Riad Awa

Perfect oasis in the middle of Marrakech. The staff made us feel extremely welcome on arrival and throughout our stay. The Riad itself was very clean and comfortable and had areas inside to sit and relax in if you want to escape the heat of the sun. Breakfast was served daily and was continental style (pastries and local breads) and extremely plentiful. On most days we didn’t need to eat again until dinner! The pool was well maintained and with the other guests at the Riad using it as a base to sightsee Marrakech we never had any problem getting a lounger on the sun terrace. As for location, the Riad was perfect to go see Marrakech. The Saadian Tombs are no more than 2 minutes walk and the Badi Palace 20 minutes. Jemaa el-fnaa is a 20 minute stroll the other direction although the traffic was a little hairy in parts. If you wanted to get a taxi you’d have no problem getting one close to the Riad. Would whole heartedly recommend Riad Awa to anyone considering a stay here and would definitely go back whenever next in Marrakech.

Fantastic quiet position, within walking distance of everything. Beautiful, calm interiors. Wonderful staff, great breakfast and fantastic room with the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on. Plus a great rooftop sun deck with a small pool. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Review of Riad Awa – An Exceptional Stay in Marrakech, June 2026

Absolutely wonderful is an understatement. I traveled with a group of 12 women on a relaxing, restorative retreat through four countries, and Riad Awa was our second stop. Because the riad has only six rooms, we were able to reserve the entire property, giving us complete privacy throughout our stay. It was the perfect setting for our group. I chose Riad Awa for several reasons. First, the photos immediately caught my attention. The décor beautifully reflects Moroccan culture while creating an intimate, home-like atmosphere. Second, although it wasn't the least expensive option, I felt the overall experience and charm made it well worth the price.

The Riad exceeded every expectation. It was exactly what I had imagined—beautifully decorated, culturally authentic, warm, and welcoming. I cannot say enough about the manager, Bushla. She answered every question I had before booking and continued to help throughout our stay. She truly went above and beyond to make sure our group was comfortable. From the moment we arrived until the day we left, we were treated like family rather than hotel guests.

What We Loved Location – Perfect! We were within walking distance of many attractions, restaurants, and shopping.

Rooms – Beautifully decorated, very clean, and the beds were incredibly comfortable.

Staff – Outstanding. Every staff member was friendly, attentive, and genuinely cared about making our stay enjoyable.

Breakfast – Delicious! It featured traditional Moroccan pastries and tea that were different from what many of us were used to, but everything was fresh and surprisingly tasty. The time of breakfast differed daily, based on our needs.

Lounge Area – Instead of feeling like a hotel lobby, it felt like relaxing in someone's living room. It became our gathering place each evening.

Rooftop Terrace – A wonderful place to unwind after a full day of sightseeing. It was peaceful, comfortable, and one of our favorite spots.

Pool – While the pool is small, it was perfect for cooling off after exploring Marrakech. None of us were looking to swim laps; it comfortably accommodated our group, and towels were always provided.

Security – We appreciated knowing that a gentleman remained at the Riad overnight, providing an added sense of safety.

A Few Things Worth Mentioning None of these were deal breakers, but they may be helpful for future guests. Website Pricing The only disappointment before arrival was that the rate quoted when I inquired was higher than the price listed on the Riad’s website. It ended up being very similar to the price on Expedia. I understand that prices change with the season, but updating the website would help avoid confusion for future guests.

Room Size The second-floor rooms are a bit smaller than they appear in the photos. While they are beautifully decorated and comfortable, they are more compact than expected.

Room Locks The room doors do not have traditional exterior locks. They can be locked from the inside, but not in the typical way when leaving for the day. I had read reviews mentioning this and, initially, it concerned me. However, Bushla immediately addressed our concerns. She offered each room a padlock for use while we were away, although we ultimately chose not to use them. Since we had reserved the entire Riad, there were no other guests coming and going, which made us feel very comfortable.

Bathroom Privacy If you've traveled internationally, you've probably noticed that many boutique hotels feature an open-concept bathroom design. Several rooms at Riad Awa follow this style. This works well for couples, but our group consisted of 12 women friends - not couples. While we all love one another, none of us wanted to watch each other shower or brush our teeth! Before our trip, I shared my concerns with Bushla, especially since my first-floor room appeared, from the online photos, to have a direct view of the shower from the lounge if the bedroom door was open. Bushla assured me she would address the issue before we arrived, and she absolutely kept her promise. Every room had appropriate privacy through doors, partitions, or curtains where needed. It was clear that she genuinely listened to our concerns and wanted us to feel comfortable.

Accessibility Riad Awa is not wheelchair or handicap accessible. The main entrance requires navigating two steps up and one step down. While two guest rooms are located on the first floor, the bathrooms are split-level, with one step up into the bathroom area and one step down to both the toilet and shower. Guests with mobility challenges should keep these features in mind when booking.


Spa The Riad does not have a traditional full-service spa like you would find at a large hotel. Instead, it offers a private, intimate treatment room where massage services can be arranged by appointment. Simply request a massage, and a therapist will come to the Riad at your preferred time, creating a personalized and relaxing experience.

Final Thoughts Our stay at Riad Awa was one of the highlights of our time in Marrakech. The hospitality was exceptional, the atmosphere was warm and authentic, and the staff made us feel genuinely welcomed. The few minor concerns we had were greatly outweighed by the personalized service and care we received. I would absolutely stay here again and would highly recommend Riad Awa to anyone looking for an authentic Moroccan experience—especially families, friends traveling together, or small groups wanting the intimate feel of having an entire Riad to themselves.

Thank you, Bushla and the entire Riad Awa team, for making our stay so memorable. We hope to return soon!