The hype
Beautifully decorated and incredibly welcoming, but the rooms can be dark and the breakfast is just 'okay'.
Riad Challa Hotel & Spa
$100-160/ night
Book this if You want a heated pool and a cold beer in the heart of the Medina without paying luxury hotel prices.
Why People Love It
- Location is unbeatable—3 minutes from Jemaa el-Fnaa but quiet inside
- Staff (especially Hafsa and Farid) treat you like long-lost family
- Rare Medina find: a pool that is actually heated (mostly)
Quick Take: A charming, authentic riad that nails the vibe but struggles with old-building plumbing quirks and soundproofing.
Reviewed by @Twopassportsabroad: I honestly couldn't believe how quiet it was inside. Stepping from the crazy Medina streets into this courtyard felt like finding a secret palace. The plunge pool was my go-to spot every afternoon to cool down. Highly recommend for a romantic escape.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Ground floor rooms are noisy; you will hear every breakfast conversation and late-night arrival.
- You want to be in the thick of the action but sleep in silence
- You appreciate a riad that actually serves alcohol (many don't)
- You want a pool you can use in cooler months
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.2
- Housekeeping: Daily and diligent. Towel art is a frequent (and cheesy) touch.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, but grout can be worn. Watch out for 'sewer smells' in some ground floor units.
- Maintenance: Showing its age. Peeling paint and temperamental AC units are occasional complaints.
- Linens & towels: Clean but not luxury quality. Some reports of towels being a bit scratchy.
- Odors & scents: Usually smells of orange blossom, but one recent severe report mentioned strong insecticide smell.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Breakfast setup clatter (starts 7:30 AM)
- Guests talking in the courtyard
- Call to prayer (unavoidable in Medina)
Before you book
Good to know
- City tax is ~€2.50-€3.60 per person/night and often payable in cash on arrival.
- Airport transfer via the hotel is worth the extra €15-20 to avoid getting lost in the maze.
- Alcohol is sold here, but it's pricey compared to buying your own duty-free.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for courtyard noise)
- Slip-on shoes (you'll be taking them off often)
- Conservative swimwear (the pool is in the center of the hotel, visible to all)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Upper floor rooms for less noise and more light
- Rooms with a private terrace (worth the upgrade for privacy)
Rooms to avoid
- Ground floor rooms near the reception/pool (dark and noisy)
- Rooms directly off the main courtyard if you want to sleep past 8 AM
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on an upper floor, away from the reception and breakfast area. A room with a private terrace would be ideal if available.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool actually heated?
Yes, technically. It's warmer than most freezing riad plunge pools, but don't expect a hot tub—think 'refreshing' in winter.
Can a taxi drop me at the door?
No. The Medina is pedestrian-only. You'll be dropped at a square (likely Place Jemaa el-Fnaa or a nearby gate) and walk ~5 minutes.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a standard Moroccan spread (breads, jams, pancakes, eggs, coffee) is included, though reviews call it repetitive.
Is it safe at night?
Yes, the alley (Derb Sekkaya) is well-lit and busy, but standard Medina precautions apply (don't flash valuables).
Do they serve alcohol?
Yes, there is a bar and you can drink on the rooftop or by the pool.
Is there an elevator?
No. Steep, narrow stairs only. Staff will carry your bags, but you have to carry yourself.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for a 'gommage' (scrub) in the on-site hammam—it's cheaper and more authentic than the fancy tourist spas outside.
- ✨
The rooftop terrace has zero shade in the afternoon; go for sunset instead.
- ✨
Don't trust Google Maps blindly in the Medina; download an offline map or ask the hotel to send a guide for your first arrival.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'heated' pool is often covered to keep heat in, so you have to ask staff to uncover it.
💡The orange juice at breakfast is fresh-squeezed and limitless—the best part of the meal.
💡You might smell 'drain' odors in the bathroom after a rainstorm; keep the plug in the sink.
💡The Wi-Fi is strong in the courtyard but drops dead in the back corners of rooms.
💡They have a 'manager's reception' with free tea/snacks sometimes—ask about it.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Riad Challa Hotel & Spa is located and what's nearby.