Riad Zaki

Riad Zaki Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of riads in Marrakech, but Riad Zaki on Rue Fatima Zahra honestly caught me off guard in the best way possible. You know that feeling when you’re wandering through the maze of R’mila – dodging motorbikes and trying not to get completely turned around – and suddenly you step through an unassuming door into this gorgeous courtyard that makes you forget the chaos outside? That’s exactly what happened here.

The location is actually perfect if you know the medina at all. You’re tucked away on a quieter street (thank god, because some of those main thoroughfares can be intense), but you’re still close enough to walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa in about ten minutes when you want the full sensory overload experience. What I really appreciated was how the staff – and I mean this genuinely – seemed to understand that balance between wanting to explore and needing a peaceful retreat. The riad itself has that classic Moroccan architecture you’re hoping for, with the central courtyard and those intricate tile details, but it doesn’t feel like a museum where you’re afraid to touch anything.

The rooms are comfortable without being flashy, and honestly, after spending days navigating the souks and haggling over everything from carpets to tagines, you’ll appreciate that the bed is actually good quality and the bathroom works properly. I mean, sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many places miss those fundamentals. The rooftop terrace is where I ended up spending most of my evenings – you can see across the medina’s rooftops while the call to prayer echoes around you, and it’s one of those moments where you remember why you traveled here in the first place. The breakfast situation is solid too, though I’ll admit I usually ended up grabbing coffee at one of the little cafés nearby because, well, that’s half the fun of staying in the medina.

What really sets this place apart is the staff’s local knowledge – they’re not just giving you the standard tourist recommendations. When I mentioned wanting to find good leather goods without the tourist markup, they pointed me toward a workshop tucked away in a corner of the souk that I never would’ve found otherwise. And when the evening crowds at Jemaa el-Fnaa got overwhelming (which, let’s be honest, they absolutely can), they suggested this quieter square nearby where locals actually hang out. These are the kinds of insights that make a trip memorable rather than just another Instagram collection.

The 8.9 rating makes sense to me – it’s not trying to be the fanciest place in Marrakech, but it gets the important things right and gives you an authentic medina experience without the stress of wondering if you’ll have hot water or dealing with unhelpful staff. If you’re looking for a resort-style experience with pools and room service, this isn’t your place. But if you want to actually experience Marrakech while having a comfortable, well-located base to return to each night, Riad Zaki delivers exactly what you need.

Riad Zaki Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Zaki

• A comfortable property in a great location with friendly caring staff to enhance your stay, who will arrange transportat – Roy from Australia – 22 April 2025 (9/10)

  The property is a Raid, which has been updated and modernized in traditional style and located very close to the Medina.
  The staff were very friendly and welcomed me with traditional mint tea, provided a map and orientation of the location and points of interest in the area. The property was very clean with daily cleaning undertaken. The room was very clean, the bed firm and comfortable and the bathroom modern with good hot water and shower.
  The rooftop terrace was a relaxing area and a traditional breakfast, including juice, coffee, jams, cheeses and olives included and enjoyed in this area. A money changing facility is located on the property, inside the entry area.
  
  What could be improved: The Riad is located on a busy road near the intersection of another road. The rooms at the front of the property are noisy due to traffic, people and businesses operating well into the night, making it difficult to sleep. I mentioned this to the staff and they offered me a room at the rear, which was lovely and quiet.

• Great place to stay in Marrakech! – Liam from New Zealand – 12 April 2025 (10/10)

  Imad and Ali were incredible hosts for our stay in Marrakech. They gave us the run down of all the best things to do and booked an excursion for us to the desert for quad bikes and camel rides. Breakfast every morning on the roof quickly became a highlight for us. Riad was in a great location in walking distance to all the main attractions and a supermarket close by. The room was nice and beautiful. Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to visit Marrakech!

• 10/10 – Racariu from Romania – 31 March 2025 (10/10)

  Mostafa and the hotel staff were very good to us. We were warmly welcomed, and we managed to check in faster than usual. They gave us a map of Marrakech and recommended places to visit. Mostafa personally went with us to show us the location of a fantastic restaurant. Incredible location, close to all the amenities. A big thank you to the staff.
  
  What could be improved: Everything was fine

• Exceptional – Giada from Switzerland – 21 March 2025 (10/10)

  We felt safe and at home right away and Ali and Mustapha have been so helpful and kind the whole time! I would recommend this riad right away, the people working there really made the difference, I would recommend it to anyone 😊

• Perfect location in the Medina for souks, restaurants and sightseeing – Wayne from Australia – 19 February 2025 (10/10)

  Location is great being in the Medina and very handy with direct street access when travelling to and from the airport; no navigating busy narrow passageways with motorbikes zooming past, pedestrians, sellers etc. But the number one benefit is the great staff always helpful
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really

• Superb – Gabriella from United States – 29 January 2025 (9/10)

  The breakfast was amazing! Excellent service from Imad. Great location.

• Very clean riad close to the Medina – Tunde77 from Hungary – 16 January 2025 (10/10)

  Breakfast is served on the rooftop, mainly sweet things like pancakes, jams, etc. The staff is very kind and helpful. The bed was a little bit uncomfortable, but I solved it with two pillows. 🙂 The riad is very close to the Medina. Try the hammam spa in the riad, it's very good! 🙂
  
  What could be improved: –

• Exceptional – Mostafa from United Kingdom – 14 January 2025 (10/10)

  The best staff. Very welcoming, friendly and helpful, especially Ali, Imad and Rabeea. They went above and beyond to make sure we have a great stay. The place is very clean and the breakfast has good variety. I would definitely stay there again.

• Exceptional – Hayden from New Zealand – 5 January 2025 (10/10)

  Perfect location, and outstanding hosts! Ali felt like a Long lost brother. Would return here happily!

• Loved staying here. So close to everything. – Delima from United Kingdom – 5 January 2025 (10/10)

  Staff and cleanliness

Surroundings

Facilities