Riad Excellence

Riad Excellence Overview

First Impressions

Walking through the narrow lanes of Marrakech‘s medina to find Riad Excellence, I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure what to expect from a place without an official star rating. But the moment I stepped through that traditional wooden door on Arset Aouzal Road, everything clicked. This riad sits right in the beating heart of the old city, and you can actually feel the authentic energy of Marrakech the second you arrive. The location score of 9.7 makes perfect sense when you’re literally surrounded by centuries of history, with the souks and main attractions just steps away.

The Medina Experience

What I love about staying at Riad Excellence is how it puts you smack in the middle of real Marrakech life. You’re not tucked away in some modern hotel district — you’re actually living like locals do, in a traditional riad where the call to prayer drifts over the rooftops and the scent of tagines wafts through the air. Couples especially seem to get this (they rated the location 9.8), and I can see why. There’s something incredibly romantic about wandering back through the medina’s maze-like streets after dinner, knowing your peaceful retreat is waiting behind that unassuming door.

The Riad Itself

Inside, Riad Excellence follows that classic Moroccan layout — rooms arranged around a central courtyard that becomes your personal oasis. The architecture is beautifully traditional, with those intricate tile patterns and carved plasterwork that you come to Morocco to see. What struck me most was how quiet it gets once you’re inside, despite being surrounded by the medina’s bustling energy. The rooms maintain that authentic Moroccan character without feeling like you’re sleeping in a museum — they’re actually comfortable and well-maintained.

Morning Rituals

Breakfast here is where the riad really shows its thoughtfulness. They offer continental, vegetarian, and halal options, which honestly covers pretty much everyone’s needs without making a big fuss about it. I mean, when you’re staying in the medina, you want to start your day properly before diving into the souks, and they get that. The morning meal feels unhurried — you know what I mean? — like you’re easing into the Marrakech rhythm rather than being rushed out the door.

Why Guests Love It

That 9.5 rating tells the real story here. Riad Excellence delivers something you can’t get at those big chain hotels — an authentic medina experience that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or hospitality. You’re staying where Marrakech actually happens, not watching it from a distance. The staff clearly knows their neighborhood inside and out, which makes all the difference when you’re navigating the medina for the first time. It’s the kind of place where you feel like you’ve discovered something special, even though plenty of smart travelers have obviously figured it out before you.

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