107, Rue Kaa El Machraa, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 708-2081
Superbly recreated riadguesthouse with peaceful
courtyard
Set in Marrakech's medina
within walking distance of souks
Rooms with plush Moroccan-style decor and marble bathrooms
Outstanding
dining on rooftop terrace with produce sourced daily
Large beds with
Egyptian cotton bedclothes
Traditional
hammam with body scrub and massage treatments
Decent breakfast
included in rate
Free fast Wi-Fi
throughout
Small plunge pool
Can be hard to
find
Long walk to Jamaa
el Fna square
No TVs or
telephones in rooms
Tiny pool (for dipping only)
Zamzam Riad is an
upscale and secluded traditional Moroccan-style guesthouse situated on the
edge of Marrakech's famous medina. The location can feel a little off
the beaten track, though most of the city's attractions are still within
walking distance. All seven rooms are beautifully presented with plush Moroccan
styling and lovely marble-finished bathrooms -- though don't expect TVs or
telephones. Excellent dining on the terrace under the stars is a real
highlight, while the snug lounge and rooftop hammam complete what is certainly
one of the finer examples of riad-style
accommodation in Marrakech. Those who'd like a more central location in the medina and a larger pool may want to compare rates with the Riad Dar Anika.
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
Tranquil Moroccan riad awash with traditional touches
New arrivals are
met and guided through ancient meandering streets past bustling carpentry
workshops and crumbling buildings, before turning down a narrow alleyway to the
entrance of the Zamzam Riad -- an unmarked, heavy wooden door studded with iron
rivets and illuminated by a huge spherical brass lamp. Stepping inside visitors
are immediately enveloped in a tranquil and secluded world; a low-lit vaulted corridor is scented with jasmine and citrus oils and guests can hear water
trickling into a rose petal-strewn pool. British couple Emma and Marcus renovated this Moroccan
riad -- once a fortune-tellers house
-- over the course of two years, using some of the finest local artisans and materials. The central courtyard
features some superb examples of traditional geometrical plasterwork, finely carved
cedar wood, and Moroccan "bejmat" tiling
as well as a 160-year old palm tree that soars through the lofty open ceiling. A
narrow terra-cotta tile stairwell also spirals up two floors to a bright
rooftop terrace overlooking the Red City and the Atlas Mountains beyond.
Location
Set on northern edge of the medina within walking distance of souks
The hotel is
located on the northern edge of Marrakech's medina -- the 11th-century
UNESCO-recognized district of the city famous for its bustling markets and
ancient walls. As much of the area is narrow winding streets inaccessible by
car, visitors arriving by taxi have to be dropped off a five- to 10-minute stroll from
the guesthouse. Arranging transportation through the hotel is highly
recommended as the riad can be tricky to find and is a little off the beaten track.
Most of the medina's main attractions, however, are accessible on foot with the
vast souks and plenty of museums and restaurants within 15 minutes. The popular
Jemma El Fna square -- famous for its snake charmers and fortune tellers -- is
around 25 minutes' walk, so a little far on foot for some, while the gorgeous Jardin
Majorelle is about the same distance. Marrakech Menara International Airport is about a 15-minute drive away.
Rooms
Plush Moroccan-style decor with marble bathrooms and moody lighting
The guesthouse
has seven rooms spread over two floors, all individually styled with chic Moroccan
styling -- ornately sculpted cornices, tasseled velvet drapery, and carved cedar wood shutters that overlook
the courtyard. Rooms are also furnished with French and Moroccan antiques together with hand-woven
Berber rugs and superb traditional centerpiece hanging lamps that cast pretty
dappled light around the high-ceilinged rooms. Nicely presented bathrooms are
finished with polished "tadelakt" limestone
walls and have walk-in rainfall showers, organic jasmine-scented toiletries,
and marble-topped basins. These rooms don't have TVs, minibars, or
telephones, as is typical for riads, though Wi-Fi is free and fast. Large beds are also topped with
Egyptian cotton sheets and firm mattresses, while bathrobes and particularly
quiet air-conditioning add extra comfort.
Features
Traditional Moroccan hammam and outstanding rooftop dining
Breakfast is
served in the bright and airy courtyard and comprises homemade organic jams,
fresh fruits and yogurt, Moroccan pancakes, and cooked-to-order omelets.
Breakfast can also be taken in the snug lounge with plush velvet seating,
chandelier lighting, and lovely traditional fireplace. Evening dining, however,
is the real highlight; dinners here incorporate locally sourced ingredients and showcase some of the finest Moroccan cooking you'll find in
the city, and can also be enjoyed on the roof
terrace under the stars. The terrace also has views of the snow-capped Atlas
Mountains, and provides a tented area with sofas and cushions, as well as
loungers for sunbathing. Those who want to cool off should note that the courtyard dipping pool is tiny. The guesthouse also provides a small rooftop spa with
hammam and traditional cleansing scrub treatments.
