Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Moroccan cuisine, garden views
Check availability

Reviews of Riad Catalina

4 out of 5
Riad Catalina
21 Derb Abdellah Ben Hssaine Bab Laksour, Marrakech

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 76 out of 188 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 78 out of 188 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 188 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 188 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 188 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Van

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
we had a rocky start, room not available so we were offered a room in another location not nearly as nice, so we rated a 4 rather than 5 which it otherwise would get hands down. Wonderful inner courtyard, staff very helpful and friendly, highly recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hostess Nadia is just fantastic! Super helpful and friendly. The food was amazing too!
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The building, the garden and all the staff were wonderful. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

6/10 Okay

Lionel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We booked a
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The Riad itself was beautiful, very sheltered and beautiful bird sound in the courtyard was amazing. The bedroom and en suite were lovely and looked over the courtyard. Rooftop pool was exactly as expected being on the roof of a Riad. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The only downside and disappointment with this property was the fact that it is advertised as having spa facilities on site and even does as far as stating massage and manicure. This was a major factor in us booking the Riad, wanting to have a hammam spa at the end of our holiday so we felt the property had been falsely represented and that was frustrating.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
A nice old Riad in the Centre of the Medina. Unfortunately significant maintenance needs doing at the property, with the cental fountaub looking worse for wear, the balcony fountain not working at all and some much needed painting required. When booking the Riad, dont be allured by the nice view of the pool and central gardens. There is a small second Riad which you may be staying in around 100 meters away with no pool and much much smaller central garden. You won't know where your room is until arrival unfortunately. Reception will organise an airport transfer for you at the price of 25 Euro's. Never accept this, they dont send an executive taxi and a normal ride from the Airport to the Medina has a set price of 150 Dirham (15 Euro's) meaning the hotel is pocketing a almost 50% of the fee each time. Mint tea is 30 Dirham in the Riad but 10 to 15 in popular cafes outside with no better service. Breakfast is acceptable but there is no variation on a day to day basis. The showers are less than ideal and something akin to a 1 or 2 star hotel (rather than 4) with an old showerhead in a plastic clip which isnt designed for the head and cannot support it. Nadia at reception is wonderful and couldnt be more helpful. Unfortunately a male porter was very unhelpful and refused to take a card payment of more than 50 euro's as it was not enough leading us to have to withdraw cash and pay the transaction fees for such.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Soumia on Apr 29, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Traditional Moroccan environment with polite, friendly, efficient staff. It's location close to the main square was perfect. The rooftop pool area was a bonus, ideal for relaxing in the sun, towards the end of each days exploring.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Soumia on Mar 25, 2019
Thank you for staying with us. We appreciate your review!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Located at edge of Madina so easy to get in and out. Freindly helpful staff at all times of day. Great sun roof and all at a good room rate.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2018
Response from Soumia on Jan 14, 2019
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your review !

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect location for this RIAD to be your quiet oasis in the craziness of the Medina of Marrakech. Room was great even got updated on the last night for free. Staff was excellent and very helpful, would definitely stay again. Thanks to Nadia and the staff
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2018
Response from Soumia on Dec 5, 2018
Thanks for staying with us. We appreciate your review!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Historic riad near the main square
An elegant and simple place at the center of the medina. A wonderful room up a lovely winding stairs at this 200 year old Riad, and the friendly staff was always available for our three night stay. Within walking distance to the main square in Marrakech.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disappointing
Room very small Dark, shower not easy to use, uncomfortable. Dining room very cold, lighting problems. Food good to start with but went down in quality and quantity as week went on. However, staff tried to be helpful, friendlyetc. It is the building not the people. They moved our room to another building after two uncomfortable nights. This was better but shower still not fully function able.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good for the money
Pretty and quiet riad very close to the Medina. The staff is very kind and helpful. The rooms were fine. The air-conditioning and wifi could have been stronger. The food is ok, but is expensive. I suggest just having it on one night for the experience, because the courtyard and service are really lovely parts of the dinner. Breakfast is good and free, and if you need to leave earlier than breakfast hours, the staff will accommodate you without any charge. The pool is on a nice rooftop terrace. It is about one foot deep, so it is only for cooling off. The riad is in a good location in a quiet, safe alley that is about 5 minutes walking to the square.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jutta

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 14 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Madison

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great central hotel with really helpful staff!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here - the food from the restaurant was great and the rooftop pool was so lovely! Would definitely come back again!

