Riad Porte Royale

Dating back to 1750, Riad Porte Royale was renovated by its British owner, an architect. Returning to the original simplicity of Marrakech riads, the property is finished in traditional bejmat brick floors, zillij mosaic tiles and tadlakt, a wall finish made of lime, sand, a little cement, and egg whites.

The thick walls were retained where possible and the dramatic portico in the courtyard frames an antique hand-carved and painted porte royale reflected in the plunge pool. Throughout, the white walls are enhanced by selected textiles and artefacts from Asia, Mali and Morocco. The bed linen is high-quality Egyptian cotton, with duvets and hand-woven camel wool blankets for the winter.

Whether guests require one room or the entire riad, there is always a sense of privacy as there are many corners to sit and talk in or read or catch up on emails. The riad is especially magical at night, whether relaxing under the tent awning on the roof terrace looking at the silhouettes of distant palms, having a drink on the loggia with the fire blazing on chilly winter evenings, or dining in the courtyard or in the Moroccan salon.

Breakfast is included and provided by our staff, either downstairs or on the roof terrace, depending on the season or preference. Our housekeeper can also provide lunch or dinner on request at a moderate extra cost, however there are several excellent restaurants close by. For a special celebration, we can arrange musicians and can even liaise with neighbouring riads if you require more than five rooms. Our manager is available to help plan any day trips you may have in mind, whether to the Atlas, the Ourika Valley or to a boutique pool in the nearby Palmeraie, or even arrange a Moroccan cookery course one morning.

Riad Porte Royale is located inside the historic medina but close to the ramparts, so no time is wasted visiting areas in modern Marrakech or embarking on day trips. The riad is situated about a 20-minute walk from the famous Djemma El Fna, though this can take longer as the way passes museums and monuments such as the Madersa, and takes you through the colourful souks — shopaholics beware.

Riad Porte Royale has been selected by the Footprint Handbook as one of the six most relaxing riads in Morocco, and also has featured in a US travel Magazine.