3, derb El Farrane _ Sidi Ghalem, Zaouia El Abbassia, Marrakech, Morocco | (618) 248-8274
In Marrakech's medina within walking distance of Ben Youssef Mosque
Rooms have hand-carved Moroccan furniture, many with private balconies
On-site restaurant serving traditional Moroccan dishes and free breakfast
Courtyard wading pool, plus roof terrace for sunbathing
In-room spa treatments available (extra fee)
Parking and bicycle rentals are available for a fee
Babysitting services on request (fee)
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Local streets can feel sketchy, particularly after dark
Food gets mixed reviews
Rooms lack TVs
Located on the outskirts of the Marrakech Medina, the upper-middle-range Riad Nabila is a reasonably priced 10-room property with more amenities than the typical riad, including a wading pool, in-room spa treatments, and free Wi-Fi. Rooms have traditional Moroccan furniture, firm mattresses, and small seating areas, and many have private balconies. Bathrooms are decorated using handmade tile-work, but they're shower only. The riad's restaurant serves classic local dishes, such as tagines and kebabs, as well as a free breakfast, but guests give the food mixed reviews. Visitors who want a riad closer to the Jemaa El Fnaa market may want to consider Riad Azoulay, which has comparable amenities but slightly higher room rates.
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
Old-World riad with traditional Moroccan decor
Several long alleyways lead to the heavy wooden door of Riad Nabila. The lobby walls are adorned with sculpted molding that suggest Arabic script, and the reception desk is built out of handmade bricks. In the center of the building is an azure-tiled wading pool for guests who want a little relief from the North African sun. The floors of the stairwells and hallways are lined with simple geometric tile-work, while railings are forged out of swirly wrought-iron grills. The interiors are beautiful, but some parts of the building have been maintained better than others, and a few of the courtyard's numerous archways are cracked and faded with age. On the roof is a sundeck with lounge chairs and sofas plus views of the city skyline. Most visitors are tourists who want a more authentic experience than what's found in chain hotels.
Location
On the outskirts of the medina, within walking distance of the Museum of Marrakech
Riad Nabila is located in one of the more rundown areas of Marrakech's medina, one of the most important parts of the city with varying degrees of deterioration. A handful of historic sites are nearby, including the Koubba Ba’adiyn, a small 12th-century structure with keyhole arches that has had a notable influence on Moroccan architecture. The Koubba is adjacent to the Museum of Marrakech and the 12th-century Ben Youssef Mosque -- the area is a 12-minute walk away. Between the Riad Nabilla and Ben Youssef Mosque are several restaurants and cafes serving traditional dishes. Getting to the Jamaa el Fna marketplace takes about 22 minutes by car. The Marrakech Menara Airport is just over 20 minutes away by car.
Rooms
Traditional Moroccan rooms, many with private terraces
The 10 rooms at Riad Nabilla are individually decorated with traditional Moroccan furniture, but as is the case with many riads in Marrakech, they lack TVs. Ornate iron headboards back beds with firm mattresses. Dressers and nightstands are made from carved wood, nice examples of the local craftsmanship. And little details like lamp-shaped lights and kilim rugs add personality. Seating areas vary, but may be a couple of chairs with a coffee table or include sofas. Some rooms have private balconies that overlook the courtyard, but this feature varies from room to room. Bathrooms have handmade tiles around the sink and walk-in showers, but no tubs.
Features
Wading pool, sundeck, free breakfast, on-site restaurant, and in-room massages
Riad Nabila has almost enough amenities to put it on par with a full-scale hotel, although the features get mixed reviews. The courtyard wading pool has beautiful tile-work and enough space to take a quick plunge on a hot day. The terrace on the roof isn't quite as pleasantly decorated, but will suffice for anyone who wants a tan or a panoramic view of Marrakech. The on-site restaurant's Moroccan dishes get mixed reviews, as does the breakfast, which is included in room rates. There's no spa, but in-room massages are available, and babysitting can be arranged for a fee. Bicycles can be rented from the riad, and may come in handy given the distance of some sites in the Medina. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
