Riad & Spa, Doum Collection

Riad & Spa, Doum Collection Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of riads in Marrakech, and honestly, most of them feel like they’re trying too hard to be Instagram-perfect. But Riad & Spa in the Doum Collection? This place actually gets it right. It’s tucked away on Derb Jamaa in the Riad Zitoune Lakdim quarter – and I mean really tucked away, which is exactly what you want. The narrow alleyway feels almost secretive, and you’ll probably walk past the entrance twice before you spot it (I did). But that’s part of the charm, you know? Once you’re inside, it’s like stepping into this perfectly preserved piece of old Marrakech that somehow also has really good WiFi and air conditioning that actually works.

The thing about this riad is that it feels lived-in rather than staged. The central courtyard has this gorgeous fountain that’s not just for show – you can actually hear the water from most of the rooms, which is incredibly soothing after spending hours navigating the chaos of the medina. The spa part isn’t some afterthought either; they’ve got this traditional hammam that uses local black soap and argan oil, and the massage therapist – I think her name was Fatima – knew exactly how to work out the knots from carrying way too many souvenirs through the souks. The rooftop terrace gives you those classic medina views everyone wants for their photos, but more importantly, it’s where they serve breakfast, and trust me, you want to eat up there when the morning light hits the Atlas Mountains in the distance.

What really sets this place apart is the staff’s local knowledge. They don’t just hand you a tourist map and wish you luck – they’ll tell you which entrance to use for the Bahia Palace to avoid the crowds, or that the best time to visit the Saadian Tombs is right when they open at 9 AM. The location is perfect for exploring on foot; you’re maybe a 10-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa square, but far enough away that you won’t hear the snake charmers and drummers all night. And here’s something I wish someone had told me about other riads – parking is actually sorted here. They have an arrangement with a secure lot nearby, which is huge if you’re planning day trips to places like Essaouira or the Ourika Valley. The rooms themselves are spacious by medina standards, with those thick walls that keep things cool during the day and surprisingly quiet at night. I mean, you’ll still hear the call to prayer and the occasional motorbike, but it’s part of the experience, right? The whole place just feels authentic without being uncomfortable, which is honestly harder to find than you’d think in Marrakech these days.

Riad & Spa, Doum Collection Accommodations

Reviews of Riad & Spa, Doum Collection

• Riad incroyable – Cécile from France – 27 February 2025 (10/10)

  Sublime Riad, très bien placé dans un derb au calme mais tout proche de tout.
  Décoré avec beaucoup de goût, extrêmement propre et très bien agencé.
  Superbes terrasses et bassin sur le toit donc top ensoleillé pour profiter même en février.
  Délicieux petit déjeuner inclus.
  
  Un très grand merci à Abdo très réactif en whatapps pour rendre la vie facile et Naima la gouvernante. Merci infiniment pour tout.
  On recommande fortement et on reviendra c’est certain.

• Top, impossible d'etre déçu. – Rodolphe from France – 24 February 2025 (10/10)

Surroundings

Facilities