Riad Nafis

À propos

Oh man, Riad Nafis? I discovered it on a whim during a rainy trip to Marrakech last fall – we were soaked from dodging puddles in the souks and just needed somewhere to dry off and breathe. Typed "quiet riad near Jemaa el-Fna" into my phone, and this gem popped up. Pushed open the heavy wooden door on Derb Ouled Ben Sebaa (it's like #53-54, super tucked away behind the Royal Palace), and suddenly... peace. No more scooter horns or spice vendors yelling – just the soft trickle of a courtyard fountain and that faint jasmine scent that hits you like a hug. We ended up extending our stay by two days because, honestly, who wants to leave? It's this intimate 4-star spot in the heart of the medina (Mechouar-Kasbah area), blending that classic Moroccan riad vibe with a fresh, modern edge. Think intricate zellige tiles in blues and greens climbing the walls, carved ceilings that feel like they belong in a storybook, but with sleek furniture and spotless everything – renovated not too long ago, so nothing feels dated. Only about 5-6 rooms (suites too if you're splurging), so it's never packed; you get that "just us and the riad" feeling. Our junior suite was cozy AF: king bed with fluffy duvets, a massive soaking tub (I swear, it was bigger than my bathtub at home), rainfall shower that stayed steamy forever, and AC cranked to arctic levels – crucial when the desert wind kicks in. Free Wi-Fi zipped through the whole place, no dead zones, and little touches like bathrobes, hair dryers, and a safe for your haggling spoils. Some rooms even have fireplaces for those cooler evenings. But the real magic? That rooftop terrace. It's panoramic, overlooking the Atlas Mountains on one side, Koutoubia Mosque's minaret glowing at dusk, and the lush Mamounia Gardens in the distance. We dragged up there every afternoon for high tea (mint tea on repeat, obviously), lounging on sunbeds with the city sprawling below – perfect for people-watching without the hassle. There's a plunge pool up top too (indoor/outdoor vibe, heated-ish), just deep enough for a quick dip to wash off the medina dust. Down in the courtyard, it's all shaded arches and potted palms, with a tiny indoor pool for when the weather turns (Marrakech winters can surprise you). They do spa stuff onsite – massages, facials, even a hammam session if you book ahead – nothing over-the-top, but it hits after a day of climbing medersa steps. Food-wise, breakfast is included and it's no skimpy continental affair: fresh-squeezed OJ that tastes like sunshine, warm msemen pancakes dripping with honey, seasonal fruits, eggs any way, homemade jams from local markets, and that endless pot of mint tea. We scarfed it on the terrace most mornings, chatting with other guests about their souk finds. Lunch and dinner? On request – simple Moroccan hits like tagines or salads, served family-style. One night we tried the chicken with preserved lemons; it was so good we begged the chef for the recipe (spoiler: she shared it over tea). Location's a dream for explorers: 5-minute walk to Jemaa el-Fna's frenzy (snake charmers, acrobats, street eats – go hungry), 10 minutes to Bahia Palace's insane mosaics, and you're basically next to the Royal Palace for that royal-adjacent glow-up. Saadian Tombs and Kasbah Mosque are a hop away too, and the airport's just 15 minutes by cab (they'll hook you up with a driver who won't rip you off – Rachid at reception is a pro at that). The neighborhood feels safe and authentic, with extra security from being palace-adjacent, but still buzzing enough for late-night tagine runs. The staff? Absolute legends. Rachid (the manager) and his crew – Brahim, Hajar, the whole fam – treated us like we'd known them forever. Rachid walked us to the main road for taxis, shared insider tips on non-touristy spots (like a hidden spice market), and even surprised us with pastries on our last morning. Multilingual too (English, French, Arabic), and that hospitality? It's the real deal – warm, no-pressure, like crashing at a cool aunt's place. Couples rave about the romantic nooks; families love the kid-friendly pool. Rated 9.2 on Booking and 4/5 on TripAdvisor from hundreds of stays – folks call it a "hidden gem" and "oasis of calm." We paid around 120 € a night (breakfast in), which felt like a bargain for the views, pool, and that unbeatable service. If you're chasing an authentic riad Marrakech medina escape with rooftop sunsets, free breakfast, air-conditioned bliss, hammam vibes, and staff who go above and beyond... chase this one. It's not flashy, but it's the kind of place that sticks with you – the one you tell everyone about over coffee back home. Rachid still texts me holiday pics; talk about memorable. What's your Marrakech bucket list looking like – palace hopping or souk chaos first? Rated 9/10 by 544 travelers, this accommodation combines traditional charm with modern comfort.

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