RIAD AL MASSARAH: UPDATED 2019 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 320 Photos (Marrakech, Morocco)

As is typical in the riads in Moroccan Medinas, the outward appearance gives no clue as to the beauty and calm to be found inside. This riad is no exception--but it is exceptional. Run by a Frenchman (Michel) and a Brit (Michael), Al Massarah is a calm haven amidst the chaos of the Marrakech Medina. From the moment you walk through the door you are made to feel incredibly cared for. Viktor, the hotel manager, Simon, his assistant, and Michel welcomed us and made our 2-night stay a memorable one. The rate was 1900 MAD for 2 nights, including a very nice breakfast served on the inner terrace outside your room, overlooking the small inner courtyard. We arrived via train from Casablanca, and although we are the type of travelers who prefer getting around on our own, I can't emphasize enough how happy we were that we arranged for pick up by the Riad. It saved us immeasurable hassles of haggling for a cab, then finding a reliable porter to the Riad. Marrakech is a fascinating city, but rife with scams and ripoffs. Whether you are coming from the station or from the airport, DO arrange to be met. It is more than worth the nominal cost! Because cars are not permitted in the Medina, the car dropped us off at a spot where a porter with a cart met us and escorted us to the Riad door. I'm sure we'd still be trying to find the place if we hadn't arranged for the transport! The service at Al Massarah is really exceptional. I don't think I've ever felt so cared for at a hotel. When a fuse blew in our room (the Saffron, lovely, even though the least expensive), we were told after the fact that our things had been packed up and moved into another room, which happened to be the best room in the Riad. We didn't make a fuss at all about the fuse (it was bedtime, after all), so this was entirely unexpected. When we returned to the Riad the second evening, tired and cranky from walking miles and being constantly lost, Simon walked us down to a little restaurant in the Medina so we could grab a snack. You will get lost quite a lot in the Medina, so the respite provided by the Riad is most welcome. We brought along a bottle of wine which they kept chilled for us. (See attached photo for our little before dinner glass of wine in the courtyard.) And because we had an early pick up on our last morning, Simon served us breakfast in the beautiful dining room before 7:00 am. We did not eat dinner at the Riad nor did we use the Hammam, so I can't comment on those amenities. But I highly recommend Riad Al Massarah for a magical stay in Marrakech. Thank you, Michel and Michael and staff!…

Date of stay: November 2019

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Best service and breakfast!

We went for our honeymoon to Marrakesh and stayed for three days in Riad al Massarah. This stay was the best hotel in years! The staff is very friendly and polite. The service is great as it should be! We were really surprised that this small paradise is hidden behind the busy streets in the old town of Marrakech. TIP: 1. Book the Hammam and you feel like reborn! 2. During the breakfast sit down, relax and take your time. Taste the sweet pancakes with jam and fruit with yoghurt. We reccomend this Riad for anyone who would like to relax and enjoy the different sides of Marrakech.

Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple

A haven from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech

From the moment of arriving late at night to leaving a week later the Riad proved a great place to stay, the owners and staff could not have been more friendly and accommodating. Would particularly recommend the Hamam and the Tangia.

Date of stay: October 2019

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Room Tip: The roof terrace room is fantastic

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A tranquil oasis with the friendliest of welcomes

We stayed here for four nights (end Sept 19) on the recommendation of a friend. This was our first trip to Marrakech and we were bowled over by the culture, noise, smells and full on pace of life in the City. But this little Riad was like coming home each day. Michael was there to greet, guide and help us get the most out of our short trip - he recommended restaurants, museums, gardens and arranged a driver and guide to take us into the Atlas mountains for a day. Each day we arrived back after our explorings and enjoyed mint tea by the pool and chilled before heading out to find food. On our arrival night we opted for a meal in - we can truly say it was the best tagine we had and Simone was a superb waiter explaining ingredients and so on. The decor and quality of furnishings were superb. We stayed in the Carmen room, which was perhaps the most spacious room and made good use of the traditional shape of a courtyard room. The view down to the pool was lovely. Breakfast was served on the roof top terrace and was a good mix of salad, juice, eggs and so on. If you want breakfast tea, make sure you ask for it or it will be mint tea (lovely, but not for us at breakfast!!!). The coffee was really excellent. We felt cared for the whole time - Michael met us at the taxi stop, was flexible with check in/out time around our flights times and even phoned the guide on our mountain walk to check we were ok!! It was perfection.....…

Date of stay: September 2019

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Loveliest spot

This is the perfect spot to explore everything Marrakech has to offer. A peaceful oasis away from surrounding madness and yet everything of interest is in less than 20 min walk. Micheal is the most generous host; he will find the right fit for you for tours, restaurants and anything you may need or want to do. Things you should really try: in house Hammam treatment. At least 1 meal cooked in house; tajine or tangia absolutely delicious. The staff cannot be more welcoming and helpful. I forgot to mention the sustainability and engagement with local charities. We will go back.

Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple