We had a fantastic four-night stay at Riad Houdou. We took advantage of the airport pick up, which was great and meant we didn't have any issues on arrival. The Riad is based down a quiet alley near the busy Medina - but don't let that put you off. The location was absolutely perfect, close to everything we wanted to see and we felt safe throughout our stay.  We were greeted on arrival with delicious homemade pastries and mint tea, before being shown a map of the area and hearing some top tips for our stay. This had to be one of the warmest and most informative welcomes we've ever received. This small team is exceptional and they really made our stay! Our beautiful room was on the ground floor next to one of courtyards. It was clean and had everything we needed, including a really comfortable bed - we slept so well during our stay!  I would highly recommend eating dinner at the Riad - their chef is outstanding! We had dinner there for three nights because it was so good. Each night we were excited to see what kind of three-course meal would await us after a busy day of sightseeing. On two of the nights we were the only ones eating there, so it felt even more special to have the cosy dining room to ourselves. We loved the thoughtful touches, like explaining the dishes and any stories behind them as they were served. We also arranged a couple of private tours through the Riad (a trip to Essaouira and a mule trekking in the mountains (Imlil)). Both trips were amazing and with a fantastic driver - highly recommended!! We were so pleased that we did these through the Riad. Although we were only there for four nights, Riad Houdou felt like our home away from home and we really loved the team working there, who clearly care about what they do. We were sad to leave, but so pleased to have found this place. Don't hesitate to book - you'll not be disappointed!  Huge thanks to Eric and the team.

This Riad truly is an oasis. We enjoyed almost every aspect of it over seven days and can’t rate it highly enough. Starting with the staff, they are probably the most friendly and helpful I have encountered in a long time. Nothing is too much and everyone we had the pleasure of meeting always had a smile and made us feel welcome. We stayed in the junior suite and would thoroughly recommend it. The option of your own pool at the end of a hot days exploring is a real treat. The room itself is comfy and very tastefully decorated, it felt like an authentic riad room with everything we needed. We enjoyed the spa service in the riad on one of our days, having the Royal hammam treatment and a relaxing massage. Having been to a hammam in Morocco before it was as good as, if not better, than the tourist ones available. The prices are very reasonable and you have the added bonus of only a short walk back to your room afterwards to enjoy the sense of relaxation you’re left with. Finally, the dinner you can book in the Riad is amazing and we would recommend staying in at least one night to enjoy it. There were three delicious courses all served by the friendly team in what is effectively a private dinning room. Again the prices were on par or better than some of the restaurants we ate in and they didn’t serve food half as good. I could go on but in short I can see why this is the leading Riad in Marrakech!

Tucked away in the winding labyrinth of Marrakech’s medina, Riad Hodou became my sanctuary—and though finding it with Google Maps felt like solving a riddle, downloading Maps.me made navigating the medina a breeze. The effort was worth it because what awaited me was pure magic. Owned by the ever-welcoming Didion and Enrique, two French hosts whose warmth feels like coming home, this guesthouse surpasses all expectations. From the thoughtfully designed rooms to the attentive staff, every detail spoke of care and comfort. I was especially touched by Rajab, who gave me my first hammam bath and massage. Let me tell you, being bathed like a baby by this kind, motherly soul was nothing short of transformative. Waking up early, I climbed to the rooftop terrace, where the sunrise painted the city in hues of gold. As I enjoyed my complimentary breakfast—a feast both serene and bright—I reflected on life’s bounty. This peaceful retreat was the perfect backdrop for my writing journey, offering the clarity and stillness I needed to complete this chapter of my life. Riad Hodou isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a place to be. A merry, tranquil haven in the heart of chaos. If you visit Marrakech, make time for this gem—you won’t regret it.

I wish there was a full restaurant on the property, the food availability is limited but there is good restaurants nearby and they always have tea and pastries!

The location could, for some, be off putting, however we felt it added to our experience the locals very welcoming the sights and sounds not a tourist hot spot, but once behind the front door you are transported into another world peaceful, safe feeling and tranquil the decor tasteful and authentic. The staff are fantastic and the welcoming brief detailed, useful and above all so appreciated, as a traveler it gives you complete confidence. If visiting again I wouldn’t hesitate in staying again.

Abdel and team were just fantastic. Extremely useful, practical and “survival” information for Marrakech on arrival and personal attention throughout our stay. The Riad also produces its own map that can be relied upon for highlighting good restaurants and shops. Considering how crazy the Medina is, we were very grateful for the relative quietness of the Riad (note: doesn’t mean you won’t hear the mosques early morning, but it’s not as loud). Within the Riad itself, noise does travel but it wasn’t too bad during our stay.

All very minor issues: We were completely unaware of the environment at the time of booking and that the taxi we booked through booking.com couldn’t drop us by the door of the Riad due to it being a pedestrian/moped/donkey pathway. The Riad however provides clear directions on how to walk there (about 150m), including how to organise a porter if needed. Advice is to book your airport transfer through the Riad for a better experience. The bed were a bit hard for one of us, but fine for the rest of us. The toilet could do with an extractor fan.

This is a fabulous riad in the heart of the old medina. It’s comfortable, stylish, welcoming and a real oasis of calm and beauty. The staff are wonderful - kind, helpful and cheerful. They made our stay memorable. The food was excellent too. The owners were wonderful hosts - full of suggestions about where to go. Nothing was too much trouble. We loved it and it felt like home. Thankyou Didier and Eric.

Nothing it was all we wanted it to be

Good Moroccan style breakfast, ask if you want something more substantial, great roof terrace for lovely sunset views, quiet reflective and relaxation space, , lovely staff, nothing too much to assist with, very informative and helpful guides, Yousef and Hussain, lovely careful driver Abdel, great meals, absolute quiet away from hustle and bustle of the souks which are only a few steps away. Great hosting by Diddier and Eric

Bit bigger single beds would be good and rules about food clearer.

Riad Houdou really exceeded our expectations. The pictures don't do it justice, it really is utterly stunning and serene. From our first moments here to our last, the staff were warm, friendly and very informative; we felt truly cared for. We especially loved the expansive breakfasts, the rooftop terrace (with a notably large pool for this kind of riad), the hammam, and the free-roaming animals (tortoises, chameleons and a cat!). Thank you Abdel, Eric, Didier, Rajaa, Séverin, Carole, and every one of the team that made it so special.

We loved every single thing! The Riad is beautiful. It's an oasis in the middle of a very busy city, but once you cross the doors you are welcomed into a calm and peaceful place. We loved the decoration and the little details decorating every corner, without being excesive. Communication was always swift, smooth and easy, and all of our questions were answered within minutes. After confirming the booking, we received a welcoming email with really useful information, including the Riad's details and location and the services offered. Breakfast was amazing and every day had different varieties of fruit salads and moroccan especialities. One of the best things of the Riad is, undoubtedly, the staff. Everyone was so polite and happy to help, engaging in conversation, giving us tips and hints to make the best of our time in Marrakesh. They even went the extra mile when they knew it was my partner's birthday and gave us a room upgrade and a special attention during breakfast on the birthday day. They really made our stay perfect. All other extras, as the swimming pool, the roof terrace, the spa... were amazing. I loved the fresh mint and roses in our room, as it gave a great fagrance to it.

That we couldn't stay there forever!

It’s a Riad, so it’s different; not a sterile modern hotel room; but quirky; refurbished; wonderfully decorated; central; serviced by great staff. Abdel and the others organised our stay with reputable private guides. Great breakfast.

Look. This is a Riad. So we modified our expectations. The bed could have been more comfy but we were staying in the Medina in Marrakech, not the Royal Mansour (which we visited for lunch!)