Pros

  • Superbly recreated riadguesthouse with peaceful courtyard
  • Set in Marrakech's medina within walking distance of souks
  • Rooms with plush Moroccan-style decor and marble bathrooms
  • Outstanding dining on rooftop terrace with produce sourced daily
  • Large beds with Egyptian cotton bedclothes
  • Traditional hammam with body scrub and massage treatments
  • Decent breakfast included in rate
  • Free fast Wi-Fi throughout
  • Small plunge pool
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Cons

  • Can be hard to find
  • Long walk to Jamaa el Fna square
  • No TVs or telephones in rooms
  • Tiny pool (for dipping only)
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Bottom Line

Zamzam Riad is an upscale and secluded traditional Moroccan-style guesthouse situated on the edge of Marrakech's famous medina. The location can feel a little off the beaten track, though most of the city's attractions are still within walking distance. All seven rooms are beautifully presented with plush Moroccan styling and lovely marble-finished bathrooms -- though don't expect TVs or telephones. Excellent dining on the terrace under the stars is a real highlight, while the snug lounge and rooftop hammam complete what is certainly one of the finer examples of riad-style accommodation in Marrakech. Those who'd like a more central location in the medina and a larger pool may want to compare rates with the Riad Dar Anika. 

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Hotel & Amenities Photos

Amenities

  • Internet
  • Pool
  • Spa

Oyster Hotel Review

Zamzam Riad

Scene

Tranquil Moroccan riad awash with traditional touches

New arrivals are met and guided through ancient meandering streets past bustling carpentry workshops and crumbling buildings, before turning down a narrow alleyway to the entrance of the Zamzam Riad -- an unmarked, heavy wooden door studded with iron rivets and illuminated by a huge spherical brass lamp. Stepping inside visitors are immediately enveloped in a tranquil and secluded world; a low-lit vaulted corridor is scented with jasmine and citrus oils and guests can hear water trickling into a rose petal-strewn pool. British couple Emma and Marcus renovated this Moroccan riad -- once a fortune-tellers house -- over the course of two years, using some of the finest local artisans and materials. The central courtyard features some superb examples of traditional geometrical plasterwork, finely carved cedar wood, and Moroccan "bejmat" tiling as well as a 160-year old palm tree that soars through the lofty open ceiling. A narrow terra-cotta tile stairwell also spirals up two floors to a bright rooftop terrace overlooking the Red City and the Atlas Mountains beyond. 

See More Scene

Location

Set on northern edge of the medina within walking distance of souks

The hotel is located on the northern edge of Marrakech's medina -- the 11th-century UNESCO-recognized district of the city famous for its bustling markets and ancient walls. As much of the area is narrow winding streets inaccessible by car, visitors arriving by taxi have to be dropped off a five- to 10-minute stroll from the guesthouse. Arranging transportation through the hotel is highly recommended as the riad can be tricky to find and is a little off the beaten track. Most of the medina's main attractions, however, are accessible on foot with the vast souks and plenty of museums and restaurants within 15 minutes. The popular Jemma El Fna square -- famous for its snake charmers and fortune tellers -- is around 25 minutes' walk, so a little far on foot for some, while the gorgeous Jardin Majorelle is about the same distance. Marrakech Menara International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away. 

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Rooms

Plush Moroccan-style decor with marble bathrooms and moody lighting

The guesthouse has seven rooms spread over two floors, all individually styled with chic Moroccan styling -- ornately sculpted cornices, tasseled velvet drapery, and carved cedar wood shutters that overlook the courtyard. Rooms are also furnished with French and Moroccan antiques together with hand-woven Berber rugs and superb traditional centerpiece hanging lamps that cast pretty dappled light around the high-ceilinged rooms. Nicely presented bathrooms are finished with polished "tadelakt" limestone walls and have walk-in rainfall showers, organic jasmine-scented toiletries, and marble-topped basins. These rooms don't have TVs, minibars, or telephones, as is typical for riads, though Wi-Fi is free and fast. Large beds are also topped with Egyptian cotton sheets and firm mattresses, while bathrobes and particularly quiet air-conditioning add extra comfort. 

