Riad Kheirredine is the top-rated riad in Marrakech, Morocco for good reason. The design is exquisite. The rooms are luxurious. All the amenities—from the restaurant to the pool to the spa—are world class. But what truly sets Riad Kheirredine apart is their approach to hospitality.

We had only been in Morocco a few hours. And yet somehow, within minutes of walking through the doors of Riad Kheirredine, the staff made us feel like we were part of the family.

It’s not easy to do what they do, but they’ve figured out how to do it better than anyone else we’ve stayed with. That’s what made our experience unforgettable, and that’s why we’ll be back to Riad Kheirredine.

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Riad Kheirredine: 9 things you need to know

If you read nothing else in this review…read this list:

1. Book 1 of the 2 Imperial Suites and lounge on your private terrace with outdoor daybed.
2. There’s an in-house spa. Treat yourself to a traditional Hammam bath or massage.
3. All reservations include complimentary Moroccan breakfast and laundry service.
4. Plan for an evening on the rooftop, starting with sunset and ending with dinner.
5. The restaurant and bar serve alcohol (sometimes hard to find in Morocco).
6. The riad provides a local cell phone to all guests, free of charge.
7. Book directly for the best rates and other perks (free airport transfers, massages, etc.).
8. Before you book, check out the unique packages and retreats on offer.
9. When you’re here, you’re family.

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Anticipating your every need

The Riad Kheirredine approach can be described as proactive hospitality. They don’t simply react to what’s been asked; they anticipate your needs, often before you realize you’re in need.

And they always do it with a warm smile.

• Day 1 @ 4pm: we called the front desk and ordered 2 cold beverages. They arrived within minutes.
• Day 2 @ 4pm: we heard a knock on the door. We answered, and were greeted by a smiling staff member holding 2 cold beverages.

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Getting there

Riad Kheirredine is in the northwest section of the medina of Marrakech. By car, it’s 15 minutes from Menara Airport (RAK). You’ll enter the medina through the Bab Yacout gate.

Marrakech is a walking city. But certain parts of the medina aren’t accessible to vehicles larger than a motorcycle.

Riad Kheirredine is located in one of these areas. Even the smallest taxi will need to drop you off a couple hundred meters away from the riad. This will affect your arrival as well as your daily activities within the medina. Even if you rely on taxis, a short walk will always be a piece of the puzzle.

Walking distance to main sights

• Souks (markets) of Marrakech: 15 minutes
• El-Fnaa Square: 25 minutes
• Majorelle Gardens: 30 minutes (outside the medina)

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Arrival

When we could officially drive no further, our vehicle came to a stop. We stepped out of the van and were met by a smiling, enthusiastic riad staff member. He transferred our luggage from the van into a wheelbarrow, and escorted us through the winding, narrow path to the riad.

As we approached the door of Riad Kheirredine, we had no idea what we were about to walk into.

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Lower common area: courtyard, garden & fountain

We walked through the riad’s heavy wooden doors and were frozen by the internal architecture. A beautiful blend of distinctly Moroccan colors. The influence of Italian design. Attention to detail like none other.

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Orientation

We were greeted warmly by Elena, one of many riad staff members who would become a friend over the next few days. The 3 of us took seats in one of the lounges that surround the lower courtyard. The lower-level lounges are multi-functional: large enough for a group of 4-6 looking for a cool place to chat. And private enough for a solo traveler to read or take a nap.

Another staff member delivered a tray of hot mint tea, fresh fruit and dried apricots as Elena began taking us through a 15-minute orientation. She explained some of the history of the riad and answered our questions about Marrakech. This session helped us plan our next 3 days, including a guided tour of the medina.

Local cell phone included

During the orientation, Elena handed us a local cell phone. She told us it was ours to use for the duration of our stay, to ensure we could get in touch with someone from the Riad 24 hours a day. It came programmed with several local numbers This service is provided to all guests.

We’ll tell you the same thing that Elena told us: if you’re exploring the medina—particularly at night—and you try to find your way back on your own—without a map—you will get lost. We didn’t believe her. We tried to find our way back. Guess what happened?! We got lost.

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Upper common area: rooftop terraces, canopies & pool

Elena guided us up to the riad’s stunning rooftop, better described as a series of sectional terraces. Read in a nook on one terrace. Nap under a canopy on another terrace. Sunbathe next to the pool on the lower terrace.

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Luxurious rooms & suites

At Riad Kheirredine, 4 types of rooms are available, and no 2 rooms are alike. Each has its own unique style and flair.

Imperial Suite

We stayed in one of the two Imperial Suites, which came fully-equipped with a fireplace, separate living room and private balcony with a daybed.

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In-house spa & Hammam bath

Hammam is a cultural tradition that simply must be experienced in Morocco. At Riad Kheirredine, you can get rubbed & scrubbed with argan oil & black soap without even leaving the riad.

On our last day in Marrakech, we treated ourself to a Hammam bath and couples massage. It was worth it.

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Fine dining

Breakfast

An outstanding Moroccan breakfast of fresh juices, fruit, tea, coffee, honey, jams and pastries are included in all room rates.

Dinner

The food from Riad Kheirredine’s in-house restaurant was among the best we ate in Morocco. We dined here–on the rooftop–2 out of 3 nights. It was that good.

Both meals began with assorted appetizers, and the customary dozen small plates of vegetables, dips and sauces that defines Moroccan cuisine. The main course on night 1: mouthwatering chicken tagine. Night 2: equally-delicious lamb tagine. And of course, wine, fresh fruit and dessert.

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We left Marrakech feeling energized, refreshed, and grateful to the wonderful team of people that made this incredible stay possible.

We feel blessed to have spent our first 3 days in Morocco here at Riad Kheirredine, and we cannot wait to return to Marrakech to visit our Moroccan family.

Enjoy your stay 🙂

Cheers!

-DnA