IZZA Marrakech Review: Boutique Art Hotel in the Medina
Looking for a design-led boutique hotel in Marrakech’s Medina? IZZA is one of the city’s newest openings — a 14-room riad blending contemporary art, luxury comfort and a peaceful location just north of the central souks. Here’s my full review after a recent stay.
IZZA Marrakech review, quick verdict:
Quieter part of the Medina. Close to Dar Yacout, would recommend dinner there one night. IZZA is a relatively new hotel packed with artwork, personality and soul, opened in September 2023. Choose from 14 rooms, standard, superior, suites and a spacious apartment.
Who is IZZA Marrakech best for?
Style-conscious traveller. Foodies. Artists. Designers. Events. Specialist groups. Kids are welcome, but would say it’s more suited to adults than families.
Location, where is IZZA in Marrakech?
Airport transfer: 15-20 mins. Book direct for a free airport transfer. Parking 2 minutes' walk away. Close to Ben Youssef Madrasa. Great shopping in Medina. 20 mins walk to Djemma el Fna.
Why stay at IZZA Marrakech?
We chose IZZA for its quieter Medina location, away from the crowds and intensity of Dar el Bacha and Bab Doukkala, and for its strong design identity. The concept of a “museum hotel”, with over 300 works from the owner’s private collection, makes it feel more like a curated cultural space than a traditional riad. Add in the full-service offering (pool, spa, dining, gym), and it strikes a rare balance between boutique intimacy and hotel-level comfort. I was also keen to experience Noujoum, IZZA’s in-house restaurant, with a Moroccan Mediterranean fusion sharing menu.
First impressions of IZZA Marrakech
The scent hits first: orange blossom drifting through the alley, followed by IZZA’s signature fig fragrance in reception. It sets the tone immediately. Inside, the warm mint tea and delicate patisserie welcome. By evening, the terraces glow with candlelight and lanterns, and the pool, lit up, creates a space that feels quietly theatrical.
What I loved about IZZA Marrakech
Highlights:
Breakfast on the terrace (croissants, msemen, eggs, loubia, fresh juices)
Heated pool for morning swims + a second pool for a cold plunge
Exceptionally comfortable beds and linens
Garden rooftops for chilling
Strong sense of place through art and storytelling (by Aicha, their Creative Director)
Nice touches:
Chocolate madeleines in the room, delicious!
Boutique with local designers (AB Marrakech leather bags stood out)
Wall of memorabilia in the Bill Willis bar, letters, notes and photos from his eclectic life
Wine and champagne, generous selection by glass and bottle (Moroccan + French)
Rooms at IZZA Marrakech
Rooms range from compact doubles to spacious suites and a private apartment. We stayed in Cecil, a small double with a large bathroom, ideal for two ladies who want to get ready quickly. We appreciated all the luxury touches in our room: luxury linens, thoughtful design details, natural Botanika bath products, and a calm, cocooned feel.
What could be improved at IZZA:
A few small details could be improved: better lighting on steps at night would help, and a clearer explanation of the sharing-style menu at Noujoum would avoid confusion on portion sizes. That said, it’s the kind of place you’d happily return to, if only to get the ordering right (and try more of their delicious dishes) next time.
Is IZZA Marrakech worth it?
Allen is a solo-occupancy room; rates from EUR242 on B&B. Cecil is a small double room: rates from EUR347 on B&B. Couples or friends together consider upgrading to larger room/ suites for more space, rates from EUR450 per night. IZZA private apartment, sleeps 3, with private plunge pool.
Conclusion
IZZA is one of the most design-forward boutique hotels in Marrakech right now, ideal if you want a quieter Medina base without sacrificing atmosphere or amenities. It’s not the cheapest riad in the city, but the combination of art, service and space makes it feel like a good value for a high-end stay. Compared to more traditional riads in Marrakech, IZZA feels more contemporary and design-led, closer in spirit to an art-centric private members’ club than a classic Moroccan guesthouse.
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Sally Kirby is a UK-born travel writer based in Morocco. She co-authored Lonely Planet Morocco and DK Eyewitness guidebooks, writes regularly for Time Out, adventure.com, The i Paper, The Telegraph and helps travellers bring their dream trips to reality through her consultancy services.