La Citadelle Marrakech

La Citadelle Marrakech Overview

You know what struck me first about La Citadelle Marrakech? The drive out there – it’s about 28 kilometers from the medina chaos on the Ourika road, and honestly, that distance is a blessing. I mean, you get all the Atlas Mountain views without the constant motorbike honking that’ll drive you mad in the city center. The location in Ghmate is sort of perfect if you think about it – close enough that you’re not stuck in the middle of nowhere, but far enough that you can actually hear yourself think.

The property itself feels like someone took a traditional riad concept and gave it room to breathe. There’s this authentic Moroccan architecture thing going on, but it doesn’t feel like they’re trying too hard, you know? The courtyard spaces actually work – I spent way too much time just sitting there in the evenings when the temperature drops and the call to prayer echoes off the mountains. The staff genuinely seems to care about what they’re doing, which is refreshing after dealing with some of the more tourist-trap places closer to Jemaa el-Fnaa. Check-in was smooth (they speak decent English if your French is rusty like mine), and they actually helped arrange a driver for the souks without that pushy commission vibe you get elsewhere.

What really sets this place apart is the morning routine – breakfast on the terrace with the Atlas foothills right there, and the air is still cool before the day heats up. The food is properly Moroccan but not intimidating if you’re not used to it. Parking is handled, which matters more than you’d think when you’re dealing with rental cars and narrow roads. The rooms are spacious by Moroccan standards, and the beds are actually comfortable – not always a given in boutique places that prioritize style over sleep. The only thing I’d mention is that evenings can get pretty quiet out there, which is either perfect or boring depending on what you’re after. If you want to stumble back from late-night mint tea sessions in the medina, you’ll need to plan your transport. But honestly, after a day of haggling in the souks and dodging donkey carts, the peaceful evenings felt like exactly what I needed. That 9.8 rating makes sense – it’s the kind of place that does the basics really well without any flashy nonsense.

La Citadelle Marrakech Accommodations

Reviews of La Citadelle Marrakech

• Amazing attentive Hosts.Stunning Location to either relax or to explore Marrakesh’stye Atlas Montains Can highly recomm – Ivan from United Kingdom – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  Incredible location near the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and only 40 mins from the Medina in Marrakech. Nadia and Jawad the owners could not have been more helpful or attentive. Nothing was a problem. Their House is stunning, is spotless and has every facility. Nadia’s cooking is excellent but beware as with Moroccan hospitality you will leave significantly heavier than when you arrived!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Incredible. La Citadelle is a work of art and history wrapped up in one. The food was amazing as well. – Shyanne from United States – 28 April 2025 (10/10)

  Gorgeous property. Impeccably kept by the most wonderful owners.

• Lovely stay, highly recommended – Bg from Netherlands – 19 April 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely place, 25 min outside Marrakech half way between the Atlas mountains and Marrakech. Friendliest host, tasty dinner, beautiful garden. Absolutely recommended!
  
  What could be improved: You need a car or take taxi's to get around. Host will help with booking and planning.

• Quiet and peaceful location – Rochelle from United Kingdom – 17 April 2025 (10/10)

  A very quiet and secluded location which is perfect from the hustle and bustle of the Medina.
  The hosts go out of their way to look after you. Nadia”s cooking is delicious and so fresh. The grounds are tranquil and beautiful. I loved my stay.
  Thank you to both hosts 🙏🏻

• Exceptional – Maria from Venezuela – 6 April 2025 (10/10)

  The gardens were beautiful, the food was typically Moroccan and delicious, the hosts were extremely welcoming. We were looking for a quiet place to spend a couple of days and that's exactly what we got there.
  If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, this is the place to go.

• Wow,wow,wow! Live like royalty in your own castle with stunning grounds and lovely owners. – Kay from United Kingdom – 1 April 2025 (10/10)

  Wow! Amazing accommodation set in the most stunning gardens and spotless pool. The food was out of this world and even better you were asked what you would like to eat. Everything freshly prepared. The owners looked after us so well and we were truly spoilt in every way. We are just home and are rebooking.
  
  What could be improved: There is nothing to dislike. Everything perfect.

• Exceptional – Alin from Romania – 5 March 2025 (10/10)

  I recommend, exceptional location and very kind owners

• Amazing stay! – Linda from Netherlands – 18 June 2023 (10/10)

  Wonderful stay! Thank you Nadia & Jawad for your incredible hospitality! The house and rooms are fantastic and the garden is beautiful. We really felt at home and were well taken care of by the hosts. Delicious breakfasts/ dinner and cosy nights by the fire with good company. The Atlas Mountains and city of Marrakech are very closeby and amazing.
  Highly recommended and we will definitely come back!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Our home from home and best location ever – Marian from Netherlands – 20 May 2023 (10/10)

  The location is far enough from the road to notice nothing of the world around it. The riad itself is located in the middle of an oasis of vegetation where there are plenty of beautiful birds. The garden has been carefully and lovingly landscaped by the owner with beautiful plants and trees. The riad itself is a square building , like a castle and set up in such a way that the house can be approached from 4 sides. Everywhere in the riad, but also around it, there are seats where you can relax and sit in the sun or in the shade. Inside the riad, it is a day's work to view the many beautiful objects that the family has collected over the years from all over the world. The rooms are located on the first floor where an extra large communal terrace is located. The rooms themselves are super comfortable and nothing is missing. The beds sleep wonderfully and the bathroom has a wonderful shower. The house is authentic and very comfortable with modern facilities. The owners go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. The food is great and prepared with love and this applies to breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the evening we learned Petang (jeux de boulle) and played quite competitively with the owner and the other guests. During the day you can relax in the swimming pool with comfortable sunbeds, pleasant music and a bar. For us it has become a home from home because everything is done to make you feel at home. We will 100% go back next year. We would like to thank Nadia and Jawad for the wonderful time.
  This is highly recommended.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!!!!!!

• A truly exceptional stay. Magical memories. – Jamie from United Kingdom – 29 April 2023 (10/10)

  We had the most incredible stay in this small castle which we called home for three days.
  
  The property and the grounds are truly beautiful. Lovely room, fabulous communal areas and wonderful swimming pool and grounds, including a vast herb garden.
  
  The property is owned and run by Nadia and Jarwed, who can’t do enough for you. Nadia’s cooking is amazing, and gave us an authentic taste of Morocco. They made our stay so magical.
  
  I can’t recommend enough.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

Surroundings

Facilities