Best Riads in Marrakech Medina Under £250 (Handpicked)
My first visit to Marrakech was a girls’ trip from London in 2003. I have since travelled to the city over 30 times, for pleasure and guidebook research. I have experienced the city in all seasons. Now that home is in Agadir, southern Morocco, Marrakech is just a 3-hour drive away. I love to visit for a burst of city life and creative inspiration every few months.
I still get excited to stay in a riad.
I know first-hand that it can be hard to choose where to stay in Marrakech; there are so many good riads and hotels. I also know how disappointing it can be when you choose a bad one!
I’ve learned through doing, and wanted to shout about the ones that are getting things right: a warm and welcoming team that genuinely takes care of you, a comfortable bed, a great shower, and a freshly-made breakfast, easy things in Morocco, but many riads cut corners.
Where should first-timers stay in Marrakech? I always recommend riads in the Medina. This is the city’s main attraction, a maze of alleys, souks, and everyday Islamic life enclosed within iconic rose-pink walls. At its heart, the Djemma el Fna bursts into life each afternoon, with rooftop cafés, street food stalls, and storytellers. Just beside it, the Koutoubia Mosque rises above the city’s skyline, with the Call to Prayer sounding five times a day.
If you’re looking into the best riads to stay in Marrakech, take a read of the below.
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Where to Stay in Marrakech Medina (and How to Choose the Right Riad)
Your ideal stay depends on:
Budget (this article covers the best riads under £250)
Who you're travelling with (solo, couples, friends, families)
Trip purpose (shopping, eating, spa, museums, work, relaxation, nightlife)
Length of stay ((longer stays can combine city time with the Agafay Desert and/ or Atlas Mountains)
Season (A/C essential in summer; heating in winter when the nights are cold)
Previous visits (maybe try a new neighbourhood on return trips)
Most traditional riads have 5–10 rooms around a central courtyard; some have combined a few riads to make boutique hotels with 40+ rooms. Many have splash pools, rooftop terraces, and private hammams.
For large pools or kids’ facilities, look to the Hivernage or Palmeraie districts.
⭐ Best Riads in Marrakech Medina (Under £250)
Perfect for first-time visitors who want to stay in the heart of the old city. From these riads, you can walk to Ben Youssef Medersa, Koutoubia Mosque, Le Jardin Secret, and Djemaa el-Fna without needing a taxi.
1. Le Farnatchi
Le Farnatchi Spa, Marrakech
From £250 per night
One of Marrakech’s very first riad hotels, in a quiet nook of the Medina, next to Ben Youssef Medersa. The fantastic team at Le Farnatchi discreetly and warmly takes care of everything, with the same owner and manager for 20 years. Ten luxurious suites, each unique in décor and layout, with hand-carved plasterwork, colourful rugs, and in Winter, open fireplaces. A stunning in-house spa and fine-dining Moroccan restaurant, Le Trou Au Mur, are open to non-residents and slightly separate from the riad. You can walk through a private entrance from the riad, but non-riad guests use a separate entrance, which helps the riad feel quieter and more private. The spa is irresistible with its marble interior, vaulted ceiling, and tempting menu of hammam rituals, facials, and massages. Five new suites are coming later in 2026 in a new adjacent building with a second rooftop pool, a nice length for chilling and short laps. Check availability here.
2. Dar Attajmil
Dar Attajmil, Marrakech
From £100 per night
A charming, four-bedroom riad with a cosy rooftop terrace and a slow-travel ethos (they offer discounts for longer stays). This is my go-to place when I want to feel at home; it’s quiet and unpretentious. Simply appointed rooms, luxury linens, and homemade meals, seasonal salads, tagines, and other Moroccan dishes lovingly prepared by chef Fatima, who also hosts their wonderful cooking classes. Location: steps from Bab Laksour gate. Hammams available in-house. Check availability here.
3. Ryad Dyor
Ryad Dyor, Marrakech
From £250 per night
I visited Ryad Dyor as part of a girls’ weekend break, and it was perfect. If you have an eye for interior design, it’s a paradise. Formerly three riads, now combined into a refined, architecturally inspiring Medina retreat. Ten uniquely styled rooms and suites, some with hand-painted ceilings and handcrafted zellige mosaic tiles. Features include a splash pool, a hammam/spa, several courtyards, Moorish arches, and elegant roof terraces. Located in the quieter northeast Medina, 20 mins from Djemma el-Fna. Check availability here.
