Somewhere tucked away in the hectic alleyways of the Marrakech medina, an utterly stunning oasis of calm exists, carefully hidden behind a massive wooden door, and disguised by the intoxicating noises, smells and chaos that prevail in the always bustling streets of Marrakech.
Slightly overwhelmed, a tad hot and a little tired from the journey, we were waited for and greeted by one of the riad’s staff members, who slowly guided us through the narrow streets of a charming residential quarter, in search of our own temporary oasis of calm.
The oasis of calm we were looking for was Riad Kheirredine.
After about 10 minutes, dodging a few too many mopeds Mario-karting through the streets, determined street merchants trying to sell their goods, and a few lost donkeys roaming around, we finally arrived at the wooden door that promised us our slice of paradise.
From the moment we left the chaos of the medina behind, and stepped through Riad Kheirredine’s massive door, a whole new world unfolded in front of our eyes, recovering our sense of inner calm within merely a few seconds.
This was our home for the next 4 days, complete with intimate courtyards with fountains and lush greenery, utterly stylish seating corners, two intimate outdoor pools to refrain from the Moroccan heat, and last but not least, a spacious terrace lined with palms offering stunning views over both Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.
Honestly, we couldn’t have hoped for a better base from which to explore Marrakech, and not just because of the luxury and comfort, but more so thanks to the incredibly friendly staff, who did everything in their power to make our time in Marrakech as exceptional as it was.
Riad Kheirredine truly made our time in Morocco’s “Red City” one to remember!
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The New Where the Souls Wander Print Store
After putting out my first-ever print collection in 2022, I decided it was finally time to re-open my print store, and I couldn’t be happier with the result.
Whether you’re looking to grab a unique piece for your own wall, gift one to a loved one to remind them of a memorable trip together, or simply get your hands on a piece because it provokes a specific memory or feeling, I’d be honoured and grateful if you decide to collect or gift one of my prints.
To celebrate the launch, I’m offering a 20% discount until the 24th of December.
Where is Riad Kheirredine | Riad Kheirredine’s location
As with all riads in Marrakech, Riad Kheirredine is nestled in the bustling streets of the medina.
To be exact, Riad Kheirredine is situated in a charming residential quarter on the outskirts of the medina, roughly 20 minutes away from the famous Djemaa el-Fna square.
Since it’s quite easy to get lost in the medina, Riad Kheirredine will have a staff member ready to guide you to and from the riad at all times. Upon leaving the riad, you’ll receive a local mobile phone, so you can easily contact the staff when you need guidance.
Riad Kheirredine | The Design
Tucked away in the streets of the medina, Riad Kheirredine combines the intricate patterns, colours and spirit of Morocco, with elegant contemporary Italian design elements and all the modern comfort one could wish for.
Centered around a lush and intimate garden patio (riad meaning garden in Arabic), Riad Kheirredine’s design and layout could easily be described as Morocco’s version of Feng shui, as everything feels as though it’s completely in harmony, which gives the space one of the most aesthetically pleasing appearances I’ve ever seen during my travels.
From the moment you leave the bustling medina and step through the massive wooden door, a whole new world unfolds in front of you, with courtyards complete with fountains and verdant greenery, the most stylish seating nooks, two intimate outdoor pools to refrain from the Moroccan heat, and a spacious terrace lined with palms, and last but not least, stunning views over both Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
Then there is the in-house restaurant, which provides a charming, intimate ambience, adding a subtle touch of magic to the fine dining experience – more on that later.
All things considered, it’s impossible not to see how much thought and effort has been put into the design, it’s simply put, an exceptional space that feels like a home away from home.
I even dare to say that Riad Kheirredine is one of the most inspiring hotels I’ve ever stayed in.
Riad Kheirredine | The rooms
With 14 thoroughly designed rooms and suites, Riad Kheirredine has plenty of incredible options, each with its own unique look and feel.
One thing, however, is that all rooms live up to an incredibly high standard, whether you’re choosing a Deluxe Double Room, Junior Suite, Classic Suite, or Imperial Suite – they all offer design, comfort and amenities that are of the highest level.
During my time in Marrakech, I had the fortune to stay in Riad Kheirredine’s Ambra room, a spacious deluxe room equipped with authentic hand-crafted furniture, a traditional ensuite bathroom with a rain shower (one such bathroom that could perfectly fit into my future house), and plenty of modern amenities to make you feel comfortable and at home, think air-conditioning, a Bluetooth music system, and a comfy seating area.
