Riad Zen House

Riad Zen House Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of riads in Marrakech, but Riad Zen House actually lives up to its name – and that’s saying something because half the “zen” places I’ve been to are anything but peaceful. This one’s tucked away on Arset Ben Brahim, which honestly took me a minute to find the first time (the narrow streets in this part of the medina all look similar), but once you’re inside, you get why they chose this spot. It’s far enough from the main Jemaa el-Fna chaos that you won’t hear drum circles at 2 AM, but close enough to Bab Doukkala that you can actually walk to decent restaurants without getting completely lost in the maze.

The whole place has this understated elegance that feels authentic rather than trying too hard – you know how some riads go overboard with the traditional Moroccan thing and end up looking like a theme park? Not here. The courtyard’s got that classic central fountain setup, but the tilework is subtle, almost muted, and the rooms are surprisingly spacious for this part of the medina. I mean, you’re not getting a Hilton-sized bathroom, but there’s actual room to open your suitcase without climbing over it to get to bed. What really got me was the rooftop terrace – honestly, the Atlas Mountain views at sunset are ridiculous, and most evenings you’ll have it pretty much to yourself since they keep guest numbers reasonable.

The staff here actually knows the neighborhood, which matters more than you’d think. When I asked about getting to the tanneries, the guy at reception didn’t just point vaguely toward the medina – he drew me a little map showing which turns to take and warned me about the leather vendor who’s particularly pushy near the entrance. That kind of local insight is gold when you’re navigating Marrakech for the first time. Breakfast is served in that gorgeous courtyard, and while it’s not a massive buffet situation, the bread comes from a bakery literally three doors down (you can smell it baking in the morning), and the orange juice is fresh-squeezed from fruit they get at the nearby souk. The Wi-Fi actually works throughout the building too, which – let’s be real – isn’t always a given in these old medina properties. If I had to nitpick, the hot water takes a minute to kick in, but that’s pretty standard for riads, and the peaceful atmosphere more than makes up for minor inconveniences. This place nails that sweet spot between authentic charm and actual comfort.

Riad Zen House Accommodations

Reviews of Riad Zen House

• A magical riad in the heart of Marrakech – Marina from Croatia – 29 June 2025 (10/10)

  This is a very nice riad, on a great location. It is very private and it offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The pool is small but more than enough for a quick refreshment in the afternoon or in the evening, the rooms are very nice and clean and the atmosphere is just magical. Air conditioning works great, the terrace is very comfortable to relax in the evening. Breakfast each morning is also nice with freshly squeezed orange juice, and we even got coffee and cacao for the kids.
  The location is safe and peaceful, close to the city gates and near Jardin Majorelle, but also close on the other side to the main square in Medina. Our pick up locations for the desert trip and cooking class were all just a few minutes away from this riad. There is a supermarket just around the corner and the hosts were very pleasant and helpful. If we went back to Marrakech we would most definitely stay at this riad. It has the most magical appeal – it is in the neighbourhood that people live in, it is not just for tourists, so you can see kids playing football in the streets and there is a market with vegetables, fruit, spices and meat very near by, it is very lovely.

• Amazing Stay! – Avaih from Canada – 10 June 2025 (10/10)

  LOVELY property. My friend and I stayed at Zen House for 8 nights total, and it honestly started to feel like home towards the end. The location is slightly outside of the city center, which we enjoyed, with just a short 5-minute walk to the main areas. The staff were very friendly and helpful and were able to tend to us whenever we needed, even offering an early breakfast when we needed to depart earlier than 8 am for a tour or excursion. Breakfast was amazing every day, and I will be dreaming of the coffee forever. Overall, it was such a great experience and I would stay here again many times.
  
  What could be improved: Please bring cash Euros or DH, upon arrival for the property tax and for the airport shuttle service (if applicable). They do not have a card reader (even though our shuttle driver insisted they did), so it is important to bring cash to account for the tax and shuttle.
  
  Also, this is not the property's fault at all, but if you book the room with 2 single beds, it is likely the room on the ground floor. This was nice and convenient since we didn't need to carry luggage up and down the stairs, but it did mean that most of the time, sleeping in was not an option for us since other guests who came to have breakfast right outside the room on the ground floor were not mindful of those who could be sleeping. Large groups or families generated lots of noise during breakfast.

• Exceptional – Charis from Belgium – 4 June 2025 (10/10)

  Very Nice and Friendly staff! Beautiful place to stay!

• Super! – Alexino9 from Italy – 2 June 2025 (10/10)

  A peaceful gem in Marrakech – highly recommended!
  We had a wonderful stay at Riad Zen House. The place is beautiful and full of charm, with a spectacular courtyard that feels like an oasis and a lovely rooftop terrace perfect for relaxing after a day in the city.
  The team is absolutely fantastic — incredibly kind, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. They really made us feel welcome and cared for throughout our stay.
  Every morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, which changed daily and featured freshly baked local products — a perfect start to the day. The riad is spotlessly clean, peaceful, and has a truly calming atmosphere.
  The location is a bit tucked away, which actually makes it even more relaxing, and it’s still very convenient to explore other parts of Marrakech, whether by foot or short taxi ride.
  All in all, a perfect blend of authenticity, comfort, and warm hospitality. We’d definitely come back and recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful stay in Marrakech!

• A very comfortable and warming place! – Maria from United States – 26 May 2025 (10/10)

  Nice people,very polite and respectful!A very warm atmosphere.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing ,except the way to the place is confusing.

• Exceptional – María from Spain – 22 May 2025 (10/10)

  The place is beautiful, the staff really friendly and helpful.
  
  What could be improved: The location is a bit far from the main square.

• Superb – Maurizio from Slovakia – 14 May 2025 (9/10)

  The Riad is placed in a quiet area , close enough to the souk Medina, Jardin de Majorelle and parking Bab Yacout,
  Interiors are cozy and relaxing and the rooftop with sun-chairs is a plus..
  I liked the staff attitude to help us with suggestions and services , they really pampered us during our staying.
  In addition they prepared for us a fantastic Moroccan dinner: at the end of 2 weeks spent in Morocco, the best tajine dinner i had.

• Beautiful and wholesome – Alicia from United Kingdom – 22 April 2025 (10/10)

  Stunning and authentic. Love how the roof opens up and you have beautiful birds singing on the balcony. Staff were lovely. Welcome with morrocan tea and after we conversated and got to learn about their culture.
  
  What could be improved: Not the most sound proof but that didnt bother us at all !

• Exceptional – Christina from Greece – 15 April 2025 (10/10)

  The staff was amazing and very welcoming. Samir were there whenever we need anything for information and help with the room.

• It was a great place to stay and very easy to book. – K from United States – 30 March 2025 (10/10)

  Very welcoming and nice rooms that were very big.
  
  What could be improved: I liked it all.

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