Riad Zayane

We wanted an authentic Marrakech experience and the Riad Zayane did not disappoint. Inside the walled city, you get to the Riad by walking through the markets with all the sounds, smells and chaotic activity that made our experience come alive. But when you opened the front door, you entered a different world. The beauty and peacefulness of the Riad stood in stark contrast to the outside world. We felt safe and nurtured inside the deep walls. The Riad is built around a stunning 3 story courtyard. On the first floor you find a sparkling small pool, an intimate dining area and various seating options that provide ample private spaces for all the residents. The 2nd floor is the living quarters with a balcony overlooking the courtyard. The 3rd floor is a gorgeous rooftop Terrance, beautifully decorated with couches, chairs and chase lounges for sunning. In nice weather the rooftop is open to the lower courtyard and in the evening and inclement weather it is covered. We chose to eat all of our meals in the Riad and we were not disappointed. Tasty traditional meals were prepared and served by the attentive and accommodating staff. There are only five guest suites which provided an intimate experience. You could choose to engage others or find your own quiet space. Transportation was arranged to and from the airport by the Riad staff. But the absolute highlight of our stay was our guided tour of the souks and other sights. The Riad arranged for our tour guide, Rachid Moujane, and he was a walking fountain of information. His excellent English allowed us to get detailed history and traditions explained to us in a very entertaining fashion. He was very careful to gain an understanding of what we wanted from our tour and we were off. He painted a fascinating story of the distant past and current day Marrakech. He took us to shops that he trusted and allowed us to enter behind the scenes experiences of traditional practices that made it all come alive.

Riad Zayane is a gorgeous property towards the north, inside the walls of the old town of Marrakesh. It is a beautiful place of calm and quiet away from the hustle and bustle going on outside. On warm evenings it’s lovely to sit on the terrace but when it’s cooler, the roof is closed so it stays cosy inside. Jaouad and his colleagues were so kind and welcoming, nothing was too much trouble and all requests were met with a smile. All the trips we wanted to go on were easily arranged for us and ran so smoothly and on return we were met with genuine curiosity about our day. We had two evening meals there during our stay and had delicious home cooked tagines both times for our three course meals. Our room was beautifully decorated with a large comfortable bed and a clean en-suite with a gorgeous brass hand basin and wonderful smelling toiletries. We were made to feel like we were staying as guests in a Riad rather than paying tourists which was lovely. We would highly recommend this place for a lovely holiday and look forward to returning in the future.

The serenity that Riad Zayane had to offer was just what was required, after a chaotic day in the souks. Of which the Riad is on the edge of one of the most interesting. I stayed in the Africans room. Which made me feel like Humphrey Boggart. What an adventure, thank you to the brilliant staff who helped make the relaxing part of my trip such a pleasure, and for the really hot coffee.

Great to have the whole place to ourselves, the staff were so warm and welcoming. The beds we’re comfortable with lovely white cotton bedding, wonderful authentic decor throughout. Breakfast included and was different each morning and so delicious 😋 Evening meals available at a reasonable cost and beautifully cooked. We loved the whole place, such a tranquil oasis. 👍

From four Riads I have been in Marrakech in the past year. This one’s cleaness is exceptionally perfect. It’s polished, smells divine. Bedding feels like a cloud to sleep on, absolute relaxation. Breakfasts on point, sweet with combination of eggs, some veggies. On one morning as it was my mother’s birthday they prepared amazing set up, specials and birthday cake with candles! Would recommend again and again! The hosts are beeeeeyond professional, helpful, nice and caring!