Riad Kniza, Marrakech

The tranquil Riad Kniza is like a world unto itself—entering it from the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, with its incredible hustle and bustle, could not produce a starker contrast: this lovingly restored Moorish palace with three stunning open-air courtyards is an oasis of calm and beauty, hidden behind a plain façade.

Dating from the 18th century, this 11-room hideaway belongs to a renowned antique dealer Haj Mohamed Bouskri—who has also served as a personal tour guide to international celebrities and heads of state.

Moorish luxury

In the family for generations, under Haj Mohamed the riad has undergone a three-year restoration, which turned it into a jewel box of Moorish design.

The restoration was entrusted to the craftsmen who paid great attention to every detail. They created a gem of Moorish architecture, decorated using hand-carved cedarwood, glazed marble tiles, hard chiseled plaster and filled with hand-made antiques.

Tall wooden doors open onto luxurious suites from the delightful courtyards. Each suite is individually decorated with lush fabrics of ruby satins and creamy silver velvets, inlaid mirrors, and hand-painted tables.

Birdsong and rose petals

Riad is full of comfortable spaces to lounge in—from the library, drawing room and sun-washed roof terrace with comfortable loungers, to floor cushions and patio garden. At night Moroccan lanterns illuminate the walls with a soft subdued light.

Kniza is one of those unforgettable places that enchant most with its atmosphere, smell and sound. During the day the riad is filled with bird-song, and a rose petal-filled fountain adorns a courtyard, quietly burbling in the hot afternoon.

Spa and dining

The Riad Kniza spa provides a retreat of tranquil serenity and relaxation—a traditional hammam body scrub is the perfect way to end a day of price haggling in the souks or hiking the awesome Atlas mountains.

A true Moroccan experience would not be complete without the country’s excellent cuisine and Riad Kniza boasts one of the finest restaurants in Morocco.

Meals can be served in private dining rooms, but we always picked the roof terrace—with beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains and the old medina it is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or breakfast.

Many a celebrity dined at Kniza and stayed here: the riad hosted Bill Gates, Brad Pitt, Will Smith and Garry Kasparov among others.

in our opinion

Marrakech has plenty of stylish luxury riads, many of them European-owned. For a taste of something more authentic, check in to Riad Kniza.

*This review contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

What we love

• Location—just minutes from the famous Jema el Fna square;
• The serene atmosphere and boutique ambiance—a world of difference from the Medina and the square, filled with snake charmers, water sellers, musicians, storytellers, food stalls, and the city’s fabulous souks;
• The riad feels very exclusive: with only 11 rooms, we hardly ever saw another guest;
• The rooftop terrace hangout: a great spot for breakfast and a candle-lit dinner alike—and the wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains from there;
• The cuisine: consistently praised and rated as being one of the top restaurants in Marrakech if not in the whole country—and the food really is fabulous;
• Excellent personal tours and antique shopping expeditions;
• An Andalusian-style pool, in the center of a tree-lined courtyard—being able to cool down in the pool after a day of exploring Medina is just blissful;
• Live music, often played by local musicians in one of the courtyards.

What you should know

• The riad is not easy to find the first time without assistance, so make sure someone from the hotel is at the city wall to greet you;
• Staff at the riad can organize city tours or excursions to the Atlas Mountains for you, as well as recommend restaurants;
• Children under the age of 12 are not accepted.