Riad Shanima SPA Marrakech

Riad Shanima SPA Marrakech Overview

You know what? I was honestly a bit skeptical when I first walked down derb Arset Aouzal looking for this place – the narrow alley felt almost too quiet for the bustling Bab Doukkala area. But then you step through Riad Shanima’s doors and it’s like someone hit the pause button on Marrakech’s chaos. The whole riad wraps around this gorgeous central courtyard where you can actually hear yourself think, which is saying something when you’re literally a ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa’s madness.

The rooms are what you’d expect from a proper 4-star riad – traditional tadelakt walls that feel smooth as silk, carved cedar details that make you want to run your fingers along them, and honestly, the beds are way more comfortable than I anticipated. I mean, let’s be real, sometimes these traditional places prioritize atmosphere over actual comfort, but they’ve nailed both here. The spa is where this place really shines though – and I’m not just saying that because it’s in the name. They’ve got this hammam that uses local black soap and argan oil, and the therapists actually know what they’re doing (not always a given in touristy areas). The whole experience feels authentic without being performative, if that makes sense.

What really sold me on this place is how the staff seems to genuinely care about helping you navigate the medina. They’ll tell you which entrance to Souk Semmarine is less crowded in the mornings, or point you toward the little café on rue Bab Doukkala where locals actually drink their coffee – not just the tourist spots everyone raves about online. The location is actually perfect for this kind of insider knowledge because you’re deep enough in the medina to feel immersed but close enough to the main drags that you won’t get hopelessly lost trying to find your way back after dinner. I did notice it can get a bit noisy early in the morning when the bread delivery guys make their rounds through the derb, but honestly, that’s just part of the authentic medina experience. Plus, by 8 AM you should be up exploring anyway – the souks are completely different before the tour groups arrive. With a 9.3 rating, it’s clear other travelers are picking up on what makes this place special, and after spending four nights here, I totally get why.

Riad Shanima SPA Marrakech Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Shanima SPA Marrakech

• Best heritage stay with most modern amenities – Mohnish from India – 11 May 2025 (10/10)

  Excellent location in the heart of walled city. Exquisitely designed interiors with modern amenities in the backdrop of cultural heritage
  
  What could be improved: Nothing specific- it was all perfect

• Great location and staff. – James from United States – 8 May 2025 (8/10)

  A very nice Riad, staff was very gracious and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: Unfortunately our room had a bad odor. The manager said it was from nearby construction worked. They worked hard to mitigate the smell, but it put a damper on our stay.

• Exceptional – Deborah from United Kingdom – 17 April 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast was excellent and the staff were extremely helpful. I couldn’t think of a better place to stay.
  
  What could be improved: All was good.

• Exceptional – Sarah from United Kingdom – 6 April 2025 (10/10)

  All the staff, but happy, very helpful, lovely place to stay

• Fantastic visit to a fascinating city. Riad Shanima provided a perfect base. Loved the whole trip – Philip from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (10/10)

  Great breakfast. Location very good for seeing old Marrakech, just a short walk to the souks and other sights. We did almost all of our visit on foot, just a short ride in a Tuk Tuk to see what it was like. Bear in mind that it is necessary to walk down narrow alleyways to get to the front door, we did this and felt safe, in fact the walk to the doorway added to our enjoyment of the riad. The staff were very friendly and 100% helpful throughout.

• Fabulous holiday. Full of Moroccan culture and bustle however the Riad was an oasis in the City! Per – Eleanor from United Kingdom – 12 March 2025 (10/10)

  An absolute gem of a place. Staff were amazing and so friendly and helpful. Felt abit wary when we first got there as it was nearly midnight but one of the trolley boys assisted and got us to the Riad safely at a small cost.
  Living in the centre of the old town and medina was perfect. I loved it and the staff in the Riad could not have been better in particular Adil who appeared to be the happiest person in Morocco 🇲🇦 Place was so clean, quiet and peaceful and food was great. Pool was a bonus although small was great to have a soak in and was nice and warm. Rooftop terrace was amazing and so peaceful despite being in the centre of it all.
  Would definitely recommend to family and friends.
  
  What could be improved: No

• Like finding a new home with a ❤️ – Einar from Iceland – 4 March 2025 (10/10)

  Staff, and staff. It was like finding a new home. They guides, cooking class and a 3 day hiking trip to Imlil.
  
  What could be improved: Hard to leave

• A little oasis in the busy medina – Dolly from Ireland – 22 February 2025 (10/10)

  Myself and my friend had the the most wonderful stay in the riad shanima. It was spotless clean. Every member of staff were welcoming and friendly. This oasis of calm and tranquillity. The roof terrace was quiet, relaxing after a busy day. We had dinner on one evening. And it was delicious. We also took advantage of the hammam (which was amazing) and relaxing massage (which was also amazing). Thank you to the whole team for our wonderful stay.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Very nice and relaxing whilst being very close to the hustle and bustle of the city – Bryan from United Kingdom – 10 February 2025 (9/10)

  Lovely and quiet
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Helleik from Norway – 2 February 2025 (10/10)

  Nice and clean, perfect location

Surroundings

Facilities