The Allure of Moroccan Riads

One of Morocco's defining characteristics is its riads: homestays with a traditional twist. Riads give travellers everything from convenience and comfort to cultural immersion, all presented in a unique, distinctive package. 

Many listeners have inquired about what is the exact nature of a riad, what to expect when staying in one, how did they evolve in Morocco, how do they compare to hotels and why do they come so highly recommended.

Azdean is here today to share lots of info and get you excited to discover myriad riads yourself. Each one is different, which is inherent to the idea and concept. Each offer authenticity, space, privacy and modern amenities, typically within walking distance to the medina and souks.

Riads are an amazing option for families thanks to their warm, welcoming nature, in a safe and secure environment. Indeed, the owners/hosts of a riad typically live there themselves, so what better way to learn more about the Moroccan home and society.

Why stay anywhere else? Genuinely: you are far better served staying in a unique, comfortable and convenient riad in any Moroccan city rather than a generic hotel in the outskirts, far from the action and activities and well beyond walking distance from the medina.

It's a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to look for and what to request for accommodation, when you book your Destination Morocco tour. Let Azdean and his team know what you're looking for in a riad, and they'll put their resources and connections to work to find something that meets your criteria, including activities like cooking classes or in-house hammam spa treatments. Many riads offer these and more. 

After a busy day sightseeing, there is nothing better than relaxing on a comfy couch in a peaceful inner courtyard, sipping on mint tea and enjoying genuine Moroccan hospitality at a traditional riad.

You're about to learn:

• How riads different from AirBnb's.
• How a riad can offer personalized, individual service designed around your interests and needs.
• The history of riads, why they were built, who they were for and their impact upon Moroccan society.
• Comparing costs between riads and hotels, and the difference in value.
• Some of the activities available at a riad, or that can be organized by your hosts.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 4: "Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them"

Book your riad via destinationsmorocco.com

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Transcript

AZDEAN: 0:43

 Over the centuries, the Riyads have evolved to reflect changing cultural influences, from the Andalusian style of the 13th century to the French colonial influence of the 20th century. Despite these changes, the Riyad has remained an important symbol of Moroccan architecture and culture. Today, many Riyads have been renovated and transformed into guest houses or boutique hotels, providing visited with an authentic Moroccan experience. 

 Welcome to the Destination Morocco podcast, the show that takes you way to the beautiful country of Morocco. I am your host, azadeen Al-Mustakim. In each episode, we explore Moroccan culture, history, attractions and activities, real and practical information coming from experienced travelers and native Moroccans like myself. Our goal is to help travelers that are struggling with planning any type of trip to Morocco. Your company, destination Morocco, builds personalized your packages that will ensure you enjoy our country just like local. Follow us at DestinationMoroccoco and now let's go exploring. 

 Welcome back to Destination Morocco podcast. In this episode, it's going to be specifically geared towards the Riyads in Morocco. What are they, the Riyads? How are they different from any other accommodations, how to choose a Riyad where to stay, and so forth. So this complete episode should have everything you need to know about Riyads in Morocco. Riyads in Morocco have become increasingly popular among travelers seeking an authentic and immersive cultural experience. 

 Riyad is a traditionally Moroccan house or a palace with a central courtyard where a fountain in old days or a garden, and nowadays some of them actually have small swimming pools inside, often converted into a guest house or a hotel. Riyads are typically located in the historic Medina's or old downtown's, if you would, and offer a unique and intimate glimpse into the Moroccan culture and architecture. 

 The allure of Moroccan Riyads lies in their combination of traditional design elements and modern amenities. Riyads feature ornital work intricate with carvings and other unique design elements that are emblematic of Moroccan architecture. Many Riyads also offer modern amenities, such as spa service, hamam Moroccan Hamam service, access to local cuisine you can do cooking class as well and free wifi, making a really popular choice for travelers seeking both authenticity and comfort. 

