Riad El Ouarda

Riad El Ouarda Overview

I’ll be honest – when I first walked into Riad El Ouarda, I wasn’t expecting much from the narrow derb (that’s what locals call these winding alleyways). You know how it is in the medina, you’re squeezing past donkeys and dodging motorbikes, wondering if your taxi driver actually knew where he was going when he dropped you at the edge of Zaouia Abbassia. But once you find that heavy wooden door at number 5 – and trust me, all the doors look the same until you develop an eye for it – everything changes.

The thing about this riad is that it actually feels like stepping into someone’s beautifully restored family home, not a hotel trying too hard to be Instagram-worthy. The courtyard has this perfect morning light that hits around 9 AM, and you can hear the call to prayer from the nearby mosque without it being overwhelming. I mean, some places in the medina can be pretty intense with the noise, but this little pocket of Zaouia Abbassia is surprisingly peaceful. The owner clearly knows what they’re doing – there’s traditional zellij tilework that looks original (not the rushed restoration job you see at some places), and the rooms have proper thick walls that actually keep things cool during those brutal Marrakech afternoons.

What really got me was the breakfast situation. They serve it on the rooftop terrace, and honestly, watching the medina wake up while you’re sipping mint tea and eating proper Moroccan bread is worth the stay alone. You can see the Koutoubia minaret in the distance, but more importantly, you get this authentic view of daily life – women hanging laundry, kids playing in the alleys, the bread seller making his rounds. The staff here actually live in the area, so they’ll tell you which hammam is worth your time (skip the touristy ones near Jemaa el-Fnaa) and where to get the best tagine without paying tourist prices. The location is kind of genius, actually – you’re deep enough in the medina to feel like you’re experiencing the real thing, but it’s only about a 10-minute walk to the main square when you want the chaos and energy. Just remember to download an offline map because GPS gets pretty confused in these narrow streets, and all the riads kind of blend together until you learn the landmarks.

Riad El Ouarda Accommodations

Reviews of Riad El Ouarda

• Really beautiful place! I hope to come back and stay longer. – Sarah from United Kingdom – 9 July 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful setting and interior. Staff were so friendly and made sure we got an early breakfast as we had to check out early to get to the airport.

• Exceptional – Gill from France – 27 June 2025 (10/10)

  Wonderful place
  Professional service

• Peaceful oasis in Marrakech – Sarah from United Kingdom – 5 June 2025 (10/10)

  We had a fantastic stay in this riad- the staff was very friendly, helpful and welcoming. The breakfast is always different and typical Moroccan. We opted for the transfer which was very comfortable.
  
  Samu one of the staff welcomed us with tea – and help us with our sim card. Also showed us few places to go.
  
  The neighbourhood is a bit far from the main square about 20min walk. But it's a very easy and enjoyable walk 4hrough the markets which are covered and have a lot of nice products and souvenir.
  
  If you take a taxi it will have to leave you at the nearby parking 'Bab taghzout' which is 5 min walk from the riad as cars cannot pass by the riad.
  
  Our room was spacious and fresh barely needed the AC.
  The bathroom was clean and spacious.
  
  The terrace is peaceful and fresh in the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset too.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was good!
  One thing to keep in mind is that there are cats around.
  I personally didn't mind but just something to notice.

• Beautiful Riad with great staff and good location. – Pirjo from Estonia – 30 April 2025 (10/10)

  It was very beautiful, great location, about 20-25min from center of medina. Nice pool and great views from the roof. The rooms where nice and clean. Simple but nice breakfast. Friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend the desert excursion for extra if you have a free evening. It was a great place to stay with the family

• Superb – Chiara from Spain – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  The staff were very kind, the rooftop was gorgeous at night with a view of the mosque nearby, and the rooms were huge and had super tall ceilings.
  
  What could be improved: It was hard to find the riad at first because there is no sinage outside.

• Exceptional – Talat from North Macedonia – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  The riad was modern and beautiful. The rooms were large and comfortable. The people at the riad are very helpful,love it at all.

• nice staf , beautiful rooftop, nice rooms – Leentje from Belgium – 3 January 2025 (8/10)

  nicely decorated , beautiful rooftop terrace..
  
  What could be improved: pool was not heated so could not be used..

• Exceptional – Federica from United Kingdom – 31 December 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful riad, we had the very large annex, 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms and a living room, perfect for a family of 5, we just wished we’d stayed longer! The roof terrace was very lovely and the staff very helpful.

• Exceptional – Zeynep from United Kingdom – 29 December 2024 (10/10)

  Whenever we needed something, the staff was always there for us and addressed our requests. They provided very helpful information about the city and its culture. The housekeeper made the room spotless every day and replaced the towels. It felt like returning to a tidy and clean home after a city tour. Maybe because I caught a cold at the previous hotel, I had trouble staying warm. However, with the extra duvet and blanket they provided, I had an enjoyable vacation.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was great

• Exceptional – Tatsuhiko from Bulgaria – 21 December 2024 (10/10)

  Super nice accommodation. Kind staff, superb rooftop, you can enjoy local street food nearby. I highly recommend.

Surroundings

Facilities