Riad Al Scarabi

Riad Al Scarabi Overview

You know what struck me first about Riad Al Scarabi? The fact that I actually found it without getting completely lost in the medina’s maze – and trust me, that’s saying something. It’s tucked away on Derb Sidi Bou Amar, which sounds intimidating but is actually one of those narrow alleys that feels properly authentic without being sketchy. The wooden door looks like every other riad entrance from the outside, but honestly, that’s part of the charm.

Once you step inside though – wow. I mean, you expect the classic courtyard setup, but this place gets the details right in ways that surprised me. The tiles aren’t just pretty, they’re the kind you want to run your hands over, and the fountain actually works (you’d be amazed how many riads have sad, dry fountains). The staff here really know their stuff too. When I mentioned I was hoping to hit the souks early, the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward Jemaa el-Fnaa like most places do – he actually sketched out a route that avoided the tourist traps and led me straight to where locals shop for spices and leather goods. That kind of insider knowledge is worth its weight in argan oil.

The rooms themselves feel like someone’s elegant aunt decorated them – if your aunt happened to have impeccable taste and a thing for Moroccan textiles. My room had this gorgeous carved ceiling that I probably stared at for a good ten minutes, and the bathroom was surprisingly spacious (always a concern in medina riads). The bed was comfortable enough that I actually overslept one morning, which never happens when I travel. What really sold me though was how quiet it gets at night. You’re still in the heart of everything – I could hear the call to prayer from nearby mosques and the occasional donkey cart clattering by – but none of that chaotic medina energy that can keep you up if you’re not used to it. The rooftop terrace is where you’ll want to spend your evenings, by the way. Great views of the Atlas Mountains on clear days, and the staff will bring up mint tea without you even asking.

Look, I’ve stayed in my share of Marrakech riads, and plenty of them are beautiful but feel like museums. This place actually feels lived-in and welcoming. The 9.7 rating isn’t just inflated booking site nonsense – it’s the kind of place where small touches add up to something special. Whether it’s the way they fold your towels or remember how you like your coffee, or the fact that they can arrange a reliable driver who won’t try to detour through his cousin’s carpet shop, it all just works. If you’re looking for that authentic riad experience without the headaches that sometimes come with it, this is your spot.

Riad Al Scarabi Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Al Scarabi

• Exceptional – Ségolène from France – 3 July 2025 (10/10)

  le riad est magnifique, trés bien situé.
  Fatima est charmante et trés bonne cuisinière

• Séjour très agréable – Isabelle from Luxembourg – 5 June 2025 (8/10)

  La proximité des souks, le petit-déjeuner sur la terrasse, le lit pour enfant. Laurent était cool et disponible.
  
  What could be improved: Piscine avec du sable le premier jour.

• indimenticabile – Paolo from Italy – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  La struttura è eccezionale, sembra di entrare in una fiaba.
  Fatima è discreta, sempre disponibile e molto educata.
  Louren è un ottimo "padrone di casa", ci ha aiutato sin dal momento del nostro arrivo e ci ha introdotto tutte le migliori attrazioni di Marrakesh.
  Non vediamo l'ora di tornare al Riad al Scarabi !!!
  
  What could be improved: nulla da migliorare !!! eccellente

• Superb – Anne from France – 30 May 2025 (9/10)

  très propre. Personnel aux petits soins et charmant. le décor très beau. un piano
  
  What could be improved: les marches pour monter sur la terrasse…bon emplacement mais un peu de marche pour parvenir au Riad.

• Relaxing, spacious, authentic, – Hannah from United Kingdom – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

  It’s a really beautiful home, with traditional features.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Would 100% recommend. – Chris from United Kingdom – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

  This is a full standalone riad that has recently been renovated hence only a small number of reviews and a lower price than one would normally pay for a top flight classic tastefully decorated riad this type. It’s very stylishly renovated, spacious and very clean and peaceful. It’s slightly taller than neighbours so you get a much better view of the rooftops of Marrakech and nearby parkland and it’s possible to have the extensive freshly prepared complementary breakfast served on the rooftop by Fatima who can be there whenever you need her but no more than that so you can be totally private. It’s very close to the centre but at the end of a very safe-de-sac so totally quiet. It’s classic in style and so you get the ‘wow factor’ of opening a small door to see the full courtyard and property once you enter. Smooth check-in and check-out and any help you need from the charismatic host Laurent. We spent a few days in the Oberoi before coming to the riad and it was the perfect combination. We stayed with 2 teenage sons.

• Auténtica gema – Tamara from Spain – 5 April 2025 (10/10)

  La ubicación del Riad es fantástica, todo estaba muy limpio, muy espacioso y el personal muy atento. Fatima es fantástica, es muy atenta y los desayunos que prepara son exquisitos, me ha gustado todo, imposible decir puntos negativos.

• Exceptional – Michelle from Ireland – 5 March 2025 (10/10)

  Stunning property in a fantastic location. Host could not have been nicer.

• Une parenthèse enchantée – Bertrand from France – 21 February 2025 (10/10)

  Un emplacement parfait au cœur de la Médina pour découvrir Marrakech.
  Le riad est magnifique, confortable et très bien équipé.
  Le gérant Laurent et la gouvernante Fatima aux petits soins de tout la famille nous ont fait passé un séjour inoubliable.

Surroundings

Facilities