 Riyads also provide an immersive cultural experience that cannot be found in a traditional hotels or hostels or airbnb, for example. Minerals are actually family run and owned, and the owners and staff are often eager to share their knowledge and love of Moroccan culture with their guests. Guests may have the opportunity to participate in cooking classes, learn traditional handicrafts or simply enjoy cup of tea in the courtyard of their hosts. Normally, the cooking classes they actually. They'll take it to the market and it'll become the vegetables, the meat. If you can make any large meal with it, it's couscous, and that's how you do it. You go back to the riyadh and you they'll show you how to prepare and cook the dish and then that's going to be your lunch or dinner afterwards. 

 Another benefit of staying in a riyadh is the opportunity to experience Moroccan hospitality first hand. Many riyadhs offer personalized service and attention to details, making the guests feel like they are staying in a home actually away from home. Guests also provide a sense of privacy and exclusivity that can be difficult to find in larger hotels, and this is the benefit really of staying at a small riyadh.

 Normally the riyadhs, they may have between 10 rooms to 25 or so rooms, and they are almost booked most of the time. The riyadhs are located in some of the most picturistic areas of Morocco, including Fas, marrakesh and Isawara. Marrakesh, in particular, has become a popular destination for riyadh stays, and the reason is because just in the square of Jamal Fnadi there's, just in surrounding areas, there are hundreds of riyadhs that you can stay in at a different budget. Many riyadhs in Marrakesh are located within walking distance of major tourist attractions such as Dukutubi mosque, fibre, medina and Baslin Sooks and Bahia Palace. 

 Now some of the questions. I'll try to answer most of them. One of the first questions that I got is what is the history and culture significance of riyadhs in Morocco? The history and culture significance of riyadh in Morocco can be traced back to the Islamic Golden Age in 8th century. During this period, islamic architecture flourished and the concept of riyadhs emerged. The riyadh was originally designed as a family home for wealth, emotions and noble families, offering a private and peaceful retreat from the Baslin city. The word riyadh actually comes from the Arabic word riyadh and it's spelled different. In the Arabic language it is spelled R Y A D, versus in Morocco the riyadh is spelled R I A D. So the first riyadhs were built actually in Marrakesh, fes and other cities in Morocco. They are typically built around a central courtyard which provides light and ventilation to the surrounding rooms. The courtyard was often adorned with the fountain or a pool and surrounded by lush gardens, creating an oasis of calm and tranquility. 

 Over the centuries, the riyadhs have evolved to reflect changing cultural influences, from the Andalusian style of the 13th century to the French colonial influence of the 20th century. Despite these changes, the riyadh has remained an important symbol of Moroccan architecture and culture. Today, many riyadhs have been renovated and transformed into guest houses or boutique hotels, providing visited with an authentic Moroccan experience. Staying in a riyadh is a unique way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, from the traditional architecture to the local cuisine and hospitality. 

 The other question that I have received actually, we talk about it many times and we have in the past episodes is what sets riyadhs apart from traditional hotels. The riyadhs in Morocco are unique in several ways and can offer a different experience compared to hotels. Here. Some, in my opinion, some differences, for example, between a Riyadh and a traditional hotel. Number one the traditional architecture. Riyadhs are traditional Moroccan houses, often with centuries old architecture, which makes them different from modern hotels or apartments. They typically have a central courtyard or garden surrounded by rooms or suites. The design and decor of a Riyadh are usually inspired by Moroccan art, culture and history, making them distinct from hotels, airbnb or apartments. So when you're staying at a hotel almost hotels they'll look alike versus when you're staying at a Riyadh. It's very unique. You can stay in three different Riyadhs in Marrakech and they're going to be different. The same thing from Fas and Sawa Ran and so forth, and that's what makes them really different. 

