Marrakech has everything you need for a romantic getaway for two: soft light at the end of the day, patios hidden behind wooden doors, rooftops with views of the Atlas Mountains... But between the noise of the medina, the sometimes complicated alleyways and some very Instagrammable but not necessarily comfortable riads, the wrong choice of accommodation can quickly spoil a romantic getaway.
A romantic riad in Marrakech isn't just about beautiful decor: it's about a whole range of elements - atmosphere, privacy, neighborhood, budget, comfort (pool, Jacuzzi, heating...). Depending on whether you're on your honeymoon, your first romantic city-trip or your wedding anniversary, your needs won't be the same.
How to choose a romantic riad in Marrakech?
Neighborhood: Medina, Hivernage, Guéliz or Palmeraie?
Before looking for the best riad for couples in Marrakech, ask yourself the question of the neighborhood. It will set the pace for your stay.
- Medina Total immersion, narrow streets, zocos, little cafés, constant background noise. Great if you like bustle, a little less so if you dream of total silence. Many of Marrakech's romantic riads are here, with patios and roof terraces.
- Wintering / Guéliz More modern districts, more hotels than riads, wide avenues, easier access by cab. Convenient if you want to be close to rooftops, restaurants and bars, or if you're not comfortable with the medina at night.
- Palm grove / outskirts Large gardens, swimming pools, resort atmosphere. Ideal for a romantic Marrakech retreat with spa, especially for honeymooners who want to relax rather than wander the souks.
To dig deeper, neighborhood by neighborhood, take a look at our complete guide to where to stay in Marrakech, which details the zones according to your profile.
Privacy, noise and ambience
A romantic Marrakech riad can have as few as 5 rooms or as many as 20. The fewer the rooms, the more intimate the atmosphere... but sometimes the more family-like (you run into the same people more often). Take a look:
- Number of rooms For real privacy, opt for small-scale structures (approx. 6-12 rooms).
- Noise In Marrakech, you can be awakened by the call to prayer or by a nearby bar. Very central riads are convenient, but sometimes more exposed to night-time noise.
- Patio / rooftop A patio with a small swimming pool, lounge areas or a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy breakfast for two, this is a very different kind of romantic riad in Marrakech for couples.
What's romantic for some (lively atmosphere, music, rooftops) can be hellish for others. Before you book, try to visualize your days and evenings: do you want to stroll around, stay out late or just relax?
Comfort, equipment and budget
Comfort plays a major role in the perception of a stay. In winter, it can get cold at night in Marrakech: make sure your room has reversible heating/air conditioning. In summer, a small pool or jacuzzi is a real plus for a riad with pool or jacuzzi in Marrakech.
- Basic comfort Good bedding, air conditioning/heating, decent bathroom, reliable hot water.
- Romantic“ equipment” Swimming pool (patio or rooftop), Jacuzzi, hammam, spa, private terrace, private dining.
- Budget For a romantic stay in Marrakech, expect to pay :
- Simple but charming Riads: entry-level, ideal for small budgets.
- Small, charming riads / boutique hotels: medium range, good value for money.
- Palaces and grand addresses (La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, etc.): honeymoon budget or big anniversary.
To sum up: start with the neighborhood, then filter by your priorities (quiet, pool, rooftop, spa...) and finally adjust according to your budget.
If you don't feel like spending hours comparing, you can already filter the romantic riads in Marrakech on your favorite booking platform, then pick from our selection below to refine by ambiance and neighborhood.
Our favorite romantic riads in the Medina
The medina is the classic setting for a romantic stay in Marrakech: discreet doors, hidden patios, rooftop terraces with views over the rooftops and the Atlas Mountains. In return, you have to accept the sometimes labyrinthine alleyways, a little noise and a few steps (elevators are rare in riads).
Riad Kheirredine
A luxurious riad in the northern medina, on the Bab Taghzout side, Riad Kheirredine blends classic elegance with a guesthouse spirit. Several small basins and pools, a rooftop with panoramic views of the medina and the Atlas mountains, and a hammam make this a great option for honeymooners who like to stay indoors for part of the day.
