Why You Should Stay in a Riad in Morocco

Authentic Moroccan experience

Looking for a good night’s sleep while wrapped in Moroccan culture? Try staying in a riad, a traditional house built around a garden or open-aired courtyard. Refreshing fountains or water features are common. The term “riad” comes from the Arabic word riyad, meaning garden. Sometimes multi-storied and palatial, traditional Moroccan houses have secret gardens and staying in one is downright magical.

Riads are usually found in the medinas, or old centres, of cities such as Marrakesh and Fez. The alleyways of medinas can feel chaotic, hot and dusty, but open a riad’s unassuming wooden door and you’ll enter a tranquil oasis of beautiful tile work, fragrant courtyards, and rooftop terraces with views that stretch towards the Atlas Mountains.

Charmed yet? Read on for more about where to find riads, how to choose which riad suits you best, and our five top riads picks in Marrakesh, Fez, and Tangier. Let’s get to it!

Location, location, location

One of the biggest benefits of riads is their location. Nestled within the old medinas, they are right where life spills into souks (markets), mosques, and museums. You’ll wake up to the distant call to prayer, wander through lantern-lit alleys, and return to your riad just minutes from where you began. The proximity to major sites means you can easily pause, recharge, then head out again. What you’ll appreciate most is the contrast: the vibrancy of the city outside, and the quiet hush that greets you when you return inside.

Riads, whether big or small, have their own unique ways of creating a peaceful oasis. In some, you can sip mint tea under the shade of an orange tree, or listen to birdsong echo across a tiled courtyard. In riads with good rooftops you can watch the sun set behind minarets and mountain tops. For those keen on indulging in little luxuries, many riads offer hammams, yoga spaces, and plunge pools. With so much variety on offer, how do you choose the right riad?

How to Choose the Right Riad for You

Selecting the right riad depends on what kind of experience you’re after. If you’re drawn to craftsmanship, look for traditional touches such as carved cedar wood, handwoven textiles, and mosaic fountains. Mosaic fountains are water features made with special tiles called zellige, which are often hand-cut, brightly coloured and arranged in geometric patterns.

If you crave authenticity and tradition, look for a riad in the medinas. The twisty alleyways can get confusing, so stay aware of your surroundings by identifying landmarks. Ask your host for walking directions and a business card you can show locals if you get lost. Most riads have air conditioning and WiFi, though signal strength can vary. Don’t be surprised if you’re met by a staff member to help with your bags and show you the way through the winding streets. It’s all part of the experience, and a warm welcome is almost always guaranteed.

Nowadays, you can also find riads outside the medina. While built in the traditional style, these riads tend to be newer, bigger and have more modern amenities.

Let’s turn our attention to five fabulous places to stay.

Riad Kniza, Marrakech

Riad Kniza stands as a masterclass in Marrakech elegance. Its 18th‑century architecture has been carefully restored into a luxurious sanctuary, where antique furnishings and carved doors transport you back in time. You’ll notice the moment you step in how comfort merges with authenticity, from plush bedding and cooling air‑conditioning to a serene rooftop overlooking the medina and mountains. Reviewers say the service is warm, attentive and genuinely outstanding.

Another place to stay in Marrakesh is…

Riad Kheirredine, Marrakech

Serene and sophisticated, Riad Kheirredine is perfect if you crave intimate luxury. The interiors are elegant and calm, with a neutral canvas enhanced by textures and traditional accents. Guests often highlight thoughtful touches like fresh flowers, rooftop panoramas and staff who anticipate needs. You’ll find this riad ideal for couples or travellers eager for a peaceful, design-led haven.

From these jewels in Marrakech, let’s travel north to Fez and explore its own treasures.

Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux, Fez

In Fez’s ancient medina, Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux provides an oasis with a gorgeous roof terrace and a cool mosaic-lined pool. You’ll sense history in its atmospheric rooms and quiet corners, yet modern comforts are available. Guests consistently praise its location, cleanliness and a touch of luxury that evokes calm at the end of each busy day.

Let’s stay in Fez a little longer, and uncover another unforgettable riad…

Riad Laaroussa, Fez

Riad Laaroussa combines historic charm with thoughtful comfort. Set within a lovingly restored riad, you’ll find carved wood accents, colourful mosaics and a rooftop terrace for sunset viewing. The spa and pool breeze add to the restorative atmosphere. Cleanliness and service consistently earn the highest marks, and you’ll appreciate its peaceful pause amid the vibrant medina.

Having savoured Fez, it’s time to shift scenes to the coast—Tangier calls.

Riad Dar Saba – Saba’s House, Tangier

Perched within Tangier’s old medina, Riad Dar Saba – Saba’s House offers views that stretch across the rooftops to the Bay of Gibraltar. The décor blends elegance and comfort perfectly, and the rooftop terrace becomes your personal sunset stage each evening. Exceptional staff make the difference. You’ll feel genuinely cared for, with every detail attended to, leaving you with that lingering feeling of satisfaction and nostalgia.

A Journey You’ll Want to Repeat

There’s a certain enchantment to staying in a riad that hotels can’t replicate. It’s the welcome, the beauty, the pause from the world outside. You might just be visiting, but you get a chance to step behind closed doors and experience Morocco from the inside, one courtyard at a time. Whether you’re watching the sunset from a rooftop in Marrakech or waking to the sound of birds in a Fez courtyard, the emotion lingers. Wanderwell celebrates these kinds of stays, where culture meets comfort and the travel experience becomes personal. Enjoy!

Want to read more? The Choosy Traveller: Fez vs. Marrakesh Medina. The Hungry Traveller: A Defenite Guide to Moroccan Food. The Well-Read Wanderer: the Literary Titans Of Tangier.