 The other thing is the personalized experience. Riyadhs are often smaller than hotels between 20 to 30 rooms and that's what makes it a little bit more intimate and provide a more personalized experience. Guests can expect to receive personal attention from the staff, who can offer recommendations from local experiences to sites to see, and the staff is usually available to help with anything guests want and need during their stay. 

 The other difference is the cultural immersion. Stay in a Riyadh is a unique way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. Guests can enjoy Moroccan cuisine, experience local music and entertainment and learn more about Moroccan customs and traditions. The Riyadh also offer the opportunity to interact with local artisans and shopkeepers. They are in the vicinity of the Riyadh versus the hotel will be in different locations, a little bit farther from those experiences. And also tranquility and tranquility. It really depends. You have to be really careful, but in terms of tranquility, the Riyadhs are usually located in the heart of the Medina and this can be really good or bad. Away from the noise and the hustle and bustle of the city, the center courtyard or the garden provides a peaceful retreat for guests to relax and unwind. This is very important. When choosing a Riyadh, make sure you do your diligence, you do your homework and research, because some Riyadhs can be very quiet and nice. Others are the exact opposite. 

 The other difference between the Riyadhs and hotels is sustainability. Riyadhs in Morocco are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. They often use local, organic ingredients for their meals, reducing the water usage, and support the local communities by employing locals and sourcing products locally. Versus the hotel, it's big chain and it comes from San Morales. 

 There are a lot of beautiful riads, but the challenge is how to get to them. Let's say, when booking a riad, you look at the pictures, you look at their social media. Everything looks incredible. But then you really have to ask the question how far is it? For example, if you look at the Square Jam El Fina in certain time, most of the time there are some areas you cannot go in with the car. Cars are not accessible. You can't go inside with the vehicles. So you have to make sure, if you stay in a location, for example in the Square Jam El Fina, that your riot is very accessible by car, or at least closer. 

 One time we stayed in Fès. The riad was incredible. It was amazing. It was about five minutes walking distance and you just have to keep that in mind. The other thing that I would definitely look into is the reviews. Now I'll stay away from TripAdvisor. To be honest with you, tripadvisor 95% of those are really not legit, especially when it comes to Morocco. I trust Google reviews, I trust negative reviews and that's what I should read the most and get all my answers and do my homework. 

 The other thing is staff. Make sure the riot has English speaking staff and if they are helpful and responsive, this can be important if you need assistance or have specific requests. For example, let's say I'll give them a call. Between me living in the US central zone versus Morocco, the difference is six hours, so they're ahead of me six hours. So I'll make sure I call them in different times In morning, midday, maybe at night just to make sure the response of the staff who's working those three different shifts? Are they helpful? Are they answering my questions? Do we have language barrier and so forth? And also, it's really important to get either the manager's information or the owner's information, because those riots tend to be managed by a family member most of the time. So get as much information as possible. 

 The other question that I get quite a bit of is how does the cost of staying in a riad compare to other types of accommodations in Morocco? This is a really good question. The cost of staying in a riad in Morocco can vary widely depending on several factors, for example, including the location, the amenities, the season and also the level of luxury, for you just want to stay in something two-star, three-star, four-star or five-star. It really depends on you. However, in general, riots can be more expensive than traditional hotels and again because of the excess, the hotel you have an average, for example, air rooms versus 20 or 25. So that's what the price is different. However, the experience is absolutely worth that little bit of a cost than a hotel. So, especially if you travel in quite a bit and you've stayed in hotels all over, hotels in Morocco are no different. So we always recommend the riads first. The riads often provide a more personalized experience and unique culture, so you'll get to feel and experience the Moroccan culture in a Ruyan versus a hotel. 

 Okay, the next question that I have is how do Riyadhs contribute to the local economy in Morocco? This is a really good question. Riyadhs in Morocco can contribute significantly to the local economy in many different ways. One of them is employment. Riyadhs require a significant number of staff to operate, including housekeepers, chefs, receptionists and maintenance workers. By providing employment opportunities, riyadh can help support local communities and improve the living standards in that particular city. The other thing is local sourcing. Everything is done locally. Many Riyadhs in Morocco use locally sourced materials and products, such as traditional pottery, textile and food. By supporting local artisans and suppliers, riyadh can help preserve traditional crafts and boost local economies as well. 

