Riad Palacio De Las Especias

Riad Palacio De Las Especias Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of riads around Marrakech, and honestly? Most of them feel like they’re trying too hard to be “authentic.” But Riad Palacio De Las Especias – well, the name’s a mouthful, but the place actually gets it right. You’re tucked away on Derb Sidi Bouamar, which sounds impossibly complicated until you realize it’s just a quiet little street in the heart of the medina. The taxi driver will probably get lost (they always do in this maze), but once you’re there, you’ll understand why that 9.1 rating isn’t just inflated booking site nonsense.

The thing that hit me first wasn’t the usual riad courtyard reveal – though that’s gorgeous, don’t get me wrong – it was actually the smell. You know how some places smell like cleaning products trying to mask mustiness? This one smells like what I imagine a spice merchant’s house should smell like, all warm cinnamon and something I couldn’t quite place. Turns out they really lean into the “especias” theme without making it feel gimmicky. The rooms are what you’d expect from a solid 4-star in the medina – traditional tiles, carved wood, those thick walls that keep things blissfully cool even when it’s blazing outside. My room had this tiny window that looked out onto the neighbor’s terrace where someone was always hanging laundry, and honestly, I loved that little slice of real life.

What really won me over was the staff’s approach to the whole “helping tourists navigate Marrakech” thing. Instead of the usual pushy tour recommendations, they’d casually mention stuff like “if you’re heading to Jemaa el-Fnaa, go around 6 PM when the food stalls are setting up but it’s not completely insane yet” or “there’s a guy who sells the best olives about three streets over – here, I’ll draw you a map.” The rooftop terrace becomes this perfect retreat when the medina gets overwhelming, which it will. You can see the Koutoubia minaret from up there, and in the evenings there’s usually a gentle breeze that carries the call to prayer from a dozen different mosques. The breakfast situation is solid too – fresh bread, local honey, mint tea that doesn’t taste like it came from a box. They’ll pack you something to go if you’re doing a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, which is thoughtful without being fussy about it. My only minor gripe is that the WiFi gets spotty on the upper floors, but honestly, if you’re checking emails constantly while staying in a place like this, you’re doing it wrong anyway.

Riad Palacio De Las Especias Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Palacio De Las Especias

• Exceptional – Ondrej from United Kingdom – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  We felt like home. Staff was exceptional, and decoration and overall style was very beautiful and traditional exactly what we were looking for (compared to other riad we stayed in). Loved comfortable bed too!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Michele from Italy – 25 May 2025 (9/10)

  Wonderful place. Full of attention and care, all the staff make you feel at ease, calm, and unhurried. You feel at home and like a member of the family.

• Pleasant – Goodall from United Kingdom – 24 May 2025 (8/10)

  Extremely helpful staff
  Close to medina and souks
  Courtyard
  Tortoises on terrace
  Good terrace
  
  What could be improved: Abit dark in room and bathroom
  Hopeless shower
  Terrace lovely but needs cleaning

• The property is excellent, the staff is unique! – Vilma from United States – 13 May 2025 (10/10)

  The staff was outstanding. They went out of their way to find services. They even walked us out to the street to find taxi services. The front desk staff was professional and very very accommodating.
  
  A special thanks to Mustapha, Nordine, Zakaria, and Driss. What a team!!!
  
  What could be improved: All perfect.

• Special place – Vanessa from Canada – 1 May 2025 (10/10)

  What a magical riad! From the tasteful decoration to the amazing staff. Mustafa and Zacharias were amazing, so friendly and helped us a lot, it made us feel home.
  Close to all main attractions.
  Great breakfast.
  I can’t wait to come back again!
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Stelios from United States – 30 April 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast was excellent, and the staff were extremely attentive and pleasant. The Riad is stunning.
  
  What could be improved: N/A

• Exceptional – Aj from United Kingdom – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

  Nice breakfast and also good picnic breakfasts too for early day trips
  
  Rooms were nice

• Superb – Alice from United Kingdom – 2 April 2025 (9/10)

  Friendly staff, generous food, nice room
  
  What could be improved: The bell for the entrance at night

• Great stay with hospitable staff – Georgiana from United Kingdom – 31 March 2025 (9/10)

  Great staff, great breakfast, nice rooms, cleaned every day
  
  What could be improved: The only downside was a drain smell in the bathroom

• Everything was great. I loveeddd our room.Personels was very helpful and attentive. Thank you very much. – Sanem from Turkey – 19 March 2025 (10/10)

  The location of the facility was perfect. It was very clean, the personnels was very friendly and kind.Our room was beutiful.
  
  What could be improved: There wasn't anything I didn't like.

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Facilities