10/10 Excellent

Rene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Splendid Riad Catalina
It was my first Riad stay and my expectations were fulfilled at full. The pool is a real nice attachment.

10/10 Excellent

jake

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic and personal
Really nice roof top plunge pool. Lovely helpful staff

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic Staff
The most accommodating hotel I have ever been to. Whatever we needed they were happy to get for us.

8/10 Good

carmen, Dorset

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel but food and drink cost too much
Hotel was nice very morrocan. Staff were very helpful and friendly. The only thing is the prices of food and drink. It was very expensive

10/10 Excellent

ANDREW, Hertfordshire, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A Hidden Gem - Beautiful, peaceful and relaxing.
Beautiful Riad witch a very colourful and relaxing courtyard, lovely little rooftop pool and sun terrace. The staff were all extremely helpful and friendly, which really made the stay a wonderful experience. The breakfast was very tasty and perfectly adequate. If I return to Marrakech, I would stay here.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic location,close to all the sights.
I don't know where to start! From the moment we arrived & it was quite late,Nadia & her staff couldn't do enough for us. We were away to celebrate my wife's, ahem 50th birthday,what a wonderful surprise to be upgraded to the Royal suite along with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. When we go back, it will be without doubt,to the Riad Catalina.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
lovely
great service, beautiful surroundings. This hotel was in a great place and very friendly

10/10 Excellent

Gin, R

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
3 days for self recovery
It was one of the best hotels I've ever stayed, probably just because it represents the old city culture, it suddenly brings the charming experience just the way it is! Small but cosy rooms, nice pool on the terrace top, peaceful courtyard with birds and couple of tortoises just made me feel totaly relaxed. Staff couldn't do enough to add to the comfort of my stay, my airport pickup and drop off was welcoming and friendly, they booked me a camel ride and arranged the booking to my chosen spa. All staff were communicating well enough and were extremely kind. On my check-out day they even served me the personal breakfast out of breakfast hours (6:30)! Can't ask for more! The only thing can can put off the fussy guests is the poor wifi in some certain places in the hotel, I guess , because the one in my room was only available in the bathroom.. Oh well, it didn't upset me because I didnt come there for Internet ! Brilliant stay, thank you Riad Catalina x

8/10 Good

Helen, East Sussex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel is in a good position - within walking dista
A lovely quiet Riad with friendly helpful staff. The Tiled courtyard is pretty with trees and shrubs, a fountain,fantail doves, small birds and three tortoises! Wonderful to come back to the solace of this after the bustle and noise of out side and have a delicious cup of mint tea. The food was good and suited our taste.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely small hotel. Room small but charming.
The staff were so friendly and helpful without being intrusive. I will definitely choose this hotel when I return to morocco.

8/10 Good

sharon, hertfordshire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Central location. Haven from the busy souks.
An enjoyable 3 night stay. Hotel staff were helpful and very assuming, leaving you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A great location for the souks and busy square. Breakfast is lovely as the courtyard is beautiful, typically morrocon. The roof terrace is lovely to relax and order drinks, although you won't get too wet as the pool isn't very deep! Small rooms, but enough space for a short stay.

10/10 Excellent

Tony David, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great service
This traditional Riad is in a great location in the Medina and is just a couple of minutes walk from La Koutoubia and Jeema El Fna. It is easy to find as soon as you get your bearings but, if arriving by plane, it's well worth asking them to take care of the transfer for you. A member of staff will meet you from the taxi and carry your bags the short walk to the Riad. We booked a standard room. It was comfortable enough but very clean with a great view over the courtyard garden, The Riad itself is just beautiful, an oasis of calm in the middle of a hectic city. The staff are welcoming and polite and just can't do enough for you.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Riad 3*, not 4* as advertised
Staff friendly enough. Place clean, but looking tired. Room should have been a double, but was a twin instead as they were over booked and initially tried to place us in a house 140m away! Breakfast as basic as it gets, dried baguette, cold pancakes, jam, one very small orange juice, and warm coffee. Would I stay here again, in a word - no. Also charged local taxes when checking out, which I was unaware of. Thought I had paid for all before leaving UK.

