Palais Khum

Palais Khum Overview

You know what hits you first when you walk into Palais Khum? The smell – not kidding, it’s this incredible mix of cedar wood and rose water that somehow doesn’t feel overwhelming. I mean, you’re literally stepping into a restored 19th-century riad, and the owners clearly get that the details matter. The courtyard’s got this traditional fountain that actually works (you’d be surprised how many riads have decorative ones that are bone dry), and the sound of water trickling becomes this weird sort of white noise that drowns out the chaos of Derb El Hammaria just outside.

The location is honestly perfect if you want to feel like you’re actually in Marrakech, not some tourist bubble. You’re a three-minute walk from the Dar El Bacha Museum – which most people skip but shouldn’t – and maybe eight minutes from the main Jemaa el-Fnaa square when you’re ready for the full sensory overload. What I loved is that this little derb (alleyway, for the uninitiated) stays pretty quiet at night, unlike some of the streets closer to the main souks where you’ll hear scooters until midnight. The taxi drivers know exactly where Derb El Hammaria is, which… trust me, that’s not always a given in the medina.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a well-run four-star riad – traditional tadelakt walls that feel smooth as marble, proper air conditioning (essential in summer), and bathrooms that actually have decent water pressure. I stayed in one of the upper-floor rooms and you get these glimpses of the Atlas Mountains if you lean out the window just right. Breakfast happens on the rooftop terrace, and honestly, that’s where you’ll probably spend most of your time. The mint tea is proper strong, the way locals drink it, and they do this almond pastry thing that I’m still thinking about. The staff’s English is solid, and they’re the kind of people who remember your name after one conversation – which goes a long way when you’re trying to navigate a city that can feel pretty overwhelming at first.

One thing that surprised me was how quiet it gets inside, even though you’re right in the heart of everything. The thick walls do their job, and the only sounds you’ll hear are the call to prayer (five times a day, obviously) and maybe some kitchen activity in the mornings. Check-in was smooth – they actually had someone waiting for us at the main road since finding the exact entrance can be tricky the first time. The Wi-Fi works throughout the property, which isn’t always guaranteed in these old buildings, and there’s this lovely sitting area near the entrance where you can decompress with a book if the medina starts feeling like too much.

Look, a 9-point-something rating doesn’t happen by accident. This place gets the balance right between authentic atmosphere and actual comfort – you’re not roughing it, but you’re also not staying in some sanitized hotel that could be anywhere. It’s the kind of place where you’ll actually want to hang around and soak up the atmosphere, not just crash between sightseeing marathons.

Palais Khum Accommodations

Reviews of Palais Khum

• Superb – Marion from France – 20 June 2025 (9/10)

  La situation, la décoration

• Palais Khum is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the medina – beautifully designed, very clean, and full of charm. We lov – Armin from Switzerland – 14 June 2025 (10/10)

  What could be improved: only downside was the weak Wi-Fi in the room

• I recommend it 100%! – David from United States – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything, honestly we have no words to describe the amazing service, treatment we received, the quality of the food, and the place itself.
  
  What could be improved: We liked everything, but if I had to make a suggestion to make this place even better (which is already amazing) would be pool cleaning. Water and surroundings, there were a lot of bugs and spiders near the corners.

• Perfect – Keith from United Kingdom – 22 May 2025 (10/10)

  The Palais Khum is located close to a number of great sites within Marrakesh. Is a really relaxing stay and the room is spacious and comfortable. The staff are excellent and so friendly, making your stay perfect. I couldn’t recommend this stay more highly.
  
  What could be improved: The staff at Palais Khum could not be more helpful if they tried. They could do any do anymore to make our stay a welcoming and relaxing stay. Can’t thanks them enough.

• Exceptional from start to finish – Chris from United Kingdom – 22 May 2025 (10/10)

  From the moment we arrived the staff couldn’t do enough to help us in any way possible.
  From the management to the waiting on staff everyone was polite and courteous throughout our stay making us feel truly at home.
  The location was perfect whilst inside the medina it was like an oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle outside.
  The decor was stunning and the facilities brilliant particularly the onsite spa.
  We will definitely be recommending the riad to anyone wanting to visit Marrakech and we are already planning a return trip
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• A taste of paradise at Palais Khum. – Aaron-wade from Canada – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

  We liked the numerous common areas to relax and enjoy the Riad. The rooftop patio and pool area, the courtyard and restaurant are all so beautiful and very well maintained, including our beautiful room! In addition, the staff were really warm and welcoming (much appreciated when visiting a place like Marrakech). Stellar service! We loved visiting Palais Khum. Thank you.
  
  What could be improved: The robes in the room were much appreciated but could be replaced.

• Superb – Roberto from Italy – 15 May 2025 (9/10)

  The building is charming, really little paradise.
  Rooms are very spacious with enjoyable outside space (balcony or terraces)
  The staff was very kind and supporting our requests
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast food offering could be better and richer (Maybe give more fresh vegetables options)
  There might be a good idea to have a gym, especially for guests staying 3/4 days is a must have

• Beautiful and relaxing place to stay in the Medina. – Joanne from Ireland – 15 May 2025 (10/10)

  Gorgeous accommodation and the staff were super. It was a pleasure to stay in this beautiful place.

• One of the best place in town – Roberto from Italy – 11 May 2025 (9/10)

  Unique corner of paradise in the medina. Nice touch of decor, space division and wellbeing. Rooms are very large and with beautiful space outside where to chill.
  The staff was really supportive: for our wedding anniversary we had flowers in the room and was really a nice touch.

• We will visit over & over as we love this riad – this was my forth stay here – Hayley from United Kingdom – 8 May 2025 (10/10)

  The location of the riad is perfect
  The staff are amazing
  
  What could be improved: It could improve with air con in room
  Better WiFi
  Improve the food

Surroundings

Facilities