Ask anyone who’s been to Marrakech more than a couple of times, and they’ll tell you that staying in a riad is a cultural must and, in my opinion, the best ones now blur the line between traditional riad and full-blown boutique resort.
After ten-plus trips to this city, I can say Riad Beij, one of Marrakech’s newest riads, is the perfect modern blend.
Since this riad is brand new, this blog post offers a full Riad Beij review – what the rooms are actually like, whether that courtyard pool is real, and what the rooftop has to offer. This is everything I found during my visit.
First Impressions: From Medina Chaos to Total Calm
The Medina can be a lot. Busy, noisy, a genuine sensory overload in the best and worst ways. Which is exactly what makes stepping through the door at Riad Beij feel so good. You go from the hustle of the streets straight into what I can only describe as an oasis of terracotta dreams.
That contrast of chaos to calm in the space of an art-filled hallway is the magic trick of a good riad, and Riad Beij nails it.
The Courtyard: The Undisputed Star of the Show
If I’m reviewing Riad Beij on one thing alone, it’s the courtyard, because it is the star of the show.
The design keeps that grand, traditional riad feel, but with deep terracotta tones and classic architecture softened by muted, modern accents. It’s such a dreamy balance: traditional enough that it still feels authentically Marrakech, and modern enough that it feels fresh and, dare I say it ‘Instagram-worthy ‘.
Having stayed in riads across the city for over a decade, I felt like I was getting the polish of a plush luxury hotel, plus the personal, characterful touches you only get in a riad, all while being right in the centre of the Medina.
The Rooms: Six Suites, One Standout
Riad Beij has six bedrooms in total, and they vary in size, so there’s a bit of a range depending on what you’re booking. The one I got to see properly was the Premier Suite, and it’s genuinely sensational- the kind of room that makes you want to cancel your sightseeing plans and just stay in.
The Pools: Why Riad Beij Actually Stands Out
Here’s the detail that, for me, sets Riad Beij apart from almost every riad I’ve stayed in: it has two pools, and one of them, the one in the courtyard, is an actual swimming pool.
That might not sound like a big deal until you’ve stayed in riads before. Most of the time, when you see a “pool” in a riad’s photos, it’s really just something you can dip your feet into, not swim in. A genuine, swimmable courtyard pool is rare, and in the height of Marrakech summer heat, it’s an enormous, welcome surprise!
Air conditioning is also standard throughout, which again, speaking as someone who’s done Marrakech in peak summer more than once, is not something to take for granted. That being said, if you plan to travel during the summer, please be aware that the Medina was built for this heat, as were the riads. You’ll be fine 😉
The Rooftop: Loungers, a Snug, and All-Day Dining
The rooftop at Riad Beij is doing a lot of work. There’s a rooftop plunge pool you can properly stretch out and lie down in, plus a dedicated sunbathing area for when you want sun rather than shade. There’s also a traditional snug, the kind of cosy little nook that’s made for a book and a mint tea and a rooftop restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with the sweetest in-house chef.
Riad Beij: The Verdict
If you’re already planning a Marrakech trip, you’ve probably heard the usual advice to spend at least a couple of nights in a traditional riad.
A lot of Marrakech riads lean hard into maximalist traditional design- think colourful zellige tiles in every direction, ornate metalwork lampshades throwing patterned light across the walls, rich fabrics and textures. Riad Beij isn’t that; I would describe it as more chic than kitsch. There’s still the tradition running through it, but in a modern way. For example, the tiles were specifically designed and colour-matched for the riad in the same traditional way that the miscellaneous or bright-coloured tiles would have been in the past. The overall feel is much closer to modern minimalism than the maximalist riads Marrakech is famous for.
So if you’re someone who appreciates clean, uniform, modern styling with just a touch of tradition rather than full-blown ornate detail, Riad Beij is for you!
Between the courtyard, the swimmable pool, the rooftop and the fact that it sits right in the heart of the Medina, it’s easily one of the most exciting new openings in Marrakech right now.
Riad Beij FAQs
Where is Riad Beij located? Riad Beij is right in the centre of Marrakech’s Medina.
Does Riad Beij have a swimming pool? Yes, and unusually for a riad, it’s a genuine swimmable pool in the courtyard, plus a second pool on the rooftop.
How many rooms does Riad Beij have? Six bedrooms in total, varying in size, including the Premier Suite.
Is there air conditioning at Riad Beij? Yes, air conditioning is standard throughout, which is a big plus if you’re visiting in the warmer months.
Does Riad Beij have a restaurant? Yes, there’s a rooftop restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also dine in the courtyard.
Book your stay here.
