Riad La Bigarade

Riad La Bigarade Overview

Look, I’ll be honest – I’ve stayed at my fair share of riads in Marrakech, and most of them feel like they’re trying way too hard to be Instagram-perfect. Riad La Bigarade is different, though. It’s tucked away on this narrow little street called derb Ouihah in the Sidi Abdelaziz neighborhood, and honestly, you’ll probably walk past it twice before you find the entrance. That’s actually part of its charm – it feels like a proper local secret, not some tourist trap that tour buses drop people off at.

The thing about this place is that it gets the balance right between authentic Moroccan style and, well, having a bathroom that actually works properly. The courtyard has this gorgeous orange tree (hence the name – bigarade means bitter orange), and in the mornings you can hear the call to prayer echoing off the walls while you’re having your mint tea. The rooms are what you’d expect from a quality riad – thick walls that keep things cool, beautiful tilework, and those amazing wooden shutters that let in just enough light. What I really appreciated was the attention to details that matter: the Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building, the hot water is consistent, and the staff genuinely knows the neighborhood. When I asked about finding a good place for couscous that wasn’t touristy, the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward the main square – he walked me three blocks over to this tiny family place where I ended up having one of the best meals of my trip.

You know what really sold me on this place though? The location is absolutely perfect if you want to experience the medina without losing your sanity. You’re close enough to walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa in about ten minutes, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the constant noise and hustle. The neighborhood has this wonderful evening rhythm – families chatting on their stoops, kids playing in the narrow streets, the occasional motorbike puttering past. It’s real Marrakech life, not the sanitized version. Plus, there’s this amazing little bakery literally around the corner where locals line up for fresh bread every morning. The riad itself is surprisingly quiet considering how close everything is – those thick walls really do their job. I mean, you’ll still hear the city, but it’s more like a gentle soundtrack than chaos. The rooftop terrace is where you’ll want to spend your evenings, especially during sunset when the whole medina glows golden and you can see the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Fair warning though – if you’re the type who needs a big hotel pool or room service, this isn’t your place. But if you want to feel like you’re staying in someone’s beautifully restored family home while still having proper amenities and service, Riad La Bigarade absolutely delivers.

Riad La Bigarade Accommodations

Reviews of Riad La Bigarade

• Fantastic spot, lovely hosts – Steven from Australia – 23 April 2025 (10/10)

  Riad La Bigarade, was a lovely place to stay. The staff were incredibly warm and friendly.
  The breakfasts were delicious and plentiful. Our room was very cosy and the bed comfortable.
  The Riad provided a map with all the major sites on it. The location was fantastic right in the heart of the Medina.
  
  What could be improved: It met all our expectations

• Lovely, tranquil Riad! – Sean from United Kingdom – 31 March 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely Riad, excellent rooms and breakfast was very good too.
  
  A couple of sun loungers on the top floor would have been nice as the 2 reclining chairs were a bit basic.

• Five day trip to Marrakech – Tca*** from United Kingdom – 22 March 2025 (8/10)

  Location
  Staff, absolutely wonderful
  Breakfast
  
  What could be improved: Smell in bathroom
  Darkness in room
  Room door locks with a padlock
  Hard to find Riad

• Very nice Riad and even nicer hosts. – Alexandre from United States – 6 March 2025 (10/10)

  First we were welcomed in this beautiful Riad with a cup of Moroccan tea and delicious pastries. They took time to talk with us about their history and places to visit in Marrakech. The rooms were very nice, modern yet and spacious. The breakfast was very copious and delicious. The Riad was in a great location and whether it was early morning or late at night we always felt safe.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Exceptional – José from Spain – 27 February 2025 (10/10)

  All the staff is amazing, very kind and helpful. You feel at home. They are the reason I will be back to this Riad.
  
  What could be improved: In one of the

• Superb – Neil from United Kingdom – 14 February 2025 (9/10)

  The Riad is in a fantastic location. The staff are extremely helpful and offer a great service, especially Fahad and Zohia. It was my wife's birthday and they got a cake and balloons for her and sang her happy birthday! Highly recommended!
  
  What could be improved: All was great.

• Clean comfortable relaxing – Guido from Italy – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  Very pleasant property, right in the middle of all touristic attractions. Staff very kind and attentive. Comfortable bed. Clean and quiet. Yummy breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing.

• Great value and location in Marrakech – Robert from United States – 3 December 2024 (10/10)

  Really enjoyed my time here! Google maps led me astray and they did an amazing job of helping me find our accommodation. They put us in a great room, were incredibly hospitable the whole time and would definitely be the first place I'd come back to in Marrakesh.

• Exceptional – Jane from United Kingdom – 15 October 2024 (10/10)

  Staff were very friendly and couldn't do enough for us.
  Fahd arranged transport for us, arranged for a lady to come to the Riad and do Henna tattoos they and cooked a meal for us on our last night that was outstanding
  
  What could be improved: No

• Amazing. – Tristan from United States – 8 May 2024 (10/10)

  The host, Fahd, was very welcoming and very helpful.

Surroundings

Facilities