Riad 11 Zitoune

Riad 11 Zitoune Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of riads in Marrakech, and honestly, most of them try way too hard to be something they’re not. But Riad 11 Zitoune? This place just gets it right without making a big fuss about it.

You know how finding anything in the medina can be a total nightmare – even with GPS you’re basically wandering around these maze-like derbs hoping you don’t end up at someone’s front door by mistake. Well, Derb Lakdar isn’t too bad actually, and the riad staff will meet you at the main road if you need them to (which, let’s be honest, you probably will the first time). The whole Zitoune area is pretty central without being right in the middle of the tourist chaos – you can actually sleep at night, but you’re still just a few minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa when you want to dive into the madness.

What really struck me about this place is how it feels authentically Moroccan without being overly precious about it. The courtyard has that classic riad layout with the fountain in the center, but it’s not trying to be some Instagram-perfect museum piece. The tiles are gorgeous – really intricate zellige work that you can tell took serious skill – and the rooms have these beautiful carved ceilings that make you want to just lie there staring up at them. I mean, the whole place has this lived-in elegance that’s hard to fake. The rooftop terrace is where you’ll probably spend your evenings (I definitely did), and you get these incredible views over the medina rooftops toward the Atlas Mountains. Pro tip: go up there around sunset with a mint tea – the call to prayer echoing across the city while the mountains turn pink is pretty magical.

The rooms are spacious by medina standards, and honestly, the beds are way more comfortable than I expected. You know how sometimes these traditional places sacrifice comfort for authenticity? Not here. The bathrooms are modern enough that you’re not wrestling with temperamental plumbing, but they still have those beautiful tadelakt walls that feel smooth as silk. Air conditioning works well too, which you’ll definitely appreciate if you’re visiting in summer – though the thick walls and courtyard design keep things naturally cooler than you’d think.

What I really appreciated was how the staff treated you like a person, not just another tourist. They gave me actual useful advice about where to eat (skip the obvious places near the square, by the way) and helped arrange a driver for day trips without any of that pushy commission nonsense you get elsewhere. The breakfast on the rooftop was simple but really good – proper Moroccan bread, local honey, fresh orange juice that actually tastes like oranges.

The location really is ideal if you want to experience authentic Marrakech. You’re close enough to walk to all the main sights, but far enough from the main tourist drags that you feel like you’re staying somewhere real. Plus, there’s this little hammam just around the corner that hardly any tourists know about – way better than the fancy hotel spas and a fraction of the price.

Riad 11 Zitoune Accommodations

Reviews of Riad 11 Zitoune

• Our stay was perfect. All the staff at the riad are amazing very helpful very friendly and nothing is too much for them. – Katie from United Kingdom – 10 July 2025 (10/10)

  The location of the riad was perfect. The decor was divine.
  
  What could be improved: How peaceful and tranquil it seemed.

• We couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. Would definitely stay here again! – Mary-lee from United States – 5 July 2025 (10/10)

  What's not to like? The facility was charming and met our every need – and then some! The staff is incredible – so friendly, nice, accommodating to our every request. We had a suite which had so many extras – candles, a make-up mirror, large closet space, fluffy robes, a carafe of water. The location was perfect; right near the main square of the Old Town.
  
  What could be improved: Maybe a tiny bit more light in the bathroom area, to put on make up.

• Family trip to Marrakesh a hidden peaceful Gem just a stones throw from the souks and Jemaa el fina sq. highly recommend – Eamon from Ireland – 26 June 2025 (10/10)

  Traditional Moroccan Riad the real experience lovely place couldn’t fault it a gem

• Staff were amazing, so helpful. Riad was very characterful and close to main square – Karen from Australia – 23 June 2025 (9/10)

  very close to the main square but still quiet
  
  What could be improved: Quite tricky to get to with large bags

• A beautiful oasis in the city. – Hannah from United Kingdom – 15 June 2025 (10/10)

  This place was an oasis in a hot city. I agree with all the other great reviews – everything here was just perfect. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, the smell of the riad was delicious, the breakfasts were tasty and generous and the room was spotlessly clean and comfortable with a lovely hot shower and great bed sheets. The location is fabulous, just a couple of minutes from the main square, and felt very safe.
  
  What could be improved: Some hair conditioner in the room would have been helpful, and perhaps a top up on the complimentary water each day, rather than just day 1.

• Excellent experience – Kerem from Turkey – 12 June 2025 (10/10)

  It was a lovely little riad hotel. Great location, great facilities, clean rooms and a very fulfilling breakfast. Staff was really friendly and helpful at all times.

• Exceptional – Laurenz from Germany – 19 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very forthcoming staff, tasty breakfast, clean and tidy.
  A small oasis in the midst of the buzzing city. Really close to pretty much everything one can visit in Marrakech.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing. It was Great

• Exceptional – Paula from Brazil – 16 May 2025 (10/10)

  Best staff in Marrakech! Everyone was always attentive to our needs and made their best to make our experience during our stay the best possible. We felt at home.

• Exceptional – Marcia from Netherlands – 10 May 2025 (10/10)

  We felt at home the moment we arrived. The staff were incredibly friendly, helpful, and made us feel truly welcome. Our room was spotless and beautifully kept, and the location couldn't have been better for exploring the city. Breakfast was delicious, and waking up to the sound of birds singing in the early morning was pure magic. Don’t overthink it, just book this riad, you won’t be disappointed.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing disappointed us — the stay exceeded all expectations.

• Exceptional – Ana from Peru – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  Details of the decoration, and the exceptional service and attitude of Fouad
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

Surroundings

Facilities