The hype
Visually stunning and incredibly hospitable, but the beds are rock-hard and the AC can struggle in peak summer.
Riad Yasmine
$100-180/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential 'Instagram Marrakesh' shot without the chaos of the main square, and you don't mind sacrificing a bit of privacy for aesthetics.
Why People Love It
- The iconic emerald-green tiled plunge pool that launched a thousand Pinterest boards
- Alice and Gabriel (the owners) treat guests like family, not room numbers
- A serene, silent escape from the sensory assault of the Medina
Quick Take: It is exactly as beautiful as the photos, which means you will be watching other people take photos of it all day long.
Reviewed by @AlastairEmmett6794033: I honestly felt like I was living in a private palace. The contrast between the busy Medina streets and this silent, lush courtyard is unreal. Spending my afternoons lounging by that famous pool with a book was the highlight of my trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The pool is unheated and freezing most of the year—it's for dipping and pics, not laps.
- You prioritize aesthetics and photography over modern hotel amenities like a gym or elevator
- You love cats (Bowie the resident cat is a fixture)
- You want a safe, quiet 'soft landing' into Morocco
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9.2
- Housekeeping: Daily service is thorough; guests consistently praise the 'sparkling' state of the rooms.
- Bathroom hygiene: Tadelakt bathrooms are spotless, though the occasional 'medina drain smell' is an infrastructure issue, not a cleaning one.
- Maintenance: Impeccably maintained decor (tiles are perfect), though AC units can be finicky.
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though towels can be on the stiffer/scratchier side compared to luxury hotels.
- Odors & scents: Generally smells of orange blossom and cleaning products, masking the occasional street/drain whiff.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Guests having breakfast or taking photos in the courtyard
- Early morning Call to Prayer (nearby mosques)
- Street noise for the Agafay suite (balcony faces the street)
Before you book
Good to know
- Lunch is available for non-guests (12-2pm), so the courtyard gets busier midday
- Transfer service is highly recommended (~20€) as the riad is tricky to find in the maze
- Breakfast is carb-heavy (breads, pancakes, jams) and delicious, but don't expect a western buffet
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential for the call to prayer)
- Cash (Euros or Dirhams) to avoid the high credit card fees
- Slip-on shoes (you'll be taking them off often)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Merzouga Suite (1st floor, pink room, spacious, less courtyard noise)
- Chefchaouen Suite (Ground floor, iconic blue tiles, direct pool access—best for photos)
Rooms to avoid
- Agafay Suite (The only room with a street-facing balcony—noisier and less private)
- Ground floor rooms if you want to sleep in past 8am (breakfast noise is right outside your door)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi Alice & Gabriel, I'm looking to book a stay and would love a room on the first floor like Merzouga or Naila for a bit more privacy from the courtyard activity. If those aren't available, I'd prefer a quiet corner over the street-facing Agafay suite.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
No. It is a plunge pool and is generally very cold, refreshing only in the peak of summer heat.
Can I buy alcohol there?
No. They do not sell or serve alcohol. You can bring your own duty-free wine, but you must drink it in your room.
Is the location safe at night?
Bab Taghzoute is a local, authentic neighborhood. It's generally safe, but the alleys are dark and can feel intimidating. A taxi can drop you very close to the door.
Do they serve dinner?
Yes, but you must book it 24 hours in advance. It's a set menu (usually Tagine) and costs around 20€.
Is there air conditioning?
Yes, all rooms have AC units, though reviews suggest they can struggle to keep up during 40°C+ heat waves.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, but the vibe is very tranquil and adult-focused. A screaming toddler in the echoey courtyard will be heard by everyone.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Book the 'Merzouga' room if you want the bathtub with the pink tadelakt arches—it's the secret second-best photo op after the pool.
- ✨
The rooftop terrace is often empty during the day because everyone is fighting for the pool; go up there for actual peace.
- ✨
If you arrive late, the 'guardian' of the parking lot nearby will expect a small tip (10-20 DH) to watch your car/taxi drop-off.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Instagram Reality': You will likely watch an influencer change outfits three times for a photoshoot while you eat your yogurt.
💡The Sewer Smell: Like many riads in the Medina, the bathroom drains can occasionally smell of sewage due to old city plumbing.
💡The Hard Beds: Mattresses are firm—traditional Moroccan style. If you need a cloud, you will struggle.
💡The Cash Economy: They really, really prefer cash. The credit card terminal is a last resort and comes with a fee.
💡The 'Agafay' Risk: It's the only room that doesn't look inward to the peace of the courtyard, so you get the moped noise from the street.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Riad Yasmine is located and what's nearby.