Riad Assala

Riad Assala Overview

So I stumbled into Riad Assala completely by accident – well, sort of by accident since finding anything in Marrakech’s medina requires either divine intervention or a really good guide. It’s tucked away on Derb Ouaihah, this narrow alley that you’d walk past a hundred times without noticing. But honestly, that’s exactly what makes it special. You know how some places feel like they’re performing for tourists? This isn’t one of them.

The thing about riads is they’re all about that surprise factor – plain exterior, then boom, you walk through the door and there’s this gorgeous courtyard that makes you forget you’re in the middle of one of the world’s most chaotic cities. Riad Assala nails this perfectly. The central courtyard has this fountain that’s actually soothing (not just decorative), and the tadelakt walls have that smooth, almost buttery texture that only comes from proper Moroccan craftsmanship. I mean, you can tell when it’s done right versus when it’s just slapped together for the Instagram crowd. The rooms wrap around this courtyard, and each one feels different – some have these incredible carved cedar ceilings, others have better natural light depending on which level you’re on.

What really got me though was how the staff actually knows the neighborhood. Like, when I asked about getting to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the guy didn’t just point vaguely toward the main square – he told me to take the second right after the spice vendor with the purple awning, then left at the mosque with the green tiles. That’s local knowledge you can’t fake. The location itself is pretty brilliant actually – you’re deep enough in the Sidi Abdel Azziz area to feel authentically Moroccan, but close enough to the main souks that you won’t get completely lost trying to find dinner. Though honestly, getting a little lost is half the fun here.

The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid four-star riad – good air conditioning (crucial in summer), proper hot water, and beds that are actually comfortable instead of just looking good in photos. Some have little terraces where you can escape when the courtyard gets social, and the rooftop terrace gives you those classic medina views without the crowds you get at the bigger hotels. One small thing – the Wi-Fi can be spotty in some rooms, but that might be a blessing depending on why you’re in Morocco.

What really sets this place apart is the breakfast situation. They serve it in the courtyard, and it’s not just the usual continental spread – proper Moroccan bread, local honey, fresh orange juice that tastes like actual oranges. Plus, they time it so it’s not a zoo with everyone eating at once. The whole place has this relaxed rhythm that matches the medina’s pace once you get used to it. With a 9.1 rating, clearly other people have figured this out too, but it hasn’t gone to their heads yet. It still feels like a place where Moroccans might actually choose to stay, which is always a good sign.

Riad Assala Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Assala

• Exceptional – Patricia from Brazil – 9 July 2025 (10/10)

  Everything!

• Beautiful staff and riad – Joaquin from Thailand – 5 July 2025 (10/10)

  We had a truly wonderful stay at the riad! Everything was perfect – the breakfast was absolutely delicious, the staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the pool was just lovely.
  
  What touched us the most was their thoughtfulness: they kindly prepared our breakfast very early in the morning so we could enjoy it before our departure. That meant so much to us.
  
  The riad itself is stunning – beautifully decorated, peaceful, and very photogenic. Every corner felt like a little piece of magic.
  
  We’re so grateful for the hospitality and would wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone visiting Marrakech. Thank you for making our stay so special!Everything was amaizing

• Amazing long weekend – Jessica from United Kingdom – 26 June 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely accommodation and staff so friendly couldn't do enough for us
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Definitely recommend – Taciana from Portugal – 13 June 2025 (10/10)

  The staff was amazing, super nice.
  Breakfast was really good.
  The facilities were clean, pretty and very comfortable.
  It is well located in the Medina, close to all the nice restaurants, jardins, museums and all.

• Exceptional – Raphael from Germany – 28 May 2025 (10/10)

  Incredibly nice people. Location is prime. Super nice terrace

• Absolutely wonderful – Adriana from Spain – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  The property is very well cared and beautiful and the staff is AMAZING! Fatima, Ahmed and Mustafá all wonderful indeed and made out experience outstanding indeed
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Tea from Slovenia – 29 April 2025 (10/10)

  Clean and quiet, very beautiful.

• Superb – Eric from Netherlands – 29 April 2025 (9/10)

  Inside the medina, within walking distance of all major sights. Friendly staff.

• Amazing! – Katie from United Kingdom – 28 April 2025 (10/10)

  We absolutely loved our stay! The riad was exceptional and the hosts went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. We loved dipping in the pool after a long day of walking and then sunbathing on the rooftop.
  
  The room was clean and comfortable and we had everything we needed. We had a lovely meal which we really enjoyed. The location is also great for exploring Marrakech.
  
  What could be improved: We had a bit of an unpleasant experience with the driver who did our airport transfers. He was shouting on the phone and then kept stopping the vehicle and did not tell us what was going on. We completely understand there is a language barrier however when we repeatedly asked him what was going on we were ignored and ended up sat in the vehicle stationary on a number of occasions for a very long time with no idea what was going on. We also tipped the driver well despite the experience as this is expected. However he then tried to tell us he had no change on the return journey despite us already agreeing to pay him extra. Not a great experience with him however this has no reflection on the stay at all.

• Exceptional – Gunther from Sweden – 17 April 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic interior, quiet location but yet centrally located. Very friendly and helpful staff. Exceptional breakfast

Surroundings

Facilities