10/10 Excellent

loo, wilts, uk

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Central and tranquil Riad
I loved staying there. Staff were kind friendly thoughtful. The food was good. Pool and beers were there when we wanted it. Fab place I would go back.
Lounge room off the riad
Starter
By the pool
Chicken tagine

4/10 Poor

earl, Albany

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Before you read this review, you should realize that my husband and I are very easy travelers. We don't expect much from a hotel and typically shop hotels based on location as opposed to creature comforts. While the location of the Riad Catalina was excellent, and the main areas were beautiful and seemed well maintained, our room was lacking. There were bugs everywhere. The shower did not drain and flooded the floor. The room itself appeared to be nice, but generally I just felt dirty after staying there for a night. Granted, we did not lodge a formal complaint to the management and they may have been more than willing to move us. But- given the choice of hundreds of beautiful Riads in Morocco, I might give this one a pass.

10/10 Excellent

liz, Devon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Characterful Riad in good location
This riad is full of character and the staff very friendly. It lived up to our expectations as the decor is traditional and we were delighted to be upgraded free of charge to a lovely suite which was full of Morrocan charm. We ate in on the first night and the food was authenitic and plentiful. Unfortunately it was too cold to try out the rooftop pool and make use of the terrace. Our teenage boys enjoyed the whole experiece and we have come away with very fond memories.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Exchange
Hotel staff explained there was a problem with the dar we were staying in and we were sent to another riad. We were told it was an upgrade. Was it? Ultimately I do no know but judging from riad Catalina which looked lovely I doubt it. That said road Catalina were courteous and we used their facilities throughout our stay.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

E, Latvia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Authentic Riad type hotel in the city centre
Nice hotel and guest friendly and helpful staff. Arranged central Morocco trip, provided all the necessary assistance. This made the rest of entire stay in Morocco very pleasant experience. Thank you for that!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

8/10 Good

Jeff, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
near the must-see sights
Riad Catalina is a well-maintained spot that oozes with rustic charm. My wife and I were a bit worried during our taxi ride from the airport. We didn't know what to expect about the area in which we'd be staying, and having to walk through back alleyways to get to the riad didn't do much to assuage our concerns. The riad itself, however, was extremely peaceful and picturesque. The staff was very nice, and the roof offered a beautiful veiw of the city. We loved that the riad was quiet enough to afford us some much-needed peace and quiet, but close enough to the square and the souks to frequent those locations. Would definitely recommend this place!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A beautiful Riad
Riad Catalina is a haven within the bustle of the Medina. It is ideally situated close to the main square, but not too far into the maze of alleyways so you can find your way back easily. The staff are great and always on hand to provide tips and recommendations of places to go. The rooms were comfortable and air conditioned and the roof terrace with plunge pool was beautiful. You can also have a meal in the Riad and they serve alcohol and have wi-fi in the communal areas. I would definitely go back!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice Riad, pleasing service
I have not stayed at any other Riad but this one was really comforting and almost five star hotel service is provided. People who work here are really nice and helpful.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stunning Riad in the heart of the Medina
Beautiful Riad in a very central location. Bit hard to find at first, but that adds to the charm. Staff are very friendly and helpful. I would recommend Riat Catalina without hesitation.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Avoid at all costs!
Overpriced, dirty and not very nice place. Stay somewhere else!

8/10 Good

flashpacker, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent boutique style Hotel
This was my second visit to Riad Catalina. I love the location and the proximity to the main souk coupled with the intimacy of a small hotel. The staff are all exceptionally friendly, and due to the small scale of the hotel you really do feel that personal service. The rooms are small, but I feel that adds to the charm, and breakfast in the main courtyard is lovely. The pool is a more of a plunge pool on the roof of the hotel, but very welcoming after a day sightseeing around the town. The alley to the hotel on first arrival is daunting, but is well lit at night, and not at all threatening or an area to be concerned about.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Garden and Pool Amazing!
The external facilities were amazing, but the bed was TERRIBLE....it was two twin beds pushed together and very hard mattress....other wise everything was amazing.

