Riad Panthera, Médina

Riad Panthera, Médina Overview

You know what? I’ve stayed in plenty of riads in Marrakech over the years, and Riad Panthera actually gets it right in ways that most don’t. First off, finding it on Derb El Ferrane is surprisingly straightforward for the medina – I mean, you’re still going to get a bit lost because that’s just how it works in there, but the street isn’t one of those impossible-to-navigate rabbit warrens. The entrance is pretty understated, which I honestly prefer. No over-the-top doorway trying too hard to scream “authentic Morocco.”

Once you step inside though, the space opens up beautifully. The central courtyard has this perfect scale – big enough that you don’t feel cramped when other guests are around, but intimate enough that it still feels like you’re in someone’s home rather than a hotel. The pool is actually usable, which sounds obvious but trust me, half the riad pools in Marrakech are more decorative than functional. I spent most afternoons there with a book, and the water temperature was just right even in February. The rooms have character without being museum pieces – you’ll find gorgeous zellige tilework and carved plaster, but also proper lighting for reading and outlets where you actually need them. Small thing, but the Wi-Fi worked everywhere, including up on the terrace.

What really sets this place apart is how quiet it stays despite being right in the heart of things. You’re maybe a ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, close enough that you can easily pop back for a rest between exploring, but far enough that you won’t hear the evening chaos from the main square. The staff here seem to have figured out that perfect balance between being helpful and not hovering – they’ll arrange restaurant reservations or explain how to get somewhere, but they’re not constantly asking if you need anything. The breakfast spread is solid too, with proper Moroccan bread and local honey alongside the usual suspects, and they serve it until a reasonable hour for people who want to sleep in. I noticed they keep the common areas clean without being obsessive about it, and the whole place has this lived-in elegance that feels genuine rather than staged for Instagram. Honestly, with a 9.8 rating, I was expecting maybe some hype, but it’s actually earned – this is one of those places that just works really well for what it’s trying to be.

Riad Panthera, Médina Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Panthera, Médina

• Exceptional – Cecilia from Italy – 23 May 2025 (10/10)

  Tutto perfetto, Fatima è veramente una host perfetta, sempre disponibile… abbiamo deciso di cenare in Riad 3 sere e lei è stata super disponibile a farci provare tutte le varianti possibili del menù… colazione ottima…
  Eravamo in 10, comodissime 5 camera ognuna con il suo bagno… posizione ottima nel centro… nonostante questo all'interno del Riad non si sentiva il rumore caratteristico del suq…uno degli ospiti è dovuto partire anticipatamente ed è stato accompagnato alle 6 di mattina all' aeroporto…letti comodissimi… accappatoi e prodotti bagno
  
  What could be improved: Tutto perfetto…posso solo consigliare qualche lettino per godere del sole sulla bellissima terrazza…per il resto tutto veramente curato e bellissimo

• Perfect long weekend trip – Claudia from Sweden – 25 March 2025 (10/10)

  This was the best riad I’ve stayed at in Marrakech! The building is beautiful, and the staff was super welcoming. Each room has its own unique style, and we really appreciated all the little details. Plus, every room has its own bathroom, which was a big bonus. Even in mid-March, it was nice and warm indoors since the open roof was covered with a see-through temporary roof.
  
  The riad is located in the corner of the medina, close to all the best attractions: Le Jardin Secret, Dar El Bacha Museum, Madrasa Ben Youssef. Also just a walking distance to Jardin Majorelle. The riad is also a short walk from taxi drop off "square", which is convenient when arriving/leaving the riad. I personally think this is the perfect side of Marrakech. You get to enjoy the fun parts of the souks without having to stay in the most intense areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa (which is just 15-20 min walk from this riad)
  
  We were a group of seven, and this five-room riad was absolutely perfect for us. Good breakfast and mineral water available at the riad on tap. Highly recommended!

• Superb – Boulay from France – 23 March 2025 (9/10)

  Les couleurs, l’emplacement , tout le logement est superbe , groupe de 10 on a pu le privatiser , les personnes qui y travaillent sont gentilles et disponibles et de bons conseils.

• Exceptional – Roxana from Italy – 6 March 2025 (10/10)

  Un soggiorno perfetto, oltre ogni aspettativa!
  Eravamo in sette e abbiamo avuto l’intera struttura a nostra disposizione, il che ha reso il soggiorno ancora più speciale e intimo.
  Le camere erano impeccabili, pulite ogni giorno con cura e arredate nel tipico stile marocchino, creando un’atmosfera accogliente e rilassante. Ogni angolo del riad trasmette fascino e autenticità, con dettagli curati e spazi perfetti per rilassarsi dopo una giornata trascorsa tra i vicoli della Medina.
  La colazione è stata fantastica, abbondante e varia, con prodotti freschi e tipici: spremuta d’arancia, tè alla menta, pane appena sfornato, marmellate, miele…
  Un vero piacere iniziare la giornata in questo modo!
  Un ringraziamento speciale a Fatima, che è stata sempre disponibile, gentile e premurosa con noi. Ci ha accolti con il sorriso e si è assicurata che non ci mancasse nulla durante tutto il soggiorno. La sua ospitalità ha reso l’esperienza ancora più autentica e indimenticabile.
  La posizione del riad è ideale: nel cuore della Medina, ma in una zona tranquilla, perfetta per riposarsi dopo le giornate passate a esplorare la città.
  Se cercate un posto che vi faccia sentire a casa, con comfort, pulizia e un’accoglienza calorosa, questo riad è la scelta perfetta. Torneremmo qui senza esitazione!

• Peaceful haven – Rhian from United Kingdom – 3 November 2024 (10/10)

  Amazingly beautiful peaceful haven in the heart of the Medina. Fatima took care of us and the food was great.
  
  What could be improved: Plumbing is old and not perfect. Sound does carry but these are small complaints.

• parfait – Blandine from France – 14 October 2024 (10/10)

  Tout était parfait, le riad est magnifique, bien situé.
  Un grand merci à Fatima et à Souaz pour leur gentillesse, leur réactivité et leur disponibilité.
  Nous y reviendrons avec grand plaisir.

Surroundings

Facilities