If there’s one place that’s worth a visit during your time in Marrakech, it’s the Riad Yasmine. This charming boutique hotel is the ultimate haven and an ideal retreat from the bustling alleyways of the medina.
It’s one of Morocco’s most impressive riads and was our favourite hotel stay of the trip.
General Information
Name: Riad Yasmine
Location: Marrakech
Price: $$
Features:Courtyard, plunge pool, roof terrace
Rating:
The Location
Riad Yasmine is situated within walking distance from most of the popular landmarks and historic sites. Within ten minutes you can be exploring the souks, or admiring the beautiful mosque of Ben Youssef. You can reach the medina and main square in 20 minutes by foot, or head to the stunning Palace of Marrakech to marvel at the grandeur.
The Hotel
Riad Yasmine is a private boutique hotel with only 7 bedrooms, making it homely and intimate. The riad has gained popularity on social media, with it’s pool and courtyard becoming an Instagram hotspot; and you can see why! Vines and luscious green foliage drape the walls, mosaic tiles cover the floor, and ornate furniture surrounds the stunning plunge pool. The courtyard is open air , so you can sunbathe during the day, or stargaze in the evening. To top it off, this riad is home to two beautiful cats …seriously, could this place get any better?!
The staff are incredibly friendly, and the low number of rooms means they have lots of time for each individual guest. They were able to iron some of our clothes at the last minute which was a big help, and always offered us fresh juice and Moroccan tea when entering or leaving the hotel.
It’s not just the staff who make this riad an enjoyable place to stay; it’s also the guests. We met a lovely bunch of people around the pool, two of whom we ended up going for dinner with. It’s a great place to socialise with like minded travellers.
Aside from the gorgeous courtyard, there is also an equally stunning dining room that showcases some incredible Moorish architecture, and a beautiful roof terrace, that has a great view of the surrounding medina.
Hanging out of the rooftop is something of a tradition in Marrakech, and it’s a perfect way to relax when you need a break from the medina. They serve a delicious breakfast on the terrace every morning, where you can sip fresh juice while watching the sun break over the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
The Rooms
Each room is designed and named after an area in Morocco, coming with its own distinct style and theme. They are all beautifully decorated in traditional Moroccan style, with tiled floors, and Berber fabrics. We stayed in the ‘Chefchaouen Suite’; a blue-tiled room situated on the ground floor, opposite the pool. Each room comes with free wifi, AC, a private bathroom, and a flat-screen TV.
What is a Riad?
Riads are traditional Moroccan guest houses, with rooms that surround an interior garden or courtyard. There is often a roof terrace, and the riads are usually family run. They usually offer traditional Moroccan breakfasts and dinners, and host a handful of rooms (usually less than 10). As a result, riads tend to be a lot more personal and offer a more authentic experience.
I’d highly recommend staying at Riad Yasmine. It’s a perfect combination of traditional Moroccan style and modern luxury. For more information, and to book, you can check out their website here.