Riad La Perle de Marrakech

The Riad itself was okay and pleasant behind its locked doors. My room was fine, the towels were changed daily, the bed was made, and the shower had hot water with a good flow. The pillows weren’t very clean, though, and there was only one pillowcase. I’ve stayed in worse places. Suella arranged a meal for the evening we arrived, which I was glad of because I couldn’t face going back out and being hassled. The meal was fine, and sitting in the courtyard was pleasant. Breakfast was okay, but we only had it once and ate out for the rest of the week. We had booked and paid for breakfast on booking.com, but on arrival were told we hadn’t, so having to pay again was annoying. I didn’t book this stay myself, my family did, and the wayfinding really wore me down. There’s no sign outside, and it was stressful trying to work out where we were going. Teenagers and children hustled us, and we paid them to lead us there. I was glad we did by then. We made the mistake of hiring a car, which we didn’t need in Marrakesh. Parking was in the square fairly close to the accommodation, but we got fleeced for it. Suella helped us negotiate the next days, which I appreciated. The car itself was fine, though one night I saw someone trying its boot and doors. Suella advised us to use maps.me because it’s more reliable. Getting around to and from the Riad was unpleasant and sometimes overwhelming, and I was glad to be with family. The air quality was difficult for me, so although we’d paid for two more days, we booked somewhere outside the city because I’d had enough of the pollution and area. In hindsight, we booked too long in Marrakech. The markets were fascinating, with lots of skilled craftspeople. I expected to hear the call to prayer. I’m glad I visited, but I’m not sure I’ll return. My time is precious.

The owner was helpful, the place was clean and well located in Marrakech city, and they tidied the rooms each day. Make sure the breakfast option is actually included before booking. We thought it was, then found out on arrival that something hadn’t gone through properly. Our booking information on booking.com is also nonexistent, and we’re following that up with them now. I’m not sure what the spa and wellness centre refers to, since we didn’t see one.

This is an authentic, unusual place in the heart of the old medina, and staying here definitely becomes part of the Marrakesh adventure. If you want a comfortable hotel without any adventures, avoid it. The other reviews are right: it’s in an unmarked location, children may try to scam you, the riad is a bit shabby and definitely not a 5* hotel, and a nearby mosque’s early morning prayer will wake you. If you do choose this adventure, here are some pictures that may help you find the riad. You’re welcome.

Madame Souila and her staff treated my wife and me like family. They were extremely polite and hospitable, and Madame Souila gave us useful information about sights in the old city Medina and Marrakech, which mattered since we hadn’t planned much before arriving. The staff also referred us to a driver, a camel riding excursion, and a day trip to Essaouira. Each morning they prepared fresh eggs, baked bread, freshly squeezed juices, homemade jams and preserves, and coffee. On our last evening, we were served an authentic Moroccan meal with wine. It was wonderful. The riad is in the heart of the old city Medina, convenient for Jemaa El-Fna square, Jardin Majororelle, YSL Museum, and the Koutoubia Mosque, though right in the middle of the old city’s hustle and bustle. My wife and I hadn’t known what a riad was, but friends urged us to stay in one instead of a hotel. We found Riad La Perle de Marrakech gave us the traditional experience we’d hoped for, with its inward-facing design around a courtyard, along with more besides. I’d describe a riad as a Moroccan traditional house, often with several floors opening onto an Andalusian-style courtyard and fountain, a layout that gave wealthy families privacy and shelter. Many have a garden with orange or lemon trees, and walls decorated with tadelakt plaster, zellige tiles, and Arabic calligraphy. Staying here felt like visiting a cousin I’d never met. I give The Riad La Perle de Marrakech four stars, though the staff made it feel like five. I recommend it to anyone wanting an authentic Moroccan experience.