This place is like a private art museum, but without a trace of stuffiness. Once the home of a German ambassador, the riad makes an exotic, idyllic base from which to explore the souks and palaces of Marrakech. Spread over 7 interconnecting houses, this 14th-century building has been turned into an elegant ‘home from home’ - a glorious mix of chic, comfort, hospitality and art. Wander around the labyrinth of rooms, staircases, balconies and alcoves and you’ll discover magnificent Berber and Islamic art treasures - a true feast for culture-vultures.
The more epicurean meanwhile, can enjoy the heated plunge pool, the hammam (steam bath), the tented roof terrace, the library, and some excellent food and wine. Just a short walk from the front door is the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, bustling with snake-charmers, storytellers, medicine men and food stalls, in what has been described as one of the world’s greatest shows.
Highs
- Great location just a 10 minutes walk from Djemaa El Fna and surrounded by the winding souks
- Hidden down a quiet road, with a leafy courtyard and a sprawling rooftop, this is truly an oasis of calm
- The food is delicious and served by friendly staff, either on the roof terrace or in the courtyard, depending on the weather
- It's a great option for families with huge suites and a self-contained house sleeping up to 5
- There's a plunge pool and most rooms have air-conditioning to provide welcome relief from the heat
Lows
- This isn't your typical hotel, so instant service isn't a guarantee, though there's usually someone at the front desk
- The complex series of stairs and winding hallways can make it difficult to find your room - we got lost a few times
- Some of the cheaper ground-floor rooms are a bit dark
- It's a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest taxi drop-off point - though porters are at hand
- Its location down the narrow alleyways of the medina requires a good sense of direction, especially at night
Best time to go
Marrakech is baking in the summer months and can be crowded, though the riad is a cool and quiet escape any time of year. For city exploration and outdoor adventures, we prefer the spring and autumn, when the midday sun is warm, the evenings are cool, and the souks and sites a little less hectic.
Our top tips
While it can be fun to fill your days with sites and activities, set aside some time to wander and get lost in the maze of souks. The vendors don't hassle too much, so you can take your time to look around. If you are interested in doing some shopping, make sure to haggle! They'll be disappointed if you don't, and the first price they offer is usually at least three times higher than it's worth.
Location
Riyad El Cadi is in the heart of Marrakech's bustling medina.
By Air
Marrakech Menara (5km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
By train / bus
Marrakech has good rail and bus connections to the rest of Morocco, including Casablanca and Agadir.
However you arrive, you should ask the riad to meet you - it is tricky to find otherwise! Take a taxi to the drop-off point for the riad, where a porter meets you with a trolley for your bags. Assuming you arrive in the afternoon (see below), it's 10-15 mins walk from there through the medina's winding alleys to the riad - not easy to find without a guide.
When heading off in the morning, it's just 5 minutes walk to Marrakech's main square, Djemaa el Fna, where you can catch a taxi any time until 1pm. After 1pm, the square is now closed to vehicles for security reasons.
Car Hire
If you do want to hire a car (for your travels outside Marrakech) see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions with be provided when you confirm your booking through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Morocco and getting around.
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara 5.0 km RAK
Other:
- Beach 180.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests
After quite an unpromising start - the route to the Riad is off one of the less salubrious streets - everything improved. We loved the comfortable slightly shabby chic feel and our junior suite (China) with a terrace was perfect. The attentiveness of Hasan, who helped us negotiate our way round this rather confusing series of courtyards and always seemed to appear when we needed him, was very special. He not only booked us a restaurant on the first night but led us there, right to the top floor. We ate in the riad on the second night, with a cosy fire in the dining room/lounge. We enjoyed a dip in the pool (refreshing in March) and the in-house hamman. Would highly recommend.
We loved our stay at Riyad El Cadi in the Blue House. As a family of 5 we had a wonderful private space in a beautiful Riad. Breakfast on the roof was amazing and everyone at the Riad was so helpful and delightful. We will definitely try to return!
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape