Riad Talaa 12, Marrakech

Most of the riad hotels in Marrakech trade heavily on history, antiques, traditional décor. Riad Talaa 12, on the other hand, leaves old Marrakech outside the walls.

The interiors here are as contemporary as can be; not quite minimalist, and certainly still quite identifiably Moroccan, but more like 21st-century Morocco than any kind of old-world fantasy.

Here just eight suites hold, at most, eighteen guests. Which means it’s already intimate in scale, and all the more so thanks to the riad’s many twists and turns—the many lounges and living rooms (and the spacious comfort of the rooms) ensure that rarely do more than a handful of guests accumulate in any one place.

There is a central dining room, if you’re interested, though meals can be served anywhere, including on the rooftop, with a view over the medina toward the Atlas Mountains.

As for services and amenities, Riad Talaa 12 offers a pared-down selection, in keeping with its cozy residential feel—this is a place to disappear. Thus no pool, no spa, just massage and traditional hammam on-site and a concierge who’s only too happy to arrange tours, excursions, or day pass to nearby pools or to Nikki Beach, in the Palmeraie.

Main text courtesy of Tablet Hotels.

Check availability for Riad Talaa 12: Booking.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.

in our opinion

With a stylish blend of European designer furnishings and Moroccan-inspired interiors, Riad Talaa 12 blends contemporary chic and old-world Marrakech.

What we love

• Countless intimate spaces for chilling out, not least the fabulous roof terrace, ideal for enjoying a delicious Moroccan meal—with a lovely view all the way to the Atlas Mountains
• Intimate, homely size (there are only 8 rooms and suites) and an almost monastic design results in a truly unique ambiance
• Great location in the middle of the medina (but, unusually, on a quiet street)
• Wonderful team—with the pick-up service included in the room rate (a nice touch, especially if you are the first time in the medina's labyrinth) and concierge, who will help to plan the day

What you should know

• This place sticks to the luxury minimum, leaving out some amenities, like a swimming pool or spa, but guests have access to the owners’ Le Palais Paysan hotel which boasts a sumptuous 28-meter swimming pool. It's 25 kilometers away though, in Douar Akrich
• Marrakech-Menara Airport is just a 15-minute drive from Talaa 12
• A minimum 2-night stay is required