Riad Al Karama

Riad Al Karama Overview

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of riads in Marrakech, and honestly, most of them feel like they’re trying too hard to be something they’re not. But Riad Al Karama? This place actually gets it right. Tucked away on derb Jdid in the Dabachi quarter – and I mean properly tucked away, you’ll definitely get lost finding it the first time – it’s one of those spots that feels like a genuine discovery rather than a tourist trap.

The thing about this riad is that it strikes this perfect balance between authentic Moroccan architecture and actual comfort. You know how some places in the medina are all beautiful tilework and traditional vibes, but then you’re sleeping on a mattress that feels like cardboard? Not here. The rooms are genuinely comfortable, and the staff – well, they’re not just going through the motions. When I checked in, Mohammed (I think that was his name) actually drew me a little map showing the quieter routes back to Jemaa el-Fnaa, which honestly saved me from getting completely turned around in those winding alleys every single day. The courtyard is gorgeous without being over-the-top – there’s this fountain that’s not too loud (crucial for light sleepers) and the orange trees actually smell incredible in the morning.

What really sold me on this place, though, is the location within the location, if that makes sense. Sure, you’re in the medina, but the Dabachi area is where actual Marrakchis live and work. There’s this tiny bakery about fifty steps from the riad’s door where locals line up for bread every morning – I mean, when you see grandmothers chatting in Darija at 7 AM, you know you’re somewhere real. The breakfast they serve uses ingredients from the nearby souks, and you can taste the difference. I’m not usually one for the whole “authentic experience” thing, but there’s something about sipping mint tea in that courtyard while hearing the call to prayer echo off the walls that just… works. The 9.1 rating makes total sense once you’re there – it’s not trying to be a luxury resort, it’s just being a really, really good riad. And honestly, in a city where you can easily get overwhelmed by all the chaos and tourist hustle, having a peaceful base like this where the staff remembers your name and your mint tea preferences? That’s worth everything.

Riad Al Karama Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Al Karama

• Superb – Marjolein from Netherlands – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  The magic of finding this beautiful place behind a door in a small street in the Medina
  Very kind staff
  
  What could be improved: Nothing negative to say

• Great staff and location – Jeremy from United Kingdom – 13 April 2025 (10/10)

  Great friendly staff and location. Lovely breakfast.

• Comfortable, clean and very attentive staff – Melanie from Netherlands – 28 February 2025 (10/10)

  The riad was very cozy and we felt at home there rightaway

• Very good – Kelsi from New Zealand – 25 February 2025 (8/10)

  The staff were incredible!! Super friendly and helpful. Lovely experience

• Top tier staff. Nadia and Selwa are the best. Excellent experience – Aita from United States – 9 February 2025 (10/10)

  My favorite part about my stay at Riad Al Karama was the wonderful staff: Nadia and Selwa (Sila). From the moment we arrived, we were met with warm hospitality by Nadia, she made us feel welcome and put as ease as soon as we stepped into the Riad. Selwa was equally wonderful , assisting us with anything we needed and ensured our stay was seamless. Both of these ladies went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. It was a pleasure always having a conversation with them, they were extremely professional, kind and always ready to help. I left not only as a satisfied customer, but also feeling like I’ve gained new friendships. Because of my experience with these two amazing ladies, I will definitely return to Riad Al Karama anytime I'm in Morocco, solely because of them. Mouhamed, the guardian was also wonderful, polite and always helpful. I am extremely satisfied with with my experience at the Riad, and I can confidently say it was the top-tier staff that made my stay truly unforgettable.
  
  What could be improved: I liked everything , the staff was wonderful!

• Great stay! – Laura from Italy – 30 January 2025 (9/10)

  The host Mohammed and the cook/cleaning lady Nadia have been very welcoming and nice with us. The breakfast was delicious. The riad is newly restructured and very welcoming. Highly recommend!

• We were really lucky to spent this time in Riad Al Karama! – Maja from Poland – 30 January 2025 (10/10)

  Personel was AMAZING!
  Thank you so much for everything! Everyone was very helpful, kind and every day we could feel like home in that place.
  
  What could be improved: The only thing to improve was that there was bad smell in bathroom, but probably due to some city issues – not because of Riad.

• Really exceeded our expectations! – Natalia from Netherlands – 28 January 2025 (9/10)

  This Riad completely exceeded our expectations!! We are two girls who travelled alone and we felt that the Riad made us feel very comfortable and welcome, like at home. The staff and service was immaculate, very friendly and hospitable people, the rooms were always very clean and taken care of, and we got mint tea whenever we would ask even late at night. The breakfast very yummy and a good start to the day. The location is a little hard to find however once you are there you will not regret it. We would recommend it to anyone wanting to stay in the center of Marrakech and would definitely come back next time! We walked to all the popular tourist destinations and restaurants due to the excellent location of the Riad. We were very pleased.
  
  What could be improved: The internet was the only downside, it was slow in our room on the ground floor, but seemed to work everywhere else in the Riad.

• Exceptional – Kristína from Sweden – 28 January 2025 (10/10)

  Nadia, one of the employees, was very kind and gave us tips on different places to go as well as helped us when we had a problem with our sim card. Will definitely come back.

• Salwa and the staff were amazing. We really felt the riad was our home for the time we spenti in Marrakech. – Giorgio from Italy – 28 January 2025 (10/10)

  Position, breakfast, room, kindness of the staff
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

Surroundings

Facilities