7 Unforgettable Reasons to Stay at Riad Zazz Marrakesh – A Peaceful Medina Gem

Introduction – My stay at Riad Zazz

Last spring I found myself wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of the medina in Marrakesh, Morocco, drawn by the call of exotic colours, spices and courtyards hidden behind heavy wooden doors. That’s when I checked in at Riad Zazz — a boutique riad tucked away at Nr 18 Derb Zenka Deyka, Riad Zitoune El Jadid, Medina, 40000 Marrakesh, Morocco.

I chose it for its authentic location, promise of calm within the bustling heart of the medina, and the excellent reviews that piqued my curiosity. As someone who’s visited dozens of accommodations for this travel blog, this stay became one of the more memorable ones—so let me share the full story of what it was like staying at Riad Zazz in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Location & Arrival

Riad Zazz is situated in the old medina of Marrakesh, in the Riad Zitoune El Jadid quarter—a tucked-away neighbourhood that still pulses with local life but is quieter than the main crowd at the central square. According to the official listing, it lies just a short walk from major attractions like the Palais de la Bahia and the Djemaa el Fna square. (Booking.com)

Arriving late afternoon, I navigated the narrow alleys of the medina with the assistance of the riad’s pre-arrival instructions. I appreciated that once I passed the outer door, the world outside the medina’s hustle seemed to fade. The entrance hall opened into a calm, beautifully tiled courtyard—an oasis of calm. Given the location, it’s vital to ensure you have instructions and potentially arrange a transfer from the airport, as navigating the alleys with luggage can be tricky.

First Impressions & Atmosphere

Stepping inside Riad Zazz, I immediately felt enveloped by warmth and craft. The smiling welcome at the small reception, the scent of orange blossom, the cool mosaic tiles underfoot—all combined to give that special “riads-in-Marrakesh” magic. The décor mixes traditional Moroccan character (zellige tiles, woodwork, arches) with some modern comforts.

In the evenings, the soft lighting around the courtyard, the faint hum of conversation, and the view of stars from the rooftop terrace created a relaxed, almost magical ambience. If you’re a travel blogger like me, you’ll feel both immersed in local authenticity and comfortable enough to unwind.

The Rooms & My Experience

My room was a “Deluxe Double” category. Here’s how I found it:

Design and décor: The room featured a large double bed with crisp white linens, an intricately carved headboard, traditional Moroccan lamps and a small seating corner. The walls were painted in warm tones, with decorative touches that gave character without being overwhelming. The bathroom had a roomy shower (or bathtub depending on room) and high-quality toiletries.

Comfort: The air-conditioning worked well (important in Marrakesh’s warm months), the blackout curtains let me sleep soundly, and despite being in the medina, the room was quiet at night. The mattress and pillows were comfortable, and the in-room lighting offered both ambient and reading options.

Amenities: There was a small minibar, strong WiFi (though listings note WiFi score as somewhat lower than other categories: see booking listing). (Booking.com) I appreciated the daily room-making, fresh towels and the little touches like a kettle for tea and coffee.

Special touches: From my window I could glimpse the rooftop terrace and the pool beyond, which made the stay feel special. A welcome mint tea arrived shortly after I checked-in—small gestures like this stood out.

Facilities & Services

Riad Zazz offers several facilities that elevated my stay:

• Rooftop pool and terrace: One of the highlights. After a morning exploring the medina, returning to a rooftop terrace with a pool felt like paradise. The setting offered both sun-loungers and shade, perfect for relaxing with a drink from the terrace bar. Tripadvisor reviewers mention the beautiful terrace and pool as memorable. (Tripadvisor)
• Hammam & spa: For true relaxation, the riad offers a hammam and massage service. I indulged in an evening hammam session followed by a gentle massage—it was a soothing contrast to the vibrant energy of Marrakesh outside. See listing references to hammam/massage. (Booking.com)
• Breakfast and dining: Breakfast was served on the rooftop terrace, enabling me to start the day with fresh pastries, local breads, fruit, yogurt and traditional Moroccan mint tea while looking over the medina rooftops. The listing notes vegetarian and halal options. (Booking.com)
• Reception & assistance: The reception is open 24/7, and staff were extremely helpful in arranging airport transfers, guiding me on local excursions, and giving advice on restaurants. Reviews give staff an outstanding rating (9.8 for personnel in the listing) which matched my experience. (Booking.com)

In short, the services complemented the accommodation and helped me feel well looked-after.

Design & Décor Details

I want to pause here to describe some of the design elements that stood out—because staying in a riad like this isn’t just about a bed, it’s about atmosphere.

In the main courtyard you’ll find the typical Moroccan mosaic floor, a central fountain, and wrought-iron lanterns casting warm patterns on the walls in the evening. Arched doorways lead into the rooms; some rooms have stained-glass windows. The rooftop terrace is partially tiled, partially decked, with deep cushions, draped fabrics and plenty of charm. The pool is modest in size but very inviting—not a giant resort pool, but exactly what you want in a medina hideaway.

Each suite or room is slightly different—the one I stayed in had a small writing desk carved in wood, Moroccan textiles, a large wardrobe, and a small balcony that looked out over the neighbouring roofs. Light filters in through skylights in some of the upper rooms. The bathrooms had tadelakt (smooth lime-plaster) finishes which felt luxe and local.

What I appreciated most: the balance between authenticity (traditional architecture, riad-style layout) and the comfort of a boutique hotel (air conditioning, quality linens, modern bathrooms). Many riads lean too far one way or the other—here the balance felt just right.

