Discover the Enchanting Charm of Moroccan Riads: Unveiling the Best Places to Stay in Morocco
When planning a visit to the captivating country that is Morocco, one of the decisions you will have to make is choosing the perfect accommodation. Here you will mostly have two options: hotels or riads.
While hotels offer the familiar comfort and convenience that you might be used to, there's a hidden gem that truly embodies the essence of Moroccan hospitality and culture, which is the riad. These are traditional Moroccan houses, often transformed into boutique hotels, and I have to say that they are a delightful oasis of tranquility and elegance in bustling cities like Marrakech. In this blog post, I want to explore why staying in a riad is the best option if you visit Morocco and highlight two exceptional examples of where I stayed. Read till the end, you won’t regret it ;)
The Allure of Moroccan Riads
Moroccan riads are unique accommodations that beautifully blend traditional architecture with modern comforts. These buildings are typically built with little contact to the outside (you won’t find windows to the street in most of them), the rooms’ windows and balconies face inwards to the “garden” in the center and some of them even have terraces on top. This design comes from the Islamic cultural norms where family privacy is highly valued. So you can expect to be in the chaotic streets of Marrakech, for example, and as soon as you walk through the door of the riad you will find a peace that will immerse you and leave you super calm.
Now that you know what a riad is, here are a few reasons why staying in a riad is a must if you want to live an authentic Moroccan experience:
Cultural Immersion: these places offer an immersive experience, allowing you to step into the rich culture of Morocco. The intricate tile work, colorful zellige patterns, and splendid courtyards adorned with fountains and lush greenery evoke a sense of peace, tranquility, and Moroccan aesthetics. Besides this, you also get more in touch with the Moroccan people in the riad, and what better way to know a country and a culture than knowing its people?
Personalized Service: Riads are known for their warm and personalized hospitality. With limited rooms, the attentive staff can cater to individual needs, ensuring a truly memorable stay. These can go from arranging guided tours to recommending authentic local experiences, but be sure that they go the extra mile to make your stay exceptional.
Authentic Architecture: Many riads have a history dating back several centuries and trust me, staying in these architectural gems will grant you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient story of Morocco. Their intricately carved wooden ceilings, the ornate plasterwork, and the traditional furnishings create an ambiance that transports you to another era that occurred long before you were even born.
Serene Retreats: Some places in Morocco are known for their bustling and chaotic streets, but as you step into a riad, you will be leaving that chaos behind and you will be stepping into a place flooded with tranquility. These hidden gems offer peaceful havens away from the city's noise and chaos, making them perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation after a day of hopefully a lot of exploring.
Exceptional Riads in Morocco
When we visited Marrakech, we stayed in three different riads and two of them just won my heart! They were both incredibly beautiful and affordable and the staff was as nice as it gets.
The first one was Riad Alia. It is located in the heart of the historic Medina of Marrakech, really close to the famous Jemaa-al fna square in a tiny little street that may leave you thinking you’re in the wrong place, but you’re probably not.
Inside the building, you will find the typical hidden “garden” with a small pool where you can refresh yourself, a rooftop with panoramic views, and seven rooms individually decorated. This plus the amazing staff and the incredible breakfast will ensure you have the best possible experience. We got some really nice photos here!
The other one is Palais Calipau, which is also located in the historic Medina, not far from the square. I have to say that I wish I stayed longer in this riad. If Riad Alia is beautiful, this one is astonishing! The pool is incredible, the common area is just the most peaceful and calming place, the room is terrific and it also has a great rooftop for their guests to use. The staff was nice, but on this one Riad Alia can be even better (however, I need to admit that I didn’t have much contact with the staff here and I did in Alia, so that might be why I have this feeling). The breakfast was also really tasty and we can’t recommend this place enough.
So, summing up, choosing the right accommodation plays a somehow significant role in shaping your travel experience. It may give you a more or less immersive experience, a more or less complicated experience, etc, depending on the place you choose. When visiting Morocco, and I can talk from experience about Marrakesh specifically, embracing the allure of riads is a decision you won't regret. These enchanting havens offer a gateway to the country's vibrant culture, providing a unique blend of traditional charm and comfort. Riad Alia and Palais Calipau are both exceptional examples of riads in Marrakesh, where you can bask in the beauty of Moroccan architecture, experience unparalleled hospitality, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Besides this, they couldn’t be more practically located, as you can easily walk everywhere you want to visit in the city. So, go for it, don’t overlook the riads of Morocco, and let them be your home away from home as you embark on an unforgettable journey through this captivating and culturally rich country. Be ready for some moments of shock between their culture and what you believe it’s right and normal, like some stuff with animals and food, but well, that’s the beauty of seeing and experiencing different cultures. If there was no shock at all, something was not right :)
Hope this helps you decide where you’ll stay in Morrocco!
