Wondering if staying in a riad in Marrakesh is actually worth it, or if you should just book a regular hotel instead?
It’s a common question for first-time visitors. Riads look beautiful in photos, but they’re also hidden inside the maze-like medina, which can make travellers wonder if they’ll be hard to find or difficult to navigate.
Staying in a riad, however, is one of the most memorable parts of visiting Marrakesh.
Unlike standard hotels, riads are traditional Moroccan homes built around a central courtyard. From the outside, they often look like simple doors tucked along narrow alleyways. But once you step inside, you usually discover peaceful courtyards, intricate architecture, and a much quieter atmosphere than the busy streets outside.
During our trip, we stayed at Riad Explore, a small riad located inside the historic medina. After long days navigating the souks and busy streets, returning to the riad felt like hitting a reset button.
Here’s my honest review of Riad Explore to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your Marrakesh trip.
Overview: Riad Explore Ratings
Location: 4.5 / 5
Room: 4 / 5
Amenities: 3.5 / 5
Staff & Service: 4.5 / 5
Value for Money: 4 / 5
First Impressions
When we first arrived, we were led to what looked like a typical Moroccan house door along a quiet medina street.
At first glance, it honestly didn’t look like the entrance to a hotel at all.
But once the door opened, we stepped inside and realized it was the entrance to our riad.
Right past the door is a small reception desk, where the front desk staff greeted us and confirmed our booking. After check-in, we were guided to a waiting area where we were served traditional Moroccan mint tea and a small biscuit.
It was such a warm welcome and a really lovely way to start the stay. The staff immediately made us feel comfortable, and the whole arrival experience set a positive tone for the rest of the visit.
Location: 4 /5
Riad Explore is located inside the medina, Marrakesh’s historic old city.
That means you’re within walking distance of many popular sights including:
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- The souks
- Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Le Jardin Secret
Staying inside the medina makes it easy to explore on foot. However, because cars cannot access most riads directly, you’ll likely walk a short distance through the alleyways with your luggage.
For first-time visitors, I recommend arranging airport transfer through the riad so someone can guide you to the entrance.
Room: 4 /5
We booked a family room for four guests, which had a main bedroom and a small upper loft or mezzanine area.
The main bedroom looked beautiful and very much in line with what you’d expect from a Moroccan riad. The carved wall design behind the bed, patterned tiles, and hanging lantern gave the room a traditional feel. It was simple but comfortable.
Upstairs is where the two twin beds are located. This loft area has a very low ceiling, so it’s important to know that adults cannot fully stand there. It feels more like a sleeping nook than a full bedroom.
Since we were three adults and one child, it worked fine for us. My 7-year-old niece could stand, although her head was already close to the ceiling. Because of that, I would say the loft space is really best suited for kids rather than adults.
One small thing to note:
There was no full-length mirror in the room. This is a minor detail, but if you like checking your outfit before heading out to dinner or rooftop cafés, it’s something you might notice.
Otherwise, the room had everything needed for a relaxing stay after long days exploring Marrakesh.
Bathroom and Cleanliness
The bathroom was clean and well maintained.
Housekeeping kept the room tidy during our stay, and overall the riad felt well cared for.
Cleanliness is always something I pay attention to when reviewing accommodations, and Riad Explore met expectations here.
Amenities: 3.5 / 5
Riads are usually smaller boutique properties, so amenities tend to be simpler compared to large hotels.
At Riad Explore you can expect:
• A beautiful central courtyard
• Rooftop terrace seating
• Traditional Moroccan breakfast
• Quiet relaxation areas
Room Amenities
• Air conditioning
• Mini fridge
• TV
• WiFi
• Safe
The WiFi was stable, which was helpful. We didn’t use the TV much except to stream a bit of YouTube one evening.
One thing to note is that there is no elevator, which is common for riads since many are historic buildings.
If you’re staying on the upper floors, you’ll need to take the stairs.
Something Important to Know About the Keys
One thing that surprised me during our stay was the key policy.
Whenever you leave the riad, you’re asked to leave your room key at the front desk. That means you won’t carry your room key with you when you go out exploring.
This becomes slightly odd when it comes to the safe, because the safe key is attached to the room key. Since the room key stays at the desk when you leave, technically the safe key stays behind as well.
We didn’t end up using the safe, but it’s something worth noting. If you plan to use it, you may want to ask the staff if you can keep the safe key with you while leaving the room key at reception.
Transport & Location Convenience
Because the riad is located inside the medina:
- Taxis cannot drop you directly at the door
- Expect a short walk through the alleyways
However, once you’re inside, many attractions are within walking distance.
If it’s your first visit to Marrakesh, staying in the medina offers a more immersive experience.
Breakfast
Breakfast was traditional Moroccan style was served on the rooftop, which was a really nice way to start the morning.
The breakfast was set up buffet-style on a large table. There was a good variety of items including breads, pastries, cheese, sliced meats, olives, yogurt, jams, and fresh fruit. There were also cereals and juices available, so you could easily mix and match depending on what you felt like eating.
If you prefer something hot, you can also request an omelette and coffee, which the staff prepares fresh.
Nothing about the breakfast felt overly fancy, but there was plenty of choice to make a satisfying meal. The fresh fruit, breads with jam and honey, and the option for a freshly made omelette made it a nice, simple start to the day before heading back into the maze of the medina.
It was a relaxing way to start the morning before heading out to explore the city.
Luggage Storage
This was a very helpful service.
We arrived early before check-in, and the staff allowed us to store our luggage so we could begin exploring right away.
Small conveniences like this make travel days much smoother.
Staff and Service: 4.5 / 5
The staff were friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout our stay.
One moment that stood out was when we first arrived.
Before anything else, we were greeted with traditional Moroccan mint tea and sweets. It was such a warm welcome and immediately set the tone for the stay.
Hospitality like this is one of the things that makes riads feel more personal than standard hotels.
Value for Money: 4 /5
For a riad inside the medina with traditional design and warm hospitality, I felt the stay offered good value.
You’re not paying for resort-style luxury here.
Instead, you’re paying for:
- location
- cultural experience
- personal service
And that’s exactly what a riad stay is about.
Pros & Cons Summary
✔ Pros
- Friendly and welcoming staff
- Peaceful courtyard atmosphere
- Traditional Moroccan breakfast
- Great location inside the medina
- Free luggage storage
✖ Cons
- No elevator
- No full-length mirror in the room
- Some walking required to reach the entrance
Who Should Stay Here?
Riad Explore is a great choice for travellers who:
- Want the authentic medina experience
- Prefer boutique stays over large hotels
- Enjoy traditional riad architecture
- Don’t mind stairs
It may not be ideal for travellers who need elevator access or prefer modern hotel facilities.
Other Nearby Stays to Consider
If Riad Explore is unavailable, you may also want to look at other riads in the medina with similar charm and location.
Comparing a few options can help you find the best fit for your budget and travel style.
FAQs
Is staying in a riad in Marrakesh safe?
Yes. Many riads are tucked inside quiet streets of the medina and have secure entrances. Staff are also used to helping guests navigate the area.
Do riads usually have elevators?
Most do not because they are traditional historic homes.
Is it better to stay inside or outside the medina?
For first-time visitors, staying inside the medina offers a more immersive Marrakesh experience.
Would I Stay Again?
Yes, I would.
Riad Explore offered a calm, welcoming space after long days exploring Marrakesh. The friendly staff and authentic riad atmosphere made the stay memorable.
Sometimes the best travel experiences aren’t about luxury, but about feeling at home in a place far away.
📌 Save this post for your Marrakesh trip planning!
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