Best riads in Marrakech | Riad Farnatchi

Last updated on February 3rd, 2026.

It might take a few tries before spotting the entrance to one of the best riads in Marrakech, Riad Farnatchi.

The inconspicuous brown door could be one leading to any house in the narrow streets of this part of Marrakech.

There's good reason, however, why the luxury boutique hotel prefers to stay low-key. Simply put, their clientele of high-profile guests prefer it that way.

Best riads in Marrakech
Enjoy the view and tranquility at Riad Farnatchi

Saying that, there’s no walking around the streets and getting lost for these guests. Riad Farnatchi arranges a pick-up from the airport (for all guests), and a personal escort to the riad.

But, if you do arrive by foot, look out for the entrance to Farnatchi Spa. Staff there will lead you to the front entrance if you do get lost. 

Best riads in Marrakech - Riad Farnatchi doorway and couch
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One of the best riads in Marrakech — Riad Farnatchi

Stepping inside the doors of one of the best riads in Marrakech is almost like walking into another world. The ambience changes completely from the constant movement of people and noise outside its walls.

By contrast, the most prominent sound you’ll hear here, is the water gently trickling into the feature pool.

Aside from the quiet murmurings of the staff, the tranquility’s a real welcome from the buzz of Marrakech’s streets. Little did I know at this point, but the luxury experience was about to get a whole lot better. 

See also  What to do in Fes for couples

A home within a suite

It’s easy to feel at home the second you enter your suite at Riad Farnatchi. Despite its luxury tag, the vibe is relaxed and very down-to-earth. Walking in behind the porter, we felt as though we were walking into our own home.

Bedroom at Riad Farnatchi - best riads in Marrakech
Have a good night's sleep at Riad Farnatchi
Complimentary jalabahs - best riads in Marrakech
Get comfortable in complimentary traditional Moroccan jalabahs at Riad Farnatchi

You know you’re in luxury accommodation when your suite’s bigger than your own apartment. Prepare to fawn over the salon area, complete with 2 armchairs, TV and desk. This leads on to your own private balcony, overlooking the courtyard below.

When you're finally ready to venture out into Marrakech, consider booking a tour to see the city's best sights. See Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs and the Koutoubia Mosque with a local and knowledgeable guide.

Outdoor seating at Riad Farnatchi - best riads in Marrakech
Outdoor seating at Riad Farnatchi
Window view at Riad Farnatchi - best riads in Marrakech
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A few steps lead up to the bedroom, where we found complimentary Moroccan jalabahs and Fez hats waiting for us. Comfort isn’t just about the level of service they offer; it extends to the attire too.

You can wear the loose tunics around the riad, and take them home after. The bedroom looks out onto another private courtyard with 2 chairs to soak up the silent ambience.

Best riads in Marrakech - bathtub
Bathtub at Riad Farnatchi
Molton Brown products - best riads in Marrakech
Try them all at Riad Farnatchi — best riads in Marrakech

If you like suites with a generous bathtub, you're in for a relaxing treat. Opt for a long soak in the tub, or go for a rainforest shower in a separate room. The goodies on offer are all from one of my favorite brands, Molton Brown, and yes, I tried each one.

See also  10 essential Morocco travel tips

Map of Morocco


The difference at riad farnatchi

One thing I really appreciate about Riad Farnatchi is that you make the rules. There’s no set time for breakfast; you decide what time you’d like to eat.

On the rooftop terrace, there’s a large lounge area, where you can eat your meals if you wish. It's no surprise that this is one of the best riads in Marrakech.

Breakfast by the pool - best riads in Marrakech
Choose when, and where, you want to have breakfast at Riad Farnatchi

With sufficient notice, they can even arrange a barbecue. The staff go out of their way to make your break as special as possible and you'll find it hard to leave.

Riad Farnatchi also has 2 seriously stylish dining rooms if you’d like to eat there, but it’s totally up to you.

We had breakfast by the pool on our final morning. It was a final piece of calm before heading back into the wilderness of Marrakech.


Farnatchi Spa

For regular readers, you’ll know I’m a sucker for a good spa and massage. Farnatchi Spa is open to the public, and its elegant and tranquil interior matches that of the riad.

Waiting area of Farnatchi Spa
Wait before your treatment at Farnatchi Spa

Being in Morocco, a private hammam room is compulsory. Farnatchi spa also offers massages using products made in the country, such as its own sourced argan oil.


