Riad Karmanda

Riad Karmanda Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of riads in Marrakech, and honestly, Riad Karmanda surprised me in the best way possible. It’s tucked away on Derb Sekaya in the Sidi Youb quarter – which, if you know the medina at all, is one of those areas that feels authentically residential without being touristy. You know what I mean? Like, you’ll actually see locals hanging laundry and kids playing in the alleys, not just other travelers wandering around looking lost.

The thing about this place is that it nails that sweet spot between traditional charm and actually functional comfort. The moment you step through that heavy wooden door (and trust me, you’ll need the taxi driver’s help finding it the first time), you’re hit with this incredible sense of calm. The courtyard is gorgeous – proper zellige tilework, not the cheap knockoff stuff you see in some places – and there’s this fountain that’s actually soothing instead of annoyingly loud. I mean, I’m usually pretty sensitive to noise, but the sound here just sort of melts into the background. The rooms are spacious by medina standards, and honestly, the beds are comfortable enough that I didn’t wake up with a crick in my neck, which… well, that’s not always a given in traditional riads.

What really sold me on Karmanda was the staff’s local knowledge. The owner, Said, grew up in this neighborhood and actually knows which spice vendors won’t rip you off and where to get the best pastilla (it’s not in Jemaa el-Fnaa, by the way). He pointed me toward this tiny restaurant about five minutes away where I had the best tagine of my entire trip – the kind of place I never would’ve found on my own. The breakfast spread is solid too, nothing fancy but proper Moroccan bread and really good olive oil, plus they’ll make you fresh orange juice that doesn’t taste like it’s been sitting around. Only minor complaint? The WiFi can be spotty in some rooms, but honestly, that might be a blessing in disguise. The location means you’re about a 10-minute walk from the main souks, which is perfect – close enough to dive in when you want the chaos, far enough away that you can actually sleep at night. And here’s something nobody tells you: the call to prayer from the nearby mosque is beautiful, not disruptive, especially at sunset when the light hits the courtyard just right.

Riad Karmanda Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Karmanda

• A nice clean and comfortable stay – Ambreen from United Kingdom – 24 June 2025 (9/10)

  Homely feel good service from Amal and Etesham.
  
  What could be improved: A little far from centre but still manageable

• Excellent Location and great Staff – Ziaul from United Kingdom – 15 May 2025 (8/10)

  Excellent Location and great Staff
  
  What could be improved: Sadly the WiFi was not available on the 2 days we booked

• Superb – Sabahat from United Kingdom – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  Very peaceful in the muddle of Madina this is our 2nd time stay here. Their cook has magic hands, only one thing that is not very pleasant that their drainage system is not great in the showers and toilets which can lead to unpleasant smell.Apart of that everything is great

• Very good – Horacio from United States – 12 April 2025 (8/10)

  Clean, well maintained place, helpful staff, and close to El Efna Plaza; a very recomendable Riad. Thank you guys!
  But we still see an opportunity for improvement in the breakfast department: too much flour and sweets but almost no protein at all, and I'm totally sure you can make a much much better coffee because the one you have now is far from the African quality.

• A calm road nicely maintained with helpful staff. – Nancy from United Kingdom – 29 November 2024 (9/10)

  A lovely quiet road with great rooftop.
  Good location 10 minute walk to El Fna walking past shops/stalls.
  Comfortable bed and hot shower.
  Varied breakfast each day.
  
  What could be improved: It is located down an alleyway as with most roads but felt very safe.

• A little oasis amidst the hustle bustle. – Sarah from United Kingdom – 4 July 2024 (9/10)

  A beautiful, classy, relaxing place, like a calm oasis. We thought it was very good value for our money and it felt like a real treat to stay there. It felt like a safe place too. We enjoyed the breakfast that was included and the staff there were so lovely and helpful.
  We were close enough to the Medina for walking but it was nice and peaceful.
  We really want to come back to Marrakech and intend to stay here again if it is available. We would certainly recommend this place.
  
  What could be improved: It would've been good to have hot water in the shower, but that wasn't a real problem for us.

• Superb – Alessandro from Italy – 17 June 2024 (9/10)

  Very good location, nice and cozy place! Staff were amazing!!
  
  What could be improved: Probably the absence of the door in the bathroom :’)

• Superb – Charisma from United Kingdom – 12 March 2024 (9/10)

  It was a clean and comfortable place at the heart of the Medina. We could walk to a lot of places. Breakfast was very good.
  
  What could be improved: The bathroom only had a cloth curtain- non proper door. It was difficult to get taxis to go further.

• I loved my stay and the staff are so lovely and helpful, welcoming as well Thank you – Natalie from United Kingdom – 9 March 2024 (7/10)

  How gorgeous and cute it was hidden away from a busy little street but so peaceful inside. Loved the terrace and the pool, if it was warmer outside I would have used it. But definitely next time
  
  What could be improved: Would of been good if the breakfast added omelettes some days. And better lighting in the rooms. Also a mirror in the room
  A full length one, so you can do your hair and see your outfits when getting ready.

• Very good – Anais from France – 7 March 2024 (8/10)

  Comfortable and good location (just outside the touristy part of the Medina, but close to most things), nice decorations.
  
  What could be improved: Some things could be updated a bit – the bathroom and the locks on the doors. The breakfast was a bit skimpy, not the best we've had.

Surroundings

Facilities