Riad Chameau FDC Hôtel SPA

Riad Chameau FDC Hôtel SPA Overview

You know what really struck me about Riad Chameau FDC the moment I stepped through that heavy wooden door? The immediate silence. I mean, you’re literally in the heart of the medina – Derb Zemrane is this narrow alley that winds through Hart Soura, one of the busier quarters – but once you’re inside, it’s like someone hit the mute button on Marrakech’s constant buzz. The traditional riad architecture does that; those thick walls and the central courtyard design just swallow up all the street noise from the souks and scooters outside.

The place has this genuine lived-in feel that a lot of the fancier riads have sort of lost, honestly. Don’t get me wrong – the spa is absolutely lovely (and trust me, after a day of navigating the medina’s maze-like streets, you’ll want that hammam), but there’s something refreshingly unpretentious about how they’ve restored this old merchant house. The tiles are beautifully worn in places, the fountain in the courtyard has that perfect patina, and the staff actually remembers your name after the first day. I stayed in one of the upper rooms – the stairs are narrow and steep, fair warning – but the view over the medina’s rooftops at sunset was worth every step. You can actually see the Atlas Mountains on clear days, which happens more often than you’d think.

What I really appreciated was how they handle the whole “authentic Morocco” thing without making it feel like a theme park. The breakfast spread includes proper msemen (those flaky Moroccan pancakes) alongside the usual continental stuff, and they’ll arrange a guide to the souks who won’t drag you to his cousin’s carpet shop – actually refreshing. The location is pretty perfect too; you’re about a ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa square, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the evening crowds and drumming until midnight. Plus, being in Hart Soura means you’re close to some of the medina’s better local restaurants – the tagine place just around the corner from Rue Riad Zitoun el Kedim is incredible and costs about a third of what you’d pay near the main square. The only minor hiccup was the WiFi, which can be spotty in the rooms (though it works fine in the common areas), and the hot water takes a minute to kick in – but honestly, that’s pretty standard for riads in this part of the medina.

Riad Chameau FDC Hôtel SPA Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Chameau FDC Hôtel SPA

• Fantastic stay and we are very grateful – Stephanie from Australia – 21 November 2024 (8/10)

  Beautifully kept
  
  What could be improved: Swim pool was mouldy at the bottom and not actually swim able for our kids.

• Amazing staff, a little overpriced. – Rafaela from Sweden – 8 November 2024 (9/10)

  The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. They did everything to accommodate all of our requests. All of them were very polite, respectful and professional. The facilities were located very central but still so quiet and safe.
  
  What could be improved: The description was not that accurate as the described indoors swimming pool cannot be used. The water is cold and it is does not seem being taken cared properly in order for people to swim in it. The breakfast was nice and served to you but it was not always fresh and there was not a selection.

• Superb – Sukriti from Germany – 18 October 2024 (9/10)

  Nice quiet place, close to centre. Breakfast included. Spacious rooms. Very helpful and friendly staff.
  
  What could be improved: It is a little secluded so if you‘re arriving in the evening , then a guide from the hotel is not a bad idea for the first time. The Taxi only takes you so far and then you have to walk 7 mins.

• Well located. Lovely staff and food. – Andrea from United Kingdom – 3 January 2024 (9/10)

  Great value. Very nice Riad and very friendly and helpful staff.
  Very nice food.
  
  Very comfy beds.
  
  The property location is only 10 minutes from main square and 2 minutes from medina. It’s a little hidden through small streets but safe area.
  
  5 minutes away from spot where you can get taxis.
  
  Hamza is being amazing and helpful the whole way through.
  Great service.
  
  What could be improved: The shower head wasn’t working properly but an easy fix so not a big deal.

• nice little riad – Angela from Spain – 6 May 2023 (8/10)

  nice little riad. We found the location ideal as it was walking distance to the souq but still in a quiet area of the medina. The staff was lovely and overall a great place to stay when you want to visit Marrakech
  
  What could be improved: it was sometimes hard to find someone from the hotel to just ask for recommendations etc. also unfortunately the wifi doesn’t really work.

• Very good – Pamela from Italy – 11 April 2023 (8/10)

  the breakfast was excellent, the staff really kind. The jacuzzi is a plus. The terrace is really nice.
  
  What could be improved: The excursions organization could be improved:

• Superb – Elliot from United States – 8 March 2023 (9/10)

  -Super friendly staff! Hamza was very helpful, friendly, and easy to communicate with. He gave us advice on how to avoid scams, places to visit, and helped with coordinating taxis and porters. After our first night, we also got upgraded to a bigger room because there was space – what a treat! The lady who prepared breakfast was very sweet! Unfortunately, we weren't able to communicate much (my French is limited), but she was helpful and remembered our drink preferences, which was a nice touch.
  -The terrace is relaxing and cute! That's where you have breakfast.
  -We didn't use the spa service, but heads up that you need to let them know I'm advance so they can warm everything up.
  -Could be a pro or con depending on your preferences, but it's a little bit of a walk from the busyness of the souks. We liked that it was close enough to everything, but not so out of the way.
  
  What could be improved: -AC is not very strong. Not too bad in winter, but maybe when it's warmer, it could be an issue? But not a problem for us!

• Superb – John from Ireland – 1 November 2022 (9/10)

  Staff were great, facilitated requests, organised day trips etc

• Amazing hospitality – Andrew from Ireland – 24 October 2022 (9/10)

  Very friendly and helpful hosts

• Superb – Elena from Portugal – 29 August 2022 (9/10)

  The people who work in the riad are pretty amazing. Extremely helpful and kind, especially Abdo who went with me in the medina and prevented me from getting lost.
  The pool and the jacuzzi are of great value to restore energies.

Surroundings

Facilities