Riad Excellence

Riad Excellence Overview

You know what struck me first about Riad Excellence? The moment you step off Arset Aouzal Road – which, honestly, is one of those narrow medina streets where you’ll definitely get turned around at least once – there’s this immediate sense of calm that washes over you. It’s like the chaos of Marrakech just melts away behind those traditional doors. I mean, the medina can be overwhelming (in the best way, but still), so finding a place that actually feels like a sanctuary is pretty special.

The thing about riads is they’re hit or miss – some are touristy disasters, others are hidden gems. This one’s definitely the latter. The owners clearly get that travelers want authentic Moroccan design without sacrificing comfort, and they’ve nailed that balance. The courtyard is gorgeous, with that classic fountain setup, but what I really appreciated were the little touches – like how they’ve positioned the seating areas to catch the afternoon light just right, or the way the mint tea service actually tastes like something locals would drink, not the overly sweet stuff you get at tourist spots. The rooms have proper air conditioning too, which honestly, during those brutal summer months, is non-negotiable.

What really sets this place apart though is how the staff knows the medina inside and out. They don’t just give you a generic map and wave goodbye – they’ll actually walk you to Jemaa el-Fnaa the first time if you want, pointing out shortcuts and warning you about the more persistent vendors along the way. And when you’re stumbling back through those winding alleys after dinner at one of the local spots (try the tagine place near the Saadian Tombs if you get a chance), you’ll actually be able to find your way because they’ve given you proper landmarks to look for. The location is pretty perfect too – close enough to the main square that you can walk there in about ten minutes, but tucked away enough that you’re not dealing with the constant noise and crowds. I stayed during Ramadan once and even then, when the medina gets extra lively after sunset, the riad stayed peaceful. That 9.5 rating isn’t just numbers on a screen – it’s the kind of place where everything just works the way it should, and in Morocco, that’s saying something.

Riad Excellence Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Excellence

• Perfekt – Melinda from Germany – 8 July 2025 (10/10)

  Das Personal war so toll und hat uns richtig lieb aufgenommen. Wir haben uns sehr wohlgefühlt, die Zimmer waren super sauber, das Wlan hat gut funktioniert und das frühstück war total lecker. Wir haben uns sehr heimisch gefühlt und wurden immer unterstützt.

• Very friendly staff, clean, quiet. I would stay here again. – Tatjana from Spain – 3 July 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast was great, served on a roof terrace, freshly squeezed orange juice, all fresh and very nice.

• Everything about our visit was perfect, staff couldn’t be more helpful and the surroundings was breath taking. – Anonymous from United Kingdom – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  Everything
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Amazing! I will definitely be returning! – Gabrielle from United Kingdom – 28 June 2025 (10/10)

  The staff are lovely, so helpful and happy. The place is quiet and in a great location. The room was perfect and the lobby is lovely

• Nice location and beautiful Riad but we are disapointed – Eglantine from France – 10 June 2025 (5/10)

  Nice staff, confortable bed, great location, quiet
  
  What could be improved: Our room was not clean. We found hair in the bed, shower and sink were clogged. Walls were not clean either (drips). The little swimming pool was dirty as well, there were dead flies in it and water was not clean. Also on the first morning we waited 1 hour to have our breakfast, 30 minutes on the second morning, not even a cup of coffee for waiting.

• I highly recommend this place – Katalin from Romania – 2 May 2025 (10/10)

  We had an amazing time there, walking distance from all major points of interest, quiet place for a nice rest and fhe staff is amazing, also the breakfast. Also very clean and the interior design is beautiful.

• Lovely experience – Leonor from Portugal – 21 April 2025 (10/10)

  Amazing staff! All of them were amazing, breakfast was great. Beautiful rooms and bathroom. Everything very comfortable
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Maya from United Kingdom – 15 April 2025 (10/10)

  The hosts took care of everything and went above and beyond for any questions we had!

• Exceptional – Gloria from Germany – 5 April 2025 (10/10)

  We can warmly recommend this Riad. We were well looked after from arrival to departure. The owner and her team are super friendly and available to answer any questions. The Riad is furnished with love. Everything is beauftiful new and modern. The location is perfect for a visit in Marrakech, everything is central.
  The breakfast is typically Moroccan and delicious. We would recommend a visit there to anyone. We hope we can come back soon.

• Best place to stay in Marrakech! – Kristine from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (10/10)

  The interior was well designed. It was always clean and the fragrance of orange blossom was always in the air. The seating area both downstairs and on the terrace were comfortable. The room I stayed in – which was their most modest room – had a minimalist but restful look to it – perfect after a long day of exploring and touring. The staff’s service was very attentive and you could ask for anything. The breakfast is traditionally Moroccan but quite a large serving. I typically do not have to eat until late because they serve coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, mint tea, then about three kinds of bread with jam, butter, amlou, honey and eggs – it’s a lot!
  
  The area is fantastic – there were regular shops and boutique shops and not too far away from the market where the actual Moroccans do their food shopping – so plenty of authentic patisserie and fresh produce! The Jemaa el Fna is a brisk 15 minute walk, the edge of Gueliz is on the other side and you could reach it in about 20 minutes walk. The Church of the Holy Martrys is a 30-minute walk. There’s also an ATM nearby for emergencies (50 dirhams access fee and the conversion rate is worse than at the main square and then there’s a 13.5% commission – don’t use unless desperate). And a taxi rank. The Riad is surrounded by the top-rated spas within a few steps: Les Bains d’Orient, Heritage Spa (Branch 40), Bindoo Spa, Hammam de la Rose. M. Bacha is a beautiful restaurant in the area. Dar Moha and Les Jardins de Lotus are within a stones throw away. So you are surrounded by both fine dining establishments and the most affordable options in the market by Bab Doukala. It also feels very safe. I saw CCTV cameras on the streets and also uniformed police.
  
  What could be improved: The pool is very small. Like a wadding pool for children. However, in a nearby establishment by where the Hammam de la Rose is, you can get a day pass and use their pool.

Surroundings

Facilities