Dinner at Riad Farnatchi

Sadly for us, we missed the official opening of their restaurant, Le Trou Au Mur, by just a day. From the look of the menu, everything looks tempting.

Though we were a day early to try the new restaurant, we did get the chance to try the food in the hotel. The staff are happy to recommend some top choices for restaurants, and there’s also a list of places in the suite too.

See also  The Dar Les Cigognes hammam experience

In spite of this, we were so relaxed as we were that we decided to order in — Riad Farnatchi style. If you’d like to have dinner in the hotel, you need to give sufficient notice ( around 2 hours). This is because everything's made to order, and from scratch.

Dinner begins

At 8.30pm sharp, the porter brought the food to the table on our balcony, as per our request. He prepared the table for us, poured the wine and wished us a pleasant evening. On top of the first-class service, the meal was one of the best we’d had during our travels in Morocco. It made our entire trip that more special to end on such a high note. 

For starters, we had the delicately spiced chicken pastilla. It’s a popular dish in Morocco, but this doesn’t mean it’s good everywhere. The pastry was flaky and buttery, and the filling was the perfect balance of sweet and savory. 

For the main course, we tasted one of the best tagines we'd had in Morocco: beef and eggplant.

Chicken pastilla at Riad Farnatchi
'The pastry was flaky and buttery, and the filling was the perfect balance of sweet and savory.'

Melt-in-the-mouth beef, and an accompaniment of spicy eggplant to add some heat to the dish.

For dessert, our bellies were too full to take anymore. Instead, we enjoyed the rest of the evening drinking chilled white wine under the Marrakech skies. It's apparent that one of the best riads in Marrakech also has one of the best in-house chefs.


116 Comments

  1. This sure looks like paradise to me! The design is absolutely spectacular! Moroccan design is my favorite and I really loved your pictures of this perfect architecture and decor. Thank you for this great suggestion 🙂

  2. Loving the looks of this hotel and I just booked a trip to Morocco (road trip for over two weeks in January) so going to look into this place and see if I can get a room for the night. 🙂

  3. Moroccan design is some of my favorite, it's looks so nice and pretty! I would love to stay with them! 😀

  4. i went this hotel for 3 days staying with family, lots of thing we did here but the service and food quality is awesome. Thanks for sharing important blog post.

  5. First things first! The design is so grand and beautiful! I am sure it is luxury par excellence. It reminds me of some heritage palaces properties of India. The ‘bigger than your apartment’ suite is the epitome of good life! And who does not like bathtubs or complimentary Moroccan jalabahs and Fez hats for that matter?!

    1. I couldn't agree with you more! I loved my time in Riad Farnatchi, and would happily spend a week there 😀

  6. Moroccan design is some of my favorite, so I really enjoyed your pictures of this perfect architecture and decor. It looks like the absolute oasis travelers need to take a step back to enjoy, and the new restaurant must be a credit to their name. I'm looking forward to your update if you return!

    1. Trust me, we would return tomorrow to Riad Farnatchi if possible! Such a gorgeous oasis away from the craziness of Marrakech!

  7. Awww this hotel looks so cosy and comfortable, totally agree that its like a home within the hotel, loved the way the bedroom has been done and that lovely pool side are, lucky you to have stayed there 🙂

    1. It's gorgeous, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for some luxury in Marrakech 🙂

  8. I love the idea of riads, boutique hotels where you can feel so special! Riad Farnatchi seems like a perfect place to stay in Morocco! The rooms looks so nice and stylish! I cant wait to visit Marrakesh to stay in one of those ! And the food seems amazing I would probably just eat all time! 🙂

    1. The food's so delicious! And yes, Riad Farnatchi is really a well-deserved piece of luxury in Marrakech 🙂

  9. Seems private enough but not completely. Don't like being too secluded nor in overcrowded places. This hotel gives you that perfect balance and that is something that appeals. The interiors are clean and classy. Definitely a thumbs up. From. Me

  10. Sounds like such a peaceful spot--which is so necessary for a hotel in Marrakech! One of our regrets from that city was not going a little nicer with our riad, especially as they're so affordable there. This riad looks beautiful, I love the architecture, and the fact that they let you set your own breakfast time is a big selling point to me! That can be a struggle for night owls, lol.

    1. Choosing when to have breakfast is a huge plus in my book. We had the best time here, and spending money on a riad is really worth it!

  11. What a gorgeous hotel! I love hammam spas and would definitely take advantage of it. The only problem with this hotel is that it seems so beautiful and welcoming, I would never want to go out and sightsee!

