Riad petit Karmela

Riad petit Karmela Overview

So I stumbled across Riad petit Karmela during my last trip to Marrakech, and honestly? It’s one of those places that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special tucked away in the medina’s maze. The address says Derb el Ferrane in Azbezt, which – if you know the medina at all – puts you right in the heart of things without being on one of those tourist-heavy main drags where you can’t escape the constant haggling.

The thing about this riad is that it actually feels like someone’s home rather than a hotel trying too hard to be authentic. You know what I mean? The courtyard has this gorgeous traditional fountain that’s not just for show – you can hear it bubbling away when you’re trying to read in the afternoon, which is surprisingly soothing after a morning of navigating the souks. The rooms are small but thoughtfully done, with proper Moroccan tiles that haven’t been mass-produced for tourists. I stayed in one facing the courtyard and slept incredibly well, which is saying something because I’m usually sensitive to noise and the medina can get pretty lively at night. The staff here – well, they’re genuinely helpful without hovering, and the guy at reception (I think his name was Youssef) gave me directions to this tiny bakery about five minutes away that locals actually use.

What really sold me on this place was the breakfast situation. They serve it on the rooftop terrace, and you get these incredible views over the medina rooftops – you can actually see the Atlas Mountains on clear mornings, which happens more often than you’d think. The food is simple but good: fresh bread, local honey, mint tea that doesn’t taste like it came from a tourist restaurant. I mean, it’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s real and satisfying. The location means you’re maybe a ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna square, but far enough that you don’t hear the snake charmers at dawn. Getting there involves some narrow alleys – definitely screenshot the directions because GPS gets confused – but that’s part of the charm. The taxi drivers all know the area, so just say “Derb el Ferrane” and you’ll be fine. One small thing though: if you’re traveling with big suitcases, be prepared for some maneuvering through doorways. That 9.4 rating makes sense once you’re there – it’s not luxury in the Western sense, but it’s exactly what a medina stay should be: intimate, authentic, and run by people who actually care about your experience rather than just processing bookings.

Riad petit Karmela Accommodations

Reviews of Riad petit Karmela

• Exceptional – Jolie from Pakistan – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything

• Exceptional – Allegra from Italy – 8 April 2025 (10/10)

  We had a very pleasant stay in this Riad! The staff was exceptional, very helpful whenever we needed any info or we had extra requests. Clean, centrally located and in general perfect if you are a group of people. Strongly recommended!

• Great! second visit in four months.Need i say more! – Mccarron from United Kingdom – 7 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very good
  
  What could be improved: Not a lot

• Riad Karmela. Meals and Service – Paul from United Kingdom – 15 January 2025 (8/10)

  The staff were excellent, always attentive to our every needs.
  
  What could be improved: We felt the breakfast and evening meal timings could have been better, for the breakfast was 0800 until 1000hrs, we like to have ours earlier, but getting the message across was often difficult through the staff, as the breakfast team were not informed by the main staff. The evening meals begin at 1930hrs, and, guests must pre order meals at least 24hrs before, again we felt that a strange requirement, as often guests want to change thier minds at the table, and we like to sit down for evening meals for around 1830hrs latest…whilst the team accommodated our timing request, we saw many guests who were unaware that if special request timing for the evening meal was communicated, then such would be possible. The breakfast on the last day was slightly disappointing with no fresh bread until late into the service, and no hot water for tea, until I pointed out the urn was not switched on.

• Fabulous – Rathy from United Kingdom – 28 October 2024 (9/10)

  My group of friends and I spent a wonderful week at the Riad petit Karmela. The riad was beautiful, very clean and full of character. The staff were extremely helpful, efficient and polite. Nothing was too much trouble for them to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Staff would meet us at our drop off points when returning from our excursions, to ensure our safe return to the riad, which made us feel very secure.
  
  What could be improved: There was nothing we didn’t like about the property or the service.

• Can’t ask for anything more from this place. – Suganya from Canada – 1 October 2024 (10/10)

  Excellent location. Outstanding Staff. Amazing customer service and every single person went out of their way to make us comfortable. Excellent and warm place to stay. Very clean and all the facilities are very comfortable. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a good Riad in a great location.
  
  What could be improved: Very accessible
  Perfect location
  Amazing staff.
  Great Breakfast
  All in all a perfect experience.

• Beautiful, friendly riad – Hattie from United Kingdom – 24 June 2024 (10/10)

  Beautiful Riad, our second time staying there. Staff so friendly and helpful, can’t wait to go back
  
  What could be improved: The bed was a little hard, but we were so tired at the end of the day it was fine!

• Amazing time in this perfect Riad group. – Scott from United Kingdom – 5 June 2024 (10/10)

  Simply fabulous group of Riads in an excellent location in the Medina. Extremely tranquil Riad that is beautifully and sympathetically decorated to the traditions, incredibly helpful kind friendly staff. Roof top restaurant is beautiful. Loved every aspect of this place.

• Absolutely loved this hotel as did everyone we met there. – Liz from United Kingdom – 30 May 2024 (10/10)

  One of the best breakfasts ever. Eating on the roof top in small scattered eating areas was lovely.
  There plenty of choice- fruit, eggs, pastries, ham cheese and freshly ground coffee!
  
  What could be improved: I don’t think it could be improved upon. Staff were amazing and so friendly, they couldn’t do enough for us.

• Brilliant stay, great staff and breakfast – Ashleigh from United Kingdom – 7 May 2024 (9/10)

  The hotel was generally very clean and nice. The staff were so helpful and attentive. Big room and lovely courtyard in the Riad where they had dinner and live music in the evenings. The rooftop was so special, there are sunbeds and multiple seating areas to watch sunset (or sunbathe) and escape the busy Medina. Also a good coffee machine at breakfast!! Which is very hard to find in Morocco!!
  
  What could be improved: The facilities could be better- no pool or gym or extra facilities. Temperamental water/shower temperature but the plumping in the Medina is notoriously bad.

Surroundings

Facilities