10/10 Excellent

Tracy and Angie, Ashford, Kent, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
beautiful traditional decor .
beautiful character . traditional decor , the main reason for booking this particular hotel. Read many of the reviews and it was even more beautiful than I was expecting. Every room having its uniqueness. I think we had the " cupboard" room but although small, which didn't bother us, it was very cool which to me was the most important thing when the temp outside is over 30 !! Lovely friendly and helpful staff. Lovely breakfast too.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great Oasis in Marrakech
My wife and I recently booked our first trip to Marrakech as our first getaway without our son. I won't make this a review of the city. But if you have never been there, it is a wonderful adventure. The Riad Catalina is renovated in a traditional style. If you enjoy tile mosaics, hanging lamps, and classical moroccan decor, you will enjoy this hotel. From the very moment you enter the riad from the large wooden door you can appriciate the peaceful courtyard and enjoy your first mint tea on moroccan style couches. The staff is absolutely committed to providing you a first rate experience. We called ahead and a very nice attendant was able to schedule transportation from the airport for us (cost 20 euros). The Riad is located down a well lit alley. So, we were met at a pickup point by someone from the hotel. When we wanted to take a camel tour of the palm groves, the attendant at the front desk easily scheduled the whole outing for us including transportation. One thing that I do have to mention, the hotel room we stayed in was on the smaller side by U.S. standards. It had a 140cmx200cm bed that was extra firm. There was less than 1 meter between the bed and the walls on either side. So, I would consider getting a deluxe room there vs. the standard one if you are easily cramped. Overall, this riad was a great place to spend our getaway. If we return to Marrakech, we will stay there again.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Couples wanting the marrakech experience.
This is no Hilton but if you want the Hilton why are you in Marakesh? Riad Catalina is just what I expected a Riad to be .... Moroccan! Just 5 mins from the main square, Down several short dark alleys, through a solid arched wooden door that we had to stoop to get through... And into an oasis of sunshine, trees, birds and sunshine . Bedrooms above that all look onto the central shared courtyard where we ate our breakfast. Standard room offered crisp white sheets, en suite with a powerful shower, was very clean and compact, very green !! Lovely shared plunge pool rooftop terrace ..where we laid and chilled after walking miles round the town.and listened as the mosques called the locals to prayer ...Breakfasts competent.. Dinner not so good ..

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice little riad
This was a great little riad very close to the main square, the service and friendliness of all staff was superb.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful spot
This is a lovely riad with one or two drawbacks. The water from the shower drained very slowly so you had to stand in two inches of it. When you arrive if it's evening you have no idea how to get out of the alleys where it is located to the main square, which is actually only a short walk away, but you can't take a taxi because the alleys are too narrow. So you might not be able to go for a walk until the next day when you can find your way around. The food is excellent but it seems that they don't really want guests to eat there because the prices are so high. We ate there the first night and there was one set meal with no price advertised. Afterwards I asked how much it was and found out it was 25 euros per person, which is about four times as much as food anywhere else in Marrakech. It was a nice meal but I wouldn't want to pay that price for that meal in Europe, let alone in Africa. The staff were very helpful though and an Expedia rep provided information about excursions and met us at the hotel on our first morning so that we could quickly make plans. I would stay there again, but not eat there at that price.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great Riad near the main square
Authentic Riad, great staff who are helpful and knowledgeable. Good food and service. I would recommend this Riad to anyone going to Marrakech. Easy walk to the square too.

10/10 Excellent

Gemma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect Riad
Nadia and the staff are so friendly. The Riad was magical, excellent location, lovely food, small rooms but lots of space to relax around the Riad such as the Terrace, pool and courtyard.

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Once in the door it was fine, young boys wanted 50 euro to show us the way, Didn't take no for an answer that we would find it ourselves the was threatened, hotel porter stood there and listened without a word...Other than that fabulous stay.