    1. Trust me Lois, once you've been here, you won't want to leave. We didn't, and had the best time 😀

  12. I am a huge fan of boutique hotels as they are designed in a very tasteful manner. I have never been to Morocco but it looks so great and Riad Farnatchi hotel seems to perfectly suit my taste. I am definitely going to try this one out.

    1. That's great to read! It's a stunning luxury boutique hotel, and one where I'm sure you'll enjoy 🙂

  13. Wow.. this hotel theme screams Morocco! I love the fact that they provide those comfy jalabahs too. I have to book and dine here during my visit, hopefully by 2020! Cheers!!

    1. It's definitely a place to have a luxury experience. Hope you get to experience it when you visit.

  14. I love this article and I have bookmarked it, so that I can use it later. I am planning a trip to Morocco and I would love to stay in this hotel. What I particularly liked was that they serve breakfast at your own convenience - breakfast by the pool is a must try 🙂 And I would definitely be spending a lot of time in the hammam.. I first tried in Turkey and I fell completely and utterly in love 🙂

    1. Oh yes, eating breakfast when you want is a real perk! So happy you've bookmarked this article, it's truly a wonderful place in Marrakech.

  15. When I worked in luxury massage, we would always have an emphasis of using locally sourced products in the treatments. I made the signature treatment for the Ritz Carlton - Dove Mountain in Tucson and worked some of the local gems stones into the protocol. It's a sign of a quality property that the are using the local argan oil in their treatments.

  16. Who doesn't like to step into luxury after a busy day navigating the streets of beautiful Marrakech. A beautiful place to relax and recharge after a day out exploring the streets of Marrakech. Even in the pictures it looks calm,cool,relaxed and inviting.
    I like that you can dine at your time of choosing, and even on the rooftop. The Riad Farnatchi is true luxury without any pretense. It is stylish, cool, calm, relaxing and inviting.

    1. Thanks Nicole! You're spot on about all the aspects of Riad Farnatchi. It's elegant yet very inviting too.

  17. What a dream stay at the Riad Farnatchi in Marrakech! You are were fortune to stay at those beautiful places when you travel! Just look at Riad Farnatchi, the everything seems so perfect! And I hate when you check-in somewhere and the receptionist goes "the breakfast will be serve between 6-10am." Its great that Riad let their guest sleep as long as they want!

    1. It's an amazing perk, and one that I wish more hotels would implement. If you're looking for luxury in Marrakech, you'll love this place!

  18. Marrakech has always been in my travel list . But asides history I did not know until now that it has such amazing luxurious stay options. Riad Farnatchi looks like a perfect stay option to relax in a royal vacation. I bet this will add a new dimension to the trip .I really liked the royal interiors of this place.

  19. What a gorgeous property! Just reading your experience I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave the hotel, it is truely divine. The rooms are elegantly done, showcasing the beautyof Moroccan interiors. Thanks for the share.

  20. This hotel looks like nothing less than a paradise .. A place where luxury meets culture .. And ham man looks incredibly good .. Love it .. On my next visit I will make sure to check out this hotel .. Thanks for sharing such detail review

    1. It's a beautiful riad and you won't be disappointed with a stay here. And yes, the hammam is incredible!

  21. Lovely property... nice to know that they have a down to earth feel which is important to make you feel home. Love those Moroccan hats they gifted with other amenities.

  22. What a luxurious hotel! We stayed in Marrakech a few years ago now and also had a great experience, although at a different hotel. We absolutely loved our time there and I hope to visit again one day!

  23. This looks stunning Lisa, and you've captured it beautifully 🙂 I stayed in a similar riad, the Bel Oranger, when I was in Marrakech. I found it so peaceful and tranquil, though outside it was crazy (the medina is mental isn't it lol) x

    1. The medina is super mental, and I don't think I could return! Yes, Riad Farnatchi was a haven in Marrakech and I would return in a heartbeat!

  24. This would very much be out of my price range, but looks like a gorgeous boutique hotel, I can totally imagine it feeling like you've stepped into another world. The tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the streets must have made you feel like Royalty stepping into your palace.

    1. This is exactly how I felt Amit! Riad Farnatchi is incredible and they really make you feel at home, and there's no snobbery here too!

  25. I love the interiors, they're simplistic yet chic. And so Moroccan! They've added a little cultural touch here and there such as those fez hats, which is super cool.

