Riad Chamali

Riad Chamali Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of riads in Marrakech, and honestly, most of them try so hard to be Instagram-perfect that they forget about actually being comfortable. Riad Chamali is different though – it’s tucked away on derb Zemrane in the Berrima quarter, which means you’re deep enough in the medina to feel authentic but not so far that you’ll get hopelessly lost trying to find your way back from Jemaa el-Fnaa. The first time I walked through that heavy wooden door, I actually did a double-take. The courtyard isn’t enormous, but there’s something about the proportions that just works – the way the light filters down through the opening, how the fountain sounds echo off the tadelakt walls without being overwhelming. You know what really got me? The smell. Not that cloying incense some places pump in, but this subtle mix of cedar wood and orange blossoms that you only notice when you’re sitting still for a moment.

The rooms themselves are where this place really shines, and I mean that literally – they’ve got the lighting figured out in a way that most riads completely bungle. There’s actual reading light by the beds (revolutionary concept, right?), and the bathrooms have those gorgeous zellige tiles that look handmade because, well, they actually are. The beds are firm in that good European way, not the rock-hard situation you sometimes get in traditional places. What I really appreciate is how they’ve managed to keep the authentic architectural details – those carved plaster moldings, the heavy wooden beams – without making you feel like you’re sleeping in a museum. The AC works properly too, which honestly, if you’re visiting in summer, that’s not negotiable. The staff here actually remembers your name after day one, and they’ll give you directions that make sense instead of just pointing vaguely toward the souk.

Here’s the thing about the location – Berrima quarter is where a lot of Marrakchis actually live and work, so when you step outside in the morning, you’re seeing real neighborhood life. There’s this little bakery about two minutes away where locals pick up their bread, and the evening call to prayer from the nearby mosque is hauntingly beautiful without being disruptively loud. You can walk to the main square in maybe fifteen minutes, but when you want to escape the tourist chaos, you can actually find quiet streets here. The riad itself tends to be peaceful – I think it’s partly the thick walls and partly because it’s not huge, so you don’t get that hotel lobby buzz. Fair warning though, like most places in the medina, getting a taxi right to the door isn’t happening, but the walk from where they drop you off is maybe three minutes through some genuinely charming alleys. With a 9.1 rating, this place has clearly figured out how to make the riad experience work for actual travelers, not just people chasing the perfect vacation photo.

Riad Chamali Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Chamali

• The Best! – Ozden from Turkey – 31 May 2025 (10/10)

  I love this riad a lot, the terrace and the view were perfect, delicious breakfast, friendly staff, everything was beyond my expectations!

• Excellent – Francisco from Ireland – 22 May 2025 (10/10)

  The accommodation and staff exceeded my expectations in every way. Looking forward to coming back
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Beautiful Riadh with walking distance to everything – Gurprit from Sweden – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful riadh with attention to many little details the staff was amazing and so kind. We wish we had more time to relax there!
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast was good but could offer some variation or option to add eggs, cheese and some vegetables.

• Very good – Kathleen from United Kingdom – 27 April 2025 (8/10)

  Staff very welcoming. Comfy room decorated with natural colours. Large comfy bed.

• Excellent. – Carl from United Kingdom – 14 April 2025 (9/10)

  Charming amongst the hustle and bustle. Lots of character.

• Super break – Stephanie from United Kingdom – 4 April 2025 (10/10)

  Loved everything and the staff were super helpful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Flanagan from Ireland – 19 March 2025 (9/10)

  Breakfast was wonderful. We left early in our last day, before breakfast time and they staff kindly made us a breakfast to take away.
  Location was ideal, walking distance to most tourists highlights. Riad was picture perfect!
  Staff were exceptional, attentive and very friendly.

• Exceptional – Heidi from Cambodia – 11 March 2025 (10/10)

  The riad was so beautiful and clean. Even though it is quite close to the central spots in the medical it was still so peaceful in the riad. The staff were always so friendly and helpful, giving us umbrellas on rainy nights and also surprising me with cake on my birthday. I made memories I'll never forget here

• Valur for money – Murtaza from Turkey – 31 December 2024 (8/10)

  Clean, staff, breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Location and the shower without curtain

• Stunning riad in a great location, with excellent facilities and wonderful staff – Alice from United Kingdom – 19 November 2024 (10/10)

  The most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed at! Just everything about it was wonderful…
  
  The decor was stunning (I took so many photos as everywhere was so beautiful!). The (complimentary!) breakfast was excellent, and was always served with a smile in the gorgeous restaurant area. The location is great and we felt very safe. And such great value!
  
  There's so many lovely spots around the riad – whether it's cosying up a corner with a kitty, reading by the pool or sunbathing on the roof. We felt very at home here and did not want to leave!
  
  A special mention to all of the staff – literally every single staff member we came across made us feel so welcome. From reception staff, to cleaning staff, to kitchen staff. Everyone was so friendly, welcoming and approachable.
  
  Thank you so much for one of the best holidays I've ever had 🙂

Surroundings

Facilities