Behind the pink walls of Marrakech's medina, some of the most memorable stays in Morocco hide in plain sight. Riads — the word comes from the Arabic for gardens — are former family mansions built around a central courtyard, traditionally split into four sections with a fountain at the heart. Today the term covers everything from stripped-back boutique boltholes to lavishly restored 16th-century buildings, and they've become the accommodation of choice for travellers who want atmosphere without the palace-hotel price tag.

What makes a riad special is the layout: a handful of rooms wrapped around a flower-draped courtyard, often with a mosaic-lined plunge pool, rooftop terraces for dinner at sunset, and interiors that blend Moroccan craft — zellige tilework, carved cedar, lantern light — with modern design. Because the buildings are hidden behind unmarked doors in the winding medina lanes, stepping inside feels like entering a different world: quiet, cool and green while the souks hum outside.

Condé Nast Traveller UK has rounded up 15 of the prettiest in the city, and their picks show the range on offer. For those chasing luxury, there's Riad Nobu — yes, the Nobu brand now runs a grand private riad space here. Riad Melhoun gets the nod for both couples and travellers who want the perks of a proper hotel, while Riad La Maison is the family-friendly option. Bigger groups can take over Riad Beyond Beautiful in its entirety, and budget travellers are catered for too — part of the appeal of riads is that they deliver style and service at a fraction of what the grand palace hotels charge, though the editors note the line between the two categories is blurring as riads get more upscale.

Demand is such that Airbnb has added riads to its dedicated search categories, so it's easier than ever to find these often concealed properties. The selection was vetted on Superhost status, guest ratings, amenities, location and design — a useful filter in a city where quality varies widely from one wooden door to the next.

For travellers, the takeaway is simple: in Marrakech, where you sleep is half the experience. A riad gives you breakfast in a courtyard shaded by orange trees, mint tea on a rooftop with views over the medina, and owners who'll usually walk you to the souk entrance themselves. It's a far more personal base than a resort on the city outskirts, and often cheaper. Whether you're a couple after a romantic hideaway, a family needing a few connected rooms, or a group wanting to buy out an entire historic house, there's a riad in the red city that fits — you just have to find the door.