Riad Hayat

Riad Hayat Overview

You know what really gets me about Riad Hayat? It’s tucked away on this tiny street called Derb Lahbab, just off Riad Zitoune Lakdim – and honestly, if you don’t know Marrakech’s medina, you’ll probably walk past it three times before finding the entrance. But that’s actually part of its charm. The whole area feels like stepping into someone’s neighborhood rather than a tourist zone, which is pretty rare when you’re this close to the main square.

The riad itself is one of those places that makes you realize why people fall in love with traditional Moroccan architecture. I mean, from the street it looks like nothing special – just a heavy wooden door with some geometric metalwork. But step inside and there’s this gorgeous central courtyard with a fountain that actually works (you’d be surprised how many don’t), and the sound of water trickling becomes this constant, soothing backdrop. The rooms wrap around this courtyard on different levels, and each one feels completely different. Some have these incredible zellige tiles that catch the morning light, others have views over the medina rooftops where you can watch the chaos below while sipping mint tea. The beds are comfortable – not luxury hotel perfect, but definitely good enough that you won’t be tossing and turning after long days exploring.

What I really appreciate is how the staff treats you like you’re staying with family rather than just another booking. They’ll help you navigate the souks without being pushy about it, and they actually know the medina well enough to give you shortcuts that save you from getting completely lost. The breakfast spread is solid too – fresh bread, local honey, olive oil that tastes like it came from someone’s backyard trees. It’s served on the rooftop terrace, which gives you this bird’s-eye view of the medina waking up. You can hear the call to prayer echoing from different mosques, catch glimpses of people hanging laundry, smell tagines cooking in nearby riads. The location means you’re a ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa if you want the full circus experience, but you’re also close enough to the quieter residential areas where you can actually have a conversation without shouting. And here’s something practical – the WiFi actually works throughout the building, which isn’t always a given in these old riads with their thick walls. The hot water is reliable too, though it takes a minute to get going in the mornings. Look, it’s not going to blow your mind with fancy amenities, but it absolutely nails that authentic Marrakech experience without making you feel like you’re roughing it.

Riad Hayat Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Hayat

• Exceptional – Sean from United Kingdom – 17 June 2025 (10/10)

  Staff were fantastic and location if your looking for central way perfect.
  
  What could be improved: Not a lot.. off you are after local custom and traditional accommodation with friendly staff then this is it.

• Exceptional – Laura from Romania – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  -The room was very nice and clean.
  – We had a trip to the Atlas Mountains, and they helped us with the luggage overnight, also they helped us in the last day until our flight as well
  – The location was perfect, very close to Jemaa el-Fnaa square
  
  What could be improved: In the morning, there was a lot of noise from people who were leaving or arriving at the property. A possible solution would be to inform the other guests to be quieter, as the rooms are not soundproof.

• Wonderful Riad – Georges from Lebanon – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very beautiful and charming Riad near the main square of Marrakesh and close to all the main attractions.
  The room was large, clean, confortable. Nice breakfast on the roof of the riad. The wifi was excellent and super fast.
  The hosts Ayoub and Mohamad are very friendly and helpful, they manage to do all what you need professionaly and quickly. Wonderful experience!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• The host does the difference. He is great. – Sarcinelli from Italy – 25 May 2025 (10/10)

  The Riad was really nice, small but amazing
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Flori from Spain – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was wonderful, I especially recommend it for the location, it is located very close to the bazaar.

• Clean place, reasonably priced – Boštjan from Slovenia – 29 April 2025 (9/10)

  Great location with friendly staff. Though the view from the terrace was nothing to write home about, it was spacious, cozy and nice! Great breakfast for hungry people!
  
  What could be improved: /

• Fabulous stay! – Amy from United Kingdom – 15 April 2025 (9/10)

  Fabulous traditional riad in an excellent location next to the square. Easy walking distance to the attractions. Very friendly staff who organise a transfer from the airport and welcome you warmly with mint tea. Superb breakfast on the terrace. My room was beautifully decorated with air conditioning which was an unexpected bonus.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Great location superb staff – Silvia from Spain – 7 April 2025 (10/10)

  Lovely place in the centre of the Medina but in a quiet area, so is perfect.
  
  The best is Mohamed
  Great person and makes you feel really really welcome.
  He helped me getting a transfer to the airport and walked me to it as it was early in the morning.
  Thank you so much for looking after
  Me.
  I will be back 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙏 shukan
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Great Riad stay next to main square – Tamas from Portugal – 28 March 2025 (10/10)

  Location is amazing, close to the main square few minutes walking, It has a nice terrace where the breakfast is severed; and the breakfast is traditional morrocoian but is nice. The Riad is very local has a nice architecture, the room is relatively spacious compared to a Riad. The staff is firendly.
  
  What could be improved: There was no hair dryer available in the room.

• Exceptional – Wells from United States – 24 March 2025 (10/10)

  I asked for airport transfer at 4 am and the host was happy to offer this as well as walk my friends and I to our taxi early in the morning. The host was very kind and the stay was great. Location was amazing as well.
  
  What could be improved: Beds were pretty hard, but seems like that is common as most places I have stayed in were the same.

Surroundings

Facilities