When planning a Moroccan holiday, many travelers often think of Marrakech or Fez for an exotic adventure, but Rabat - the country’s capital - should not be missed. The charming and centuries-old city overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and offers everything from cultural activities to exciting excursions to lazy beach days.
Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat
Historic Rabat Riads and Boutique Hotels
Discover the hidden gems of Morocco's capital in Rabat's enchanting riads and boutique hotels, where traditional Moroccan architecture meets modern luxury. These intimate accommodations, often housed in restored historical mansions, offer an authentic experience perfect for discerning travelers who appreciate both comfort and cultural immersion.
Step into peaceful courtyards adorned with intricate tilework and flowing fountains, where centuries-old design elements blend seamlessly with contemporary amenities. Many riads feature accessible rooms on ground floors, rooftop terraces with panoramic views of the medina, and personalized service that caters to mature travelers' needs.
Located in the heart of Rabat's UNESCO-listed medina or the upscale Ville Nouvelle district, these properties provide easy access to major attractions like the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, and the Royal Palace. Expect thoughtful touches such as complimentary breakfast featuring local specialties, concierge services for arranging cultural tours, and tranquil spaces perfect for relaxation after exploring the city.
Read also: Exterior Design in Moroccan Riads
Riad Kalaa: A Historic Gem
This historic boutique riad, dating back to the Almoravide dynasty, stands as a testament to Morocco's rich heritage. Built by Emir Ben Tachfine on the Bouregreg riverbank, Riad Kalaa offers an authentic medina experience steps from the ocean. The property features a thoughtful combination of suites and classic rooms, each uniquely designed with intimate spaces, terraces, and alcoves. Some rooms boast open fireplaces and private salons, creating a personalized haven within the ancient walls.
Exterior of Riad Kalaa
Key Highlights of Riad Kalaa
- Historic riad from Almoravide dynasty era
- Located in Rabat's old Medina near the ocean
- Mix of suites and classic rooms
- Traditional architecture with modern comforts
- Intimate spaces with terraces and alcoves
- Some rooms feature open fireplaces
- Authentic Moroccan design elements
Rooms of the Riad
If you’re looking to be immersed in beautiful Moorish architecture and Moroccan decor, then you must visit the Riad Kalaa. Each room is refreshingly unique and has its own personality that’s rich in the country’s history and culture.
Here's a glimpse into some of the enchanting rooms and suites:
Celestial Suite at Riad Kalaa
Read also: Riad Catalina: A Medina Gem
- Room near the reading room: You will be enchanted by the fragrance of cedar as you step into this pretty room. The flooring is in natural Zellige, and the room has been decorated in subtle tones of ecru and taupe.
- Room on the first floor: This room, situated on the first floor, is light and colourful, opening onto the terrace, with original little fuchsia chairs around the fireplace. The flooring is in natural Zellige and the walls have been decorated in pale beige tadelakt. An ancient painted door hangs above the bed, and the bathroom has a bathtub.
- Room opening onto the terrace: Opening onto the terrace, a small desk has replaced the fireplace in the previous rooms - so you can write about your impressions of this charming riad! The room will surely induce reveries with its attention to detail, like the orange touches brightening the softness of the natural materials, linen curtains and beige tadelakt. From the window, open onto the leafy terrace you can see the pool and over the rooftops of the medina.
- Suite on the ground floor: This is a lovely suite on the ground floor with 6-meter high ceilings in “gaiza” (inlaid carved beams). The bed heads have been fashioned in tadelakt and traditional small baked bricks. Opening onto the patio, this is a large suite with sculpted columns around the bed set against the wall of traditional small baked bricks. A linen canopy and antique lamps with shades of parchment and chased brass complete the pure and warm décor, not forgetting a vast bathroom with bathtub and washbasin in polished stone.
- Suite near the Andalusian patio: After a last drink by the fountain, you leave the patio and step through the large antique door of the suite where you will plunge into a new, exotic world. Under the vast ceiling of old and rare hardwood you will notice the floors of baked earthenware incrusted with some Zellige tiles, the tadelakt fireplace and luxurious bathroom, not forgetting the television and mini bar.
- Suite with a mezzanine: Entering a small television room, you will notice a banquette which can be transformed into a bed. A cast iron stairway leads to a mezzanine where you will find the main bedroom, decorated in harmonious natural tones with touches of bordeaux.
