Marrakech, with its labyrinthine medina and vibrant souks, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern charm. For travellers seeking an authentic and luxurious experience, staying in a traditional riad is a must. The Angsana Heritage Collection stands out for its exquisite blend of Moroccan tradition and contemporary comfort. In this review, we delve into two of the best riads to stay in Marrakech from this prestigious collection, exploring what makes them the perfect havens for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Marrakech.
What is a Riad and why should you opt to stay in one instead of a hotel in Marrakech?
Staying in a riad in Marrakech offers a unique and authentic experience that differs significantly from staying in a conventional hotel. Here are several reasons why you might choose to stay in a riad:
Authentic Moroccan Experience: Riads are traditional Moroccan houses or palaces with an interior garden or courtyard. Staying in a riad allows you to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and architecture.
Personalized Service: Riads are typically smaller than hotels, which allows for more personalized and attentive service. The staff often go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Beautiful Architecture and Decor: Riads feature stunning traditional Moroccan design elements, such as intricate tile work (zellige), carved wood, and vibrant textiles. The architecture often includes beautiful courtyards, fountains, and rooftop terraces.
Peaceful Retreat: Despite being located in the bustling medina (old city), riads offer a tranquil atmosphere. The courtyards and terraces provide peaceful retreats from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Cultural Immersion: Many riads are located in the heart of the medina, allowing you to easily explore the souks (markets), historical sites, and local culture. You can experience Marrakech’s everyday life up close.
Home-Cooked Meals: Riads often offer delicious home-cooked Moroccan meals, allowing you to enjoy authentic cuisine without leaving your accommodation.
Unique Rooms: Each room in a riad is typically uniquely decorated, providing a more personalized and distinctive experience compared to standardized hotel rooms.
Historical Significance: Many riads are historical buildings with rich histories, adding an extra layer of charm and intrigue to your stay.
Overall, staying in a riad in Marrakech offers a blend of luxury, cultural immersion, and tranquillity that creates a memorable and enriching travel experience.
During our 2 week stay in Morocco, we stayed in 2 Riads that belong to the Angsana Heritage Collection – Riad Dar Zaouia and Riad Firdaus Studio King.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable).
Join our private Facebook Group: To Travel Too Ultimate Travel Tips and Itineraries here
Check out our YouTube video of our stay in the Riads in Marrakech here
Related Reading: 14 day Morocco itinerary
Souks and Foundouks Tour Marrakech Review
Our #1 Stay at Riad Da Zaouia
We booked 3 nights at Riad Da Zaouia before commencing our 12-day organised tour of Morocco.
As the medina is a labyrinth we opted to book a private transfer from the Airport to our Riad. It was definitely the right thing to do as vehicles are not allowed in the small alleyways. There is a small car park used for deliveries, Uber drivers and taxis a few minutes walk away. Our driver was at the airport waiting for us and whisked us back to our accommodation. This was our first time in Morocco so we were excited to take it all in on the way.
Our driver phoned our Riad on arrival and shortly after we were shown our way to the main Riad in the Angsana Collection – Riad Si Said. We were ushered into a small room and offered Moroccan Mint Tea and pastries whilst our check-in was carried out.
We were given a mobile phone to use during our stay which had the Riad’s telephone number programmed in. We could use Google Maps but it was sketchy with the information. We ended up using one of the Riad’s printed maps.
Good to know: Google Maps does not work well within the Medina
After our check-in and our delicious tea and pastries, we were shown to our Riad one minute away down another alleyway.
Opening the door into the Riad main area and into our Suite was a wow! We were stunned. It was exactly how we imagined it to be except that now we were in the Suite. A pinch-yourself moment.
Riad Dar Zaouia was originally a religious and educational establishment that housed students and travellers.
We had booked the Deluxe King Suite but as an Accor Plus Platinum Member, we were upgraded to the Zaouia Suite. The Zaouia Suite is 50 sqm spread over two levels. To use the word stunning is an understatement. The suite is located on the ground floor just off the very stylish Moroccan courtyard, and it has a fountain where breakfast is served.
The Suite had a lounge room with a fireplace for winter, a TV, mini bar fridge with tea and coffee-making facilities. Stylish Moroccan-style decor items complemented the colour scheme of blues, green and shades of brown.
The king-size bedroom was large, a very comfortable bed and luxe linens were used.
The oversized bathroom consisted of a bath that overlooked the bedroom, a separate Moroccan tiled shower and a toilet. The basin was made out of polished brass. The toiletries were from the Angsana Collection. Large fluffy white towels and robes were provided.
The colourful Moroccan-styled courtyard outside our door was very inviting just to sit and gaze at the architecture of the Riad. A 100% traditional Moroccan breakfast was served daily. The plates and dishes are made by master craftsmen from the region of Marrakech, Fes and Tamegrut. The drinking glasses are recycled in Marrakech.