Location & Nearby Attractions

One of the strengths of Riad Zazz is its location. You’re truly in the heart of the medina, but in a slightly tucked-away lane that gives peace when you return from the busy souks and squares.

Here are some of the nearby attractions and practical transport info:

• Djemaa el Fna – The iconic square of Marrakesh, full of life, storytellers, food stalls, snake-charmers and energy. The listing mentions you’re very close to this square (a few minutes’ walk). (Tripadvisor)
• Palais de la Bahia – A stunning royal palace with beautiful gardens and architecture; also very near the riad. (Booking.com)
• Mosquée Koutoubia – While the listing doesn’t provide detail, it mentions proximity to the Mosque Koutoubia and other landmarks. (Booking.com)
• Souks & Walks – The central medina with its maze-like alleys, souks selling textiles, spices, ceramics, jewelry – all within short walking distance.
• Transport & Airport – The nearest airport is the Marrakech–Menara Airport (RAK). The riad offers airport transfer services (on request) and the listing indicates you’re approximately 5 km to the airport. (Booking.com)

Tip: Ask the riad to arrange your airport transfer—they will likely guide your driver through the medina approach. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the alleys, and carry small change for local markets.

Dining, Experiences & Local Vibe

Staying at Riad Zazz isn’t just about staying in a comfortable room; it’s about soaking up Marrakesh’s rhythm.

Breakfast atop the roof: One morning I sat on the rooftop at sunrise, sipping fresh Moroccan mint tea, eating local pastries as pigeons cooed and the minaret of the nearby mosque caught the golden light. It felt peaceful yet set right in the heart of the city.

Pool-time: Mid-afternoon, after exploring the souks, I returned and dipped into the rooftop pool. The water was cool, the terrace loungers comfortable, and I had a fresh juice from the bar. It was a moment of luxury in the medina.

Evening stroll: Just after sunset I walked from the riad through the narrow lanes to Djemaa el Fna. The square transformed: food stalls, fires, grilled meats, the smell of spices and smoke, crowds gathering. I ended my walk with a bowl of harira soup and returned to the calm courtyard of Riad Zazz, a step away from the bustle.

Local eateries & cafés: Though the riad doesn’t advertise a full-scale restaurant, you’re surrounded by local cafés and small restaurants. The staff were happy to recommend a few un-touristy spots nearby where I had tagine and mint tea with locals. Asking the riad for their “neighbourhood favourites” was a helpful move.

Why We Recommend This Hotel

Here’s a quick summary of the top reasons to stay at Riad Zazz in Marrakesh, Morocco:

• Prime location in the medina: close to major attractions yet tucked in a peaceful lane.
• Boutique atmosphere with personal service: the high staff rating (9.8) reflects the attentive and friendly service. (Booking.com)
• Charming design and authentic riad architecture, combined with modern comforts.
• Excellent rooftop amenities: pool, terrace, bar, and a place to unwind.
• Good value relative to the experience: guest reviews praise comfort, cleanliness (9.1) and location (9.4) as outstanding. (Booking.com)
• Great for travellers wanting to experience both Marrakesh’s vibrancy and a restful hideaway.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How far is Riad Zazz from the airport?
A: The riad is approximately 5 km from Marrakech–Menara Airport. The property offers an airport transfer (upon request) which is highly recommended given the medina’s narrow access. (Booking.com)

Q2: Does Riad Zazz have a pool?
A: Yes — there is an outdoor rooftop pool available to guests. It’s not enormous like a resort pool, but perfect for a medina stay. (Booking.com)

Q3: Are rooms equipped with air-conditioning and modern amenities?
A: Yes — rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, WiFi and other modern comforts while retaining traditional décor. Some reviews note the WiFi score is slightly lower (7.6) but still functional. (Booking.com)

Q4: Is breakfast included and suitable for special diets?
A: Breakfast is served and includes vegetarian and halal options. Served on the rooftop terrace, it’s one of the highlights. (Booking.com)

Q5: What is the check-in / check-out time?
A: According to the booking listing, check-in begins at 15:00 and check-out is by 12:00. (Booking.com)

Q6: Is the location quiet despite being in the medina?
A: From my experience and guest reviews, yes: while you’re in the historic medina, the riad is placed on a calm lane so you can enjoy a restful stay despite the central location. Guest reviews highlight the quiet but central position. (Booking.com)

Q7: Are there transport options near the riad (taxis, etc.)?
A: Yes — the riad’s team can help arrange airport transfers or local taxis. For general city travel, you may need to exit the medina walls to access taxis, which the staff can facilitate.

Q8: Suitable for families or only couples?
A: The riad accommodates various room types including double rooms, twin rooms and suites. So families and couples alike will find options. (Planet of Hotels)

Conclusion – Book Your Stay & Experience Marrakesh

If you’re planning a stay in Marrakesh and want a place that offers both authenticity and comfort, then Riad Zazz in Marrakesh, Morocco ticks many boxes. The blend of traditional Moroccan architecture, modern amenities, personal service and unbeatable medina location makes it a stay to remember. Whether you’re wandering through the souks, sipping mint tea on the rooftop terrace, or relaxing by the pool after a day of exploration, you’ll feel you’ve found your hideaway in Marrakesh.

So go ahead—if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Marrakesh, I encourage you to book your stay at Riad Zazz via the affiliate link on Booking.com. It’s the perfect base for your next Moroccan adventure — see you there under those orange-sunset roofs!

Ready to make your reservation? Click through to explore current availability and offers — your medina escape awaits!