- Suite opening onto a traditional salon: This suite opens onto a traditional salon with television, mini bar, and 2 banquettes which can be transformed into beds. On the mezzanine is a beautiful bedroom with soft lighting around the alcoved bed.
- Oriental Suite: Leaving the illuminated patio, you can repair to the refined ambiance of this third “Oriental” suite. Like the previous ones, it enjoys modern comforts, an exotic ambiance and carefully renovated traditional materials. In the Moroccan salon, the two banquettes can be transformed into beds.
- The Celestial Suite: The Celestial Suite is the pearl of the Riad. The bathroom runs the whole length of the bedroom and has a shower open to the sky.
The Riad is unusually large (1000m2) with 11 rooms and suites, all en suite with central heating, Wifi and a safe-deposit box.
Dining and Amenities
Complimentary breakfast, which consists of delicious, freshly made Moroccan pastries, yogurt, juice, coffee and mint tea, (on request), is served every morning.
An oriental restaurant offering rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine awaits you on the ground floor, overlooking a large (100m2) and leafy Andalusian patio. The restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, where traditional Moroccan cuisines are offered, but make sure to have a reservation. Not only does the restaurant get busy, but they only buy enough produce for the guests whom they expect to have.
The Riad Kalaa also has a great Hammam spa.
Location and Accessibility
The location of Riad Kalaa is ideal. Each hotel offers airport transfers at an additional cost, which is favorable for those who want the accessibility of effortless transportation. If you choose to find your own way to the hotels, it’s important you let them know what time you will be arriving so one of the employees can meet you and guide you to the facility.
Read also: The Architecture of Moroccan Riads
Other Luxury Accommodations in Rabat
While Riad Kalaa offers a unique experience, Rabat boasts several other luxury hotels worth considering:
- Euphoriad: It has a more modern look and feel, with an infusion of Moroccan embellishment and culture. It’s obvious how much planning and expense went into every detail and aspect of the Euphoriad.
- Villa Mandarine: Nestled within a three-hectare orange grove, Villa Mandarine offers an enchanting boutique garden retreat just minutes from Rabat's city center.
- Hotel La Tour Hassan Palace: Steeped in history since 1912, La Tour Hassan Palace stands as an iconic symbol of Moroccan hospitality in the heart of Rabat.
- Sofitel Les Jardin Des Roses: Set against the prestigious backdrop of the Royal Palace, Sofitel Les Jardin Des Roses stands as an oasis of refined luxury within 7 hectares of breathtaking Andalusian gardens.
- Four Seasons Rabat: The Four Seasons Rabat offers an extraordinary escape in a restored 18th-century royal palace overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Ritz-Carlton Dar Es Salam: Nestled within an enchanting palm grove beside the prestigious Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, The Ritz-Carlton Rabat presents an unparalleled luxury experience in Morocco's capital.
- The Conrad Hotel, Hilton: Perched above the Atlantic coastline, the Conrad Rabat creates an extraordinary coastal retreat surrounded by verdant gardens and sweeping ocean vistas.
- Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé: Situated along the Bouregreg River, the Fairmont La Marina Rabat Salé presents an elegant fusion of traditional Moroccan charm and contemporary luxury.
- Riad Zyo: A masterfully restored courtyard home in Rabat's medina, Riad Zyo seamlessly combines modern Moroccan décor with traditional architecture.
- Riad L'Alcazar: Nestled in central Rabat, Riad L'Alcazar is an enchanting boutique property that masterfully preserves traditional Moroccan architecture while embracing contemporary luxury.
Here's a comparison table of some of the highlighted hotels:
| Hotel | Key Features | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Riad Kalaa | Historic riad, traditional design, intimate spaces | Rabat's old Medina |
| Villa Mandarine | Orange groves, gardens, swimming pool | Near Rabat's city center |
| Hotel La Tour Hassan Palace | Historic palace, Moorish architecture | City center |
| Four Seasons Rabat | Restored royal palace, ocean views | Near Kasbah des Oudaias |
Whether you choose Riad Kalaa or another luxurious option, Rabat promises an unforgettable Moroccan experience.
Walking Tour of the Rabat Medina in Morocco.
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