Then there is the huge bed, covered with fancy cushions and silk bedspreads made from top-notch materials, which also happened to be extremely comfortable to sleep on – winner!
Though you probably wouldn’t spend much of your time in your room given Marrakech has a lot to offer, and the common areas of the riad will most likely tempt you to chill there, the rooms at Riad Kheirredine are the perfect place to retreat and regain some energy.
Especially if you consider that you could request fresh mint tea, coffee and freshly squeezed juices at any given time.
I’ve recently also stayed in the Canella room, which was equally as impressive as the above-mentioned Ambra room. Having said that, I fairly think all rooms are stunning, meaning you simply can’t pick wrong here.
Riad Kheirredine | The food and drinks
Let’s get straight to it, breakfast at Riad Kheirredine’s incredible terrace, with its stunning views of both Marrakech and the towering Atlas Mountains in the distance, will, indisputably be one of the absolute highlights of your stay here.
As with everything Riad Kheirredine touches, the breakfast spread here is truly exceptional, with plentiful options to choose from – think freshly-baked bread, croissants and sweet pastries, hummus with grilled vegetables, a wide array of fresh fruits, and eggs in any style on order.
Even though I practice intermittent fasting and normally start eating around noon, I actually decided to deviate from my normal routine and join the feast at Riad Kheirredine.
However, since my body isn’t used to eating a big breakfast, I opted for a light breakfast instead, consisting of fruits, pancakes, a cup of coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice (I love a good OJ), and a sweet pastry on the side – which was quite satisfying.
If you’re in for a fresh mint tea, a cup of coffee, orange juice, or a quick bite, the riad also offers great room service, which can be ordered at any time, whether you’re in your room or in one of the common areas.
Then there’s the full-service restaurant, which serves the most amazing dishes, which you can devour on either the riad’s exceptional rooftop or their carefully hidden patio complete with lush greenery, both extremely elegant and offering an intimate and lavish atmosphere.
Here you can venture into a culinary journey, with an extensive menu offering a delightful array of Moroccan, Mediterranean, and fusion dishes, all prepared with the finest locally sourced ingredients.
In addition, Riad Kheirredine is one of the few accommodations in Marrakech that obtained an exclusive alcohol license from the Moroccan authorities, which gives guests the opportunity to complement their meal with a chilled glass of wine or a beer, adding an extra touch to the overall fine dining experience.
It is worth noting that no reservation is needed for the restaurant, and you can walk in whenever you feel like it, which is quite convenient and overall a pleasant experience.
Riad Kheirredine | The Hammam and Spa
While you will surely find inner calm at Riad Kheirredine itself, booking a rejuvenating experience in the Riad’s traditional Hammam and Spa will bring your overall well-being to a whole new level.
Often referred to as the oldest surviving bathing tradition in the world, the hammam is a traditional Moroccan ritual that has been around for ages, and so it become a key component of Morocco’s rich and captivating culture.
As one of the 5 traditional elements in Moroccan culture (bakery, fountain, Hamman, mosque, and school), visiting a Hammam is not only rejuvenating for body and mind but also a great way to experience this side of Morocco’s fascinating traditions.
If you’re keen on trying a hammam, I’m pretty sure you would love a pampering session here; Riad Kheirredine’s in-house luxurious hammam is known for the most skilled therapists and masseuses, using only the finest techniques and natural ingredients; think black soap, rose-based clay masks, argan oil, orange blossom and salts.
It’s the best possible gift you could give to both your body and mind and somewhat of a crime if you skip it (which I sadly did, given I was too busy finding the best things to do in Marrakech).
Book your stay at Riad Kheirredine
Riad Kheirredine has 14 luxury rooms and suites on offer, which can be booked effortlessly online via their website, or through Booking.com and Hotels.com.
Each room or suite is distinguished by traditional Moroccan design, yet they’ve managed to give a completely unique look and feel to every single one of them.
The options include;
Deluxe Rooms | €170,- per night
The best option for solo travellers, couples and close friends.
Junior Suites | €205,- per night
Perfect if you’re looking for a slightly more spacious room than the above Deluxe Room.
Classic Suites | €265,- per night
At only €265 per night, this might be the best value for your money.
Imperial Suites | Starting at €360,- per night
Perfect for those on a honeymoon or wishing to splurge.
