Where to Stay in Marrakesh: Riad Reviews

Staying in a traditional riad—a Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard—is an essential part of experiencing the city's culture. Recently, we had the pleasure of staying at two distinct but equally wonderful properties: Riad Keltoum and Riad Dar Demnat. Both provided unforgettable experiences, but they cater to slightly different types of travelers.

Here is my detailed review of both properties to help you decide which one fits your Marrakesh itinerary.

Riad Keltoum: An Oasis for Small Groups

If you are traveling with a small group of friends or family, Riad Keltoum offers a beautiful blend of shared spaces and comfortable living arrangements. This property feels like a private sanctuary tucked away from the busy streets of the Medina.

The Courtyard and Rooftop

The centerpiece of Riad Keltoum is its courtyard plunge pool. It provides the perfect way to cool off and relaxing after a long afternoon of exploring the souks.

At the top floor, the rooftop terrace has comfortable lay beds perfect for catching some sun, along with a shaded seating area. It is an ideal spot to gather with your group in the evening, sip fresh mint tea, and listen to the sounds of the city.

Rooms and Layout

Riad Keltoum features two main bedrooms on the 2nd floor, each complete with its own en suite bathroom. If you have single travelers in your group, the riad offers great flexibility and is perfect for up to 6 people. The living room includes comfortable sofa beds that easily convert into sleeping spaces, making it highly adaptable for your specific group size.

Hospitality and Dining

The hospitality at Riad Keltoum truly stands out. The hosts go out of their way to make you feel at home, offering excellent local recommendations and arranging knowledgeable guides for your city tours. We used a lot of their resources for where to eat and drink, and their recommendations were great!

The dedicated housekeeper, Amina, adds a wonderful personal touch to the stay. Whether you want a slow morning or have an early excursion planned, she accommodates your schedule perfectly. During our stay, she prepared delicious, traditional Moroccan breakfasts for us as early as 8:00 AM with coffee, tea, different breads, and more.

The Riad also comes equipped with some amenities that you can purchase, the fridge is stocked with water bottles and bottles of wine that you can purchase from them, and they also offer laundry services at an additional cost.

Location and Attractions

You cannot ask for a better location. The winding streets can be a little hard to remember at first, but the hosts can arrange for someone to help bring your luggage to the Riad and direct you, just make sure you pin the address on your maps to get back.

Riad Keltoum sits very close to the heart of the Medina. You can easily step out and immerse yourself in the vibrant shopping and dining scenes. Better yet, some of Marrakesh's best cultural sites are just a short walk away. You can easily reach Dar El Bacha Museum, the peaceful Le Jardin Secret, and the historic Ben Youssef Mosque on foot.

Riad Dar Demnat: A Spacious Multi-Level Retreat

If your travel party requires even more space, Riad Dar Demnat provides an excellent alternative for up to 9 people. Situated in the southern end of the Medina, this riad offers a slightly different flavor of Marrakesh living while maintaining the same high standards of comfort.

The Courtyard and Pool

Riad Dar Demnat features a more intimate layout. The courtyard houses a small pool that creates a deeply relaxing atmosphere. While it is not designed for swimming, it is perfectly suited for a refreshing dip for two people or for kids to splash around safely. The soothing sound of the water echoing through the courtyard sets a tranquil tone for your entire stay.

Rooms and Layout

This property is perfect for accommodating larger groups who want their own private spaces. It has four separate bedrooms, and even better, there is a bathroom located on every single floor. This thoughtful layout gives everyone in a larger group plenty of privacy and space to get ready for the day without stepping on each other's toes. Each bedroom has a large bed, and one of the bedrooms on the 2nd floor has a single bed tucked away, perfect for a family with a child or an extra friend in a group. Plus, having a bedroom on the first floor helps if anyone in your party has accessibility issues.

Upstairs, there is a small rooftop with an beautifully tiled outdoor soaking tub, a couple loungers, and a dining table to enjoy a meal outdoors. There is also a washing machine in the unit which is nice for longer trips.

Hospitality and Dining

Much like Riad Keltoum, the staff at Riad Dar Demnat understand exactly how to treat their guests. The hosts are incredibly accommodating and eager to ensure you have a flawless trip. The housekeeper is equally attentive, serving up fresh breakfasts customized to your schedule, even if you need to eat at 8:00 AM before a desert tour.

Location and Attractions

Riad Dar Demnat puts you right near the Medina's vibrant shopping and restaurant districts, but from a different vantage point. Located more on the southern end of the old city, this riad places you right near the impressive Bab Agnaou gate. You are also just a stone's throw away from the majestic ruins of El Badi Palace, making it a perfect base camp for history lovers.

Choosing Your Marrakesh Home

Both Riad Keltoum and Riad Dar Demnat offer warm, authentic Moroccan hospitality that you simply cannot find in a standard hotel.

Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed a welcoming atmosphere, delicious breakfasts, and a peaceful retreat from the lively streets of Marrakesh. Start planning your Marrakesh itinerary today, and get ready to experience the magic of Marrakesh firsthand.