Riad Aya

Riad Aya Overview

Look, I’ll be honest – I wasn’t expecting much when I first walked down Derb Toudgha looking for Riad Aya. The narrow alley in Bab Doukala feels pretty typical for this part of the medina, with the usual mix of local families and the occasional lost tourist clutching a crumpled map. But then you duck through this unassuming doorway and… wow. It’s like stepping into someone’s beautifully restored family home, which I guess is exactly what it is.

The thing about Riad Aya is that it gets the balance right – you know what I mean? It’s got that authentic riad architecture (the central courtyard with the fountain actually works, unlike some places I’ve stayed) but they’ve clearly put serious thought into the details that matter. The rooms are genuinely comfortable, not just Instagram-pretty, and the bathroom situation is solid – always a concern in older riads. I mean, the tiles are gorgeous and all, but more importantly, the shower pressure is decent and the hot water doesn’t disappear after five minutes. The staff here actually seem to live in Marrakech (not just work the tourist circuit), so when they give you directions to the spice souks or recommend a hammam, they’re talking about places they actually use themselves.

What really sold me on this place, though, is the location within Bab Doukala. You’re deep enough in the medina to feel like you’re experiencing the real deal – I’d wake up to the call to prayer echoing off the walls and the sound of donkeys clip-clopping past with their morning deliveries. But you’re not so buried that getting back after dinner becomes an adventure requiring GPS coordinates and a local guide. The main square is maybe a 10-minute walk (15 if you get distracted by the olive vendor who always seems to be there), and honestly, that’s perfect. Close enough to duck back for an afternoon rest when the midday heat hits, far enough to escape the chaos when you need to decompress. The neighborhood has this lived-in feel too – there’s a little corner shop where the owner started recognizing me after day two, and a few cafés where you’ll see more locals than tourists nursing their mint tea. One small thing that might matter: the riad sits on a quieter stretch of the derb, so you won’t have tour groups tramping past your door at 7 AM, but you’ll still hear the general hum of medina life. For me, that’s the sweet spot.

Riad Aya Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Aya

• Fantastic, stylish riad in a great location, with great staff – 10/10 – Polly from United Kingdom – 31 May 2025 (10/10)

  10/10 – highly recommend! Lovely interiors – authentically Moroccan whilst also being modern, comfortable and very clean. Nice room and bathroom. Great location, easy to walk into the centre of the Medina. Lovely rooftop space to relax – a real plus to have a rooftop pool 🙂 Delicious breakfast and the staff were super helpful and friendly – particularly Baden, who we saw every morning and evening. They even helped us book a day pass at another hotel before we arrived, which was above and beyond. A great choice for friends, couples or families. Extra points for the cute cat, San
  
  What could be improved: The only improvement I can think of would be if they served alcohol. A beer on the roof would be epic.

• Exceptional – Emmalynn from United States – 22 May 2025 (10/10)

  Riad Aya was a major reason we loved our trip to Morocco! It was the perfect home base – it was a great location and the staff was incredible, especially Bedar. Would absolutely stay here again and recommend it to anyone!

• Definitely book here – Lucy from United Kingdom – 16 May 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing stay. Beautiful Riad in a lovely location that's easy to get transport to and from and get two minutes away from the Souks. Sofia, Badir, Ahmed and all the other staff are so friendly and go out of their way to make you feel at home. The food was amazing, the breakfast I'm still thinking about! The Riad is so peaceful considering it's in the heart of a busy city and the little rooftop area is lovely for a morning coffee or afternoon nap. Clean comfortable rooms that were tidied everyday, great Aircon and lovely bathrooms.
  Honestly if you're thinking about staying here just book it.
  
  What could be improved: I have nothing bad to say

• Exceptional – Lara from United Kingdom – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  Obsessed with this Riad. Felt really safe, cosy and relaxed. The staff was extremely cute and the breakfast amazing as well.

• Superb – Richard from United Kingdom – 11 April 2025 (9/10)

  Serenity in the city

• Wonderful family break Riad Aya. Many thanks to Simo, Badr and the team for their hospitality. – Harpreet from United Kingdom – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  The breakfast at Riad Aya was great. A really nice selection that was very tasty and well prepared. The location of the Riad is fantastic. We did not need to book a taxi for the duration and were able to walk to all locations that we visited in the medina on foot despite having young children with us. The massage lady who the Riad arranged for us was really exceptional too.
  
  What could be improved: n/a

• Beautiful! Would highly recommend. – Zoe from United Kingdom – 5 March 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful Riad – everyone that worked there was warm, welcoming and very helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Enjoyed thoroughly, close to the souks and the main attractions , comfortable stay, breakfast and food was tasty – Debarati from India – 3 March 2025 (10/10)

  Everything.. the place.. warm and cosy, the decor, the breakfast just too tasty and the people really really helpful.

• Perfect location – Michelle from United States – 26 February 2025 (10/10)

  It was beautiful and clean. And the staff was very friendly

• Great base for exploring a wonderful city – Roger from United Kingdom – 15 February 2025 (9/10)

  We loved the breakfast, great coffee, super fresh orange juice and then a different crepes equivalent everyday. It was a 5 minute walk to the souks.
  We had dinner in the property on the first night and it was delicious. The staff were fantastic, helpful, polite and friendly.
  
  What could be improved: Shower pressure was low, but water shortages in area probably mean that is city wide.

Surroundings

Facilities