 The other thing that comes to mind is definitely the tourism revenue. Riyadhs are popular choice for tourists visiting Morocco, and the revenue generated from the Riyadh industry can support other local businesses, such as restaurants, shops and tour operators. This can have a multiplier effect, creating more jobs and generating more income for local communities. 

 The other impact is definitely the cultural preservation. Many Riyadhs in Morocco are located in historical buildings or areas Some are not, but most of them are really located at featuring traditional architecture and design elements. By preserving these traditional treasures, riyadh can help maintain Morocco's unique cultural heritage and attract tourists interested in cultural tourism. This is extremely important. I believe that all the Riyadhs have done an incredibly amazing job preserving the Moroccan culture and traditional architecture. 

 The next question we have is what are some of the biggest benefits of staying Riyadh for families or groups of travelers? In a Riyadh, you can offer several benefits to families and groups, including privacy and space. Riyadh often offers more privacy and space than traditional hotel rooms, that is true. With multiple bedrooms, common areas and outdoor spaces, families and groups can have their own private space to relax and spend time together. That is true. It's just like your inside, really a mini park. That's what it really feels like. It's your own space, very relaxing, and it's fun. You spend in some quality time with your loved ones and it's just amazing. The other benefit is you immerse yourself with your family or the group you're traveling with in the Moroccan culture and architecture as well the mini Riyadhs featuring traditional design like a courtyard, mosaics, the woodwork. It's incredible, and this can be particularly enriching experience for families and groups looking to learn about Moroccan culture and history as well. So I highly recommend it, whether you're traveling by yourself or traveling with a family. 

 Just keep in mind if you're traveling with family, again, just make sure you book it really ahead of time. If it's a busy season or a slow season. When you do it ahead of time. You're safe when you're in a family or a group. The Riyadh can do so much more for you than the hotel can. Whatever type of requests you have, most likely they'll take care of it. If you need an experience, if you need anything, the Riyadh will absolutely care to you in that regard. 

 The other thing that I can think of is food and beverage. Many Riyadhs offer high quality dining experiences with traditional Moroccan cuisine and organic, local source ingredients, which we just talked about a little bit ago. Guests can enjoy meals in the Riyadh's dining room or courtyard, and some of them they actually have a roof. You can dine in the roof and may have the opportunity to participate in cooking classes, which I highly recommend. I believe 90% will give you more of Riyadhs now offer cooking classes to their guests. This can be a particularly appealing option for families and groups looking to experience the local cuisine and culture. Also, when we talk about local cuisine, you may get a Tajin and a Riyadh in fasts and it's going to be completely different than the same Tajin in a sour or Marrakech. That's what makes a Riyadh different. You get that local specialty served to you in the hotel, for example. If you look at a chain, everything's going to be done the same, which sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not good. So in this case, it's different. It tastes different. Each city has its own culture, each city has its own taste and each city has its own twist on how to do those dishes. 

 The other thing that I could think of is safety and security. Riyadhs offer a secure and safe environment, with gated entrances, security personnel and attentive staff, and that can be particularly reassuring for families and groups traveling with children and looking for a secure and safe environment. I'm going to add a little bit to this. The hotels in Morocco are different. Then at least I can compare them in the US. In here in the US, I can walk into any hotel with no issue. Nobody's going to say whether I'm checking in or not checking in, whether I'm staying or not staying with them. I have a reservation, or I don't have a reservation, or I'm going to the restaurant. Not in Morocco, If you go into a hotel, it's literally going to an airport. There's security after security, and the Riyadh is no different. So security is really tight. Who goes in and who comes out at the Riyadh or the hotel? We are very safe in that regards. 

