Riad El Hara

Riad El Hara Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of riads in Marrakech, and most of them are trying way too hard to be Instagram-perfect. Riad El Hara is different – it’s actually lived-in and authentic, tucked away on Derb El Arab in a maze of narrow streets that’ll have you completely turned around (in the best way). The first time I found it, I walked past the entrance twice because it’s just this unassuming wooden door with some gorgeous tilework around it. No flashy signage, no tourist traps nearby – just the real medina doing its thing.

What hit me immediately was how quiet it gets once you step inside. I mean, you’re still hearing the call to prayer and the occasional motorbike rumbling through the alleys, but there’s this incredible sense of calm. The central courtyard is stunning without being precious about it – they’ve got this fountain that’s not too loud (you know how some places overdo the water features), and the orange trees actually smell amazing in the evening. The rooms are spacious by medina standards, and honestly, the beds are some of the most comfortable I’ve encountered in Morocco. They’ve managed to keep all the traditional details – the carved plaster, the colorful tiles, the heavy wooden doors – without making it feel like you’re sleeping in a museum.

The staff here really gets it. They’re not hovering, but they know exactly when to appear with mint tea or directions to that little spice shop everyone’s looking for. Ahmed at the front desk drew me the most helpful hand-drawn map to navigate back from Jemaa el-Fnaa (because GPS is basically useless in those twisting streets). The rooftop terrace is where you’ll want to spend your mornings – you can see the Atlas Mountains on clear days, and there’s something magical about watching the city wake up while you’re drinking proper Moroccan coffee. They serve breakfast up there too, and it’s not just the standard hotel spread – there’s fresh bread from the local bakery, local honey, and they’ll make you eggs however you want them.

The location is perfect if you want to feel like you’re actually in Marrakech, not just visiting it. You’re a ten-minute walk from the main square, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the constant chaos. There’s a hammam right around the corner that locals use (way better than the touristy ones), and the little grocery store two streets over has everything you need. Just be aware that the streets can get pretty quiet after 10 PM, which is either exactly what you want or something to know if you’re planning late nights out.

The whole place just feels right – it’s got that 9.6 rating for good reason, but it’s not trying to be fancy in a way that feels fake. It’s comfortable, beautiful, and genuinely Moroccan without being performative about it. If you’re looking for a pool or a gym, look elsewhere. But if you want to actually experience staying in a traditional riad that doesn’t compromise on comfort, this is it.

Riad El Hara Accommodations

Reviews of Riad El Hara

• Exceptional – Hucke from Germany – 7 July 2025 (10/10)

  So heartwarming staff around Karima! You can’t have a better start for a Tour of Morocco. Great food and beautiful spacious rooms. Thank you!

• Exceptional – Kar from Turkey – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  Staff, location, food, riad is very clean and well maintained. Money well spent!
  
  What could be improved: ..

• Second to none. We would highly recommend – Nicola from United Kingdom – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

  The room was amazing. Absolutely stunning.
  The staff were exceptional and the host organised absolutely everything for us.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Vero clean and vero nice – Chiara from Italy – 26 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very nice and reactive to solve the problem we had
  
  What could be improved: Position was not the best

• Amazing people, very kind and helpfull. Beautiful riad aswell! Will definitely come back here! – Sammiël from Netherlands – 25 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very friendly staff, overall really nice place to stay. Sadly we could only stay one night. Will come back to stay longer at this fantastic Riad.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Exceptional – Moncef from France – 25 June 2025 (10/10)

  excellent
  
  What could be improved: all is good and excellent

• Authentic Riad – Koceilah from France – 21 June 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely staff

• Authentic palace – Koceilah from France – 21 June 2025 (10/10)

  The staff was lovely

• Exceptional – Mohammed from Australia – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  Great , friendly staff amazing stay ! highly recommended!

• Exceptional – Lillian from Germany – 15 June 2025 (10/10)

  What a beautiful place.
  Once the door opens you step into another world. Coming from the buzzing, crowded, loud streets you are greated by calm music, nice smells and the most lovely and attentive staff and Karima, the owner.
  Entering here from the streets makes you feel right at home, it’s so peaceful and calm. We even got upgraded to a beautiful suite because it was our last night in Morocco.
  We very much enjoyed the comfy bed, hot showers, rooftop pool and the delicious breakfast.
  THANK YOU to the entire team

Surroundings

Facilities