Hotel of the Week: Riad Zina

Fancy a city break in Marrakech? That’s probably a silly question – who wouldn’t want to visit this hotbed of culture and history at the gateway to North Africa? If you’re considering spending a lot of your time in the historic city, Zina is a riad in Marrakech’s heart – ideal for exploring the city.

Hotel: Riad Zina

Address: 38 Derb Assabane, Riad Laarouss, 40008 Marrakech Medina

Rating: ***

Riad Zina is a 350-year-old family house converted into a riad in 1998. Just north of Marrakesh’s ancient medina, this is the perfect base from which to experience the many attractions of the city and beyond.

When the riad was renovated by owner Beate Prinz, the guest house’s original architecture was preserved and the resultant feel is very much of a traditional Moroccan house with the added benefit of modern comforts.

Many worlds are fused together for a leisurely and relaxing atmosphere, contemporary furnishings and original features blending seamlessly. In the Alkamar Suite cedar wood ceilings and intricate plasterwork remain from the original house, while elsewhere throughout the riad Beate displays the work of modern Moroccan artists.

The whitewashed walls and ochre tadlekt are contrasted with retro furnishings from 1970s France and lovingly collected from local flea markets.

Outside, there is a traditional Islamic garden and courtyard with some gigantic cacti that have to be seen to be believed – they’re as high as the roof of the riad. There is also a fountain full of fresh roses around which there is seating for you to relax. There’s also a resident tortoise who’s always eager to meet guests.

The main square of Marrakech is just 20 minutes walk away and here there are plenty of places to experience traditional Moroccan cuisine. Within the riad itself, authentic Moroccan meals are available and if you wish you can get involved in the preparation of these meals.

Friendly and knowledgeable, the staff are always willing to recommend and help organise excursions for guests. Horse riding, swimming, golf and spa trips are just a few examples, and if you happen to be celebrating a special occasion during your trip to Morocco, they will be more than happy to organise celebrations for honeymoons, birthdays and the like.

Morocco Gateway offers special rates for guests at Riad Zina. For more information, contact us via our booking enquiry page.

We also have many special offers on Marrakesh hotels and riads.