Riad Bab Ahmar

Riad Bab Ahmar Overview

You know what struck me first about Riad Bab Ahmar? The moment you step through that heavy wooden door on Derb Agdal, the chaos of the medina just… disappears. I mean, you’re still hearing the distant calls from the souks and maybe a motorbike puttering down one of the narrow alleys, but suddenly you’re in this gorgeous courtyard with traditional zellij tiles that honestly look like they were laid yesterday. The restoration work here is incredible – they’ve managed to keep all that authentic Moroccan architecture while actually making sure the plumbing works properly (trust me, that’s not always a given in medina riads).

The location is pretty brilliant if you know Marrakech at all. Bab Ahmer is one of those neighborhoods where you get the real medina experience without being right in the tourist madness around Jemaa el-Fnaa. You can walk to the main square in about ten minutes, but when you want to escape back to the riad, you’re not fighting through crowds of day-trippers with their cameras out. I actually loved the morning walks to get coffee – you’ll pass locals doing their shopping and kids heading to school, which feels way more authentic than some of the heavily touristed streets. The staff here really knows their stuff too, and I don’t just mean the usual hotel pleasantries. They gave me directions to this tiny spice shop that I never would’ve found on my own, and when I mentioned wanting to see some traditional weaving, they connected me with this woman who works out of her home nearby.

What really sets this place apart though – and maybe this is why it’s got that 9.1 rating – is how they’ve balanced being a proper riad with actually being comfortable for travelers who aren’t used to traditional Moroccan accommodations. The rooms have those gorgeous tadelakt walls (that’s the polished plaster technique that feels almost silky), but they’ve also got reliable wifi and decent air conditioning, which honestly matters when you’re dealing with Marrakech summers. The rooftop terrace is where I ended up spending most of my evenings – you can see the Atlas Mountains on clear days, and there’s something magical about watching the sun set over the medina while sipping mint tea. Just be prepared for the call to prayer echoing from various mosques around 5 AM – it’s beautiful, but definitely different if you’re not expecting it. I’d definitely recommend this place, especially if you want to feel like you’re experiencing the real Marrakech but don’t want to sacrifice comfort to do it.

Riad Bab Ahmar Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Bab Ahmar

• 9/10 – totally recommend it ! – Grzegorz from Poland – 2 July 2025 (10/10)

  Really cozy and clean rooms, a bit small but it’s good anyway! I will come back!
  
  What could be improved: Room could be a little bit bigger – then would be awesome

• Exceptional – Achraf from Switzerland – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  The staff
  
  What could be improved: Locks/doors noise

• Beautiful Riad with wonderful views and amazing staff – Christopher from United Kingdom – 28 June 2025 (9/10)

  Staff were incredibly helpful at all points, beautiful building with amazing views over the olive gardens, and everything we wanted was catered for!

• Stylish Morroican Riad with calming nature views – Karen from United Kingdom – 28 June 2025 (8/10)

  The Riad and staff are lovely, Lots of thought has gone into making this Riad a comfortable place to stay – from the bedrooms to the terrace, The staff are friendly and make every effort to look after you without being intrusive. The breakfast is delicious and sets you up for the day, the 3 course dinner is good value too, The view over the olive trees is special and makes this Riad unique. As a female solo traveler I felt relatively safe here.
  
  What could be improved: it’s quite a walk to the nearest cafes to get tea or coffee or light meals – it would be brilliant if the Riad kitchen was also open in the day or just made drinks and snacks available to buy

• Perfect place for a short stay in Marrakech – Azar from United Kingdom – 23 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything!!! Cute little riad about a 25 min walk to the Medina. Loved this riad
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Fantastic stay, would definitely recommend! – Ciaran from United Kingdom – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast was amazing, the staff were very helpful, friendly and always on hand to help! The hotel was lovely and the rooms were comfortable. Would definitely stay again.

• We loved our stay! – Louise from United Kingdom – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  We loved our stay here. Rooms had a authentic morrocan feel and were nice and clean. We had breakfast included in our stay and were impressed with the amount of food offered within our traditional breakfast.
  We chose to eat at the hotel at night too. Salad and a chicken tagine, followed by a fruit platter,very tasty! This cost us 20 euro each for 3 courses and so worth it. The staff are incredibly helpful and smiley.
  To get to the main markets we chose to use a private taxi which cost around £40 for there and back. There are normal taxis available too for less. A taxi from the hotel to the airport costs around £10.
  Cute little rooftop plunge pool, and small indoor pool available.

• My sister and I had a truly incredible trip thanks to Riad Bab Ahmar and those who run it. – Patel from United Kingdom – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  Abdul who manages the property made our experience easy, fun and relaxing, and the property itself is beautiful and clean. An easy 20 minute walk from the city centre and situated overlooking olive groves, it's a gorgeous reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the Medina.
  
  What could be improved: It was truly perfect. Highly recommend!!!

• Overall a beautiful stay – Melissa from United Kingdom – 8 June 2025 (8/10)

  Breakfast was excellent and location was good. Staff were very friendly. The rooftop views were amazing.
  
  What could be improved: Consider thoroughly washing linen after each guest.

• Exceptional – Mandy from United Kingdom – 15 May 2025 (10/10)

  Loved everything but flying with Ryan Air was awful

Surroundings

Facilities