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Despite having travelled to Morocco multiple times, Riad Babouchta was my first experience of staying in a riad.
I arrived not knowing what to expect… and left wondering why I’d never stayed in a riad in Marrakech before!
The experience felt authentic, homely and a total travel bucket list experience – which is saying something when you’ve travelled to over 70 countries!
It would be easy to assume that my love for this riad was more based on novelty than the venue itself.
However, having now stayed in several affordable riads in Marrakech, I think Riad Babouchta is up there with the best budget riads.
My stay there wasn’t perfect – and I’ll share why below – but I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
Checking in to Riad Babouchta
One of the most fun parts of staying in a riad is climbing through the entrance for the first time.
I say “climbing” because the doors are usually small, narrow and slightly elevated from the street. Some of them would be easy to miss if you weren’t looking!
Riad Babouchta & Spa is no different. Its secluded location down a quiet back alleyway adds an extra layer of adventure to the entrance.
If you arrive late at night, as we did, you might not get to fully appreciate this until the morning, but you’ll still feel like you’re arriving somewhere special.
First Impressions
Despite arriving late, our arrival at Riad Babouchta couldn’t have been smoother or friendlier.
Due to the riad’s location, vehicles can’t drive all the way to the door to drop you off – something which is common with most Marrakech riads.
However, the riad sent a helping hand to guide us to the entrance and assist us with our bags.
On entering the riad, we were greeted with a warm smile and all the information we needed to check in and have a good night’s sleep.
As we crossed the courtyard to our room, it felt like we were walking through a Pinterest board or boutique homeware catalogue.
Pink cushions, tasseled details and large plants fill the space, a combination that feels both fresh and homely at the same time.
Location
When looking at map, Riad Babouchta might at first seem a little out of the way.
That’s because it isn’t right on Jemaa el-Fnaa, the (in)famous main square in that Marrakech spirals around.
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
Unless you’re staying in the area, there’s little reason to venture up to the quieter part of the city where Riad Babouchta is.
However, some of my favourite restaurant experiences happened around here. The food was a little more affordable, more varied and felt more authentic than the busy tourist spots.
Not only that, but it’s still close enough to the action that you can stroll to the main square – even, as I found did, in the August heat.
Unless you only have one day in Marrakech, this area would be my top pick for where to stay in the city, and Riad Babouchta is a great choice.
Staying at Riad Babouchta & Spa
One of the best things about staying in a Riad in Morocco is that every experience is different.
You can find everything from rooms filled with African art to buildings that are a work of art in themselves.
The vibe at Riad Babouchta is the perfect blend between simple elegance and homely warmth.
The riad is full of Pin-worthy pink accents, sure, but these are overshadowed by the friendliness atmosphere that runs throughout.
Of all the Moroccan riads I’ve stayed in, this one remains the one that felt the most like a home away from home.
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Rooms
At Riad Babouchta, the place where you stay is not called a room. It’s a suite.
Even the most modest option – a small ensuite with little more than a bed and built-in wardrobes – feels luxurious for its price and size.
This is especially true of the bathroom. With a shaped stone shower, large mirror and complimentary toiletries, no design details have been overlooked.
The room, while on the small side, made impressive use of the space with ample storage, a full-length built-in shelf running behind the bed and plenty of room for luggage.
The theme of the riad continues with decorative cushions, dried flowers and stone details.
Dining
Riad Babouchta had one of the best breakfasts in all of Marrakech.
As in most riads, meals are served in the central courtyard. At Riad Babouchta & Spa, it’s also possible to eat in the more secluded side room if you wish.
A generous spread of various breads, spreads, pancakes, cheese and fruit is served alongside fresh juice, coffee and tea.
The only downside was that the wasps seemed to enjoy it just as much as we did. But, even though I’m usually the first to run away from anything that can sting, they were completely uninterested in humans.
There is also a daily dinner menu for guests who wish to eat “at home” but, given the number of great restaurants around, I didn’t try it myself.
Facilities
Most riads in Marrakech have only a handful of rooms – they are converted houses, after all! – and Riad Babouchta is no different.
Unlike others, though, Babouchta is also home to a spa.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try a treatment myself, but the menu includes a full offering of massages and scrubs, as well as manicures, facials and waxing.
The roof terrace at Riad Babouchta was also a nice feature. I only ever had it to myself during my stay – perhaps because it was off-season – but it’s a great spot to relax, read a book or socialise.
Planning your stay at Riad Babouchta, Marrakech
Most Marrakech riads will happily arrange an airport transfer (or a transfer from the bus station if you’re coming from somewhere like Taghazout!).
Usually I would organise my own transport in order to avoid overpaying, but I found the riad transfers to be on par with a taxi from the road.
More importantly, you can be sure there will be a ride to get you from A to B, which isn’t always the case otherwise.
For that reason, I always recommend booking a transfer with your riad.
Not only will it guarantee you get there, but it will ensure you do so scam-free. They’l, also know exactly where to go and, since cars can’t enter many of the narrow streets, will even send somebody to guide you (and help with your bags) for the walking part.
📲 TRAVEL TIP: There’s fairly good WiFi throughout Marrakech, but it’s certainly not reliable! If you need to stay connected for work, directions or even for arranging transfers at the airport, I recommend using an eSIM like Holafly for your trip.
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I sent a WhatsApp message to Riad Babouchta as I was boarding my (one hour!) flight from Portugal to see if they could arrange a last-minute transfer. Given how quickly they wrote back to confirm, I knew we were going to be in good hands.
And, sure enough, the taxi was there waiting when we arrived late at night at Marrakech airport.
They also allowed us to hang out at the riad after checkout time on our departure day, stored our bags while we went out to get food and made sure I was fuelled with regular coffee top-ups.
They also warned us about the need to print boarding passes before arriving at the airport – one of the many Morocco travel tips to know before you visit!
