Riad Dar Moulay Ali

Riad Dar Moulay Ali Overview

You know what hits you first when you step into Riad Dar Moulay Ali? The silence. I mean, you’re literally in the heart of Marrakech’s medina – just off Derb Ouartani in the Mouassine quarter – but somehow this place feels like a secret hideaway. The traditional riad architecture does its magic here, with that classic central courtyard that just swallows up all the chaos from the souks outside.

I’ll be honest, finding this place can be a bit of an adventure (GPS basically gives up once you’re deep in the medina), but that’s actually part of the charm. The Mouassine area is one of those neighborhoods where you’ll stumble across tiny workshops where craftsmen are still doing things the old way – leather workers, metalworkers, the whole deal. What I love about Dar Moulay Ali’s location is that you’re close enough to the main drag to easily walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, but you’re not dealing with the tourist crowds right outside your door. The morning call to prayer from the nearby Mouassine Mosque is actually quite beautiful if you’re an early riser – though light sleepers might want to pack earplugs.

The riad itself has this lived-in authenticity that a lot of places try to fake. The tiles aren’t perfectly pristine, the wooden details show their age in the best possible way, and honestly, that’s what makes it feel real. I stayed during shoulder season in November, and the rooftop terrace became my favorite spot for evening tea – you can actually see the Atlas Mountains on clear days, which nobody really tells you about. The staff genuinely knows the medina inside and out, and they’re the kind of people who’ll draw you a hand-sketched map to that tiny restaurant tucked away three alleys over that serves the best tagine you’ve never heard of. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward too – they actually met me at the main road since the riad’s entrance is down one of those narrow passages that barely fits two people. The 8.7 rating makes sense when you consider it’s not trying to be a luxury resort; it’s doing the boutique riad thing really well, with comfortable rooms that feel authentically Moroccan without being over-the-top themed. Fair warning though – if you’re the type who needs a swimming pool and 24-hour room service, this probably isn’t your spot. But if you want to actually experience Marrakech rather than just visit it, and you don’t mind navigating some narrow streets to get home after a day of exploring, this place gets it right.

Riad Dar Moulay Ali Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Dar Moulay Ali

• Great location and wonderful staff – Richard from United Kingdom – 8 July 2025 (9/10)

  Nice room and very welcome small pool
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Great riad! – Alexandra from Canada – 18 June 2025 (10/10)

  It's very easy to find and really close to Jemaa El-fna. Extremely quiet (you don't hear a sound coming from the medina). Ahmed and the cleaning ladies were very kind and helpful. I felt welcomed at this riad and it was a very pleasant stay! I would come back any time!
  
  For safety; we were 2 women and the street to get to the riad was well lit and I felt safe walking there. The riad street has a security camera. You need to knock on the door or ring the bell and someone will open. Easy to find and loys of people around. From the taxi area, it takes about 10-15 min walking straight
  
  More precisely, I asked for an extra night last minute and they could accommodate. I also asked to leave the luggage at the riad on the check out day so we could go hands free to our excursion and it was possible.
  Also, Ahmed always made sure we had our fill at breakfast (they serve eggs too!). The pool is clean and refreshing and the terrace is sublime! Rooms are spacious with air conditioning and the bed was king size and comfy!
  
  Thank you for this beautiful and peaceful stay!

• Authentic Riad Experience – Hanna from Saudi Arabia – 10 June 2025 (9/10)

  It was lovely. Very olden and i felt like I was back in history. Definitely book this if you want to experience living in a 19th century Chamber. It’s not as new as other Riads but this is what makes it charming. The woman working there are very kind, Ahmed the friend of the owner made sure my stay was wonderful and smooth and helped me leave. I enjoyed my stay really and would come back.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great and authentic.

• A lovely peaceful Riad very close to the centre – Alison from United Kingdom – 7 June 2025 (9/10)

  A lovely Riad close to the centre, good breakfast served around the small central pool. All the staff were very friendly and helpful. There is a Hammam upstairs. Peaceful Riad with lovely sun area upstairs.
  
  What could be improved: Some fresh fruit with breakfast would be nice.

• Superb – Yuhei_france from Japan – 7 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. The staff are very kind and support us to provide very useful information.
  Cute and clean room.

• The best! – Edamoto from Japan – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  Ahmed's service was the best.
  
  What could be improved: Tax was charged but I wish this was clearly stated when booking.

• Very good – Lampriana from Germany – 21 April 2025 (8/10)

  The Riad has a very beautiful traditional flair. It is in an great location near the main sights of the city. The breakfast was very good and the rooms were comfortable. Ahmad was very nice and helped us with everything we needed.

• Highly recommend. Everything about it is perfect. – Gavin from United Kingdom – 17 April 2025 (10/10)

  It was so good. You wake up to breakfast from the moment you sit down at the table. The gentleman working there has the best customer service skills ever.
  
  What could be improved: I liked everything.

• Great riad, really nice staff, perfect location. – Arlene from Greece – 9 April 2025 (9/10)

  We had a lovely few days here and were made very welcome by Achmad and the ladies. Comfy beds, quiet at night, good breakfast, good wifi, perfect pool for cooling down in. Achmad was the kindest host who couldn’t do enough for us, and he even brought my walking stick all the way to the bus stop when we were leaving. Thank you, Achmad! The riad is easy to find and in a perfect location for getting around.

• Fantastic Riad – I would stay again – Meg from United Kingdom – 8 April 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic location, just off a main street. The highlight of our trip was every interaction with Ahmed, he is so hard working, helpful and really made our stay exceptional. Breakfast was fantastic each day, fresh and plentiful. The room was spacious and comfortable, and we were able to book a hammam at a great spa with Ahmed's recommendation and help and our taxi back to the airport.
  
  The Riad is in close proximity to the markets and all big attractions, we were able to walk everywhere. Some of the tours we did could not pick us up directly from the Riad as it is down small streets but we walked at most 10 minutes to the pick up points.
  
  What could be improved: I can't fault anything, the stay was wonderful.

Surroundings

Facilities