48 Derb Jamaa, Bab Hmar, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 708-2081
Attractive, traditionally styled riad
Within walking
distance of the Bahia Palace and the souks of the Mellah
Individually decorated
rooms with air-conditioning and safes
Peaceful
courtyard with plunge pool, and lounge
Rooftop terrace with
Berber-style tent and hot tub
Small treatment room offering massages and body scrubs
Moroccan-style breakfast included in rate
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Area can feel gritty
Many medina sights not within easy walking distance
No on-site hammam
The seven-room La Porte
Rouge is an attractive, traditionally styled Moroccan riad located at the southern end of the medina, about a 25-minute walk to Djemaa el-Fna square, and within a 15-minute walk of the Bahia Palace and the Mellah, the city's historic Jewish quarter. Rooms are nicely presented, with romantic touches
and good Wi-Fi. The rooftop Berber-style tent is a particularly fine place to
flop down, as is the shaded hot tub, also on the roof. There's a small treatment room, where guests can get various body scrubs and massages. While its location makes it a bit of a hike to the medina's major attractions, this mid-range property stands out for its traditional decor, calm ambience, and reasonable rates. Those looking for a more central location could compare rates with the Riad Karmela.
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.
Scene
Peaceful and welcoming riad-style lodgings with resident cat
A covered passageway leads past potted palms toward an unassuming heavy
wooden doorway and into the low-lit entrance hall of the Riad La Porte Rouge. New
arrivals are met with a warm welcome of hot mint tea and pastries as they check in before getting a quick tour of the property by the owner, Karen. The layout is
typical of the riad structure -- seven guest rooms overlook a
peaceful central courtyard and pool, and a rooftop terrace offers panoramic views
of the surrounding medina. Decor also draws heavily from traditional Moroccan
styling, with a particularly lovely blend of crimson fabrics that complement
whitewashed walls and dark wooden carved ceilings and doorways. Traditional "bejmat" flooring tiles, intricate wrought
ironwork, and a huge central hanging lantern adds to the exotic charm, while
snug lounges provide lovely nooks in which to unwind, often in the company of the resident
cat, Max.
Location
Hidden in the southern end of the medina, a good walk to Djemaa el-Fna square
While the
approach to the hotel can feel a little gritty, its Bab Ahmar neighborhood at the southern end of the medina is one of the more peaceful -- albeit also a bit
tricky to find. The famous Djemaa el-Fna square -- full of
snake-charmers, fortune-tellers, and orange juice vendors -- is almost a 25-minute walk away. The Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs are about a 15-minute walk north, as is Place des Ferblantiers, which has restaurants and plenty of bars that serve alcohol. The Mellah, the city's old Jewish quarter where spice traders and artisans still ply their wares, is also within a 15-minute walk. Although not far from transport roads, there's no direct car
access, and an airport transfer organized through the riad is highly recommended
to find the place. Marrakech
Menara Airport is about 15 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Attractive traditional Moroccan styling with rose petals and fresh fruit
There are seven
air-conditioned guest rooms, each of which is individually styled in a lovely blend
of Moroccan decor and furnishings, including patterned rugs, intricate carved
detailing, and "tadelakt" polished
plasterwork. Heavy velvet drapes and traditional lamps, scattering pinpoints of light, create a magical mood. A liberal scattering of rose petals add a dash of romance, too. Bathrooms, with ornately designed sink basins, have walk-in, open showers. As in most riads, guest rooms do not have TVs or minibars, but they come with good Wi-Fi, bathrobes, and fresh fruit on arrival.
Features
Rooftop terrace with cozy Berber-style tent and shaded hot tub
A daily-changing
breakfast menu -- included in the room rate --- is served in the small dining area or on the roof terrace during
warmer months. Refreshments such as fresh orange
juice, mint tea -- even ice cream -- are also available on request throughout
the day. The rooftop area has a lovely Berber-style tent -- with plush
seating where guests can arrange to smoke a shisha pipe -- as well as a shaded, beautifully tiled hot tub. Guests
can arrange massages and body scrubs in the small treatment room. There's also a courtyard plunge pool --
though there's no hammam on-site.
