Riad Elias & Spa

Riad Elias & Spa Overview

Look, I’ve stayed at my fair share of riads in Marrakech, and honestly? Riad Elias & Spa gets it right in ways that surprised me. It’s tucked away on Derb Nousrial in the Ben Saleh area – and I mean really tucked away. You’ll probably walk past the entrance twice before you spot it, which is actually perfect because it means you’re not dealing with the chaos of the main tourist drags. The medina can be overwhelming, but this little corner feels like someone’s well-kept secret.

What struck me first was how they’ve managed to keep the authentic riad feel without making you feel like you’re roughing it. The central courtyard has that classic Moroccan architecture you’re hoping for – you know, the carved plasterwork, the fountain, the whole nine yards – but the rooms actually have proper water pressure and air conditioning that works. I mean, the bathroom in my room was small, sure, but the shower was hot and strong, which after a day wandering the souks is basically all you need from life. The spa part isn’t huge or fancy, but it’s legit – they do a solid hammam, and the massage therapist actually knew what she was doing rather than just going through the motions.

Here’s the thing about this area of the medina: it’s residential enough that you get glimpses of actual daily life, but you’re still only a ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa when you want the full sensory overload experience. The staff here seems to get that balance too – they’re helpful without being pushy, and they actually give you decent directions instead of just vaguely pointing toward the square. I appreciated that the rooftop terrace doesn’t try to compete with the fancier places for sunset views, but it’s perfectly fine for morning coffee before the day gets too hot. The breakfast is nothing revolutionary, but the bread is fresh and the orange juice is actually squeezed from real oranges, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many places get that wrong. With an 8.3 rating, it’s clearly doing something right – and for a 4-star in this part of Marrakech, it delivers on what it promises without the pretense.

Riad Elias & Spa Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Elias & Spa

• Gorgeous little riad in the medina. Thoroughly enjoyed my stay here and hope to stay in again on my – Natasha from Australia – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  My stay at Road Elias was as good as I imagined. The location and the riad were exactly what I had hoped. A beautiful breakfast was served every morning and the riad was extremely clean. Staff were friendly and helpful. Also has a roof top terrace should you wish to relax in the sunshine. Short walk to the square and the souks.

• Very good – nigel from United Kingdom – 8 May 2025 (8/10)

  Great location, very friendly and helpful staff. Good discreet sunbathing area.
  
  What could be improved: It would have been nice to have been given a front door key. The handheld shower wasn't the best.

• Short but sweet – Anton from United Kingdom – 24 March 2025 (9/10)

  Elias is very accommodating and friendly
  Right within the centre of old
  Town
  Breakfast is nice

• Peaceful retreat in the middle of all the action – Adrian from United Kingdom – 30 October 2024 (9/10)

  Location right in the middle of everything. 5 mins walk to all the action. Peaceful retreat. Great host.

• We were a group of four and had lovely stay in Marrakesh – Christine from United Kingdom – 19 February 2024 (8/10)

  The property was in an excellent location, very clean and all the staff are very friendly and helpful

• Superb – Sagnik from India – 30 January 2024 (9/10)

  Wonderful host and tea

• Comfortable and welcoming – Virginia from United Kingdom – 17 November 2023 (8/10)

  Beautiful inside with comfortable rooms and nice bathrooms. Met by very pleasant host who made tea and served breakfast and generally had a nice stay.
  
  What could be improved: The property felt like a long walk from the main square but to be fair we were lugging suitcases and had previously stayed very close to the square so may be judging unfairly. Access is down a slightly unnerving back passage which as a single woman I honestly wasn’t that keen on but it was lit at night. Be aware that this riad is pretty noisy. There was a lot of street noise- general partying/jollity until the small
  Hours followed by a cacophony of call to prayers coming from all over the city. It didn’t really matter to us as we were just getting our heads down for one night before heading off to the mountains but it might be annoying if you’re staying longer so maybe ask for something that’s not on the top floor as it might be quieter. Overall a really nice place with really lovely hosts.

• Very good – Henry from Australia – 28 October 2023 (8/10)

  Lovely Riad, staff were so nice and helpful.

• Very good – Lorraine from Ireland – 10 October 2023 (8/10)

  Lovely place. Very friendly and comfortable.
  
  What could be improved: The pool is a plunge pool rather than a full pool.

• beautiful Riad, great location, authentic Marrakech! – Colleen from United States – 30 May 2023 (9/10)

  the road was beautiful, the staff great. the breakfast was good. the location was exceptional.
  
  What could be improved: I’m not sure this is only specific to this Riad, because we keep encountering it everywhere we go in Morocco, the wifi is spotty. not such a big deal, but as long term travelers, we like to keep in touch with family back home.

Surroundings

Facilities