Riad Dar Oulhoum

Riad Dar Oulhoum Overview

You know what? Finding Riad Dar Oulhoum feels like stumbling onto one of Marrakech’s best-kept secrets, even though honestly, with a 9.4 rating, it probably shouldn’t be a secret much longer. It’s tucked away on Derb Kori in the Sidi Ben Slimane quarter – and I mean really tucked away. The first time I tried to find it, I walked past the entrance twice because these old medina doorways don’t exactly scream “hotel” from the outside. But that’s sort of the point, isn’t it? You slip through this unassuming door and suddenly you’re in this gorgeous traditional riad courtyard that feels like stepping back a few centuries.

The thing about staying in the Sidi Ben Slimane area is that you’re properly in the medina – not on the touristy fringes where half the guests are complaining about authenticity. From Dar Oulhoum, you can actually hear the call to prayer echoing between the walls in the early morning (it’s beautiful, though light sleepers might want to pack earplugs). The narrow streets around here come alive with local life during the day – donkeys carrying goods, kids playing football in tiny squares, the smell of fresh bread wafting from hidden bakeries. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa if you know the shortcuts, though honestly, I’d recommend asking the riad staff to walk you there the first time because the medina’s maze-like streets can be… well, maze-like.

What really sold me on this place was the attention to detail that you only get when someone actually cares about what they’re doing. The traditional tilework is stunning – I spent way too much time just staring at the intricate patterns around the central fountain. The rooms blend that classic Moroccan style with modern touches that actually work (proper shower pressure, thank god, and air conditioning that doesn’t sound like a helicopter). The rooftop terrace is where you’ll probably end up spending your evenings – the views over the medina’s rooftops are incredible, especially at sunset when the whole city turns golden. Staff here genuinely seem to enjoy helping guests figure out the medina, and they’ll arrange everything from cooking classes to hammam visits without that pushy sales vibe you get at some places. The only minor thing is that like most riads, the rooms can echo a bit, so you might hear other guests moving around – but that’s just part of the authentic medina experience, really.

Riad Dar Oulhoum Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Dar Oulhoum

• Sumptuous accommodation – Richard from United Kingdom – 10 March 2025 (10/10)

  Bruno, Guy, Jawad and Dris, will make you feel cosseted. A great place to stay if this is your first experience in Marrakech and also if you appreciate intricate architectural details and a mix of artefacts from exotic parts of the globe. You will be in the very safest of hands and enjoy roof top breakfasts.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike.
  Take ear plugs if you don’t wish to be woken by early morning prayers which blurts out of city wide speakers.

• Exceptional – Peter from United Kingdom – 10 February 2025 (10/10)

  The Riad Dar Oulhoum is deep inside the northern end of the Medina and an exciting place to stay. The photographs on the website, on Booking.com and Trip Advisor etc. are accurate. It’s traditional, classy and very well maintained. The owners and staff only add to the experience.
  
  The hosts, Bruno and Guy, are excellent. They certainly make you feel like real guests, caring for your needs. This can start with meeting your plane at the airport for a reasonable return cost and this is definitely worth doing, as finding your way to the riad is difficult on the first occasion. The taxi rank is a good three minute walk through winding alleyways with no signs but you can be met at the drop off point and navigated to the accommodation. Everyone is interested in what you want to do, and will give you help and ideas. They speak English as well as French and are very forgiving if your French isn’t that good but you want to practise! They will also help with other transport if you need it, eg taxis to golf clubs, trips to the Atlas Mountains.
  
  Breakfast on the rooftop garden is a good way to start the day. It’s a tranquil space with great views over the city and towards the Atlas Mountains. You can watch dawn and dusk across the city. Abdul and Driss, cook and concierge, are very helpful and always available. They will accompany you to taxis, carry cases, make wonderful mint tea at all hours of the day…
  
  The interior of the riad is beautiful. Every room is individual – some definitely bigger than others. Rooms are well appointed, with furnishings that are tasteful and artistic. Everything works, e.g. the heating and showers.
  
