SARDINAS & CHILI

SARDINAS & CHILI Overview

You know what hit me first about SARDINAS & CHILI? The name honestly threw me off – I mean, you’re wandering through the labyrinthine streets of Marrakech’s medina, dodging donkeys and following your GPS down increasingly narrow alleys, and suddenly you’re standing in front of this riad with what sounds like a tapas bar name. But here’s the thing – once you actually step inside, it all makes perfect sense in that wonderfully unexpected way Morocco does.

The location on Derb Sidi Ben Aissa is actually brilliant if you know the medina at all. You’re deep enough in to feel like you’ve discovered something genuine (good luck finding it without calling them the first time, by the way), but you’re still a manageable ten-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa when you want the full sensory overload experience. The building itself is one of those traditional riads that’s been lovingly restored – think hand-carved cedar ceilings, intricate zellij tilework, and a central courtyard that becomes your personal sanctuary from the controlled chaos outside. I spent more time than I care to admit just sitting by their fountain with mint tea, listening to the call to prayer echo over the rooftops while the orange trees dropped petals into the water.

What really sets this place apart, though, is how it manages to feel both authentically Moroccan and refreshingly unfussy. The staff – especially Hassan at the front desk – actually seem to enjoy helping you figure out the city rather than just going through the motions. They’ll draw you little maps, call taxis that won’t try to overcharge you, and somehow always know exactly when you need that extra pot of coffee in the morning. The rooms themselves are what you’d expect from a solid four-star riad: plenty of space, decent air conditioning (crucial in summer, trust me), and bathrooms that work properly – which, let’s be honest, isn’t always a given in converted historical buildings. The rooftop terrace is where you’ll end up spending your evenings, watching the Atlas Mountains turn pink while the medina settles into its nighttime rhythm below. Sure, the WiFi can be spotty, and you’ll definitely hear your neighbors if they’re having animated conversations, but that’s part of the charm when you’re staying in a centuries-old building with walls that have stories to tell. The 8.1 rating feels about right – it’s not trying to be the flashiest place in town, but it nails the fundamentals while giving you that authentic medina experience that’s getting harder to find.

SARDINAS & CHILI Accommodations

Reviews of SARDINAS & CHILI

• Great value for the price. – Gary from United Kingdom – 16 May 2025 (9/10)

  Great location, 2 minutes to the main square and although very close to the very busy souk it is very calm and peaceful.
  Lovely terrace where breakfast is served and the riad is very authentic and well furnished.
  My room was on the ground floor and although small has all you need with a very comfortable bed. The small bathroom does get a bit of a soaking when you take a shower but nothing to put you off.
  As others have mentioned the breakfast was very small but the coffee is good.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing to dislike, it's good value.

• An excellent riad – lovely location and extremely quiet – Lisa from United Kingdom – 19 April 2025 (9/10)

  Really quiet and excellent location. Staff were super friendly and obliging. Jamila made us feel very welcome.

• Very pleasant stay in Marrakesh. – Alan from United Kingdom – 31 March 2025 (8/10)

  Central location, but far enough from the main thoroughfare to be quiet. Nice rooftop terrace.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Nice, short stay – Viktorija from Lithuania – 2 February 2025 (9/10)

  It was a nice traditional Riad in a very good, quiet place of the Medina. Tje terrace is cozy.
  
  What could be improved: We left early for a trip so we did not get something for breakfast even if we paid. Our problem in general but need to keep in mind that breakfast is at late hour.

• Great value for money nice quiet location yet near to everything highly recommended – Jennifer from United Kingdom – 26 January 2025 (9/10)

  Perfect location very good breakfast lovely staff very clean
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Lovely would stay again – Jennifer from United Kingdom – 21 January 2025 (8/10)

  Very cosy and friendly
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb value – would stay again. – Sarah from United Kingdom – 19 December 2024 (8/10)

  Fantastic location. Easy to find. Great staff. Lovely breakfast. Clean room (bigger than many in Marrakech). Excellent value for money. Would stay again.
  
  What could be improved: It would have been nice to have had access to a kettle for hot water.

• Lovely place in the middle of town!! – Jamilatu from United Kingdom – 10 November 2024 (9/10)

  Great place and the location was good too! The staff waited for me to check in late which i really appreciated.

• Great location, great hospitality, sparkling clean! – Iva from Serbia – 5 June 2024 (9/10)

  Hospitality, location, sparkling clean
  
  What could be improved: Breakfast could be better

• Very good – Sandra from Slovenia – 24 April 2024 (8/10)

  Really nice stuff, they waited for us until 2am because our flight was late. Nice breakfast on the terrace, really good location. Room is small but you have everything what you want. Thank you for everything
  
  What could be improved: I just missed one window in the room.

Surroundings

Facilities