds of years ago have been brought back to life, and they exude charm and character.
High-end riads are also beautiful and rather luxurious.
They include bidets and television sets in the rooms.
All riads are charming, and it all depends on whether you favour luxury over authenticity.
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.
Like a tale from an ‘Arabian Nights’ adventure, a testimony to the beauty of Islamic architecture and craftsmanship.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Most riads cook delicious home cooked food for their guests and offer cooking lessons.
There is also a hammam and massage service available in most riads.
This is a wonderful experience, and something everyone who comes to Marrakech should indulge in at least once.
Rooms in a riad are usually slightly dark inside.
This keeps them cool in the summer when temperatures can exceed 50°
Some of the windows have intricate screens from when the riad was a harem to keep the women private and secluded.
Waking up to the sound of birds singing in the trees and the gentle flowing of water burbling from the fountain is such a wonderful start to the day.
The early morning sunshine reflecting off the beautifully tiled floors puts me in such a happy mood.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Most riads provide their guests with a hearty breakfast, which is sweeter than we are used to in the west.
Some staff cook omelettes, and there is 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.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
I love sunbathing on the rooftop, listening to the call to prayer from the Koutoubia mosque.
If you’re staying near Jamaa El Fna,you can hear the gnawa musicians and the drumming in the distance.
This is a true immersion in the culture of Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
In the evening, I like to watch the sunset from the rooftop.
At dusk, Jamaa El Fnaa comes alive with thousands of visitors.
You can hear the vendors calling out to beckon tourists into their food stalls.
The aroma of the food cooking catches your breath.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Back in the courtyard, you feel as though you are in an oasis.
This calm and peaceful environment is a far cry from what is happening outside the big, heavy wooden door of the riad.
The sound of gentle music plays quietly in the background, creating a sense of tranquillity.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Staff at the riad can suggest places where you can eat and also arrange popular excursions for their guests.
They are eager to please and go above and beyond the call of duty.
For me, staying in a traditional riad has a more intimate feeling than a hotel.
I like to spend a few days having what I call, a riad experience, and enjoying the culture of Marrakech like a true local.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Whether it’s a former palace or a family owned business, staying in a riad is one of the most authentic experiences you can have when you come to Marrakech.
Sounds Of The Souks 