Riad El Arsat

Morocco , Marrakech
MARRAKESCH , Derb Chemaa, 10
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11 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2025

Piero

Such a lovely hotel

Gorgeous boutique hotel with a very convenient location. Such lovely staff and Charles, the owner was so helpful. Food was the best we had in Marrakesh and I would stay again in a flash.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Serene oasis moments from the buzz of the souk

When researching our trip to Marrakech my husband and I were torn between wanting to be within walking distance of the main square, and wanting a relaxing, calm vibe and pool area to swim and sunbathe. The good news is: you don't have to choose! We had the most wonderful stay, Riad el Arsat is truly a peaceful oasis where the only sound you can hear is birdsong and you are surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees. The owner, Charles, is charming and knowledgeable with seemingly endless patience! He was always available with valuable tips, recommendations and directions. He gave us guide prices for various things so we didnt get ripped off and knew how much to barter down to, as well as arranging transport for the day which was much more reasonable than taxis on the street. The food was delicious, room was beautifully decorated in Moroccan style. Location absolutely perfect- 10 minute walk to main square. The front door is manned 24/7 and very secure. All in all we couldn't fault it, thank you Charles and staff for an amazing few days.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2018

Jane

This is a very authentic and spacious riad with a most beautiful garden and pool. It’s perfectly situated for exploring the souks of the northern medina and then the less hassled southern medina. We arrived late to be greeted by, the wonderful, Mustapha, a roaring fire and a delicious candlelit dinner. We were looked after so well throughout our stay. We loved having a fire lit in our room on our return in the afternoon.. Charles, the owner, was hugely helpful with recommends on where to go and made restaurant reservations for us. We usually stay in the Palmeraie but really enjoyed our stay at El Arsat; it surpassed our expectations with the charming service and it being an absolutely beautiful riad; not just a squashed in converted house.

10/10

Exceptional

19 Nov 2016

Verified traveler

SIMPLY THE BEST

I've stayed in many 5 star hotels - Ritz Carlton, Mandarin, etc - and although the digs could get fancier, this was without a doubt, the best hotel experience I've ever had. The rooms are beautiful and sufficient, each with its own fireplace, comfortable bedding, and charming decor. But the big difference in quality comes from the incredible warmth of hosts Charles and Agnes, and their wonderful staff. I truly felt like a member of the family, and waited on with kindness.

Garden is divine, and they have a wonderful sitting room where they serve breakfast and often ends up a salon at night, where you can chat with other guests.

Also, if you are a US woman traveling solo it helps a lot to have English speaking hosts who can hook you up to the best restos, hammams, driver, etc. Don't be put off by the alley that El Arsat is situated on. Its perfectly safe, but may feel a little weird when you first arrive. Definitely have them send a driver to pick you up from the airport. Its in the old city, and hard to find if its your first time to Marrakech.

Finally, they've got the two cutest dogs in Morroco, Digou and Lucy, two black mini-schnauzers. I miss them already.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2016

jeff

Hidden Gem

It felt like being part of a family, lovely, attentive and fun hosts and staff, amazing food, enchanting gardens, and classic Moorish architecture mixed with eclectic aesthetic. Tucked into the Medina at the end of a narrow alley this place is a refuge from the city that feels like a mini Alhambra.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2015

hops

Amazing place with amazing staff

Absolutely loved our stay here. Nicole - the owner was amazing. Lovely to chat with & always willing to help. All of the other staff very helpful & extremely polite. Riad itself is beautiful and right in the mixer so easy to get anywhere. Would def come again

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2015

Wonderful hospitable hotel

Gorgeous Riad in the Medina with large leafy garden complete with population of tortoises. Very hospitable - large pots of tea and biscuits, log fires in the bedrooms, delicious breakfast on rose petal scattered tables, and much help with all itinerary planning. A total delight.

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2014

P&J

Oasis in the Marrakech medina

I think this is now my favourite hotel.

Only eight rooms share the largest private garden in the Marrakech medina (it's so big you can easily spot it on Google satellite maps!). On two sides of the garden are arranged sympathetically-restored elegant and comfortable rooms, hammam, jacuzzi, pool, large colonnaded salon, roof terrace etc. The garden itself is dense, bird-filled and shaded by mature palms, jacaranda, bougainvillea, figs and many others. We experienced two of the rooms, having been offered a (free) upgrade. One was on the garden (ground) floor opening onto the pool area and traditionally decorated, the second was on the first floor overlooking the garden and pool and, though more modern, also attractive and very comfortable.

The whole has been restored and maintained by Mme Nicole and her family, including the very charming and helpful Charles, our host, who could not have been more welcoming and helpful throughout.

Whenever we arrived - either hot and bothered after travel or just being tourists in the 33C heat of the crowded medina - the Riad was cool, shady, welcoming, quiet and comfortable.

The food was also delicious. We don't often eat in hotels but we did here, four times in five days. Many Moroccan favourites made an appearance - tagine, pastilla, brochettes, tanjia, couscous. Dinner in the garden with a bottle of rose was a highlight of our day. Breakfast, also in the garden, was very good too.

The staff were attentive but discreet.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

08 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Nel complesso è doveroso dare un giudizio positivo , L’edificio è molto spazioso e architettonicamente interessante però le camere sono molto piccole la cosa a. Io avviso inaccettabile che le camere siano prive di riscaldamento se si esclude un coreografico caminetto che però svolge solo parzilemente il suo complito , oltretutto la legna a disposizione era contingentata ......sono dovuto andare a cercarmela in giro . Colazione appena sufficiente è assai monotona . La cosa che però non gradito è la pretesa di un maggior costo su quello pattuito con Expedia accampando incomprensibili e lacunose scuse su ipotetiche differenze di cambio di valuta . Dopo quasi 100 prenotazioni con expedia è stata la prima volta che mi è successa una cosa del genere ........dal momento che si parlava di poche decine di euro ho preferito pagare senza tante polemiche , ripromettendomi però di segnalare il comportamento della direzione a mio avviso poco corretto . Ho avuto la netta sensazione che volessero lucrare su tutto. Per concludere credo che a questo livello di prezzo non sia difficile trovare di meglio a Marrakech .

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2016

Natascha Bach

Nice stay - also for kids

I spent 3 nights here i March with my kids (7 and 9) and had a wonderful stay. Good service, quiet once you get inside fra det busy streets. Breakfast was nice and the pool too. A good balance between a palce to relax and still extremely close to the life in the center of the city. the owner was very helpful and gave good local advice.

Karsten - Denmark

Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Oct 2013

Verified traveler

Lovely Place!

Everything is lovely there, room, food, park, pool, folks...