Riad ILayka

Riad ILayka Overview

You know what struck me first about Riad ILayka? The way it just appears after you’ve been wandering through the narrow alleys of Mouassine, dodging motorbikes and following your phone’s GPS that’s basically given up on life. I mean, Derb El Hammam isn’t exactly the easiest street to find – it’s one of those winding paths where you’re convinced you’re lost until suddenly you’re not. But honestly, that’s half the charm of staying in the actual medina rather than some resort outside the walls.

The riad itself is one of those places that makes you understand why people go on and on about traditional Moroccan architecture. It’s built around this gorgeous central courtyard – you walk in from the chaos of the medina and there’s this immediate sense of calm. The 9.3 rating makes total sense once you’re there; it’s clearly family-run but they’ve got their act together in a way that bigger hotels often don’t. The rooms have that perfect balance of authentic details (think carved plasterwork and traditional tiles) without making you feel like you’re sleeping in a museum. Actually, the beds are properly comfortable, which isn’t always a given in these heritage properties.

What I really appreciated was how the staff knew the neighborhood inside and out. They didn’t just give you the standard tourist map – they’d tell you which hammam on the street is actually worth your time, or that the best tagine place is literally around the corner but you’d never find it without directions. The Mouassine area is brilliant for this, honestly. You’re close enough to Jemaa el-Fnaa that you can wander over for the evening circus, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the constant noise and crowds. I slept surprisingly well considering we were right in the heart of things – though fair warning, if you’re a super light sleeper, the call to prayer at dawn is going to wake you up. But that’s Morocco, and part of why you came, right?

The rooftop terrace is where you’ll probably end up spending your evenings. You can see across the medina’s maze of rooftops, and there’s something magical about watching the light change over the city while you’re having mint tea. It’s not fancy in an intimidating way – more like staying at a friend’s place if your friend happened to own a beautiful traditional riad. The breakfast is solid (proper fresh bread, good coffee, local honey), and they’re flexible about timing, which matters when you’re adjusting to a different rhythm of life. Look, if you want a pool and room service and all that, this isn’t your place. But if you want to actually experience Marrakech rather than just visit it, and you want to do it somewhere that feels authentic without being rough around the edges, Riad ILayka gets it right.

Riad ILayka Accommodations

Reviews of Riad ILayka

• Excellent place – Gomes from Norway – 8 July 2025 (10/10)

  This place is a gem in the middle of the medina. Peaceful and quiet, yet walking distance to everything. Beautiful room and bathroom,, nice terrasses and amazing breakfast. All the staff are wonderful as so helpful, but Adbo is exceptional! Felt very safe for single mother with teenage daughter. The narrow and intricate lanes of the medina are easy to navigate ones you start, and the riad is in a prime location. We loved our five days here!

• Unforgettable experience in this beautiful oasis – Jeanne from Germany – 22 June 2025 (10/10)

  Riad Ilayka is absolutely beautiful. The moment you walk through the door it is a peaceful oasis. It is a gem in the Medina. Our room was the perfect blend of authentic charm and modern conveniences. We utilized their shuttle service from the airport and were met outside the Medina and escorted to the riad. We enjoyed a refreshing beverage upon our arrival and a delicious breakfast every morning.
  The staff are exceptional and helped me tremendously with locating quality vendors in town. Their friendliness and innate hospitality made our trip so much more memorable.

• Great spot right in the Medina. A calm oasis in a lively old city! – Betsy from United Kingdom – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location in the medina and yet wonderfully quiet. Abdul was very welcoming and looked after us extremely well, helping us with our luggage and finding our transfer the following morning.

• Exceptional – Paul from United Kingdom – 17 May 2025 (10/10)

  The facilities and staff were excellent. We enjoyed the breakfasts and all requests were met to our satisfaction.
  The rooms were beautifully decorated and we were upgraded on our honeymoon stay.
  The location within the Medina enabled us to get around easily.
  
  What could be improved: Frankly there was nothing to dislike in this wonderful Riad.
  It was our first visit to Marrakech and I'm sure we'll return as there are many places to visit.

• Beautiful riad with lovely friendly staff – Lyns_mann from United Kingdom – 16 May 2025 (10/10)

  The staff were all lovely and friendly, the riad was in the perfect location in between the Medina and Jemaa el Fna and we were also able to walk to the majorelle gardens and Yves saint Laurent museum from there (approx 25-30 min walk). The room was beautiful with lovely handmade shower gel and shampoo. Water and snacks were also in the room. There was a lovely welcome drink and biscuits too, gorgeous touches that made us feel welcome and special. The riad has a beautiful rooftop area too. Breakfast was really good, every day had a slightly different cake, pastries, pancakes, fruit, yoghurt and break as well as freshly squeezed juice and coffee.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Lots of attention to detail. Employees were so attentive and welcoming and eager to make my stay perfect. – Leslie from United States – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  Beautiful, luxurious
  
  What could be improved: Room was a bit dark. No AC or fan.

• Medina Magic – Janine from United Kingdom – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  Beautiful decor. Very quiet in the middle of the medina.

• Superb – Laszlo from Hungary – 3 April 2025 (9/10)

  Super staff, clean room, beautiful riad, what we need 🙂

• This riad is an exceptional experience and cannot be faulted. – Michelle from United Kingdom – 3 April 2025 (10/10)

  Everything!! From the staff, the welcome, the Moroccan decor, the patio, terraces and serenity of the place it was perfect.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Comfortable, relaxing and pampered – Pam from United Kingdom – 29 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very central which was perfect. The staff, especially Abdul, were fantastic. The room, garden and roof terrace were delightful.

Surroundings

Facilities