Riad Mandana & Spa

Riad Mandana & Spa Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in my fair share of riads in Marrakech, and honestly, most of them feel like they’re trying too hard to be Instagram-perfect. Riad Mandana & Spa is different though – it’s tucked away on Derb El Ferrane in the medina, and I mean really tucked away. You’ll probably get lost finding it the first time (everyone does), but that’s actually part of its charm. The narrow alleyways in this part of Riad Laarousse are quieter than the chaos near Jemaa el-Fnaa, so you get that authentic medina experience without feeling like you’re camping in a tourist trap.

What really got me was how they’ve managed to blend traditional Moroccan architecture with genuinely comfortable modern touches. The courtyard – and this is where most riads either nail it or completely miss the mark – has this perfect balance of ornate tilework and actual livable space. You know what I mean? Some places are so focused on looking pretty that you can’t relax anywhere. Here, you’ll find yourself lingering over mint tea in the morning because the seating actually makes sense. The spa element isn’t just thrown in as an afterthought either; they’ve got a proper hammam that locals would recognize, not some watered-down tourist version. The staff clearly knows their stuff when it comes to traditional treatments, which honestly surprised me given how many places just go through the motions.

The rooms vary quite a bit – some are more traditional with lower ceilings and that cozy riad feel, while others are surprisingly spacious with modern bathrooms that actually have decent water pressure (trust me, this matters after a long day wandering the souks). One thing to note: if you’re sensitive to noise, ask about which room you’re getting. The ones facing the inner courtyard are whisper-quiet, but a couple of the street-facing rooms can pick up the early morning calls to prayer and the occasional motorbike navigating the narrow streets. Not necessarily a bad thing – I actually loved waking up to the authentic sounds of the medina – but worth knowing ahead of time. The breakfast spread is solid too, with proper Moroccan pastries alongside the usual continental stuff, and they serve it until a reasonable hour, which saved me more than once after late nights exploring the night markets. With a 9.4 rating, you’d expect it to be good, but what impressed me most was how it felt like staying with people who actually care about the place rather than just running a business.

Riad Mandana & Spa Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Mandana & Spa

• Almost perfect, but can be made slightly better still – Peter from Netherlands – 13 June 2025 (9/10)

  The riad was very clean, beautiful and excellently maintained. The staff were excellent. The cook Mohammed cooked a sublime tagine! The cleaning lady was very much up to the point. All 5 stars out of 5. The receptionist and the night staff were equally perfect.
  
  What could be improved: The location is slightly difficult because the riad cannot be reached by car. The best solution would be to inform guests ahead of time and provide a hand pushed cart so that the luggage can be taken to the rooms.

• Very comfortable and pleasant, very clean location – Leticia from Ireland – 6 June 2025 (10/10)

  The interior was very well decorated and exceptionally clean. The lounge facility and pool on the roof was also a very nice place to relax.

• Riad Mandana is in a great location very close to markets and about 15min walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa. – Lorena from United Kingdom – 29 May 2025 (10/10)

  Warm and friendly staff. They clean the room on a daily. Beautiful Riad.
  1 outdoor pool in the rooftop.
  Habib is very helpful and walked with us on arrival and on my departure to carry my luggage. He is Very accommodating and always happy to help.
  Great location.
  Hammam and massage are great and relaxing.
  Inhouse food (Tagine and chicken pastilla) are so delicious! Breakfast also superb.
  
  What could be improved: We just hope the Jacuzzi had hot water.

• Andrea Rossi – Andrea from Italy – 23 May 2025 (9/10)

  Amazing and confortable place, good and kind staff, breakfast and position as well!! Roof top beautiful and well clean. Enjoyed everything

• Tranquility in a maze of rushing and life – Jeanne from Ireland – 21 May 2025 (10/10)

  The hotel was spotlessly clean calm environment very comfortable, close to the eateries. taxi. staff from hotel greeted us from the taxi and walked us to the hotel. Hotel arranged the taxi suttle to and from the hotel at pur request. Withput asking lstaff offered and printed off our boarding passes
  Breakfast was amazing so much food and variety all freshly prepared. Delicious
  The pools inside and on the roof were so tranquil as was the location away from noise but close to everything, sellers, food, taxi
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing – maybe choice to turn music off on roof top if wanted to

• Exceptional from start to finish – Michelle from Ireland – 21 May 2025 (8/10)

  Exceptional staff, cleanliness of room and all facilities top class.
  Breakfast Moroccan style every morning set us up perfectly for the day and they accommodated gluten free as we asked ahead.
  
  What could be improved: nothing could have been better.

• Exceptional – Elaine from United Kingdom – 20 May 2025 (10/10)

  Fantastic trip, staying in this riad. Staff were so friendly and helpful, and made our stay extra special

• Very pleasant – Gustavs from United Kingdom – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

  Excellent location, close to all amenities but quiet and off the hustle and bustle. Very clean. Great rooftop terrace

• A peaceful haven to escape – Gail from United Kingdom – 19 May 2025 (10/10)

  The location, very clean , beautiful decor. The most helpful staff. A relaxing place to stay after the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Warming and accommodating – Molly from United Kingdom – 19 May 2025 (10/10)

  We loved how spacious the rooms were and how accommodating the staff were to our needs.
  
  What could be improved: The shower was nice but shower head a bit tired and bassin got blocked up easily.

Surroundings

Facilities