It is worth noting that there’s high demand for a stay at Riad Kheirredine, so I’d recommend sorting out your room sooner rather than later.
Please also note that a stay of at least 3 nights is required at Riad Kheirredine.
The best time to stay at Riad Kheirredine
Given Riad Kheirredine is based in Marrakech, which is basically situated in the heart of Morocco, your best travel time is during the off-season months of March to May and September to November, when it’s significantly less hot in comparison to the peak summer months.
I stayed at Riad Kheirredine in mid-September and had the most comfortable weather, as well as fairly lengthy days, which was brilliant for both explorations around the medina and relaxing moments within Riad Kheirredine itself.
However, these periods are obviously also the most popular, so if you’re keen to dodge the masses, I’d recommend opting for a visit in November, when the weather is still good, yet the crowds significantly thinner.
How to get to Riad Kheirredine
Despite being tucked away in the bustling alleyways of the Marrakech medina, Riad Kheirredine is actually quite easy to get to – you just have to know the right options.
There are a few ways to get to the riad, which include:
Transfer by Riad Kheirredine
One of the best things about staying at Riad Kheirredine is the fact that they will do everything in their power to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
This is also the case when we’re talking about your arrival in Morocco.
Riad Kheirredine offers airport transfers from and to the Marrakech International Airport, which is easily the most relaxing way to start off your adventures in Morocco.
Upon leaving the airport lobby, someone from the riad will be waiting for you with a sign and will bring you as close to the riad as possible, where another guide awaits you and will handle your luggage, before guiding you to the riad – it doesn’t get any easier than that.
The airport transfer will cost you around 220 MAD (€20,-) one-way, but is worth every penny.
Since Marrakech (and Morocco in general) can be quite hectic for first-time travellers, their airport transfer is actually one of the most convenient ways to get your bearings in Marrakech.
By Taxi
If you did not arrange an airport transfer in advance, and feel a bit overwhelmed when you first set foot out of the airport (which is common in this part of the world), make sure you don’t feel tempted to jump into the first taxi you see, as they will most likely lift way more money out of your pockets than they initially should.
While it is totally possible to find a taxi driver offering fair prices, it’s actually pretty common to negotiate the prices in Morocco. A one-way taxi journey from the Marrakech Menara Airport to the Medina should cost you between 100 to 150 MAD (€9,- to €13,50).
Having said that, make sure you always agree on the price before entering the taxi itself.
By Car
Those who plan to do an adventurous road trip through Morocco will probably think that the best way to get to Riad Kheirredine is by car, and while it is surely an option, I believe it’s far from ideal.
There are actually a few reasons for this.
First, there is the fact that you’re not using your rental car during your time in Marrakech, which is basically a waste of your well-earned money if you ask me.
Secondly, Riad Kheirredine is situated in the midst of the bustling medina, which means that you can not get close to the riad by car, as driving here is simply not an option.
Last but not least, almost every public parking option is situated outside the medina – plus you will add to your expenses. Though the parking in Marrakech will not break the bank, it’s still unnecessary in my opinion.
For that reason, I’d highly recommend sorting out your rental at rentalcars.com with a pick-up date right after your time in Marrakech. For more tips on driving a car in Morocco, make sure you check out my in-depth guide here (coming soon).
What to do in Marrakech
One of the best things about a stay at Riad Kheirredine is that it will be the perfect retreat from which to explore the incredible city of Marrakech, with most of the best things to do at only a stone’s throw away from your front door.
From the intoxicating medina to the serenity found at the lush gardens of Le Jardin Majorelle, the intricate architecture at the Ben Youssef Madrasa to the abundance of trendy restaurants & cafes, there’s simply no shortage of enchanting things waiting for you to uncover.
If you’re looking for unforgettable experiences in Morocco’s fascinating ‘Red City’, make sure you give my in-depth guide on the best things to do in Marrakech a read too.
Stay safe in Morocco
When travelling this big wide world, I never leave home before I’ve sorted out my travel insurance, and while I felt completely safe during my time in Morocco, I recommend anyone travelling here to do the same.
Though I think it’s unlikely to experience any troubles when following the advice in this guide, something unfortunate can happen at any time, whether it’s an injury, a stolen camera, or an accident on the road (yes, we had one).
For travel insurance, I always use Heymondo, as they offer full COVID-19 coverage, as well as a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Make sure you check it out – readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy too.
Cheers!
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