There is a rooftop area where you can relax and read. There is a water fountain on the 2nd level of the Riad where you can refill your water bottles.
For dinner we chose to dine in the Angsana Collections main restaurant back where we had checked in – Restaurant Si Said. We wanted to be able to relax and enjoy the Riad’s before joining a walking tour of the Souks and Foundouks the next morning.
We were lucky we had booked in advance. There are only around 10 tables and all were booked out at 7. The pool at the Restaurant looked inviting so we chose to have a pre-dinner cocktail there before going into dinner.
The food was excellent and the service was impeccable. We dined on their special lamb dish and the best vegetable tagine we had tasted throughout Morrocco. We could not say no to their dessert either. Their recommendation of a 2022 Moroccan Rose – Joyau was the right accompaniment for this delicious meal.
Moroccan Cuisine is a mix of Amazigh and Arabic cuisine from the Maghreb, the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Africa.
Restaurant Si Said offers Moroccan cuisine based on fresh products from producers who promote quality and respect for the environment. Nothing is exported except for coffee, tea and chocolate.
Breakfast was served in the courtyard adjacent to our Suite. Over the next three mornings, we enjoyed the local Morrocan breakfasts that included on different days, fruit and semolina porridge with honey, a selection of pastries and breads, omelettes, fresh juices and coffee or tea.
Stay # 2 Riad Firdaus Studio King
For our last night’s stay in Marrakech, we chose to stay at another of the Angsana Heritage Collection’s Riad – Riad Firdaus Studio King.
Our departure from the Riad was 3.30 am the next morning. Once again we booked a private transfer to take us back to Marrakech Airport at that ungodly hour. A great decision. The night porter came by the Riad at 3.20 to escort us down the eerily quiet laneways to the small parking lot where our driver was waiting.
We were impressed with Riad Firdaus especially since we were upgraded to a Suite with a sitting room. The size of the suite was 30 sqm compared to our previous one of 50 sqm. The Morrocan decor was impressive and the bathroom was stylish with its colourful Morrocan colours and architecture. Our Riad was located on the 2nd floor.
After our check-in served with Morrocan Mint Tea and pastries we relaxed in our awesome surroundings before heading out to dinner – this time at Nomad – one of the popular roof-top restaurants. We were not disappointed with the food or the service. You do need to book in advance. It is easy, just send them an email they are very responsive.
Hamman Experience at the Angsana Collection
During our stay at the Riad Zaouia we booked a Hamman Experience that the Angsana Collection provided. It was in the same location as our stay at Riad Firdaus.
If you ever have the opportunity to book a private Hamman experience we would highly recommend it. The stunning Hamman at Riad Firdaus made the experience relaxing and harmonious. We loved the exquisite Moroccan theme Hamman and Massage rooms. We were not sure about the scrub but it turned out to be an experience. The massages were one of the best we have had worldwide. We would definitely return here for another wonderful calming and cleansing experience.
You can check out the photos and the spa menu here.
Good to know about staying in Marrakech
Morocco is experiencing a serious water shortage resulting in drastic measures from the Water Authority including the water pressure being reduced from 25 to 30% and at times a longer wait for hot water.
Wifi can also be patchy from Maroc Telecom.
Our Final Thoughts
We definitely recommend staying in a Riad in Morroco. It is a unique experience. For us booking two Riads under the same banner – Angsana Heritage Collection gave us the experience of staying in two unique properties. We highly recommend a meal at the Restaurant Si Said and to complete your Morrocan experience – enjoy the Hamman. It is worth paying the extra to have your transport pre-booked in advance through them as well. You know you are in good hands and will be able to arrive at your Riad in the medina maze in a relaxed state rather than an anxious one.
Words of advice:
We did get lost returning back to the Riad after our walking tour on the first day. We had the mobile phone with us but were not getting coverage. Actually, we were quite close to our accommodation but became disoriented. Finding another Riad accommodation we knocked on the door and asked them if they could call our Riad on our behalf, a few minutes later one of the staff members arrived to escort us back home. Apparently, it happens all the time! If you find yourself in this situation find a Riad and ask them to call. We did ask some shopkeepers along the way but they were all giving us different directions, which confused us even more.
Travel Information for Morocco
We use Skyscanner for all our flight bookings.
E-Sims
We used e-simatic in Morocco. We had great coverage all around Morocco and we can hotspot to our laptops for private banking and emails. They are easy to install and good value.
To Travel Too Travel Shop
Travel smarter and safer with products from our To Travel Too Travel Shop. If you are looking for the latest luggage, guidebooks or travel accessories we have you covered with over 800 travel products.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Visa for Morocco
Do you need a visa for Morocco?
Are you on Pinterest? We are at To Travel Too and we have many travel-related boards check us out at Pinterest. If you enjoyed our article why not pin it to your board and read it later?
Leave a reply