Marrakech's medina is chock a block full of riads - traditional buildings built around a courtyard which have been converted into boutique accommodation. Located mostly in the winding derbs that branch off from the small market streets, these hidden oases provide a calm antidote to the lively souks. Don't be misled by their less than salubrious exteriors, riads tend to be upmarket, often luxurious affairs. There are simply too many to keep a track of, so here are some of our favourites.

Riad Taghazoute (from 40 Euros per room per night)

A gem of a find in the centre of the medina. This budget riad has lovely traditional styling and a great location for the price. If you aren't looking for luxuries, this is usually our first recommendation. More information...

Riad Tzarra (minimum stay 3 nights from 130 Euros per room per night)

A lovely riad, with welcoming staff and its own hamman, located in the medina, north east of the main square. The four rooms are all beautifully furnished with fantastic bathrooms to boot. Riad Tzarra is situated north west of the Djemma El Fna, (the central square in Marrakech), about a 5 minute walk. It is just a brief 3 minute walk from the spice markets of the souk, which are a highly evocative part of the medina to wander around. The riad has four bedrooms, all of which have their own unique and individual style. The rooms all look out onto the courtyard and there are several communal areas including a lovely roof terrace decked out with sun loungers. There are also communal areas including a lounge with an open fire and a honesty box bar. For those wanting the full pampering treatment, there is also a hamman on site, where you can book a treatment. This riad is in a pretty central location and is located very near to one of the many mosques in the medina, meaning you may hear the call for prayer at sunrise. That said, the singing does not last long and is pretty evocative, so we wouldn't really see that as a hindrance. More information ...

Riad Adore (minimum stay 3 nights from 140 Euros per room per night)

A contemporary riad in the heart of Morocco's medina, Riad Adore offers stylish decor and modern furnishings in a quiet location close to the souks and the Djemma El Fna. Perfect if you are looking for sophisticated accommodation within the medina. Riad Adore is situated north west of the Djemma El Fna, about a 10 minute walk. The riad has five bedrooms, including one suite, all of which have their own unique and individual style. The rooms all look out onto the courtyard and there are several communal areas including a beautiful roof terrace (complete with open fire for cool nights and shade for hot days) There is also a small pool where you can cool off after a long day out in the souk and a lounge with an honesty bar. The first thing you need to know about staying in a riad is that they are all designed to face looking inwards over a courtyard, there are no external views - these are saved for the roof terrace. That does not mean that you will feel claustrophobic, all the rooms are very well lit and overlook the peaceful mezzanine or courtyard. This riad is in a pretty central location and has the added benefit of not being next door to a mosque, meaning you are unlikely to be woken up at 5 am by the call to prayer. More information...

La Mamounia (from 350 Euros per room per night)

If you want to go all out on luxury, then you might want to consider Winston Churchill's favourite hotel, La Mamounia.  Located just on the walls of the medina, the hotel is named after the 20 acres of Mamounia gardens which were given as a present by the king to his son, Prince Mamoun.  The hotel is, as you would expect and hope for the prices (starting at around £450 per night), extremely upmarket and geared towards travellers wanting a 5 star luxurious experience.  Further outside of Marrakech, in the Palmeraie area of the city, there are many larger resorts, including spa and golf complexes, which offer large hotels with all the 5 star facilities you would expect. More info...

Tourdust can arrange your stay at any of these riads and combine with your choice of cooking classes, Atlas Mountain treks and visits to the coast. Email us on help@tourdust.com with your enquiry.