Riad vs. Hotel: Where Should You Stay in Marrakech? (The Honest Truth)
By Red City Craft | Travel & Design
It is the first question every traveler asks when planning a trip to the Red City. Do I book a traditional Riad in the Medina, or a resort hotel in the Palmeraie?
In most cities, a hotel is just a place to sleep. In Marrakech, where you stay dictates your entire experience. It changes what you eat, how you dress, and even how you smell the city.
At Red City Craft, we are biased toward the authentic, but we know it isn't for everyone. Here is the definitive breakdown to help you choose.
Note : (This post on Red City Crafts contains affiliate links. This means that if you click a link and make a purchase or booking, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.)
Option A: The Traditional Riad
The "Inside-Out" Experience
What is it? A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard. There are no windows facing the street; everything faces inward toward the fountain and the sky. It is an architectural sanctuary designed to ensure privacy and cool air.
Marrakech has thousands of Riads. To avoid the noisy streets, we recommend checking the 🏨 Top Rated Riads with Quiet Courtyards before you book.
The Pros:
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The Design: This is why you come to Morocco. Floor-to-ceiling Zellige tiles, intricate plaster carving, and cedar wood doors. It is living inside a piece of art.
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The Silence: The Medina streets are chaotic and loud. But the moment you step through a Riad door, the noise vanishes. It is instant peace.
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The Service: Most Riads have only 5 to 10 rooms. The staff feels like family, and the breakfast is often homemade on the roof.
The Cons:
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Accessibility: Cars cannot enter the Medina. You will have to walk (or take a cart) to your door. If you have mobility issues, this is a challenge.
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The "Intimacy": Sound travels in courtyards. If you are a loud group, everyone will hear you.
Design Note: Did you fall in love with the stunning hand-painted bowls in your Riad? You don't have to leave it behind. We work with the same artisans who provide these to Riads.
Option B: The Resort Hotel / Palmeraie
The "Western Luxury" Experience
What is it? Large resorts (like the famous La Mamounia or the all-inclusive Be Live Collection) are usually located outside the Medina walls or in the Palmeraie district. 🏨 Check Real Reviews & Prices before you book.
The Pros:
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The Space: Giant swimming pools, tennis courts, and sprawling gardens. If you just want to tan and swim, this is the winner.
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Accessibility: A taxi drops you right at the lobby door.
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Amenities: Gyms, alcohol bars (some conservative Riads don't serve alcohol), and reliable elevator access.
The Cons:
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The Distance: You are far from the action. You will need a taxi every time you want to visit the Souks or Jemaa el-Fnaa.
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The "Generic" Feel: You could be in Dubai, Spain, or Florida. You lose the specific "sense of place" that makes Marrakech magical.
⚔️ The Verdict: Which One is For You?
| Choose a RIAD if... | Choose a HOTEL if... |
| You are a couple or solo traveler. | You have small children (need a kids' club). |
| You love design, architecture, and tiles. | You have mobility issues (need elevators). |
| You want to be walking distance to the Souks. | You just want to sit by a giant pool all week. |
| You want the "Real Morocco." | You want familiar Western comforts. |
🏨 Our Top Riad Picks (Design Focused)
If you want to see the best Zellige and Plaster work, here are the Riads that inspire our collections.
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Riad BE Marrakech: Famous for its teal tiles and jungle vibe. (Very Instagrammable). You can check the latest traveler photos and reviews here to see if it fits your vibe.
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El Fenn: The ultimate in "Boho Chic" luxury. Velvet sofas, bright colors, and modern art.. You can check the latest traveler photos and reviews here to see if it fits your vibe
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Riad Yasmine: For a truly authentic experience, we love Riad Yasmine. It has an iconic green-and-white tiled pool that broke the internet. You can check the latest traveler photos and reviews here to see if it fits your vibe.
(Note: We recommend booking these 3-4 months in advance via Booking.com as they sell out fast).
🎨 Bring the "Riad Vibe" Home
You don't have to live in the Medina to live like a Sultan.
The "Riad Look" is defined by three elements: Texture, Tile, and Low Seating.
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The Bathroom: Swap your boring white sink for a Fes Blue Painted Basin. It instantly turns a powder room into a sanctuary.
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The Living Room: Riads use low seating to make ceilings feel higher. Add two Leather Poufs around your coffee table for that casual, lounge aesthetic.
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The Texture: Add a Velvet Caftan to your wardrobe. It’s the perfect "Hostess Gown" for entertaining at home.
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