A riad is a traditional Moroccan house arranged around an inner courtyard or garden. From the street, its front looks plain. Inside, the rooms open onto this courtyard, often decorated with zellige tiles and sometimes a fountain.
Riad or hotel: the differences
- Atmosphere: a riad usually has few rooms and a more personal welcome. A hotel offers more services.
- Location: riads are mostly found in the medinas, close to souks and monuments. Hotels are more often in modern districts or on the outskirts.
- Access: in a medina, cars often have to stop some way off, so you may need to walk the last stretch with your luggage.
How to choose
Choose a riad to stay in the heart of the historic city and enjoy an intimate setting. Choose a hotel if you are travelling by car, need easy access, or want a large pool and plenty of services.
To compare, see our picks of riads in Morocco and hotels.
