Riad L’Etoile D’Orient

Riad L’Etoile D’Orient Overview

You know what really struck me about Riad L’Etoile D’Orient? It’s tucked away in this maze of narrow alleyways in the medina where I honestly thought my taxi driver was going to give up and leave me stranded. But once you find Derb Dabachi – and trust me, you’ll need those WhatsApp directions they send – you’re in for something pretty special. The entrance is so unassuming that I actually walked past it twice, which is sort of the point with these traditional riads.

The moment you step through that heavy wooden door, it’s like someone hit the mute button on Marrakech. I mean, thirty seconds ago you’re dodging motorbikes and haggling with mint tea vendors, and suddenly you’re in this gorgeous courtyard with fountain sounds echoing off the walls and the smell of orange blossoms drifting down from the upper terraces. The whole place has this authentic feel that a lot of the newer “boutique riads” try to copy but can’t quite nail – you can tell this building has stories. The rooms are decorated with proper Moroccan craftsmanship, not the touristy knockoff stuff, and honestly, the beds are way more comfortable than I expected from a place that looks this traditional.

Here’s what I really appreciated though – the staff actually knows the medina like locals, not just the tourist highlights. When I asked about finding decent leather goods (because let’s be real, everyone asks), they didn’t just point me toward the main souks where you’ll pay three times the price. Instead, they sent me to this little workshop near Moulay Abdelkader where the guy’s been making bags for thirty years. That’s the kind of inside knowledge you can’t Google. The rooftop terrace is perfect for evening drinks – you get these incredible views over the medina rooftops toward the Atlas Mountains, and it’s usually quiet enough to actually have a conversation. Fair warning though: like most places in the old city, the Wi-Fi can be spotty, and the hot water takes a minute to kick in during busy season. But honestly? After a day of exploring the chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa, those little inconveniences fade away pretty quickly when you’re sipping mint tea in a centuries-old courtyard, planning tomorrow’s adventure into the souks.

Riad L’Etoile D’Orient Accommodations

Reviews of Riad L’Etoile D’Orient

• Very nice stay, the Riad is in a great location, right in the middle of everything, and clean and comfortable – Amy from Ireland – 25 June 2025 (8/10)

  It’s very clean, and the location is great
  
  What could be improved: It would be great if there was a pool

• I can’t wait to go back. – Dominique from Canada – 18 June 2025 (10/10)

  I loved this place from the moment I booked. I was here for one night only but I managed to do everything available in the Riad and it was so worth the stay. I booked the roof top dinner when I booked and the dinner was so good, some of the best I had while I was out there. The spa was heaven sent. It was a little expensive for the area but the quality of the experience was amazing. The rooms are beautiful and so clean. They decorated them beautifully
  
  What could be improved: There’s a lot of stairs and the bed could’ve been a little nicer

• An oasis of silence right in the middle of the crazy and crowdy souks. Highly recommended. – Victor from Netherlands – 11 June 2025 (9/10)

  Pretty much everything. Prompt follow up on any questions we had. The riad management clearly loves the work they do and are fully motivated to give a you a pleasant stay. Nice room, good breakfast.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really – particularly nothing that riad management could have solved. Given the design of any riad (all rooms facing the inside around a square) there is hardly any noise coming in from the outside. Obviously, if guests don't get the concept of being quiet enough to not disturb others, you are in trouble. That happened one evening, but riad management immediately addressed that.

• Amazing Staff lovely stay – Kim from New Zealand – 31 May 2025 (10/10)

  This Riad has many special touches. The staff at the Riad are outstanding. The communication before our stay was excellent with details of airport pick up and how to get to the riad from the square. We were guided the whole way. Then we were given details on how to navigate the city and tips of what not to do. The riad is centrally located. The rooms are lovely very private and sound proof. We had our breakfast on the rooftop and a dinner made for us which was excellent. Again the staff at breakfast were amazing. Thank you. (They also did our laundry for a small fee which we were very grateful for) 😊
  
  What could be improved: NA

• A perfect place to stay – Florbela from Portugal – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

  I had a wonderful stay at this charming riad. The location is perfect, right in the heart of the medina but tucked away just enough to offer peace after a day exploring. The rooms are beautifully decorated, blending traditional design with modern comfort, and always spotlessly clean. The experience was exceptional; the staff was genuinely warm, attentive and always ready to help with a smile. I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic, welcoming stay in the city.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to say

• Exceptional – Tony from United States – 5 May 2025 (10/10)

  Riad felt like a 5-star hotel. Clean, spacious and luxurious. Staff was knowledgeable and friendly. Location was a few minutes of a walk to the medina.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Nice clean hotel in the heart of the old city – Sotiriskd from Greece – 4 May 2025 (9/10)

  Nice setup. Clean and nicely decorated hotel. The location is great. In the heart of the souk, but still so quiet. Very good breakfast served at the rooftop.
  
  What could be improved: Our room was on the ground floor, and its only window faced the lobby, which meant there was no privacy at all. As we stayed only one night, that was not very annoying. But for a longer stay it would be a problem. Also, the door to the room had two panels. One of them was fixed to the top of the doorway, but for someone to pass through comfortably, both panels had to be opened – something quite inconvenient. The price was a bit high.

• Amazing – Hayley from United Kingdom – 29 April 2025 (10/10)

  Jamila was fabulous and is a real asset to you. The staff in the hotel part were amazing too. We stayed in the green riad and loved every minute of it
  Brilliant location once you got your bearings
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Magical stay, perfect to relax and enjoy Marrakech! – Sabrina from Italy – 14 March 2025 (9/10)

  The staff was super friendly and looked after us for all our stay. The place was beautiful, clean and spacious!
  We also did the hammam & massage experience which was great.
  
  What could be improved: The fact that our room was detached from the main building and we had to go outside also to reach one of of the rooms – but we were unlucky with the weather, I am sure in summer it’s fine!

• We enjoyed our stay very much.. given the noise and business outside it was wonderfully quiet and peaceful..and very kin – Kathryn from United Kingdom – 1 March 2025 (9/10)

  Quiet location
  Staff helpful and friendly
  Roof terrace
  
  What could be improved: Pillows too hard
  And more fruit for breakfast

Surroundings

Facilities