 What are some of the cultural experiences that travelers can enjoy while staying at Riyadh? Staying at Riyadh can offer you really wealth of cultural experiences that I can think of. These are some of them for example, spa and wellness. Many Riyadhs have spa, murak Al-Hammam and wellness services with traditional Murak Al-Hammam massage and aromatic therapy treatment. This can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for travelers. I highly recommend it. Let's say you just got to Morocco and you have a long tour ahead of you. I would say do the massage before. That way you're fresh and you can enjoy the rest of your tour. Let's say you're at the end of your tour and it's time for you to go back home. I recommend it as well. Whether you do it in the beginning of the tour or at the end of the tour, it's highly recommended. 

 The other thing that I can think of is live music. I know for a fact, for example, riyadh Zahra In Issa'a, where it does have this option. It makes a big difference. Hanatatouin, calligraphy lessons. These experiences can provide travelers with a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture and history. Just go with the flow. Just ask how Riyadh can make or increase or create a better experience for you and your friends, or your family or guests. They are normally located most of them, I would say, located close to markets or sooks where travelers can shop for handmade crafts, textile and other traditional Moroccan products. Just be careful Negotiate, don't buy at a full price. 

 For any other questions, when it comes to shopping and stuff like that, I always refer to episode number 4, and that's where we did this cam and how to navigate through them and how to avoid them. 

 Actually, what advice would you give to travelers who are considering staying in Riyadh for the first time? Ah, this is a really good question. If you're considering staying in Riyadh for the first time, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience. The Riyadhs are definitely the way to go for smaller groups, families, for individuals, and understand the layout of the Riyadh, because the Riyadh can be when you go inside, it can be confusing. They have different ways to get into different first floor, second floor and so forth. Whether you're on this corner or this corner, the Riyadhs are often arranged around the central courtyard, with rooms and common areas situated around the perimeter. This layout can be very confusing. Like I said, make yourself familiar, ask a lot of questions, ask the staff hey, how do I get to, how do we do this and so forth. So it's very important to know the layout when you get to your Riyadh. Communicate with staff. Riyadh often have attentive staff who can help you with everything arranging transportation to recommendations with local activities and experiences. Don't hesitate to communicate to the staff. 

 What I normally do is in the morning, they have a morning shift. The shift is just like the US. Make sure you befriend somebody in the morning shift and also in the evening shift, because you're going to be leaving in the morning, coming back at night and you want whoever is working to be familiar with you. So make sure you do that so that way, whatever you need, they can cater it to you. Take advantage of the amenities and services we mentioned this before as well from spa treatment to cooking class to they can arrange any type of activity for you really, and this is going to help you tremendously enhance the experience and learn more about Moroccan culture.

 Overall, the allure of Moroccan riyadh lies in their unique combination of traditional design elements, modern amenities and personalized service. Whether you're seeking an authentic cultural experience or a relaxing gateway or a romantic escape, a stay in a Moroccan riyadh is sure to be an unforgettable experience. 

 I want to thank you so much the listeners I can't really thank you enough. We are very grateful. This is the end of this episode dedicated to riyadh in Morocco, and I hope we have answered some of your questions, and if you have any more questions, please send them to us either via DM on Instagram at Destination Morocco or through the website DestinationsMoroccocom that's DestinationsWithinS Moroccocom and we look forward to hearing from you. Thank you and have a great day. See you next time. 

 Thanks for joining us this week on the Destination Morocco podcast. Our dedicated show website, destinationmoroccopodcastcom, is where you can find all of our episodes, leave a review, find our social media links and even register as a guest. If you have been to Morocco yourself and would love to share a story, advice or recommendations, you're welcome to participate in our podcast, whether it's a five-minute story or a full conversation, we will guide you through the steps so that you can share your experience with our listeners. We will be back soon enough with new episode for you as we continue our exploration of the beautiful country of Morocco. See you then.