Moroccan Riad Hospitality

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a garden or courtyard in the center (ryad means garden in Arabic) which often has a skylight above to allow sunlight inside. In recent years, they have become popular alternatives to hotels in this country, as a riad stay is often more charming and warm than its hotel counterpart.

I’ve heard about riads throughout my two weeks in Morocco, and now I have a chance to experience one myself — I’m spending a night at Riad Andalla, located in the heart of Marrakech just behind Cafe de France on the main square. It’s tucked away off a back alley and surprisingly quiet given its proximity to Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Visitors are greeted with this view of the lovely courtyard:

Don’t forget to sign the guestbook…

I head upstairs to the second level. There are several rooms on each floor, all just off the open center courtyard.

That’s my room for the night, just across the way:

Each room is named, as indicated by hammered plaques above the doors.

My simple and cozy room:

There is a small, expertly decorated bathroom in the room. I’m so impressed with the details they’ve squeezed into every corner.

I continue exploring and head up to the third floor…

I dig this mirror and all the sitting spaces. I wish I had time to properly curl up into each inviting chair.

I make my way up to the roof above the third floor. It’s perhaps the crown jewel of the entire riad, which is saying something because each nook of this place is special.

You can see from the covering below that the courtyard of the riad does indeed open to the sky, which creates a lovely outdoorsy feel even when you’re hanging out in one of the lounge spaces on a lower floor.

There are many couches and tables — all covered to protect guests from the elements — placed around the rooftop.

Check out this view of the main square in the photo below — this riad is literally set one block back from the hotspot of Marrakech. Close enough to admire the views, but far enough away to drown out the noise.

There’s Koutoubia mosque in the distance.

I spend most of my afternoon and evening on the rooftop, relaxing and editing photos and admiring the views.

Riad Andalla will prepare meals or snacks or tea at your request. Indeed, several couples order dinner on the rooftop (20 Euros per person excluding drinks) and the food looks outstanding.

I grab a quick and final dinner at the main square before returning for sunset.

After a shower, I return to the rooftop for a few more hours of lounging and photo editing in this magnificent space. The air is warm with a light breeze. I don’t want to leave!