Be it traditional, ultra-luxe or part of a new wave of design-led digs in the city, a stay at a riad is a quintessential Marrakech experience.

Visitors to Marrakech will almost certainly come across riads – traditional Moroccan houses – when looking for somewhere to stay. Often hidden in a maze of souks and alleyways in the medina, or old walled city, they’re oases amid the hubbub, with garden courtyards, water features, rooftop terraces, sitting areas and fine craftsmanship throughout.

Note however, their enclosed nature means rooms can sometimes lack privacy, windows and light, and may not be suitable for families. But for a home-away-from-home experience with charm, step through.

1. El Fenn

Madonna celebrated her 60th birthday at El Fenn, while Katy Perry and Gwyneth Paltrow have also spent nights in its eye-popping rooms.

Co-owned by Vanessa Branson, Richard Branson’s sister, this rock star of a riad turns 20 this year but keeps things fresh with the addition of 10 new rooms.

The expansive rooftop features a lap pool and popular restaurant and bar.

Art is a highlight, as is the ability to take a taxi straight to its doors, no mean feat in the city.

2. Rosemary

Rosemary was about to launch when a devastating earthquake hit in 2023. Luckily, it survived largely unscathed to emerge as one of the most stylish lodgings in Marrakech.

Founded by Belgian artist Laurence Leenaert and her design studio LRNCE, the riad is a chic escape of just five rooms that celebrates Moroccan craftsmanship. Nearly everything is handmade, from the ceramics and textiles to the furniture, zellige tiles, tadelakt plaster walls and carved doors.

3. IZZA

Opening in late 2023, IZZA is as much a tranquil retreat as it is somewhere to mingle with fellow travellers. Inspired by American interior designer and hedonist Bill Willis, who sought out Marrakech’s jet set, the 14 rooms are named after friends such as Grace Jones and Yves Saint Laurent.

Its collection of contemporary art and NFTs is noteworthy, with works from the likes of French-Moroccan photographer Leila Alaoui and digital artist Refik Anadol.

4. La Sultana

More is more at La Sultana, which fully embraces the Moroccan love of ornamentation.

Every inch of the restored former palace has decorative flourishes, from carved columns and arches in marble and timber to zellige tiled floors and animal murals in the 28 flamboyant rooms.

Expect five-star hotel facilities, including a fine rooftop restaurant and bar, and one of the best spas in town.

Hidden in the historic Kasbah quarter, the staff in red capes signal that you’ve arrived.

5. L’Hotel

British fashion and interior designer Jasper Conran’s first foray into hotels is a discreet study in good taste. A base palette of black and white is overlaid with splashes of colour in textiles, cushions and rugs, along with art and antiques from his own collection. Each one of the six romantic suites features four-poster beds with voile drapes and sitting areas that overlook the courtyard or scented garden and heated pool.

6. Tarabel

Moorish architecture meets French Empire style at Tarabel, a chic haven of just 10 keys in muted tones of grey, taupe and cream. Entry-level rooms are compact, so opt for a junior suite or higher, which might come with twin claw-foot tubs or double showers.

Relax poolside or treat yourself to the spa hidden behind a secret mirrored door. Guests are well catered for by a chef and can dine in atmospheric locations around the property.

7. Le Farnatchi

Be in the thick of the action yet away from it all at Le Farnatchi, a 10-suite hotel among the medina’s souks and restaurants. The spacious property’s homely comforts, local flavour and international sophistication attracts discerning guests.

Its restaurant – Le Trou Au Mur – is one of the best in town, serving Moroccan fare alongside burgers, pies and curry. And the spa is lovely, too. The riad is associated with Wix Squared, one of the city’s top tour agencies.

8. Royal Mansour

No expense has been spared at Royal Mansour, the King of Morocco’s ultra-luxe hotel where guests are housed in their own private riad. Built as a medina within the medina, each of the 53 riads offers three floors of palatial living, including a rooftop terrace with plunge pool and views of the Atlas Mountains.

The four restaurants, ranging from French to Italian and Moroccan, are destinations in themselves, as is the heavenly spa, spread over 2500 square metres.

Add expansive, manicured gardens and a gorgeous pool set amid palm groves, and you’ll never want to leave.

9. Riad Kniza

Most of Marrakech’s riads are owned by foreigners, but Riad Kniza is an opulent exception. Haj Mohamed Bouskri is one of the city’s most renowned antiques dealers and puts his talents to beautiful effect in the riad’s 11 rooms and public spaces.

Think rich textiles, finely crafted objects and collectibles. The restaurant serves classic Moroccan cuisine, and the spa offers traditional treatments. Bouskri is also a top tourist guide and can give guests the inside scoop on his home city.

10. Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

The Mandarin Oriental is a riad-inspired hotel set amid 20 hectares of landscaped gardens 10 minutes away from the medina. Villas are huge, starting at nearly 300 square metres, with oodles of indoor and outdoor living space, private pool, fireplace and butler service.

Unlike traditional riads, the Mandarin Oriental is very family-friendly, with interconnecting suites and villas and a kids’ club complete with resident farm animals.

Restaurants serving Silk Road and Chinese cuisine are worth a detour, as is the fantastic spa.