Riad in Marrakech for a family with children: a guide to choosing the right one
· 5 min read
Riad in Marrakech with children: which neighbourhood to choose, what facilities to check for (swimming pool, family room, cot) and our tips for a stress-free stay.
Article automatically translated from French.
Staying in a riad in Marrakech with children offers them a real change of scenery: a traditional house built around a courtyard, colourful zellige tiles, breakfast served under the orange trees and, sometimes, a swimming pool. But not all riads are designed with families in mind. Here’s how to choose a riad in Marrakech for a family with children, and enjoy your stay without any unpleasant surprises.
Why choose a riad rather than a hotel for a family holiday?
A riad often has just a few rooms. The atmosphere is peaceful, the staff quickly learn the children’s first names and are more flexible with your schedule. It’s also an excellent base from which to explore the medina on foot.
- An intimate setting: fewer people coming and going, more peace and quiet for naps.
- A personalised welcome: tailored breakfast, tips on things to do, help with booking a transfer.
- The option to hire the whole riad: ideal for a large family or several families travelling together.
Facilities to check before booking
A family room or connecting rooms
Check the number of beds and the capacity of each room. On Riadway, each room specifies the number of people it can accommodate, and the search function takes into account the number of adults and children. Babies under 2 years old are not counted in the capacity.
A cot
If you’re travelling with a toddler, choose a riad that offers a cot and let the riad know as soon as you book, via the messaging service.
A swimming pool… and safety
A swimming pool is a real treat for children, especially on sunny days. In a riad, this is often a pool in the middle of the courtyard, which is rarely fenced off. With young children, constant supervision is essential: don’t hesitate to ask the riad about the depth of the pool and whether it is heated. See riads with a swimming pool
Stairs and the terrace
Riads are old houses: the stairs are often narrow and steep, and the rooftop doesn’t always have child-height railings. Ask for a ground-floor room if you have young children.
Breakfast and meals
A breakfast included makes mornings easier. Some riads also serve dinner on request: handy when the children are tired after a day in the souks. See riads with breakfast included
Which neighbourhood should you choose with children?
The best neighbourhood is one that minimises the amount of walking you have to do with your luggage and offers easy strolls.
- Kasbah: quieter, close to the Saadian Tombs and easily accessible by taxi. See riads in the Kasbah
- Riad Zitoun: close to the Bahia Palace and Jemaa el-Fna Square, handy for short outings. See riads in Riad Zitoun
- Mellah: steeped in history, near the El Badi Palace, with narrow streets that are often less crowded than the souks. See riads in the Mellah
- Sidi Ben Slimane: a residential neighbourhood to the north of the medina, away from the hustle and bustle, for peaceful nights. See the riads in Sidi Ben Slimane
- La Palmeraie: outside the medina, more spacious houses with gardens, popular with families seeking peace and space. See the riads in La Palmeraie
Our practical tips for a successful stay
Leave the pushchair at home
The alleys of the medina are narrow, cobbled and very busy: a pushchair quickly becomes a hindrance there. A baby carrier is much more practical for little ones.
Plan your arrival
With tired children and suitcases, it’s best not to wander around looking for your riad at random. Ask the riad to arrange a transfer from the airport or for someone to meet you at the taxi drop-off point. You’ll find all our tips in our article How to find your riad in the medina.
Adjust your pace
Go sightseeing in the morning, when it’s cooler, and save the afternoon for a nap or a dip in the pool. In summer, it gets very hot in Marrakech: stick to going out early in the morning and late in the evening.
Ideas for outings with children
- the Majorelle Garden with its vibrant colours, ideal for a short stroll;
- Jemaa el-Fna Square in the late afternoon, with its musicians and storytellers;
- the Bahia Palace, with its courtyards and gardens;
- a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city walls.
Frequently asked questions
Are children allowed in riads?
Most riads welcome families, but some prefer an adult clientele. If in doubt, ask the riad before booking.
Should a family book an entire riad?
For a large family or several families, renting the entire riad is often the best option: you can enjoy the patio and swimming pool in complete freedom. View riads available for whole-property hire
How does payment work?
On Riadway, you pay a simple deposit online to confirm your booking, and the balance directly at the riad, on arrival.
In summary
A riad in Marrakech can be perfect for a family with children, provided you check the room capacity carefully, ensure a cot is available, verify that the swimming pool and stairs are safe, and choose a neighbourhood that’s easy to get to. Find the ideal riad for your family and book with an online deposit; the balance is paid at the riad.