Why we love it: very attentive service, calm atmosphere, beautiful rooms and great rooftop for sunsets. Please note before booking: we're a little set back from Jemaa el Fna square, so you have to walk (or take a cab and walk the last few meters), which is part of the charm but can be tiring if you go out a lot.
Riad Noir d'Ivoire
Riad Noir d'Ivoire is often cited as one of the most romantic addresses in the medina, with its sophisticated decor, heated outdoor pools, spa and cosy bar. It's a high-end riad that clearly targets couples looking for a luxurious cocoon rather than backpackers.
Why we love it: perfect for a special occasion, very generous rooms, almost private palace atmosphere. Please note before booking: budget accordingly, and a sophisticated atmosphere rather than a simple riad.
Riad BE Marrakech
Instagram has made it famous, but there's more to Riad BE Marrakech than its pretty pictures: it's a small, highly decorative riad with colorful patios and a small pool, located just a few minutes' walk from Jemaa el Fna. Ideal for a young couple looking for a romantic Marrakech riad for couples with a bohemian ambience and a good location for doing everything on foot.
Why we love it: meticulous decor, friendly atmosphere, good compromise between wow factor and reasonable budget. Please note before booking: riad, you often have to plan ahead, and the atmosphere can be a little more social (you bump into other guests on the patio).
72 Hotel & Spa (Riad 72)
In the Bab Doukkala district, 72 Hotel & Spa (often called Riad 72) plays the design boutique-hotel card: beautiful rooftop with 360° views, fine cuisine, chic but not stuffy atmosphere. A good option if you're looking for romantic accommodation in Marrakech with a real restaurant and spa on site.
Why we love it: ideal for a couple who like to eat well and enjoy a designer atmosphere, far from busy clichés. Please note before booking: we're a little on the edge of the medina, so it's a bit more of a walk to get to the heart of the souks, but quieter too.
Riad Dar One
Close to the Bahia Palace, in the southern medina, Riad Dar One is a small, chic and cosy riad, with just a few rooms and a pool in the patio. Ideal for a couple looking for an intimate atmosphere and easy access on foot to the medina's main sights.
Why we love it: warm welcome, very quiet atmosphere, perfect for getting together after a day's sightseeing. Please note before booking: Like many riads, access is via narrow streets, which is part of the charm, but can be surprising when you arrive at night.
Riad Spice
Riad Spice is an extensively restored 16th-century riad near the Ben Youssef mosque. Ideally suited to couples who want to live in the heart of the historic center, a stone's throw from the souks, while enjoying a patio with a small pool and a roof terrace.
Why we love it: beautiful history, pleasant rooftop, welcome often highly rated. Please note before booking: some travelers report noise at night (riad acoustics and neighborhood life); if you sleep light, bring earplugs.
La Sultana Marrakech
Part luxury riad, part palace, La Sultana Marrakech is located in the Kasbah district, south of the medina. Several interconnected patios, a large swimming pool, a renowned spa and a rooftop with views of the ramparts and sometimes the Atlas mountains: this is a sure bet for a honeymoon if you've got the budget.
Why we love it: very oriental tale atmosphere but with a real level of service, very romantic, especially in low season when it's a little less crowded. Please note before booking: very popular address, prices accordingly, especially during vacation periods.
The Koutoubia Gardens
Just a two-minute walk from Jemaa el Fna, Les Jardins de la Koutoubia is a large riad-style hotel, with several swimming pools, a spa by Shiseido and several restaurants, including a popular rooftop. It's a good compromise if you want the ultra-central location of the medina with the comfort of a classic 5-star hotel.
Why we love it: unbeatable location for walking to everything, very nice common areas, large pool for real swimming. Please note before booking: it's not a small, intimate riad but a large hotel; if you're looking for a very private place, choose the riads listed above.
