Riad 117

Riad 117 Overview

You know what? I’ve stayed at a lot of riads in Marrakech, and Riad 117 is one of those places that just gets it right. It’s tucked away on Derb Moulay Abdelkader Dabachi – honestly, you’ll probably get lost finding it the first time (everyone does in the medina), but that’s actually part of the charm. The narrow alleyway keeps it blissfully quiet, which is saying something when you’re this close to the main souk action.

The moment you step through that heavy wooden door, there’s this immediate sense of calm that washes over you. The central courtyard is gorgeous – traditional tilework that catches the light perfectly, and they’ve got this fountain that’s not too loud but just enough to drown out any street noise. I mean, the whole place feels authentically Moroccan without being overdone, if that makes sense. The rooms are spacious by riad standards, and the beds are actually comfortable (you’d be surprised how often that’s not the case). What really impressed me was the attention to detail – proper hot water pressure, reliable WiFi, and the air conditioning that actually works when you need it during those scorching summer afternoons.

The staff here really knows their stuff about Marrakech. They’ll point you toward the good leather shops where you won’t get completely ripped off, and they know which restaurants in the medina are worth the walk. The rooftop terrace is where you’ll want to spend your evenings – incredible views of the Atlas Mountains on clear days, and you can actually see the Koutoubia minaret without craning your neck. Breakfast up there is lovely too, though I’d recommend getting there early before it gets too hot. The location is honestly perfect – you’re about a ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square), but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the constant hustle and bustle. Plus, you’re right in the heart of the medina’s best shopping areas, so you can easily duck back to the riad when you need a break from bargaining. The only tiny downside? Like most riads, the stairs can be a bit steep if you’re hauling heavy luggage, but the staff will help you out. With a 9.4 rating, this place has clearly figured out how to blend traditional Moroccan hospitality with the comfort levels modern travelers expect.

Riad 117 Accommodations

Reviews of Riad 117

• Superb – Michael from United States – 9 July 2025 (9/10)

  Close to everything, yet tucked away and peaceful

• Exceptional – Jenny from United Kingdom – 30 June 2025 (10/10)

  Hamza was particularly helpful and organised a lovely trip to the dessert. Always on hand to help. Lovely breakfast each morning and the room had good air conditioning. Glad we chose it.

• Perfect – Lauren from United Kingdom – 25 June 2025 (10/10)

  Calm oasis out of the chaos of the Medina. Lovely staff and clean and comfortable rooms. Hamza was really attentive and served breakfast every morning with a smile. The two ladies who cooked and cleaned were also so lovely. Would recommend! Perfect location in the center of it all, so it’s very easy to get back to the Riad at night and explore Marrakech centrally.

• Exceptional – Elisabeth from Switzerland – 1 June 2025 (10/10)

  Riad 117 gets our warmest recommendation. The staff is so very helpful, making sure to make your stay a great experience. The rooms are very nice and clean and the location of the riad perfect for exploring the medina and the rest of Marrakesch.

• A wonderful experience to stay in the souk! – Eileen from Australia – 31 May 2025 (10/10)

  What an amazing experience! The souk is really a very crazy space with major noise and stimulation overload…. then you step into Riad 117 and are enveloped in serenity! An amazing transformation with just one closed door! The beautiful staff looked after us so well and always had time for us. Breakfast was so fresh and delicious, the bathrobes were very lovey, the room was beautiful and quiet, location was convenient which let us experience a bit of the culture. We felt extremely safe and didn’t experience a single issue. Time at their sister hotel spa was organised for us where we enjoyed a professional Hammam and massage (recommended !) they also organised a gentleman to take our luggage to a taxi on our departure. It was so worth the few dollars it cost to not have to navigate our things through the people and cobble streets. Wish we would have done it for our arrival. The staff really went above and beyond. A huge thank you!
  
  What could be improved: Beds were a little hard for us but just a personal preference. Everything was lovely and beautiful.

• Very nice stay in a lovely Riad – Marta from Italy – 30 May 2025 (10/10)

  The staff is incredibly kind and welcoming.
  Riad 117 is perfectly located in the heart of the medina, yet tucked away on a quiet street.
  I would definitely recommend staying here!

• Heart of Jemaa el-Fnaa – Don from United States – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  2 min walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square). There are lots of restaurants walking distance. Rooms are very quiet, don’t hear any noise from the outside. Staff is very friendly and the breakfast was good.
  
  Just like any Riad in Jemaa el-Fnaa, if you come after 12pm there is a long walk since taxis are not allowed from 12pm to 5am

• The best proprietary to feel the real vibe of the city – Dumitrita from Romania – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

  Very clean and nice decoration, colors and plants everywhere like an oasis in the middle of the old city. Delicious breakfast and the staff very poliate. Easy to access different areas in the city.
  
  What could be improved: We did not have any

• A perfect little oasis in the heart of Marrakesh, would absolutely stay again – David from Switzerland – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  The riad is beautifully designed, peaceful, and super photogenic. The staff were warm and helpful, and the location is perfect for exploring Marrakesh.

• superb location, wonderful and relaxing – Hardy from United States – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  we loved our stay at riad 117, the location was wonderful and the riad was the perfect respite after a busy city adventure. the room was beautiful along with the stunning rooftop! Youness and his staff were very accommodating.

Surroundings

Facilities