The hype
A stunningly peaceful oasis that feels miles away from the chaos of the souks just outside the door.
Riad Rafaele & Spa
$150-250/ notte
Prenota se You want the 'Arabian Nights' fantasy—an authentic 18th-century palace hidden in the maze, with a heated pool and zero street noise.
Perché piace così tanto
- The heated outdoor pool (a rarity in the Medina)
- Authentic 18th-century architecture with towering orange trees
- Staff that treats you like visiting royalty (Youssef and Ibrahim are legends)
In sintesi: It is genuinely hard to find the first time—you will get lost in the Assouel maze without the airport transfer.
Recensito da @PoonehSabzi: I honestly didn't want to leave my room until I opened the doors to this courtyard. It felt like discovering a secret garden. The silence here is unreal compared to the busy streets outside. Definitely my favorite spot to recharge in Marrakesh.
Cosa hanno detto gli ospiti che hanno soggiornato qui
Reality check
The 'fitness center' listed on some booking sites doesn't exist—it's a spa and yoga space, not a gym.
- You appreciate historical architecture over modern cookie-cutter luxury
- You want a pool you can actually swim in during winter (heated)
- You are okay with a 10-minute walk through gritty alleyways to reach the main square
Pulizia e manutenzione
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Daily service is thorough, with fresh towels and rose petals often left on beds.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless tadelakt (plaster) bathrooms. No mold or grime reported.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition for an 18th-century building. Recently remodeled (2022).
- Linens & towels: High-quality Egyptian cotton sheets and plush towels.
- Odors & scents: Smells of orange blossom and amber, not musty old building smells.
Sleepability™
8SILENZIOSO
0-4RUMOROSO
4-7.5MODERATO
7.5-10SILENZIOSO
- Echoing voices from the courtyard (if in ground floor rooms)
- Early morning call to prayer (distant but audible)
Prima di prenotare
Buono a sapersi
- Alcohol is served here (not true for all Riads)
- Dinner must be booked by 12:00 PM the same day
- City tax is ~30 MAD ($3) per person/night, payable locally
Cosa portare
- Earplugs (riad acoustics can be echoey)
- Slip-on shoes (customary to remove shoes in some carpeted areas)
- Conservative swimwear (it's an intimate shared courtyard)
Genio delle camere
Migliori scelte
- The 'Royal Suite' (75m²) for high ceilings and maximum wow factor
- First-floor rooms with private terrace access for sunbathing privacy
Camere da evitare
- Ground floor rooms near the pool—zero privacy when other guests are swimming or eating breakfast
Genio delle richieste camera – copia e incolla
“I would love to request a room on the upper floor, ideally with terrace access. We prefer to avoid the ground floor to ensure privacy from the courtyard area.”
FAQ e consigli nascosti
Tutto ciò che vuoi davvero sapere prima di prenotare.
Is the pool actually heated?
Yes, verified. It is heated year-round, which is a rare luxury in Marrakesh winters.
Can a taxi drop me at the door?
No. The streets are too narrow. You will be dropped at a square (Bab Taghzout or similar) and must walk ~10 mins.
Is there a gym?
No. Ignore the 'fitness center' tag on booking sites. There is a spa and yoga space, but no machines.
Is it safe to walk back at night?
Generally yes, but the Assouel alleys are dark and maze-like. Use the hotel's transfer or a guide for your first night.
Do they serve alcohol?
Yes, there is a bar and lounge area serving wine and cocktails.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a highly-rated Moroccan breakfast (crepes, fresh juice, eggs) is included in the rate.
Suggerimenti degli Insider
- ✨
Book the airport transfer for arrival (€15-20)—finding this place alone on day one is a nightmare.
- ✨
Ask for dinner on the rooftop terrace at sunset; the view of the Atlas Mountains is better than most paid viewpoints.
- ✨
The 'hammam' experience here is more private and beginner-friendly than public ones in the city.
5 cose da sapere prima di partire
💡The water pressure can be on the softer side (old plumbing).
💡There are no TVs in some rooms—it's a 'disconnect' vibe.
💡The orange trees in the courtyard smell incredible in spring.
💡You might hear the call to prayer very clearly at 5 AM.
💡The 'Assouel' neighborhood is less touristy and more 'real life' than the Kasbah.
Guida locale
Mappa
Scopri dove si trova Riad Rafaele & Spa e cosa c'è nelle vicinanze.