Ryad Dyor, Marrakech

Ryad Dyor is a high-end boutique riad that epitomizes the spirit of contemporary Marrakech, blending Moroccan architecture and style with European design.

Moroccan riads are traditional townhouses, built and arranged around open courtyards, with often elaborate architecture and design on the inside, but nondescript on the outside. They are often the best accommodation for a stay in the densely packed medieval medina (or the walled part of many North African cities).

We stayed at quite a few in our trips to Morocco, over the years, and this time the first one we checked into was Ryad Dyor.

Ryad Dyor in the Medina

Finding a particular address in the maze of the narrow passageways and meandering streets of the Medina can be quite a task, but we had help. We were picked up from the airport by the Ryad Dyor staff and led to the entrance upon arrival. Once inside, our experience of the hotel started with welcome tea and cookies in one of the courtyards.

Ryad Dyor is made up of three traditional riads, with a courtyard at the center of each. The centerpiece of the first one is a picturesque plunge pool, the second has old palm trees and a fountain, and the third, the smallest, has various seating arrangements, serving as a lounge to the biggest luxury suite of the hotel.

Our suite was located on the ground level, with windows and the door looking out to the second courtyard, where the reception was also situated. This was probably the busiest part of the hotel, but the place did not feel crowded, and we often had this place all to ourselves—it was a tranquil spot to retreat to after a day exploring the dusty Marrakech.

Balanced design

Our room was designed to feel like a haven from the heat and noise of the day. Dark by design, with the interior subtly referencing Moroccan patterns and decor, blending old-world traditions and new world luxury.

But not all rooms are dark at Ryad Dyor. Quite the opposite: most are filled with light. Indeed, we named this boutique hotel “the house of light” in our feature in the T+S Magazine.

Each room and suite feels different. Individually decorated and often filled with eclectic Moroccan décor, textiles, or architectural details, the accommodation options skillfully combine the local stylistic vernacular with European influences, with added chic contemporary comforts, such as furniture sourced from Bali and Italy.

From copper lanterns to ornate mirrors and from egg-smooth bathtubs to wooden carved ceilings and brass door details, the balance of these different styles and sources makes the interiors sophisticated and luxurious.

Breakfast with a view

Nevertheless, where we loved to hang out the most was the beautiful rooftop terrace. This is where the hotel serves complimentary breakfast and other meals, as well as cocktails or mint tea.

The breakfasts were simple but delicious, with honey and jams, a selection of different kinds of warm Moroccan bread, excellent coffee, and fresh juice.

We would also wrap up our days here, with a bottle of wine, listening to the Muezzin calls and looking over the panoramic views of the old city of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains in the distance, as they catch the last rays of the sun.

in our opinion

Ryad Dyor's tranquil vibe and classy looks make it one of the top boutique riad hotels in Marrakech, and a fantastic hideaway, especially for couples. It's a great place for a weekend break.

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What we love

• Beautiful, eclectic décor, mixing traditional Moroccan design and contemporary chic
• Lots of small spaces, balconies, and seating arrangements to relax or lounge on, with mint tea or cocktails
• The courtyards are the most picturesque (if not to say, "instagrammable") parts of the hotel, especially the main one, with orange trees, a plunge pool, and suspended lanterns (check this pic we took, on Instagram)
• The staff is attentive, and the service personalized—we felt very well looked after. The manager was more than happy to walk us around every corner of the Ryad, showed us around some other suites on the higher floor, and had plenty of advice for us on the best places to explore in Marrakech
• The most fundamental characteristic of Ryad Dyor is its peaceful atmosphere. Set in a quieter part of the medina, it felt like an oasis of calm and a great place to come back to after a busy day
• The open-air, sunny rooftop, where meals and drinks are served. Our favorite part of the day was to take long breakfasts under the breezy loggia on the terrace
• Speaking of which—the perfect finish to our day was on the terrace, with a bottle of wine, watching the sunset and listening to the muezzin calls!

What you should know

• Ryad Dyor is located in the medina, the old part of Marrakech, but in the Sidi Ben Slimane neighborhood, which is away from the center of the action. It's a 20-minute walk to the Jemaa-el-Fna square
• A car ride from the Marrakech-Menara Airport will take 15 or 20 minutes. As is often the case with the riads located in the dense buildup of the medina, you won't be dropped off right in front of the hotel reception door. The car can take you up to the end of a paved street, and a 5-minute walk to the riad will follow
• With pre-booking, lunch and dinner can be organized in places other than the roof terrace, e.g, in the room, or the courtyards
• The hotel does not have an explicit adult-only policy, and children are welcome, but the riad isn't particularly well set up for families with children
• Our room was on the ground level near the reception—and the noise insulation was poor. It was fine most of the time, and the hotel never felt crowded, but from time to time, there was a lot of movement in the courtyard in front of our door. Tip: best to book a room on the first floor
• Don't expect to swim in the pool, as it is shallow and quite small. Great to dip your toes in on a hot day though!