Riad Azahar

Riad Azahar Overview

You know what? I’ve stayed in a lot of riads in Marrakech, and Riad Azahar honestly caught me off guard. Tucked away on Derb El Kheir in the Mellah – that’s the old Jewish quarter for those who don’t know – this place feels like stumbling onto a secret that locals have been keeping to themselves. The entrance is so unassuming you’ll probably walk past it twice (I did), but once you step through that heavy wooden door, it’s like entering a completely different world. The traditional courtyard hits you first – gorgeous tilework that actually looks hand-done, not the mass-produced stuff you see everywhere, and this fountain that creates just enough ambient sound to drown out the street noise without being annoying.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it manages to feel authentically Moroccan without being a tourist trap. The owner clearly knows their stuff – you can tell they’ve put real thought into every detail, from the vintage Berber rugs (which are actually comfortable to walk on barefoot) to the way the rooms are designed to catch the morning light just right. I mean, the bathroom in my room had this incredible tadelakt finish that felt like silk under your fingers. And honestly, the rooftop terrace? Perfect for evening mint tea, especially when you can hear the call to prayer echoing across the medina at sunset. The staff here actually lives in the neighborhood – they’ll tell you which hammam is worth your time (skip the touristy ones near Jemaa el-Fnaa) and where to get the best msemen for breakfast.

The location in the Mellah is brilliant if you want to experience real Marrakech without the constant hustle of vendors. It’s a ten-minute walk to the main souks, but you’re far enough away that you can actually sleep at night. Plus, being in this part of the city means you’re near some incredible hole-in-the-wall restaurants that most tourists never find – there’s this tiny place around the corner that does tagines that’ll ruin you for anywhere else. The only thing I’d mention is that the streets here are narrow even by medina standards, so if you’re arriving by taxi, you’ll need to walk the last bit with your luggage. But honestly, that’s part of the charm – it forces you to slow down and notice the details, like the way the late afternoon light filters through the orange trees lining the alley. With a 9.6 rating, this place is clearly doing something right, and after spending three nights here, I get why people keep coming back.

Riad Azahar Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Azahar

• Exceptional – Menno from Netherlands – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  Roberto & his beautyful little jewel in the Medina. Our new home of we come back 🙂

• Fabulous and full of culture. – Lucy from United Kingdom – 24 April 2025 (10/10)

  The staff were so freindly and helpful.
  The building is off the beaten track but they came and met us from our transfer to guide us to the front door.
  Once you go through the front door the interior is absolutely beautiful and so tranquil.

• Lovely Riad. Recommended. – Dianna from United Kingdom – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely Riad, recommended. Lovely staff. Some noise from the alleys at night but not a real problem … we were in ground floor room.

• Exceptional – Damianos from Greece – 21 April 2025 (10/10)

  A traditional, well-kept Riad at the Medina. Rooms and building was good, breakfast was very good. Location is good, 10 minutes walk from Jemaa-el-Fnaa. Entrance is from a remote souk, sometimes in the night could feel awkward. Rooms very nicely decorated. The host, Roberto, was very friendly and willing to help.

• Great stay in perfect location – Marek from Poland – 17 April 2025 (10/10)

  All perfect and the owner was super nice and helpful.

• Fantastic stay! – Gwen from Singapore – 15 April 2025 (10/10)

  Service is impeccable and the team is extremely thoughtful and helpful. The location is amazing, a minute walk to Bahia palace and right next to the souks. The front entrance has a bright light and surveillance cameras installed, so we felt safe coming back at night.

• A Jewel in Marrakech – Fitzgerald from Spain – 11 April 2025 (10/10)

  My partner and I just spent 5 nights at the superb Riad Azahar. Hats off to owner Roberto and his superb staff for giving us a truly memorable stay in Marrakesh. I don´t know where to start with the 5 star awards ceremony but I´ll try … the owner Roberto is a gem of a host. You want to know anything about anything in Marrakech? … ask Roberto. His staff are first rate … Simu (sorry if I misspelt that) Ismail … are a credit to the Riad, both extremely courteous and helpful. The cleaning staff were conscientious and at all times polite. And as for the Riad´s best kept secret of producing for us an evening meal (on request … not advertised) we give a five star also to master chef-ess Wifu. The Riad itself is the height of charm. Clean, traditional, quiet … just exquisite. A great location … just off and away the bustle of the spice market. We´d go back to Riad Azahar in a heartbeat. We felt like part of the family. Just go and book!!
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing that I didn´t like. All good!

• An oasis of tranquility in the heart of the busy Marrakech medina. – Gillian from United Kingdom – 11 April 2025 (10/10)

  This Riad is superb. The location is very good in the Mellah sector of the medina. We stayed for 2 nights as a family of 4 (two teenage girls) in the Easter school holidays.
  Our room was absolutely spotlessly clean, as was the rest of the riad. The rooftop terrace was especially lovely, with amazing views over the city and of the sunset, and the plunge pool excellent. The staff were were helpful and attentive. We enjoyed just sitting enjoying mint tea and relaxing. The room was lovely and cool and there is air conditioning if needed.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing – it was excellent.

• A surprisingly wonderful 2 days and nights that were absolutely fantastic. – Heather from Ireland – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  Loved having coffee on the roof every morning. The staff were amazing. The Hammam was wonderful. It was all very authentic and exactly what we hoped for but even better due to the staff!
  
  What could be improved: It was all lovely. You can hear the noise on the street a bit but I slept perfectly.

• Loved it, lovely well kept riad with amazing breakfast! – Marie from Sweden – 27 March 2025 (10/10)

  Loved it, lovely well kept riad with amazing breakfast! Comfortable oasis in a great location.

Surroundings

Facilities