Riad Simon

Riad Simon Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of riads in Marrakech, and Riad Simon on Derb Debachi is honestly one of those places that gets everything right without trying too hard. The address might look intimidating if you’ve never navigated the medina before, but here’s the thing – it’s actually perfectly positioned. You’re deep enough in the old city to feel like you’re experiencing the real Marrakech, but not so buried that you’ll spend an hour trying to find your way back from Jemaa el-Fnaa.

The moment you step through that heavy wooden door (and trust me, all the good riads have these massive doors that feel like they’re hiding secrets), you get hit with this immediate sense of calm. The contrast is pretty incredible – one second you’re dodging motorbikes and listening to the call to prayer echoing off narrow alley walls, the next you’re in this beautifully restored traditional house with a gorgeous central courtyard. The architecture is the real deal too, not some tourist-friendly interpretation. They’ve kept the original zellige tilework and carved plasterwork, which honestly makes some of the newer “luxury” places look pretty soulless in comparison.

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve managed to blend authentic Moroccan design with actual comfort – and I mean that. The beds are properly comfortable (not those rock-hard mattresses you sometimes get), the bathrooms work like they should, and the air conditioning actually keeps up with July heat. The staff clearly knows the medina inside and out, which is invaluable when you’re trying to figure out whether that “shortcut” to the souks is actually going to save you time or get you completely lost. They’re also pretty good at timing recommendations – like suggesting you hit the spice markets in the morning before the crowds really build up, or pointing you toward the quieter hammams that locals actually use.

The courtyard becomes this perfect little refuge during the day, especially when the medina gets overwhelming (which, let’s be honest, it sometimes does). You can hear the city humming just beyond the walls, but it feels filtered somehow. Breakfast up on the rooftop terrace is worth getting up early for – you get these great views over the medina rooftops with the Atlas Mountains visible on clear days, and the morning light hitting all that red clay architecture is pretty spectacular. The traditional Moroccan breakfast they serve is solid too, though they’ll also do continental if you’re not feeling adventurous.

One small thing that might matter depending on your travel style – the wifi is reliable, which isn’t always a given in the medina, and the location means you can walk to most of the major sights without needing taxis constantly. The only minor downside is that some of the rooms can be a bit dark during the day (traditional riads aren’t exactly designed for natural light), but honestly, that’s part of the charm. You’re not here to sit in your room anyway. With a 9.4 rating, it’s clearly doing something right, and after staying there, I get why people keep coming back.

Riad Simon Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Simon

• Perfect – Arnas from Lithuania – 20 June 2025 (10/10)

  Thanks to the owner for the warm welcome and the early breakfast to go!

• Best riad in Marrakesh, will come back for sure! – Balan from Romania – 3 June 2025 (10/10)

  Location is perfect! right in the middle of Medina , 5 minutes from jemaa el-fnaa.We had the best breakfast in Maroc here.They have a cute tortoise and a cat.They were super helpfull with everything we need!
  
  What could be improved: Small windows with no view outside;the bathroom was extremely hot and humid all time cause no air was getting through the window(was blocked).

• Lovely stay – Stephanie from Australia – 27 May 2025 (10/10)

  Right in the middle of the bustling Medina, you open the door into a tranquil space. I was welcomed with a cold drink and waited for a short while for my air-conditioned room to get cleaned, which was then done daily.
  Breakfast was big and delicious and served on the room terrace with the cat and a tortoise for company.
  Hot water and toiletries on the compact bathroom, and this is the first place where I've had a safe in my room.
  
  What could be improved: It's not really a dislike, but I mentioned to Simon that I had got a fright when the people above me dropped something heavy. He immediately offered me a different room and made sure that I was comfortable.
  You can hear people talking and moving about, but it's not bad.
  The bed was a little firm but still comfortable.

• Amazing host and stay – Stacey from New Zealand – 15 May 2025 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect! The amazing warm welcome and assistance during our stay, Simon was so lovely and so helpful.
  The Riad was beautiful and in a great location.
  
  What could be improved: We were happy with everything

• Exceptional – Michele from Italy – 14 May 2025 (10/10)

  One of the best riads i tried in Marrakesh, personnel is nice and friendly, the rooms are clean and the price is perfect.
  Taxi available to take you to the airport at any time.
  Position is great.

• Exceptional – Adele from United Kingdom – 12 May 2025 (10/10)

  Riad Simon was an oasis amidst the chaos of the medina. From the moment we arrived Simon and his team could not have done more for us, even Ceecee the cat was welcoming and happy to share an afternoon siesta.
  The accommodation was spotless with comfortable beds, a great shower and lovely breakfasts.
  Simon arranged a day trip for us and gave recommendations for places to eat.
  We will definitely be returning.

• Exceptional – Karen from United Kingdom – 23 April 2025 (10/10)

  Simon is a wonderful host. He made us feel so at home.

• Very good. – Oxana from Germany – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

  Helpful staff, nice cat living in riad, cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere.
  
  What could be improved: All good

• Exceptional – Joanne from United Kingdom – 26 March 2025 (10/10)

  Warm welcome, clean and tidy.
  
  Breakfast plentiful, simon & his staff go above & beyond.
  
  What could be improved: A little noisey due to being in the centre of the Madina, needs a sign to advise other guests to respect sleeping guests on roof top. Children playing out at 3am woukd be good if someone could go out and ask them to leave but this was only the 1 night.

• Calm oasis – Santiago from Spain – 10 March 2025 (10/10)

  This Riad is a calm oasis in the middle of a vibrant and chaotic city, which you will encounter walking in just the middle of the Medina. Its small door hidden in the middle of a crowded alley would make it difficult to expect to have a silent and comfortable place just behind it. You will stay in a picturesque room and with a morning breakfast in the terrace is an amazing way to start the day and the staff is extremely friendly

Surroundings

Facilities