Marrakech is a lovely place to visit. With a flourishing historic center home to busy marketplaces, craft businesses, restaurants, and more, the city offers enough of exoticism and romance. It is a popular tourist destination that combines the best aspects of Moroccan tradition and culture with a laid-back atmosphere and contemporary conveniences. The riads of Marrakech are renowned for giving visitors a real sense of this magical city. So, instead of booking a hotel room when visiting Marrakech, consider staying in a Moroccan riad.
What is a riad?
A riad is a typical Moroccan home, to put it simply. The name, which refers to townhouses constructed around an inner courtyard or garden, is derived from the Arabic word “ryad,” which means “garden.” Although there are various variations, authentic riads will contain luxuriant vegetation in four planting areas and a central fountain. Some even provide their visitors with a private spa or swimming pool in the hammam manner.
In keeping with the Islamic concept of isolation and introspection, each room’s windows look out onto the courtyard. Additionally, this smart design helps to keep the air nice and cool, especially during the scorching summers in Morocco. All riads offer conventional hotel accommodations, but what distinguishes them from conventional hotels is that your stay will be deeply rooted in Marrakech’s culture and history.
Where in Marrakech can you locate a riad?
Although there are riads all around Morocco, some of the most authentic ones may be found in Marrakech’s Old Medina. The most desirable riads are often found within a 10-minute stroll of the Jemaa el Fna. Finding your riad is appealing in part because you might not realize you are standing right in front of it. The only visible indication that they exist is frequently a modest wooden door on a winding stone street because they were intended to be quiet, intimate locations.
If this is your first visit, it would be ideal to plan a meeting spot close by. So that one of its staff members can safely lead you to your riad. It is not advisable to arrive after dark and without a map or guidance because you will probably get lost.
How do the rooms look?
Although riads are not enormous buildings and many have fewer than ten rooms, each one is distinctive. They are unique in that each room is distinctively decorated, utilizing stunning tilework and sophisticated Moroccan architecture to highlight the room’s beauty and character.
The size, design, and level of luxury of guest rooms vary, ranging from low cost to high end lodging. The rooms on the upper floors are usually quieter than those on the ground floor and frequently feature semi-private balconies.
Instead of carpet, floors are more frequently tiled, and bathrooms have colorful Moroccan tile work. Hanging lanterns, vibrant fabrics, hand-woven rugs, and carved wood will all be common design components.
What food and drink will I have?
A crucial component of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. And you have to try some of Morocco’s delectable cuisine. The outstanding quality of the food served at riads is well known. Each one has a group of regional cooks who create mouthwatering meals of traditional Moroccan food.
In fact, the meals you have at your Marrakech riad can end up being the part of your trip to Morocco that you remember the most. You may anticipate a straightforward but delicious breakfast of Moroccan bread, regional pastries, fruit, honey, fresh juice, and mint tea. Few riads offer full-service restaurants; instead, meals are prepared to order using fresh produce and ingredients bought that day.
If you want to eat in, just let the staff know, and the cooks will amaze you with their classic dishes. They are frequently served in the courtyard or on a roof patio, perhaps with an Arabian tent overhead. Since Morocco is a Muslim nation, it is also advisable to inquire about the availability of alcoholic beverages.