  26. That's a nice hotel! We love the right balance of simplicity and complexity. Which is quite interesting considering that Morrocan architecture and interior design usually involves a lot of intricate details.

  27. What a stunning place! I've been planning to splurge on a luxury riad when I visit Marrakech (hopefully in the next year or two), and this might just be the one for us! Having breakfast by the pool and taking a long, hot shower with their specialty soaps sounds like a dream come true. A hammam experience would also be enjoyable. Sounds like the complete package at Riad Farnatchi. Thanks for sharing!

    1. You will absolutely love this riad if luxury's your thing. You can have breakfast when you want, plus roam around the riad in one of their complimentary jalabahs!

  28. I've never been to Morocco, but i've always wanted to go. Marrakesh looks amazing from all the research that I've done, and this place looks so nice, i'd love to stay there!!

  29. I loved Marrakech & it was a little difficult for me to find a riad that was affordable AND safe. This looks like it has everything you need including the Hammam - thanks for the info on this - really excited to try this place next time I’m there.

  30. I love those minimalistic interiors. They are quite royal in their feel. And are those caps or local hats or cushions on the bed? The rooms look very comfortable and lovely. Definitely a place to consider in Marrakech. Though am curious - how far is the airport from the main city?

    1. Marrakech is around 25 minutes from Menara Airport, so relatively close. The local hats are Fes hats and very traditional!

  31. That hotel decor looks amazing and tranquil! I love the Moroccon theme and the hotel looks very luxurious with so much to offer, I would love to have tried the food here Pasteries are my weakness.

    1. It's a beautiful riad, and a real place of luxury in Marrakech too. The pastilla is so moreish, I couldn't get enough!

  32. What a fantastic place to stay. I love the personal service - nothing better that being picked up so you don't get lost and also being able to set your own rules for breakfast. Oh and that Spa sounds divine. I like you am a sucker for good spa and would love to try this one.

    1. You and me both Joella! The riad is a peaceful haven, and the products they use in the spa are all Moroccan produced too 😀

  33. What a beautiful hotel, Lisa. I love how they have different types of soap in the bathroom. And oh my, I wanna try that pastry! I can feel how delicious it is just by looking at this picture!

  34. Oh wow Lisa, this is a great experience I bet. I love to book a luxurious stay during my holidays at least for one night. It just adds up to my vacation. I would definitely consider this during my Marrakech holiday.

  35. Hi Lisa! Aaah.. Privacy in paradise - two of my favorite words into one sentence. The Road Farnatchi hotel is so lovely! I can feel the uniqueness and the tranquility this little boutique hotel has to offer to the guests. In my opinion, all boutique hotel's are the ones that offer the most attention and care to guests.

    1. Thanks Mariella! Always nice to meet a fellow luxury enthusiast! You're absolutely right about boutique hotels and the personal service; you just can't wait to get back!

  36. I have not visited Marrakesh yet but when I do this hotel will be on my list of places to stay. Looks absolutely lovely.

  37. I visited Marrakesh almost 20 years ago and would love to go back and stay at this hotel. I'm a huge sucker for luxury boutique hotels as they have so much charm. The hotel looks beautiful and sounds wonderful and I like that it is quiet inside as the hustle and bustle of the street can be distracting. Thanks for putting it on my radar!

    1. You're welcome Lara, it's a fantastic place, and a real piece of tranquility from the streets of Marrakech. It's been almost 20 years, it's time to go back!

  38. I love the interior design of Riad Farnatchi! It is exactly how I would imagine a boutique luxury hotel to look like in Marrakech. I too enjoy luxury and suites that are bigger than my apartment, so I would definitely like to stay here!

    1. Hehe, thanks Christina! You'll love the wide space and luxury service here; a real must when in Marrakech.

  39. That hotel decor looks amazing! I love the Moroccon theme, looks like that hotel has everything to offer and more.

  40. What a fabulous luxury boutique hotel! I've always been attracted to Morocco and will definitely put this place on my accomodation list to check out. It looks very comfortable and the spa sounds lovely.

  41. Oh wow this place looks heavenly! I love that you can get breakfast whenever you wake up. And a roof terrace, plus possible high profile guests... sold! Thanks for an awesome review and a spot to add to my travel bucket list!

    1. You're welcome Erin! Breakfast any time you want is something more hotels should do, but this is what you get when you go luxury 😉

  42. The Riad Farnatchi is so wonderfully unique! Really digging the overall design of the hotel, what a beautiful courtyard to relax and dine in. I love how you're able to designate how you want to spend your time there, one night definitely isn't enough!