See More Rooms

Features

Traditional Moroccan hammam and outstanding rooftop dining

Breakfast is served in the bright and airy courtyard and comprises homemade organic jams, fresh fruits and yogurt, Moroccan pancakes, and cooked-to-order omelets. Breakfast can also be taken in the snug lounge with plush velvet seating, chandelier lighting, and lovely traditional fireplace. Evening dining, however, is the real highlight; dinners here incorporate locally sourced ingredients and showcase some of the finest Moroccan cooking you'll find in the city, and can also be enjoyed on the roof terrace under the stars. The terrace also has views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and provides a tented area with sofas and cushions, as well as loungers for sunbathing. Those who want to cool off should note that the courtyard dipping pool is tiny. The guesthouse also provides a small rooftop spa with hammam and traditional cleansing scrub treatments. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Zamzam Riad

Scene

Tranquil Moroccan riad awash with traditional touches

New arrivals are met and guided through ancient meandering streets past bustling carpentry workshops and crumbling buildings, before turning down a narrow alleyway to the entrance of the Zamzam Riad -- an unmarked, heavy wooden door studded with iron rivets and illuminated by a huge spherical brass lamp. Stepping inside visitors are immediately enveloped in a tranquil and secluded world; a low-lit vaulted corridor is scented with jasmine and citrus oils and guests can hear water trickling into a rose petal-strewn pool. British couple Emma and Marcus renovated this Moroccan riad -- once a fortune-tellers house -- over the course of two years, using some of the finest local artisans and materials. The central courtyard features some superb examples of traditional geometrical plasterwork, finely carved cedar wood, and Moroccan "bejmat" tiling as well as a 160-year old palm tree that soars through the lofty open ceiling. A narrow terra-cotta tile stairwell also spirals up two floors to a bright rooftop terrace overlooking the Red City and the Atlas Mountains beyond. 

See More Scene

Location

Set on northern edge of the medina within walking distance of souks

The hotel is located on the northern edge of Marrakech's medina -- the 11th-century UNESCO-recognized district of the city famous for its bustling markets and ancient walls. As much of the area is narrow winding streets inaccessible by car, visitors arriving by taxi have to be dropped off a five- to 10-minute stroll from the guesthouse. Arranging transportation through the hotel is highly recommended as the riad can be tricky to find and is a little off the beaten track. Most of the medina's main attractions, however, are accessible on foot with the vast souks and plenty of museums and restaurants within 15 minutes. The popular Jemma El Fna square -- famous for its snake charmers and fortune tellers -- is around 25 minutes' walk, so a little far on foot for some, while the gorgeous Jardin Majorelle is about the same distance. Marrakech Menara International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away. 

See More Location

Rooms

Plush Moroccan-style decor with marble bathrooms and moody lighting

The guesthouse has seven rooms spread over two floors, all individually styled with chic Moroccan styling -- ornately sculpted cornices, tasseled velvet drapery, and carved cedar wood shutters that overlook the courtyard. Rooms are also furnished with French and Moroccan antiques together with hand-woven Berber rugs and superb traditional centerpiece hanging lamps that cast pretty dappled light around the high-ceilinged rooms. Nicely presented bathrooms are finished with polished "tadelakt" limestone walls and have walk-in rainfall showers, organic jasmine-scented toiletries, and marble-topped basins. These rooms don't have TVs, minibars, or telephones, as is typical for riads, though Wi-Fi is free and fast. Large beds are also topped with Egyptian cotton sheets and firm mattresses, while bathrobes and particularly quiet air-conditioning add extra comfort. 

See More Rooms

Features

Traditional Moroccan hammam and outstanding rooftop dining

Breakfast is served in the bright and airy courtyard and comprises homemade organic jams, fresh fruits and yogurt, Moroccan pancakes, and cooked-to-order omelets. Breakfast can also be taken in the snug lounge with plush velvet seating, chandelier lighting, and lovely traditional fireplace. Evening dining, however, is the real highlight; dinners here incorporate locally sourced ingredients and showcase some of the finest Moroccan cooking you'll find in the city, and can also be enjoyed on the roof terrace under the stars. The terrace also has views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and provides a tented area with sofas and cushions, as well as loungers for sunbathing. Those who want to cool off should note that the courtyard dipping pool is tiny. The guesthouse also provides a small rooftop spa with hammam and traditional cleansing scrub treatments. 

See More Features

Hotel & Amenities Photos

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Cable

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Pool

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Spa

  • Supervised Kids Activities

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.