Abelia Riad – 2024 traveler’s Choice Award

Abelia Riad – 2024 traveler’s Choice Award Overview

You know, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first wound through those narrow medina streets to find Abelia Riad – honestly, the address doesn’t exactly scream “this way” when you’re dragging luggage over cobblestones. But once you slip through that unassuming door on Derb Ferrane, it’s like stepping into someone’s beautifully kept secret. The whole place feels refreshingly authentic without trying too hard, if that makes sense. The riad’s built around this gorgeous central courtyard where you can actually hear the call to prayer echoing from nearby mosques, but it’s never overwhelming – more like a gentle reminder of where you are.

What really struck me was how the staff seemed to genuinely know their stuff about Marrakech. I mean, they didn’t just point me toward Jemaa el-Fnaa like most places do – they actually suggested this tiny spice vendor tucked away near Bab Aylen that I never would’ve found on my own. The rooms themselves have that perfect balance of traditional Moroccan touches (beautiful tadelakt walls, intricate tilework) without feeling like you’re sleeping in a museum. The beds are actually comfortable too, which – let’s be honest – isn’t always a given in riads. One thing I appreciated was how quiet it gets at night, even though you’re right in the heart of the medina. Those thick walls really do their job.

The breakfast situation deserves a mention because they serve it up on the rooftop terrace where you can see the Atlas Mountains on clear mornings. It’s not fancy – fresh bread, local honey, mint tea that’s properly strong – but there’s something about eating it while watching the city wake up below that just works. I stayed there during shoulder season in March, and honestly, that might be the sweet spot. The weather’s perfect, crowds are manageable, and you’re not competing with tour groups for every photo. The only minor gripe I had was that the WiFi could be spotty in some corners of the building, but then again, maybe that’s not such a bad thing when you’re trying to disconnect. If you’re looking for a place that feels genuinely Moroccan without the tourist circus, and you don’t mind navigating those medina streets (pro tip: screenshot your route beforehand), Abelia Riad really delivers on that authentic experience everyone claims to offer.

Abelia Riad – 2024 traveler’s Choice Award Accommodations

Reviews of Abelia Riad – 2024 traveler’s Choice Award

• Great place to stay – Nina from United States – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  The Riad is a beautiful traditional building. I booked a room on the top floor where I enjoyed sitting on the terrace after it would cool down. The personal of the Riad is very welcoming, attentive and helpful. They always helped me with providing necessary information and with practical things that made my stay enjoyable. For breakfast I had everything I
  needed to start long tours…😁
  The center of the Medina is in a walking distance (17-20 min), but it was easy to get a taxi from a nearby spot that’s less than 5 min away.

• Amazing stay – Darlene from United Kingdom – 4 July 2025 (10/10)

  The staff were amazing, especially Youssef and Abde.
  They were flexible with our itineraries and made sure we got the best of the place, with helpful recommendations and advice. The Riad itself is gorgeous, mostly quiet and close enough to the main road to take the bus, taxi or mini van. 10/10 would recommend. Our favourite thing was the pool and the rooftop
  
  What could be improved: There could have been a fridge includeded in the room.

• Exceptional – Tony from United States – 18 June 2025 (10/10)

  Staff was great and very helpful and check in was smooth.
  
  What could be improved: Walking back to the Riad at night can be sketchy and the wifi was spotty/did not work well in my room.

• Good for repeat trips to Marrakesch – Susan from United States – 31 May 2025 (8/10)

  Quiet, lovely and peaceful Riad. The cool pool in center was amazing and very needed to refresh after a hot day. Breakfast was nice and I had the best coffee of my life there!
  
  What could be improved: Way too far away from the center. Took about 25 minutes in blazing heat to walk there for meals and shopping and entertainment. It is in a run down area with no places to eat. The bathroom door didn’t close tightly so it was a bit noisy. They did not provide any drinking water so we had to buy a few bottles. The main staff was very new (one week) and was still learning and he couldn’t give much advice and he was a bit busy so we had to wait a long time for assistance. Had to go out to courtyard for Wi-Fi.

• Very good riad , exceptionnel staff – Mélanie from France – 29 May 2025 (10/10)

  We spent 4 exceptional days here. The riad is beautiful, quiet and the terrace is perfect for relaxing after a long day. The room is cleaned every day, the breakfast is very good and sufficient to start the day. The riad is 20 min walking from Jemaa el Fna, 10 min by taxi (ask for the Bab Aylan gate, 5 min walk from the riad). I find the location excellent, accessible and the Bab Aylan gate is often one of the meeting places for activities. It's true that arriving late at night can be disconcerting for a first-time visitor (like I was) , as in all cities you have to be careful, but this feeling passes with the kindness of the Moroccans, walking home or going into the center was just a real pleasure. We would like to make a special mention of Abdullah, who was absolutely fabulous with us, always present, extremely respectful and did his utmost to meet our expectations. Our next visits to Marrakech will be to this riad without any hesitation thanks to him ! Merci pour tout !
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• I have a great time – Joycelyn from United Kingdom – 28 May 2025 (9/10)

  The breakfast lovely
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Wonderful service at a beautiful authentic riad – Peggy from United States – 19 May 2025 (10/10)

  The staff was amazing and so helpful! Anything we needed they provided kind and caring service. Walid at the front was wonderful. The breakfast service was nice and got us off to a good start for the day. I would recommend this riad to anyone wanting to stay in the Medina and experience the city.

• It was very pleasant – Susan from United Kingdom – 13 May 2025 (8/10)

  My room was really good and the whole of the riad was kept exceptionally clean.
  All staff were very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: The 'swimming pool' was a very small plunge pool in the atrium of the riad! You could only tread water in it, definitely not for swimming.

• Great choice if you want to stay at a Riad. – Cabir from United Kingdom – 12 May 2025 (10/10)

  The staff was so friendly, it was clean. I like the breakfast very much, it was above my expectations. Close the medina and quiet place.

• Superb – Asad from United Kingdom – 9 May 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely location, 10 mins walk from the centre. The Riad was clean and felt very homely. Beautiful sunsets from the roof top but the best thing about it was the staff; kind, helpful and respectful. Will mention one person in particular, Waleed, a gem of a person, does everything he can to make one feel welcomed and comfortable. A very kind person who loves having conversations and willing to help out at all times.
  Loved every bit, highly recommended!
  Problem? Waleed’s got you

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