  43. This sounds to be a very stylish mix of tradition and mod cons. I love that it's a peaceful oasis too in complete contrast to the neighbourhood. Will definitely put it on my list!

  44. It seems like Morocco is coming back as a fav destination, this time around as a luxury one! It is amazing how many different posts I have been seeing about beautiful and lovely Riads all around the country! And they all seem to have the same thing in common, they are quite complicated to find from the street hahaha! Loved your review!

    1. Thanks Jenn! Yes, the riads are worth, it when you find them that is! Riad Farnatchi is luxury personified, and you'll have such a wonderful stay 😀

  45. SO. GORGEOUS! What a luxurious haven. I haven't been to Morocco yet, but it's high on my list - I think I know where I'll be staying when I do go!

    1. And they will be happy to welcome you Christina! It's a gorgeous place, and one you'll feel really at home at!

  46. I like the charm and the antique chic of this place. Everything looks so calm and peaceful but same time also inviting. I think this is a great place for resting, discovering the fine scents and luxury goods everywhere. The concept of making the rules and decide for example when to breakfast just sounds consequent and I think this makes this really a special place who understands the needs of their visitors.

    1. Thanks Hendrik, I appreciate your feedback. It's very luxurious and just a great place to relax away from the craziness of Marrakech.

  47. I wanted to visit Morocco last time, but then I realized I couldn't venture there with just a schengen visa and I need another visa. I skipped it. Hopefully future takes me there, let's see. The hotel looks absolutely stunning. Love the interiors, so true to the city of Marrkech.

    1. Ah that's a shame, maybe next time you visit Morocco and stay here at the wonderful Riad Farnatchi!

  48. This boutique hotel is really a luxurious stay. I loved the traditional sitting area. Sweet flaky pastry also looks delicious. I must say, this place is perfect combination of traditional living and nice hospitality. I always wanted to visit Morocco and would really look for Riad.

    1. You'll love this riad. It's the perfect blend of luxury and traditional Moroccan design. Plus, the food is excellent and the service first-class.

  49. Absolutely gorgeous, something so charming about the words boutique and luxury and the Riad is truly very exotic. Love how the local architecture and cultural and traditional designs and art is such a big part of the hotel and the food sounds and looks delicious. The fact they they "allow" you to choose your preferred place and time for breakfast is a biggy, something that would really make me feel special.

    1. My sentiments exactly Raghav! You really feel special here, and there's such a freedom for the guests, a first for me really.

  50. What a lovely looking luxury boutique hotel in the medina Marrakech. I love the fact that they made it as home and you didn't feel like you were in a suite that is bed is super dreamy. I agree with you that stepping into such beauty feels like a completely different world on the streets in Marrakech.

    1. Yes Mel, it was such a welcome from the craziness of Marrakech. Honestly, it was the perfect way to end our trip in Morocco; nothing beats a bit of luxury!

  51. That's a great description of this hotel. What a beautiful place. I loved the room decor and yes they are large rooms as per hotel standards. Marrakesh is on my wish list and I will surely try this hotel. Thanks for sharing

  52. This looks like a beautiful boutique hotel - and the standard of service is impeccable. I can't get over the size of the rooms either - so spacious, and I think floor space like that is a true sign of luxury. It's nice they provide an escorted airport pick up too - the Medina in Marrakesh can be an absolute maze!

    1. It's stunning Vicki, and the suite is massive! It's such a luxury choice for Marrakech, and I highly recommend it!

  53. First of all, what a beautiful hotel! The decor and the amount of detail in each room is stunning! And it seems like the staff truly go above and beyond making your trip as magical as Marrakesh is! Thanks for sharing!

  54. This sure looks like paradise to me! I love the private balcony and the gorgeous bedroom decor! But don't even get me started on that gorgeous bath! I love that this has such a relaxing atmosphere and so much interior decor inspiration too!

    1. It's an excellent choice for Marrakech, and one I highly recommend. The bath was wonderful, especially with all the Molton Brown treats!

  55. My favourite thing about this Riad is the clothes they provide you with. I would wear these my whole trip! I often spend time looking for traditional local wear here it is done for you! The food, the location and service all look perfect!

    1. Those jalabahs were so comfortable; also allowed more room to eat haha! It's a gorgeous riad, and the service was perfect.

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