Ryad Ayad

Ryad Ayad Overview

Look, I’ve stayed in a lot of riads in Marrakech, and honestly? Most of them try way too hard to be something they’re not. But Ryad Ayad – tucked away on this narrow little street called Derb Rahala in the Kasbah – actually gets it right. You know that feeling when you stumble onto something that feels authentic without being touristy? That’s this place.

The thing about staying in the Kasbah is that you’re literally living inside history – I mean, these walls have been here for centuries – but you’re also dealing with, well, ancient narrow streets where GPS gives up on you completely. The riad’s entrance is one of those classic Moroccan situations where you walk past it three times before realizing that unmarked wooden door is actually your hotel. But once you’re inside (and the staff will absolutely come find you if you’re wandering around lost, which I was), it opens up into this gorgeous courtyard that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a bustling medina. The contrast is honestly stunning – outside it’s all donkey carts and motorbikes squeezing through passages barely wide enough for two people, and inside you’ve got this peaceful oasis with traditional tiles and the kind of intricate plasterwork that makes you wonder how anyone has that much patience.

What really won me over, though, was how the place manages to feel genuinely Moroccan without making you feel like you’re staying in a museum. The rooms have character – thick walls that actually keep the noise down (crucial when you’re this close to the souks), beautiful traditional details, but also things like proper lighting for reading and bathrooms that work the way you’d expect them to. The rooftop terrace is where you’ll probably spend your evenings, and honestly, the view over the Kasbah and toward the Atlas Mountains is worth the slightly confusing journey to get here. You’re close enough to the main square that you can walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa in about ten minutes, but far enough away that you’re not dealing with the chaos when you just want to relax. The staff seems to actually live in the neighborhood – they know which hammam is worth your time, where to get the best tagine that isn’t a tourist trap, and they’ll arrange everything from airport transfers to day trips without making you feel like they’re pushing expensive packages on you. I actually ended up extending my stay by two nights because, well, why leave when you’ve found something this good?

Ryad Ayad Accommodations

Reviews of Ryad Ayad

• Wonderful host. Very nice and clean with excellent food. Would highly recommend. – Eusebiu from United Kingdom – 15 February 2025 (10/10)

  Wonderful host. Very nice and clean with excellent food. Would highly recommend.

• Exceptional – Egidijus from Lithuania – 29 January 2025 (10/10)

  It was a really great stay for our family with 3 kids. And dinner, which we had at Ryad Ayad, was the most tasteful of all dinners in Marakesh. Thank you Mohamed and Naaima, it was really a great pleasure to stay here!

• Exceptional – Nicholas from United Kingdom – 6 January 2025 (10/10)

  The host was lovely and very accomodating to me and my friends, thanks again!

• Exceptional – Phoeby from United Kingdom – 2 January 2025 (10/10)

  Our stay at this hotel was absolutely delightful, thanks to the amazing hospitality of Naimma. She went above and beyond to make us feel at home, treating us like family and ensuring we were always comfortable and happy. Even after we checked out, she reached out to check on us, which was such a thoughtful and heartwarming gesture. We highly recommend staying here when you visited Marrakech.

• Exceptional – Ibolya from Hungary – 19 December 2024 (10/10)

  It is a nice location with many hospitality. They arranged a taxi for us, that took to thr nearest street where we met her. Sightseeing, all major attractions available within 15-30 min. by foot.
  Naaima prepared a delicious brakfast with tea and coffee every day and dinner for us on the day of arrival (payed for it separately).

• Exceptional – Elizabeth from Spain – 29 March 2024 (10/10)

  Naaima was very sweet and welcoming. The location was great. I was nervous about the noise at night but it was a very quiet street.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• One of my best stays – Tomás from Spain – 9 February 2024 (10/10)

  The place is cozy and super calm, and there is a nice terrace on top of the house, is also very clean and the beds are comfortable. The price is great for the value, and the rooms are super clean. The location is also great—next to the city center but without all the busy streets that are in it.
  
  Without Naaima, the stay would have been much worse. She is one of the best hosts I have ever had, and without any doubt, I would recommend her again. She genuinely wanted to help us in every possible way without asking for anything in return. She is a great cook as well.

• The place made us feel like locals. It was absolutely perfect! – Sunu from United Kingdom – 29 October 2023 (10/10)

  The tranquility and cleanliness of the property was flawless. The location was bang on the hassle and bustle, but once you were in the Ryad it was placid. It was spacious and traditional. Loved it. Naaima as a host was very warm and she cooked us a traditional Targin which was like no other. The presentation of the food was exceptional.
  
  What could be improved: Shower needs a little more power.

• Without a doubt the best Riad in Marrakech – Aiden from United Kingdom – 29 May 2023 (10/10)

  We visited for just 1 night on our way back from the Atlas Mountains. The hosts (a couple) were very welcoming and the property was very spacious. It was very clean and had a lovely roof terrace.
  
  Compared to other riads we have stayed at the price is so cheap! The value for money was many times better than anywhere else around. The riad was located close to the centre of Marrakech, right on the edge of the medina (very easy to get taxis etc to airport/further away places).
  
  The couple made us dinner for a small extra cost and it was amazing! The breakfast was also very good. They also were there to help us with anything we needed and even gave some first aid for some blisters we picked up. They communicated with us well in advance of the booking in case we needed anything else.
  
  If I ever visit Marrakech again or know anyone visiting, I only have 1 place to recommend and it's here
  
  What could be improved: Nothing really, although booking.com doesn't make it super clear about the 50% payment in advance being done directly to the hosts. Obviously not the fault of the property, and is the same in many other places.

• We had a great stay. – David from Portugal – 20 May 2023 (10/10)

  I stayed here with some friends. Mohamed and Naaima were very kind and welcoming. The rooms were comfy and clean. Amazing breakfast was served every morning. Highly recommend!

Surroundings

Facilities