The hype
Travelers universally adore the staff (Rachid and Ismael) and the immaculate design, often calling it a 'peaceful haven' from the chaos outside.
Riad Le Pèlerin
$100-160/ night
Book this if You want a serene, design-forward sanctuary in the chicest part of the Medina without the five-star price tag.
Why People Love It
- Located in Dar El Bacha, the Medina's most elegant and safe neighborhood
- The 'Slow Food' philosophy with meals cooked to order from daily market runs
- Rooftop terrace that feels like a private living room with Atlas Mountain views
Quick Take: A stunningly photogenic oasis that is strictly dry (no alcohol) and dead silent after 10pm.
Reviewed by @chloeatsandexplores: I stayed here last spring and it was the most relaxing trip of my life. The rooftop garden is a hidden gem for sunbathing, and the traditional breakfast in the courtyard was the highlight of my mornings. It feels like a private sanctuary.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Soundproofing is non-existent; you will hear conversations in the courtyard and guests coming in late if you are on the ground floor.
- You appreciate 'slow travel' and want a home-cooked meal made just for you
- You are a solo female traveler looking for a safe, attentive environment
- You want an Instagram-ready aesthetic with earth tones, tadelakt, and artisanal decor
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.6
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough; guests consistently describe the rooms as 'spotless' and 'pristine'.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate. Tadelakt bathrooms are well-maintained with no signs of mold or grime.
- Maintenance: Renovated recently (around 2019/2020), so fixtures, paint, and furniture are in excellent condition.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp white linens and fluffy towels. A standout feature for this price point.
- Odors & scents: Smells of orange blossom and amber, not musty old building smells.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Echoing footsteps and voices from the central courtyard
- Early morning prayers from nearby mosques (standard in the Medina)
- Kitchen noise if staying in ground floor rooms near the service area
Before you book
Good to know
- Breakfast is included and is a highlight — fresh, local, and generous.
- They offer a 'VIP Transfer' service (~20€) which is worth every penny because the driver coordinates with a porter to carry your bags through the maze.
- Payment for extras (city tax, transfers, meals) is often preferred in cash (Dirhams or Euros) or credit card with a surcharge.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for any Riad stay)
- Warm pajamas for winter nights (Riads can get chilly despite heaters)
- Slip-on shoes for easy transition between the room and the courtyard
Room Genie
Best picks
- Superior Double or Deluxe rooms on the upper floor for more light and privacy
- Any room on the first floor to avoid the direct noise of the courtyard breakfast service
Rooms to avoid
- The 'Single Room' and 'King Suite' on the ground floor — they lack privacy as guests walk past your window and can be darker
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room on the upper floor (First Floor) to ensure a bit more privacy and light. Please avoid the ground floor rooms if possible.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does the Riad serve alcohol?
No. It is a dry establishment. They serve excellent mint tea, juices, and mocktails.
Is the pool heated?
No. It is a cold plunge pool, great for dipping in July/August, but purely decorative in December.
Can a taxi drop me at the door?
No. The Medina streets are pedestrian-only. The closest drop-off is Dar El Bacha or Riad Laarous, a 5-minute walk away.
Is it safe at night?
Yes. Dar El Bacha is one of the safest, most upscale neighborhoods in the Medina, well-lit and near the royal palace.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a substantial Moroccan breakfast with breads, jams, eggs, and tea is included in the rate.
Do they have a gym?
No gym on site. The Medina walking is your workout.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask Chef Rachida to make her 'Slow Food' dinner for you at least one night — it's often better than nearby tourist restaurants.
- ✨
The rooftop is the best spot for Wi-Fi speed if you need to take a video call.
- ✨
Book a Hammam treatment at their neighbor 'Riad Nyla' if you want the spa experience, as Le Pèlerin only does in-room massages.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'King Suite' is on the ground floor, which sounds fancy but actually has the least privacy.
💡You can hear the call to prayer very clearly — it's atmospheric but loud at 5 AM.
💡The 'bar' mentioned in some listings is actually a tea/juice bar, not a cocktail bar.
💡The water pressure in the showers is surprisingly good for the Medina.
💡They are very strict about the 'quiet after 10 PM' rule, which is a blessing or a curse depending on your vibe.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Riad Le Pèlerin is located and what's nearby.