Riad Papillon

For a first visit to Marrakech, this Riad helped make the experience great. You can walk to almost everything from the location, which is one of its best features. The staff were super nice, the cleaning was spotless, and breakfast was very good. Thank you so much for the experience :)

The staff were exceptional, calm, kind, and hospitable, and always ready to help or offer local guidance. The place has a relaxed, family feel. We also had a hearty breakfast each morning, much the same day to day: fresh pancakes made after we sat down, breads, pastries, fruit, eggs cooked to order, tea, coffee, orange juice, olives, dates, cheese, jams, butter, marmalade, and yoghurt. Lunch and dinner aren't included, but you can order an evening meal in advance or that morning. We had chicken tagine with lemon and olives, cooked from fresh ingredients, and it was better than some dedicated restaurants nearby. The location is excellent, near the souks, restaurants, Secret Garden, and other attractions. The Riad is tucked down narrow alleys amid the busy shops, so it stays quiet and peaceful. A car can't reach the door, and getting there can be tricky, but it's only a few minutes' walk to the main road. Staff arranged our airport pickup and wheeled our cases from the drop-off point. With only a handful of rooms, it feels intimate compared with a large hotel. The more limited service fits that small boutique setup and is worth considering when choosing this or a similar place. There are three floors and several flights of stairs, with no lift, which could be an issue for some guests. On the ground floor are an inner courtyard with a small dipping pool, more decorative than for swimming, a waiting area, and bedrooms. Upstairs are dining and social tables, two more bedrooms, and a balcony looking over the courtyard. The two-level rooftop terrace has plenty of seating, city views, and a chance to relax among the local cats and hand-reared pigeons. Our room was a good size, especially for a Riad, with a double bed, two closets, heating and cooling, a small table, and a small TV. The bathroom was also a good size, traditionally decorated, with a spacious shower. The shower head wasn't detachable, which might bother some, and the water pressure was decent but not strong. The room used a lock and key rather than a keycard and was often left unlocked. Building entry, though, was managed by a staff member, so we had to knock at the main door. I'd recommend Riad Papillon to solo travellers, couples, or very small groups and families looking for a quiet, relaxed place with good staff, a convenient location, and the basics. It doesn't offer anything particularly glitzy.

A lovely place, with good service and very clean throughout. The breakfast is really good, and the staff treat you nicely. Go find it, it's a great place to stay.

The people here were unbelievably patient. Youssef and Ali explained how the neighborhood was laid out several times, which helped a lot, since I still managed to get lost around five times a day. The mix of small souks and wider, easier-to-identify streets nearby was lovely for me as a visitor. I spent a week at Riad Papillon and had a wonderful time. As a solo traveller, I especially appreciated how kind and helpful all the staff were. When I arrived in Marrakech without my luggage, I was upset, but their attentiveness and kindness helped calm me down, and I'm very grateful for that. Breakfast was generous and delicious, served in beautiful, cosy surroundings, and I certainly never went hungry. Thank you for helping make my trip so great.