The Most Stunning Riads to Book Near Casablanca

From the dusky blue hammam in the basement to the splendid views over the ancient medina from the terrace, Ryad 91 offers a warm, comfortable welcome. The building is well placed to explore the centre of town, through the labyrinthine, narrow streets to the Hassan II Mosque – the largest in Africa – and the hustle and bustle of the bazaar.

A palm-lined path leads to this impressively pink, double-fronted riad. For the best rooms in the house, ask for the Casablanca Suite – complete with two balconied bedrooms overlooking the verdant garden. If you’re on a budget, there are various smaller rooms, as well as the Jasmine dormitory, which contains five comfy bunk beds on the same level as the terrace. Take time for a game of backgammon in the shade of the bougainvillea, or get involved in frenetic Casablanca just by stepping outside.

Rabat is about an hour’s drive northeast of Casablanca, and home to wide, tree-lined boulevards and a clean, relaxed beach. Riad Meftaha is only a few minutes from the ocean, and walking distance from the Kasbah of the Udayas and well-stocked souks. Enjoy your breakfast in the traditionally tiled courtyard – complete with Moorish arches – before exploring the city. Be sure to make your way to the rooftop in the evening to sip a mint tea on the terrace.

Located about 80km (50mi) southwest of Casablanca, Azemmour makes a great weekend getaway from the hubbub of the city. The whitewashed L’Oum Errabia Azemmour sits on the west bank of the Oum Er-Rbia river, with a charming terrace and small pool overlooking the water. The simple, rustic riad is full of interesting artwork, influenced by the area’s historic art scene.

Historic El Jadida – with its Unesco-protected Portuguese ramparts – is just over an hour’s drive southwest of Casablanca. The Riad Ksar El Jadida was built in the 16th century and recently restored, complete with its own battlements. Hire a bike from the riad to enjoy a Moroccan adventure, or find a cool corner of its colourful interior.

This luxurious riad is set around a pretty, foliage-filled courtyard with a central fountain cooling the air – a welcome retreat from the heat. Just 10 minutes’ walk from El Jadida’s long, sandy beach, the riad is in the heart of the ancient medina. Every room is traditionally decorated, and the terrace offers panoramic views from which to enjoy your evening meal of Moroccan specialities.

For a taste of the palatial elegance associated with the grand riads of old, book a suite at the Riad Dar El Malaika (House of Angels). High stucco ceilings, Carrara marble fireplaces and pink marble bathtubs come as standard – as do the grand Moorish arches and carefully chosen objets d’art in every room. Aperitifs and romantic candlelit dinners can be savoured in the dining room, overlooking the gorgeous bougainvillea-and-jasmine-filled garden.

Riad Zyo is a modern, light-filled home-cum-art-gallery with stylish Moroccan flourishes, set around a sunny courtyard. You can book a room or the whole house for a special occasion. This artfully designed hotel offers a contemporary twist on the traditional riad, with a beautiful turquoise pool to chill out by and cool whitewashed walls throughout. Located in the Rabat medina, you’re also just minutes from the beach and the sweet breeze of the Atlantic ocean.