Hotels vs. Riads in Morocco for Families

Before our first family trip to Morocco, I didn’t fully understand the difference between riads and hotels. I’d heard the words riad, kasbah, riad but wasn’t sure what made them unique. As a mom, I cared most about one thing: what’s actually better for my kids?

After staying in both hotels and riads across Marrakech, Fes, and the coast, I can confidently say that each has its own advantages — and choosing the right one makes a huge difference in how your family experiences Morocco.

Here’s our story.

What Is a Riad, Anyway?

When we first arrived in Marrakech, our driver turned down a narrow lane and we stepped into a riad courtyard for the first time. I remember my daughter’s eyes widening it felt like we’d entered a hidden garden.

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around a central courtyard or garden. Windows and rooms open inward, creating a peaceful, protected space away from the bustle of the medina streets. It was unlike any hotel we’d stayed in before.

For families, this layout is a game changer.

First Impressions: Riads Feel Like Home

Our first riad stay was in Marrakech, and the moment we walked in, everything felt calm and contained. The courtyard had plants, fountains, and cushioned seating. The kids immediately gravitated toward the open space and ran around like it was our own private garden.

What struck me most was how quiet it was. Outside, the medina was vibrant and loud. Inside the riad, it was peaceful. That contrast — chaos just beyond the walls and calm within became one of my favorite parts of Morocco.

The Upside of Riads for Families

If you’re wondering why riads are special for families, here’s what we experienced:

1. Courtyard Space for Kids to Play

Days exploring the medina can be tiring for children. Having a secure courtyard where they could run around while I made tea felt like a luxury.

2. Personalized Service

Many riads are family-run. Our hosts greeted us by name, asked about the kids each morning, and served breakfast in the courtyard. That kind of warmth mattered after long travel days.

3. Quiet Evenings

Riads are tranquil. After a busy day, we could relax in silence — no hallway noise, no traffic, just the sound of a fountain and Moroccan tea being poured.

4. Cultural Immersion

Staying in a riad meant we were living in traditional Moroccan architecture. Little things tiled floors, carved wood, lanterns became conversation starters for the kids and sparked curiosity about culture and history.

What Families Might Find Challenging in Riads

Of course, riads aren’t perfect for everyone.

Stairs and Small Spaces

Riads are often old buildings with narrow staircases and small rooms. If your child is a climber (like mine), keeping an eye on stair safety is important.

No Swimming Pools

Most riads don’t have pools. After a day in the heat, my kids sometimes wished for a splash and some hotels do have great pool areas for families.

Less Predictability

Each riad is unique. Some are luxurious, some modest. Prices vary, and amenities like heating or air conditioning aren’t always standard in smaller options.

Still, for us, these were small trade-offs compared to the charm and experience we got in return.

Hotels: Comfort, Pools, and Predictability

We also stayed in a few hotels — especially in coastal towns like Agadir where surfing was a big part of the itinerary. Compared to riads, hotels offered a very different experience.

1. Pools and Outdoor Space

My kids loved the pools at the beach hotels. After long beach mornings and surf lessons, having a pool to splash in was a highlight. It gave them extra energy to burn while I relaxed with a coffee.

2. Predictable Amenities

Hotels often have:

Air conditioning

Room service

Elevators

On-site restaurants

Larger rooms and suites

This made logistics easier, especially after long days with tired kids.

3. Larger Common Areas

Hotels often have lobbies and outdoor spaces where kids can move around without feeling confined. Some had game rooms, gardens, or beachfront lawns where families gathered.

The Drawbacks We Noticed With Hotels

Hotels felt more generic. They were comfortable, yes, but lacked the personality and warmth we found in riads. In some places, staff were polite but distant. Meals were good, but more like a restaurant — not like sitting with a host who cared if your child tried the local pastries.

Hotels also tended to be farther from historic medinas. To get into the heart of the city, we needed taxis — and that’s extra planning when you have kids and luggage.

How We Decided Where to Stay

Over the course of our trip, we realized the choice between riads and hotels wasn’t about right or wrong — it was about what fit that part of the journey.

Riads worked best when:

We were exploring historic medinas

We wanted cultural immersion

We needed a peaceful, walkable base

Hotels worked best when:

We were near the coast or beaches

We wanted amenities like pools

We needed predictable features for tired kids

By mixing riads and hotels in our itinerary, we got the best of both worlds.

Personal Moments That Made It Worthwhile

Some of my favorite memories aren’t the big excursions — they’re the small moments:

My daughter waking early to watch the courtyard birds chirp in the riad

Our son diving into the hotel pool after a long day learning to surf

Quiet mornings in riad courtyards sipping tea while kids played nearby

Walks back from the medina, heading toward lanterns lighting up narrow streets

Those moments — quiet, simple, real — are what made Morocco feel like our trip, not just a vacation.

Final Thoughts: Which Is Better for Families?

If a family is torn between riads and hotels, I’d say this:

Riads are unforgettable because they feel like home in a place unlike home. They offer depth, culture, and calm after busy days exploring.

Hotels are reliable, convenient, and often better suited for long stays near beaches or when you want classic family comforts like pools and onsite dining.

For us, the magic was in combining both. Morocco became a place of variety sometimes traditional, sometimes contemporary but always welcoming for families.

Whether you choose a riad, a hotel, or both, Morocco has a way of surprising you in the best possible way.

Source & Experience Reference

Morocco Family Vacation - Hotels vs. Riads in Morocco for Families