Riad Explore

Riad Explore Overview

You know what caught me off guard about Riad Explore? It’s tucked away on this narrow derb that feels completely hidden from the chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa, but you’re honestly just a five-minute walk from all the madness. I mean, finding it the first time was a bit of an adventure – these medina streets can be tricky even with GPS – but once you’re there, it’s like this perfect little sanctuary.

The thing about staying in an actual riad versus one of those big chain hotels is that you really feel the bones of old Marrakech. The courtyard at Riad Explore has this gorgeous fountain that gurgles away in the center, and honestly, after a day of haggling in the souks and dodging motorbikes, just sitting there with mint tea while the call to prayer echoes overhead… it’s pretty magical. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star place – traditional tadelakt walls, decent-sized beds, and thankfully, proper air conditioning (trust me, you’ll want that in summer). Some of the bathrooms are a bit compact, but that’s just how these old buildings work.

What I really appreciated was how the staff actually knows the medina inside and out. They’ll give you the kind of directions that matter – like which entrance to Bahia Palace has the shorter line, or where to find those leather slippers without the tourist markup. The rooftop terrace is honestly the star of the show though. You get these incredible views over the medina’s rooftops toward the Atlas Mountains, and it’s especially stunning at sunset when the light hits all that red clay. Breakfast up there is simple but good – fresh bread, local honey, and proper Moroccan coffee. Just be aware that if you’re a light sleeper, the early morning call to prayer from the nearby mosque might wake you up (I actually grew to love it, but fair warning). The location means you’re walking distance to basically everything – the Saadian Tombs, the spice markets, that amazing little hammam on Rue Riad Zitoun el-Kedim. And when you need a break from the intensity of the medina, there are these lovely quiet cafes just around the corner where you can decompress. For what you’re paying, especially considering you’re staying in a genuine piece of Marrakech history, it’s honestly pretty solid value.

Riad Explore Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Explore

• Great place for budget traveling – Elí from Mexico – 11 June 2025 (8/10)

  Great staff
  
  What could be improved: The jacuzzi water could have been cleaner

• Great location, tiny cramped room – Francis from United States – 18 May 2025 (7/10)

  The riad's staff were wonderful and very helpful and the location couldn't be beat, but I probably wouldn't stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: I was assigned room 4 (David Livingstone) which was probably all of 8 square meters including the bathroom. It was so tiny that I could hardly move in there and had to put one of my bags on the bed so I could wiggle around the room. The only amenities were an electric kettle and A/C. They should state upfront that they charge 2.5 Euros for each bottled water. Also, the same breakfast every day gets old. No fruits served on most days.

• Very good – Christine from United Kingdom – 1 May 2025 (8/10)

  My friend and I spent 3 nights here at the end of April 2025. The Riad is in a fantastic location- 5 minutes walk from the taxi rank and five minutes walk into the Square. There are a couple of great restaurants and bars on the same road.
  Riad is small but very clean. Our room was located on the Terrace which we loved. There is also a roof terrace with two sun lounges where we spent a chilled hour or two every day. All the staff were lovely very helpful and couldn’t do enough for you. A special mention to the two ladies who worked in the kitchen and cleaned the rooms. And an extra special thank you to the two men – Auoub and Lahcen who worked on reception. They answered all our questions, of which we had many! They were very welcoming and Lahcen even walked us down to their sister hotel Riad Africa so that we did not get lost. They were brilliant.

• Exceptional – Kadir from Turkey – 17 February 2025 (10/10)

  It was clean, very friendly staff! But the location it was perfect, it was 5min walks from hotel to Jemaa El Fna square.

• An amazing 3 day trip to beautiful Marrakesh and we can't wait to go back! – Nicki from United Kingdom – 14 February 2025 (10/10)

  The staff in the Riad were so friendly and lovely, they were happy to answer any questions and made us all feel really welcome. They provided an amazing surprise birthday cake for one of our teenage sons 16th birthday which was on the day that we arrived! Breakfast was great – lots of home made breads and yummy Moroccan eggs – and the famous Moroccan tea that we all looked forward to every morning!
  The location of the Riad could not have been better – right off one of the main streets and less than 10 minutes from the main square. It was so beautiful and quiet inside the Riad compared to the hustle and bustle outside – like a secret retreat, tastefully decorated in traditional Moroccan style. The shopkeepers in the surrounding area were also all so friendly, courteous and welcoming. We had an amazing time – thank you so much!! ❤️
  
  What could be improved: The only thing that could have been improved was signage! There is no sign outside the Riad to show what it is called (you wouldn't even know that it was. Riad as there is just a number in the door!!!) and no signage or directions on the Main Street. So difficult to find initially – but easy once you know where it is!

• Very good – Pio from Germany – 30 January 2025 (8/10)

  Small traditional Riad, nice people
  
  What could be improved: Need a sign outside to find this riad easier

• A very enjoyable stay – Mare from United Kingdom – 23 January 2025 (10/10)

  Gorgeous riad in an excellent location. The staff were very friendly and helpful, especially Ayoub. I would definitely stay here again.
  
  What could be improved: The location.
  The riad is also tastefully decorated, I love the African explorer theme.

• Exceptional – Daniela from Spain – 3 January 2025 (10/10)

  It was exactly what we needed!
  Perfect location, safe, in amongst the hussle and bussle of the day, but quiet at night. We were only able to enjoy the delicious breakfast one of the 3 days because we were leaving for daytrips before they served breakfast, but it was delicious. Really nice staff, very helpful and we were able to leave our suitcases for the day after checking out ( we had a 6:40 pm flight). I would highly recommend!

• A decent stay – Gokulnaath from Spain – 27 December 2024 (8/10)

  Great location, very close to the Jemaa El Fnaa square, but still in a silent neighbourhood. Bahia palace is close-by too.
  Exceptional staff. Both Ayoub and Hamza go the extra mile.
  The breakfast options are limited but enough, I was satisfied.
  
  What could be improved: The budget single room is absolutely tiny. The smallest I have ever been in. Also, at over 50 Euros per night, it is not exactly 'Budget'. If you are searching for Riads at the last minute and see this one available, there is a good reason why the early birds have not booked it. On the other hand, it is exactly as seen in the photos, so hidden malice there. Make an informed decision.
  
  Beware, the billing is in British Pounds. So consider any overhead your bank may charge for conversion if GBP is not your native currency.

• Great value for money – Joaquim from Spain – 19 December 2024 (9/10)

  Location is great, staff very friendly
  
  What could be improved: Room could be bigger, but does the job

Surroundings

Facilities