4. Riad Kniza
Riad Kniza, Marrakech
From £230 per night
I’ve worked with Riad Kniza for many years; it’s always a treat to visit and work with them. The building dates to the 18th century and has been in the same family for decades; it’s steeped in history. Riad Kniza is still a favourite recommendation for people seeking an authentic riad, sumptuous suites, and the finest Moroccan hospitality and polished service. Their 19 rooms and suites are lavishly appointed with rich fabrics and ambient lighting. A nice-sized courtyard pool, hammam spa, and a fine-dining restaurant, also open to non-residents. Breakfast and afternoon tea on the rooftop are highlights. The owner’s private museum, opposite the riad, has a surprisingly well-curated collection of Moroccan cultural treasures and is a must-see. Check availability here.
5. Riad Alena
Riad Alena, Marrakech
From £240 per night
A four-bedroom gem in one of the Medina’s most convenient streets, close to Bab Laksour, Dar el Bacha, and the cafés /shops along Rue Sidi el Yamani. Colourful, comfy rooms are unique and full of personality. There’s a shaded splash pool on the ground floor, and rooftop loungers on the terrace. I have yet to visit, but fellow Morocco travel writers highly recommend it and rave about the food, and from communications with the caring, hands-on owner, I trust this is a great option. Check availability here.
6. Riad RK Suites & Spa
Riad RK, Marrakech
From £150 per night
This one is also marked for a stay in the near future. It comes highly recommended by frequent-travelling friends, who know Marrakech and me well. A stylish, warm riad with contemporary African touches, tadelakt bathrooms, and ambient lantern lighting. Bright white walls contrast with the hand-carved wood doors, and a soothing colour palette of white, sand, pinks, and taupe. Small courtyard pool, rooftop terrace, and spa. Location: 5 minutes to Djemma el-Fna, cafés, shopping, and the buzzing Dar el Bacha area. Check availability here.
7. Riad L’Orangeraie
Riad L’Orangeraie, Marrakech
From £160 per night
Established, elegant, and impeccably run since 2003. Many of the opening team members are still working there, including Cyril, the owner. Seven beautifully appointed rooms are spread across two riads in a fantastic central location, near Le Jardin Secret on Rue Sidi el Yamani. Two courtyards, a good-sized plunge pool, plenty of indoor and outdoor space, and a large roof terrace. https://www.riadorangeraie.com/
8. Riad Tizwa
Riad Tizwa, Marrakech
From £100 per night
A great-value classic riad with lovely Moroccan/ contemporary touches on the western edge of the Medina, close to Dar Bacha Museum. Everything you need, and nothing you don’t in a well-priced, friendly riad. Check availability here.
9. Central House Marrakech
Central House Marrakech
From £30 per bed/night
A stylish hostel–boutique hybrid. I stayed here once when travelling alone, and needed a comfortable bed, a working bathroom, and a low price. Perfect for solo travellers looking for a friendly environment and a central location. Choose between dorms and private doubles. There’s a small pool, communal dining, and lounge areas. Close to one of my favourite Italian restaurants in Marrakech, Limouni. Check availability at The Central House Hostel here.
Planning your trip?
If you enjoyed this blog and are looking for more Marrakech travel inspiration, take a read of Favourite Specialty Cafés in Marrakech and How to Experience Marrakech Without Crowds.
If you’d like help with personalised trip planning, I offer Zoom calls (30 minutes for GBP50/USD65). Let’s organise a call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best area to stay in Marrakech for first-timers?
The Medina is the best area for first-time visitors who want to stay near souks, markets, and key landmarks like Djemma el-Fna and Ben Youssef Medersa.
Are riads in Marrakech safe?
Yes — especially the ones reviewed above.
Do riads have pools?
Many riads have small plunge pools for cooling off. For full-sized pools, look to Hivernage or Palmeraie resorts.
How many days should you stay in Marrakech?
Three to five days is ideal to explore the Medina, gardens, palaces, and take a day trip (Atlas Mountains or Agafay Desert).