Oulad Zarrad Holidays from NZ$477

I enjoyed the stay the stuff was very helpful the food was great highly recommended close to everything

I was unsure how many stars to give this riad. The service deserves 5 stars - huge thanks to AbdeSalam and Mohamed for being so helpful and welcoming. As for the riad itself, here are the pros and cons: Pros: • Excellent location near Jemaa el-Fnaa (behind Café de France) • Traditional Moroccan style • Friendly customer service • Daily breakfast included • AC and Wi-Fi available • Mint tea and pastries on arrival • Room cleaned and towels changed daily • Walking distance to souks and restaurants Cons: • Very old building • Noisy - thin walls and loud doors • Low doorways (watch your head!) • Outdated bathrooms with a moldy smell • Strong fragrance in the building • Saw cockroaches in the room and pool area There are two buildings: the main one (some rooms and for check-in and breakfast) and a second one called “Terraces” where we stayed. It’s a short, safe walk between them. Our room was basic but had essentials like a safe, shampoo, and tissues. Overall, great staff and location, but the building itself could use updates.

So I will start with the staff. 10/10 absolutely brilliant and caring staff, they were helpful and kind and always had a smile on their face. Initially when we arrived they gave us a room with a king size bed when we requested 2 single beds but upon asking they asked us to wait for an hour and it would be ready which was convenient because we had time to go get dinner as it was late. In terms of the room its was spacious and however there was a few things about the room which we did not like. The shower did not have a door or a net it was like a open shower which meant that water would drip onto the main floor of the bathroom. Also there was no windows in our room or toilet which was not ideal because at night it would get hot and the AC was not great at keeping the room cool but i dont khow if it was because of the temp of the country itself or the AC. The jacuzzi was a nice touch and used it a few times , you have to let the staff know 2 hours in advance to warm it up but even then it did not seem as hot as a jacuzzi could be and it was not the cleanest but that could be because it was on the roof so open to flys and pieces of leafs. Location wise it was extremely ideal, literally a 5 minute walk to the main markets shops and for any excursions we booked externally the meeting points where a 5 minute walk max and compared to the other riads ( morrocon hotels) it was not secluded and felt extremely safe.

The staff was super friendly and kind! They sat us down and drew out a map for us, helped us set up excursions and ensured we had a lovely stay! The riad was clean, safe, and gorgeous. Loved the breakfast on the rooftop! Would highly recommend:)

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Marrakech From the moment I stepped into Riad Nelia, I was transported into a world of calm, beauty, and warm Moroccan hospitality. Tucked away just a short walk from the bustling souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa, this riad is a true oasis in the medina. The architecture is stunning—thoughtfully restored with elegant traditional touches and modern comfort. My room was immaculate, beautifully decorated, and offered a sense of peaceful retreat after a day of exploring. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, always ready with a smile and helpful recommendations. Every detail was taken care of with such care and professionalism. One of the highlights of my stay was the delicious breakfast served on the rooftop terrace—fresh, flavorful, and with a view that made each morning special. I also took part in the cooking class offered by the riad, which was a fun and enriching experience I’d highly recommend. Riad Nelia doesn’t just provide accommodation—it offers a full, authentic Moroccan experience. I felt like a guest in someone’s beautiful home rather than a tourist. I will absolutely be returning, and recommending it to anyone looking for charm, comfort, and a personal touch in Marrakech.