Riad Mariana

Riad Mariana Overview

Look, I’ll be straight with you about Riad Mariana – it’s one of those places that actually gets the whole medina experience right without making you feel like you’re roughing it. The location is honestly perfect if you know Marrakech at all. You’re tucked away on Derb El Boumba in the Arset El Houta neighborhood, which sounds complicated but really just means you’re deep enough in the medina to feel authentic without being so buried that you’ll never find your way back to civilization.

The parking situation at Sidi Boudchiche is actually a godsend – I mean, anyone who’s tried to navigate a rental car through those narrow medina streets knows what I’m talking about. It’s close enough that you won’t be dragging your luggage across half of Marrakech, but far enough that you won’t hear car horns all night. Speaking of night sounds, you’ll get the usual medina soundtrack (call to prayer, distant music, the occasional motorbike), but it’s not overwhelming like some places closer to Jemaa el-Fnaa. The thick riad walls do their job pretty well.

What really won me over was how the staff handled the whole arrival process – you know how some riads make you feel like you’re imposing just by showing up? Not here. They actually meet you at landmarks you can find (thank god), and the check-in felt more like being welcomed into someone’s home than a hotel transaction. The riad itself has that traditional courtyard setup you’d expect, but they’ve clearly put thought into the details. The tiles aren’t just pretty – they’re actually well-maintained, the fountain works properly, and the plants look like someone cares about them rather than just throwing some greenery around for photos.

Honestly, the rooms surprised me. I was expecting the usual riad trade-offs (gorgeous but impractical), but everything actually worked. The bathroom had proper water pressure, the air conditioning didn’t sound like a freight train, and – this might sound weird – but the bed was the right height. You know how some traditional places have these beds that are either too low or weirdly high? Not an issue here. The 4-star rating feels about right; it’s not trying to be the Royal Mansour, but it’s definitely a step up from the budget riad experience.

The breakfast situation deserves a mention too. They serve it in the courtyard when weather permits, and it’s that perfect mix of Moroccan and continental options without going overboard. Fresh orange juice (obviously), decent coffee, and they’ll make you eggs however you want them. Nothing revolutionary, but executed well, which honestly means more than fancy presentations that taste like cardboard.

Here’s the thing – Riad Mariana sits in that sweet spot where you’re getting an authentic medina experience without the hassles that usually come with it. The 8.3 rating makes sense; it’s not perfect, but the things they do well, they do really well. If you’re looking for a place that feels genuinely Moroccan but won’t leave you questioning your accommodation choices at 2 AM, this is your spot.

Riad Mariana Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Mariana

• Molto piacevole, lo consigliamo! – Rita from Italy – 1 June 2025 (8/10)

  Molto pulito, silenzioso e accogliente!
  L’host disponibile e gentile!

• Very good – Armand from France – 15 April 2025 (8/10)

  Très joli riad, idéalement situé.
  Le personnel, très discret et attentif.
  
  What could be improved: Le petit déjeuner est un peu limite, pas varié. Nous avions demandé à l avance à ne pas avoir uniquement du sucré, cela avait été accordé, mais dans les faits, rien.d autre n a été proposé

• Great option! – Cecilia from Spain – 8 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great location. The Riad is beautiful, and has a personal touch. Nice comfy rooms
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast was ok but a bit limited

• Nice riad, conveniently located within Medina – Marko from Croatia – 26 January 2025 (8/10)

  Nice riad, conveniently located within Medina, 15min walk the main square and 5min from the closest road where drivers and taxis can pick you up. It has an extra heater in the closest which was quite useful in December during night.

• Warm and friendly – Anne from France – 6 October 2024 (10/10)

  Very friendly and welcoming . Good location
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Superb – John from United States – 19 May 2024 (9/10)

  Very nicely decorated riad. The host was very knowledgeable and willing to help with arranging activities.

• Superb – Goffredo from United Kingdom – 4 April 2023 (9/10)

  Breakfast, location,

• Good – Maureen from Canada – 31 January 2023 (7/10)

  very pretty riad, good breakfast, comfortable bed and helpful staff

• best place in old town marakech – Ariel from Israel – 6 October 2022 (10/10)

  highly recommend, nice and honest couple that runs the place.
  definitely worth a visit

• Superb – Sofie from Belgium – 30 July 2022 (9/10)

  Nice Riad, very friendly owners, nice rooms and bathroom.
  Good breakfast on the roof terras!

Surroundings

Facilities