Riad Démo — Médina de Marrakech

The riad is in the medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.

Like most riads, it opens onto a narrow lane, a derb. Cars cannot enter most of the medina: the taxi drops you at the nearest gate (bab) or square, and you finish on foot.

Before you arrive, we send you the meeting point on WhatsApp. On arrival, we welcome you and walk with you to the riad.

Arriving late? Let us know in advance on WhatsApp.

Demonstration: the Directions category leads to Jemaa el-Fna square, the medina's main landmark, not to the address of a property.

The network name and password are shown just below, with a button to copy them.

Can't connect? Message us on WhatsApp.

A riad for up to 4 people, built around its patio like the traditional houses of the medina.

- Air conditioning in every bedroom
- Equipped kitchen: hob, oven, fridge, coffee machine
- Washing machine
- Roof terrace
- Bed linen and towels provided

Air conditioning: keep doors and windows closed while it is on, and switch it off when you go out.

Roof terrace: summers in Marrakech are long, hot and dry. Enjoy it in the morning and in the evening.

The riad is surrounded by homes where people live. These rules protect your comfort and that of the neighbours.

- Quiet after 10 pm, inside the riad and on the terrace.
- No parties or events.
- Non-smoking accommodation: smoke only on the terrace.
- No pets.
- Maximum capacity: 4 people. Only the guests declared at booking may stay in the riad.

Before you leave, please:
- empty the fridge;
- leave the dishes clean;
- take the rubbish out as shown on arrival;
- switch off the air conditioning and the lights;
- close the windows and the terrace door;
- let us know on WhatsApp when you leave.

Want to leave later? A late check-out may be possible depending on availability: ask us on WhatsApp.

Jemaa el-Fna square at nightfall: dozens of food stalls set up on the square, among storytellers and musicians. Its living traditions are inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The café terraces around the square: a view over Jemaa el-Fna and all its bustle.

Rahba Kedima, the "spice square": a triangular square in the heart of the souks, lined with craft stalls and cafés.

The Koutoubia gardens: a stroll at the foot of the minaret, lit up in the evening.

Demonstration: we only list public places here. In a real guide, the host adds their own favourite spots.

The souks: north of Jemaa el-Fna, Morocco's largest traditional market, organised by trade (leather, carpets, metalwork, pottery). Prices are negotiated, with good humour.

The Koutoubia: its 77-metre minaret, built in the 12th century, can be seen from afar, 200 metres from Jemaa el-Fna. The mosque is open to Muslim worshippers only: the minaret and the gardens can be admired from outside.

The Ben Youssef Madrasa: a former Quranic school rebuilt in the 16th century, with carved stucco, zellige tilework and cedar wood. Reopened to the public in 2022 after restoration.

The Bahia Palace: a 19th-century palace arranged around several courtyards and gardens, with painted wooden ceilings.

The El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs: in the Kasbah district, two landmarks of the Saadian dynasty (16th century).

Le Jardin Secret: in the Mouassine district, a 19th-century palace and its restored gardens, open to the public since 2016.

The Majorelle Garden: created from 1923 by the painter Jacques Majorelle, then restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. It houses the Berber arts museum; the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is right next door. It is in Gueliz, outside the city walls: plan on a taxi.

The Menara Gardens: a large pool and its pavilion among olive trees, with the High Atlas as a backdrop on clear days.

Remember to check opening hours before your visit.

Corner shops: plenty of them in the medina, for water, bread and everyday items.

Pharmacies: at night, an on-duty pharmacy stays open. It changes every evening: ask at the nearest pharmacy, or message us on WhatsApp.

Money: keep some cash for taxis, the souks and small shops.

In the medina: on foot. The lanes are narrow; watch out for scooters and motorbikes.

Petits taxis: recognisable by their beige colour. They must use the meter: ask for it when you set off, or agree on the price before getting in.

Buses: the city network is run by ALSA. Line 19 links the airport with Jemaa el-Fna square and the railway station.

Train: Marrakech station, in the Gueliz district, has connections to Casablanca among other cities.

Marrakech-Menara airport: about 5 km south-west of the centre. We can arrange your transfer: see Services & extras.

Équipe Azur Stay

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For any question, message us on WhatsApp: it is the quickest way to reach us.

Demonstration: the WhatsApp button in this guide puts you in touch with the Azur Stay team, who will show you the Concierge Digital.

Leak or breakdown: message us right away on WhatsApp.

Medical emergency, fire or danger: call the emergency numbers below directly.

Electricity: 230 V, type C and E sockets, as in France.

Money: the currency is the dirham (DH).

Finding your way: the medina is a maze of lanes. Jemaa el-Fna square and the Koutoubia minaret, visible from afar, are good landmarks.

In the medina: clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated, and flat shoes are more comfortable on the cobbles. If someone offers to guide you without being asked, a polite but firm "no, thank you" is enough.

Climate: long, hot, dry summers; mild to cool winters.