  Riad Dar Oulhoum is definitely an oasis amidst the hurly-burly of the old town. It’s full of character and very relaxing. It’s five minutes’ walk to the entrance to the souk but it will take you longer than that because you will be distracted by people, shops, motorbikes, just hustle and bustle. It’s brilliant. We felt very well looked after and very sa

• Exceptional – Kevin from Canada – 19 January 2025 (10/10)

  Bruno and Guy are exceptional hosts, present, helpful, discreet, jovial. Their team also offer excellent service with big smiles.
  The riad is in a quite corner of the medina and the room was dark and quiet, which made for great sleep (of course you can hear the call to prayer, but that's true everywhere in the city).
  Slightly off the beaten path but still well-located, so easy to walk everywhere.
  The riad is beautifully decorated with local art and furniture, and has a wonderful rooftop terracce. There were also small touches like local soap and scrubing glove, to try out local products.
  Nice breakfast that changed a bit every day.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really.

• Beautiful, comfortable riad with the kindest hosts – Randy from United States – 26 December 2024 (10/10)

  Guy, Bruno and their team were all fantastic and super welcoming. They also have the most incredible taste and our room and the riad were beautiful.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Excellent – Smitha from United Kingdom – 28 November 2024 (8/10)

  Family owned – very friendly and provide u advice
  
  What could be improved: Finding it is difficult so may be best to get the owners to book a taxi for you

• Overpriced, neglected, stay elsewhere. – Paula from Ireland – 21 November 2024 (4/10)

  The location was
  handy for taxis. Mint tea was lovely.
  
  What could be improved: Beds were hard. The room was very hot and the aircon didn't work. The room smelt musty. Water wasn't replaced daily. Breakfast was barely adequate, crepes were inedible. Bread was not fresh. Coffee was cold. We were offered an omelette one morning but it was undercooked. The Riad has a neglected feel, it was dark and completely overpriced. We paid 165 Euros per night. The alleyway into it had no light the night we arrived and felt very unsafe. I wanted to turn around immediately.

• Best bit of our holiday – Jan from United Kingdom – 10 November 2024 (10/10)

  We stayed four nights in this beautiful Riad. It was the highlight of our trip. Place looks so much better in reality than in photographs.
  Staff all amazing- can’t do enough for you. Breakfasts were fabulous. Enjoyed dinner there too one evening and that was superb.
  It’s a little tricky to find as there are many unnamed alleys, so definitely ask the Riad to book a taxi for you and then they meet you.
  
  What could be improved: All amazing

• Superb – Niamh from Ireland – 9 October 2024 (9/10)

  We loved everything about the riad. Our room was very comfortable with good air conditioning. Impeccably clean with a luxurious feel.
  Breakfast was delicious and served on the terrace,it really set us up for the day. Everyone was very helpful and informative.

• Exceptional – Alešslo from Slovenia – 4 May 2024 (10/10)

  Hey traveler. You are probably here, reading reviews and trying to find the best riad in Marrakesh.
  Search no more. Book one of three rooms in this riad of dreams. It has everything you need. Warm, fairytale interior that will want you not to leave. You will be protected here from the rush of lively medina. You’ll feel relaxation when you’ll open the door of riad. Passing by all that books on the staircase you’ll be greeted by Mr.Drizz or Mr. Cherif who will make your stay here pleasant and without stress.
  Those two gentlemen are worth booking this riad. Feeling always welcomed and greeted with smile is something you cannot buy.
  Enjoy breakfast on the rooftop terrace in the sun, watching Atlas mountains, have an afternoon mint tea watching the sunset…
  It is a small, typical riad tastefully decorated with love for details.
  We did not get the chance to meet the owner who also lives in the house but he was away for the time of our stay.
  All three rooms are located on the first floor. We chose superior double room and it was perfect!
  
  Some useful tips: accept airport to riad transfer if offered, since it is almost impossible to find it if you do not know the place from before.
  It’s a walking distance to Jemma el-Fnaa (15-20 min through vibrant streets of medina).
  Visit hammam, YSL museum and enjoy company of friendly Moroccan people. Find your little corner in medina and let it go…
  Morocco once a year is a good health treatment from too much organised Europe.

• A perfect stay in Marrakech! – Michael from United States – 3 November 2022 (10/10)

  This was a wonderful property that we absolutely loved. The hosts Bruno and Guy were absolutely fantastic and made us feel like family. Beautiful and tranquil property, fantastic service. We loved every minute of it. A gorgeously restored riad with a central atrium and only 3 rooms, so very quiet and private-feeling. Also, just a 10-15 minute walk to the main square. Highly recommend!

Surroundings

Facilities