Detailed Review
The origins of this stately mansion can be traced back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The previous owners were the old Marrakchi family Belqaziz who, in the 1950's, split up the house and sold it as separate properties. Today, re-established and considerably enlarged, Riyad El Cadi consists of five interconnected houses with patio: 'Le Grand Patio' that is the main building; 'La Douiriya' with the service patio, where the former owner received his personal guests; 'La Maison Bleue', and the two patios of the adjacent 'Riyad du Palmier'. The entrance at 87 Derb Moulay Abdelkader, quartier Dabachi, permits you to walk to Café de France on Jama El Fna, in the center of the Old City, in just 5 minutes; while the main entrance is at 59 Derb El Cadi.
Riyad El Cadi, with its numerous patios, staircases, passages and halls right in the heart of the Medina of Marrakech, is a perfect oasis of rest and unexpected tranquillity. Rare and early Moroccan artefacts, an important collection of Berber costumes, many other objects of Islamic art and classical Asian furniture create an exceptional atmosphere. Because of the very private character of the house and its furnishings, guests are welcome who appreciate the ambience and take care of the objects they are entrusted with.
For all guests there is a small swimming pool, solar heated with jacuzzi, in annex of Riyad du Palmier; hammam; library with books on Morocco; large terraces with view on the High Atlas, and tent. There are also facilities for dinners, receptions, meetings (for up to 20 guests), and small exhibitions.
Press Quotes
"A few minutes' walk from the Medina's central square, Riyad El Cadi’s… overall feel is uncluttered and contemporary." Conde Nast Traveller 06
Independent Reviews
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"Delightful, intimate villa hotel owned by the former German Ambassador, an avid collector of textiles"
TI’s choice for value in Marrakech. Right in the heart of the Medina, this mansion is full of rare antiques and textiles from the owner's collection. Beautiful lighting, harmonious spaces, very friendly staff.
Riyad El Cadi
By Joanna Monkhouse
Riyad El Cadi - a maze like collection of rooms, winding staircases and twisting corridors around five courtyards in seven interconnected houses located at the end of three narrow alleys - is a short walk from Djmaa el Fna. The late owner, former German Ambassador to Morocco, was an important collector of early Berber textiles, Islamic and Byzantine art, classical Asian furniture and rare Moroccan artifacts. His museum quality pieces are displayed in every room, to great effect against a backdrop of fresh, white walls. Riyad El Cadi is a good place to see unadorned Moroccan architecture in its pure forms.
The courtyards provide various areas in which to relax under palms and citrus trees. One of them contains a small solar heated pool/jacuzzi. Three salons with a tv and hifi, a well stocked library, a red walled hamman (steam bath) and extensive roof terraces with deckchairs and tents ensure that there is always somewhere quiet to be found, even when, as is often the case, the house is fully occupied.
One of the houses, La Maison Bleue, has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a small kitchen making it ideal for families. The four ground floor rooms have ensuite showers and the eight first floor rooms have bathrooms ensuite. Each room or suite is decorated using architectural details or items from the collection as a centre piece, such as an original painted ceiling, Ottoman embroideries, a Roman capitol or a Chinese chest. Riyad El Cadi has a calm and refined ambience - a combination of the elegance of the setting and the considerate service provided by its welcoming staff.
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