Riads in Morocco are traditional homes that have been transformed into guest houses. Unlike staying in a Westernized hotel, staying in a Riad gives you a true sense of being in someone’s home, immersing you in the country’s culture. For my first stay in a Riad, I chose AnaYela Marrakesh, a Design Hotels member (Marriott). Small touches of Moroccan hospitality shone through in every part of my experience staying here, from the time I was greeted at the modest exterior door to the warm welcome with Moroccan mint tea. Here’s what surprised me most about staying in this luxury Riad.
A one-of-a-kind experience
What surprised me most about staying in a Riad is just how little touches can set apart a “hotel stay” from one that feels more like you’re a guest in someone’s home. After spending my first night at the Riad, for example, I woke up in the morning searching for a coffee shop. As a traveler used to the modern amenities of Western hotels, I needed to take a step back and remind myself that a Riad is not a hotel. There’s no Nespresso or coffee maker in your room (would there be one in your bedroom in a home?). There’s also no Starbucks waiting in the hotel lobby.
Instead, the concept of staying in a Riad reminds you of the importance of human connection. Instead of mobile ordering at Starbucks, I was ‘forced’ to ask a staff member for a coffee. My coffee was served on an adorned tray — and there was no option for a paper to-go cup. Instead, the cup was served, inviting me to ‘stay a while’. Simple things like this give you a true feeling for Moroccan hospitality, even as a guest.
Traditional design & dining
Staying at a Riad also gives you a chance to try an authentic home-cooked Moroccan meal. Riads like AnaYela don’t have a true “restaurant”. Instead, guests eat dinner right out in the open courtyard in the same place Moroccan families would eat dinner in their homes. The setting was beautiful and quiet (which set it apart from dining in a traditional restaurant).
Unlike selecting your food from a restaurant menu, there is no menu here (again, would you have a menu in your home?). This adds an element of surprise to the experience. When breakfast was served, I was served an entire traditional Moroccan breakfast spread and left (no ordering decisions required). For dinner, a fantastic three-course meal, including Moroccan classics like chicken tagine, was served.
Atmosphere & courtyard
The intimate setting of AnaYela evokes a quiet and luxurious stay, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the medina. It’s fascinating how, from the outside, this little Riad looks plain and simple. Yet, behind one door lies such a stunning oasis that feels like you’re entering a different world than in the madness of the center of Marrkaesh. Beyond the courtyard, AnaYela also has an incredible rooftop terrace with ample seating to sit back, relax, and soak in the Moroccan sun.