Riads and romantic hotels outside the Medina (Guéliz, Hivernage, Palmeraie)
If you prefer a bit of distance and silence, or if you're dreaming of a really big pool, getting out of the medina can be an excellent idea for a romantic stay in Marrakech. Hivernage and Guéliz offer more modern comforts and easy access to rooftops and restaurants, while the Palmeraie offers a green setting with gardens and spa.
Royal Mansour Marrakech
Royal Mansour, just outside the ramparts and close to the Hivernage, is a palace made up entirely of private three-storey riads with patios and often small swimming pools on the terrace. It's one of the city's most luxurious addresses, with a large spa, several gourmet restaurants and highly personalized service.
Why we love it: for a honeymoon or a big anniversary, it's hard to get more spectacular and intimate than this. Please note before booking: very high budget, and you stay more in the hotel than outside: a good choice if you want to live the palace experience as much as Marrakech itself.
La Mamounia
A mythical palace in the Hivernage area, La Mamounia is renowned for its immense gardens, spectacular spa and architecture that blends Moroccan tradition with Art Deco touches. It's a hotel that's more horizontal than vertical: you can really walk around it, between the pool, the gardens and the various bars and restaurants.
Why we love it: if you like large, iconic hotels with beautiful communal areas, this is a great setting for a romantic stay in Marrakech. Please note before booking: it's not a riad in the strict sense, and the atmosphere can be a little more lively or family-oriented depending on the season.
Palais Ronsard Relais & Châteaux (Palmeraie)
In the Palmeraie, Palais Ronsard is a Relais & Châteaux hotel designed as a romantic retreat, with manicured gardens, a large swimming pool, a spa surrounded by rose bushes, and a cuisine featuring produce from the kitchen garden. Perfect for couples looking for a little seclusion, yet only a fifteen-minute drive from the medina.
Why we love it: very calm atmosphere, ideal for a real rest, with a chic country feel. Please note before booking: you must be prepared to take cabs or a driver into town in the evening; it's better to plan your outings (restaurants, etc.) in advance, dinner shows, etc.) in advance.
Ksar Char-Bagh (Palmeraie)
Ksar Char-Bagh is a palace inspired by Moorish architecture, nestled in a large garden of fig and olive trees in the heart of the Palmeraie. Spacious suites, large swimming pools, a timeless atmosphere: this is the kind of address you'd expect to find on a romantic getaway when you want to get away from it all.
Why we love it: Private palace feel, sublime setting, ideal for a honeymoon away from the hustle and bustle. Please note before booking: very quiet, almost isolated: if you plan to go out into the city every evening, be sure to budget for taxis/car and travel time.
Les Deux Tours (Palmeraie)
Les Deux Tours is a charming hotel set in a three-hectare garden, with pools, ponds and photogenic Arabo-Andalusian architecture. Some suites have their own private pool, making this a great option for a romantic Marrakech riad resort.
Why we love it: practical if you want to alternate days by the pool, massages and short forays into town. Please note before booking: the hotel is a bit labyrinthine (which is part of its charm) and you have to accept that you have to take a cab for everything.
Domaine des Remparts Hotel & Spa (Palmeraie)
Domaine des Remparts is a hotel-spa set in a large garden overlooking the Atlas Mountains, with two swimming pools and suites scattered among the greenery. It's a peaceful address, well suited to couples looking for a haven of peace 15-20 minutes from the center.
Why we love it: very relaxed atmosphere, staff often described as very attentive, perfect for relaxing after a few intense days in the medina. Please note before booking: there's nothing to do on foot around here, everything is done by transfer or cab.
Which romantic riad is right for you?
Above all, you want peace and privacy
If peace and quiet are your priority, you can opt for small riads in the medina or the Palmeraie. Riad Dar One or Riad Kheirredine, for example, offer a good balance between immersion and serenity. For an even higher level of intimacy, Palais Ronsard, Ksar Char-Bagh or Les Deux Tours put you in a green bubble far from the noise, with large gardens and pools where you won't step on each other.
If you want a romantic getaway close to restaurants and rooftops
In this case, think Hivernage / Guéliz and some very central addresses. La Mamounia and Royal Mansour are within walking distance or a short cab ride of the main rooftops and trendy restaurants, while remaining very romantic. On the medina side, Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, Riad BE Marrakech or 72 Hotel & Spa are well placed to dine or have a drink on a rooftop without spending an hour commuting. Also take a look at this guide to the best rooftops in Marrakech to organize your parties.
Do you like a lively atmosphere and long evenings?
If you're looking for a romantic riad in Marrakech with a full evening out, you'd better stick to the medina or Hivernage side. A central riad, such as Riad BE Marrakech or Riad Spice, makes it easy to get out and about on foot. As for hotels, La Mamounia and Les Jardins de la Koutoubia are good places to combine day spas with dinners or evenings out on Jemaa el Fna or in a club.
If you're on a budget but want a wow effect
If you're on a tighter budget, don't necessarily look for a big pool or XXL spa: focus on the riad's charm, terrace and neighborhood. Some riads, such as Riad BE Marrakech, or simpler addresses (search via your price filters) can offer a real postcard effect without blowing the budget, especially out of high season. A riad with a swimming pool or jacuzzi in Marrakech doesn't have to be big: even a small pool is enough to cool off after sightseeing.
Dreaming of a real palace honeymoon
If you're looking for a honeymoon riad in Marrakech on a comfortable budget, the addresses with the most experience are Royal Mansour, La Mamounia, La Sultana Marrakech, Ksar Char-Bagh and Palais Ronsard. They really do offer a combo of spectacular architecture, top-notch service, spa, restaurants and gardens, provided you accept that most of your stay will be spent in the hotel itself.
FAQ : romantic riads in Marrakech
What's the best neighborhood for a romantic riad in Marrakech?
There's absolutely no better neighborhood. For immersion and charm, the medina remains unbeatable, especially if you choose a quiet riad in a slightly secluded street. For greater comfort and easy access to restaurants and rooftops, Hivernage and Guéliz are good choices. The Palmeraie is ideal if you're looking for peace and quiet, gardens and large swimming pools. To help you decide our complete guide to where to stay in Marrakech.
What's the budget for a romantic break in Marrakech?
It all depends on the season and the type of riad. For a romantic riad in Marrakech for a simple but charming couple, you can find quite affordable options, especially outside the school vacations. For charming addresses such as the 72 Hotel & Spa or Riad Kheirredine, you'll need to consider an intermediate budget. For palaces like La Mamounia or Royal Mansour, you're looking at a honeymoon budget. Don't forget to set aside an envelope for dinners, food and drinks. hammams and spas and possibly a dinner show.
Should you choose a riad or a hotel for your honeymoon in Marrakech?
For a honeymoon, both options are equally valid. A riad offers a more intimate atmosphere, more like a guest house, with a strong sense of immersion in the city. A hotel or palace like La Mamounia, Royal Mansour or Les Jardins de la Koutoubia offers more infrastructure (large swimming pools, full spa, several restaurants). If you're not sure, you can split your stay in two: a few nights in a riad in the medina, then a few nights in a hotel in the Hivernage or the Palmeraie.
Is a romantic riad in Marrakech suitable if you're afraid of noise?
Yes, but choose carefully. Avoid riads directly on busy streets or right next to bars or clubs. Choose addresses known for their calm (Riad Dar One, Kheirredine, some riads in the Palmeraie). Don't forget that the call to prayer is audible just about everywhere, और and that the acoustics of riads sometimes cause the patio to echo. If you're very sensitive, bring earplugs and avoid the busiest, most central addresses.
Do all romantic riads have a swimming pool or Jacuzzi?
No. Many riads have a small, decorative plunge pool for cooling off, but not for swimming. Real swimming pools are more often found in hotels or properties in the Palmeraie. If a pool or jacuzzi is non-negotiable for you, be sure to filter your search and read the details: some pools are very small. For a truly large pool, look no further than Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, La Mamounia, Les Deux Tours or Domaine des Remparts.