|
|
| | Book | | | ✉ Contact | | | +212 600 608 608 |
Français 
English 
Español 
Italiano 
Deutsch 
Nederlands 
Português 
Polski 
Norsk 
Svenska 
Dansk 
French-Run boutique hotel in Marrakech: When Passion Creates Excellence
Riad Vendôme is a French-run boutique hotel in Marrakech. Eric, passionate about architecture, has lived in Marrakech since 2011. He renovated this former 18th-century boutique riad in Dar El Bacha with 25 Moroccan artisans and manages it personally. French and English communication, tailor-made concierge, from €70/night.
In brief — French-run riad in Marrakech
- Riad Vendôme is a French-run boutique riad in Marrakech, managed personally by Éric, a French owner living in the city since 2011, with rooms from 70 euros per night.
- The 18th-century riad in Dar El Bacha, 100 metres from the Royal Palace, was restored over 18 months by 25 Moroccan artisans, zellige layers, tadelakt plasterers and Atlas cedar carpenters.
- Open to travellers since 2011, the main riad has 12 rooms and a second riad 100 metres away raises capacity to 20 rooms for up to 45 guests, with a 4.2/5 Google rating.
- Direct booking / WhatsApp: +212 600 608 608
Some riads are just hotels. Riad Vendôme is the story of a man in love with a city. Eric is French. In 2011, he left France for Marrakech — drawn by the beauty of the red city, the warmth of the Moroccan welcome and the magnificence of the traditional architecture. He discovered a boutique hotel in ruins in the upscale neighbourhood of Dar El Bacha, 100 metres from the Royal Palace. He fell in love. 18 months of renovation, 25 Moroccan artisans and thousands of zellige tiles later, Riad Vendôme & Spa was born.
A boutique riad from the 18th century, revived with passion
Book Riad Vendôme
Response within 24 hours. Free quote, no commitment.
Or fill out our Reservation form
The former riad of the Glaoui dignitaries was a sleeping marvel. Two independent patios, majestic proportions, remnants of décor that bore witness to its past splendour. Eric entrusted the renovation to the maalems — Moroccan master artisans — who perpetuate skills passed down from father to son. The zelligeurs hand-carved and laid thousands of mosaics. The tadlakeurs coated the walls in stone-polished plaster, smooth as satin. The carpenters carved Atlas cedarwood for the ceilings and doors. The result is a boutique hotel that breathes authenticity — because it is authentic.
The Advantage of a French-Run Riad
You communicate in French before, during and after your stay. Eric understands your expectations and habits. He knows the subtleties of Moroccan culture and serves as a bridge between two worlds. It's a precious advantage, especially if it's your first trip to Morocco: he helps you avoid the pitfalls, recommends the best addresses and organises everything so you only have to enjoy.
More Than Accommodation: A Concierge at Your Service
Eric doesn't just hand you a room key. He puts together your stay as a tailor-made programme: excursions in the Ourika Valley or to Essaouira, desert circuits in the Sahara, Moroccan cooking classes, bookings at the best restaurants, airport transfers. Everything goes through a single point of contact, available by WhatsApp, who responds within a few hours. It's the freedom of independent travel with the comfort of a palace concierge.
15 Years of Experience, Hundreds of Smiles
Since 2011, the Riad Vendôme has hosted thousands of travellers — couples, families, groups of friends, marathon runners, film festival cinephiles, entrepreneurs on business seminars. The main riad has 12 rooms, and with our second riad 100 metres away, the capacity rises to 20 rooms for 35, 40, 45 guests. Rated 4.2/5 on Google. These ratings are not the result of chance: they reflect daily attention to detail and a passion that never fades.
WhatsApp +212 600 608 608 — Eric responds personally.
› Book at Riad Vendôme | › How to choose the best riad
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the owner really French?
Yes, Eric is French. He has lived in Marrakech since 2011 and personally manages the Riad Vendôme. It is your single point of contact via WhatsApp.
So how long has the riad been open?
The Riad Vendôme has welcomed travellers since 2011. The building itself dates from the 18th century.
Can Eric arrange my whole stay?
Absolutely: excursions, desert circuits, transfers, restaurants, activities. He is like a personal concierge who knows Marrakech by heart.
Is the riad suitable for a first trip to Morocco?
It's ideal. Eric anticipates your questions, guides you in the medina on the first day, and gives you all the tips to enjoy Marrakech without stress.
How long is the flight to Marrakech from the US and Canada?
There are no non-stop flights from the United States; from New York allow about 8 to 9 hours via Casablanca on Royal Air Maroc, which hubs there. From Canada, Royal Air Maroc runs a seasonal non-stop from Montreal to Casablanca, then a short connection to Marrakech. The riad is about 20 minutes from Marrakech-Menara airport.
Where exactly is Riad Vendome located in Marrakech?
Riad Vendome is at 217 Derb El Halfaoui, in the Dar El Bacha district of the Marrakech medina. It is a 7-minute walk from Jemaa El-Fna square, close to the Koutoubia and the souks, so you reach the main sights on foot without needing a taxi. A member of staff meets you at the nearest vehicle drop-off point on arrival.
How do I book, and how quickly do you reply?
You book directly with the riad, not through a platform. Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp at +212 600 608 608 and you receive a written quote within 24 hours. There is no automated booking engine: every stay is confirmed by a person, and the payment terms are set out in the quote you receive.
Can the whole riad be privatised, and for how many guests?
Yes, Riad Vendome can be hired exclusively. The main riad has 12 rooms and goes up to 20 rooms with our second riad 100 metres away, for exclusive hire of up to 45 guests. During an exclusive hire there are no other guests: the pool, hammam, jacuzzi and rooftop are reserved for your group alone.
How big are the rooms and what is in them?
Between 10 and 22 m², depending on the room. Tan Tan is 10 m² for 2 guests on the ground floor, the junior suites Merzouga and Asni 15 m², Zagora and Essayesra and Ouarzazate and the Marrakech Romantic suite 18 m², the Dakhla Rooftop room 16 m² with direct terrace access, and the Oukaimeden mezzanine suite 22 m² for 4 guests. Every room has an en-suite bathroom with a tadelakt shower, hot and cold air conditioning, Simmons VIP bedding, a 40" TV with international channels and fibre Wi-Fi. Full sizes, beds and rates are on the rooms and rates page.
Why Choose a French-Managed Property in Marrakech?
Choosing a French-managed boutique hotel in the medina removes the language barrier and the uncertainty that often comes with smaller Moroccan-run guesthouses. Éric, a French national based in Marrakech since 2011, has built an operation that combines authentic Moroccan architecture and hospitality with European standards of organisation and responsiveness. Your messages are answered in English or French, invoices are clear and detailed, and the GDPR-compliant booking process gives you full confidence before you travel.
Naima, the manager and head chef, brings a 5/5 Google Cuisine rating and more than a decade of organising events for European groups. She speaks French and Arabic, coordinates all on-the-ground logistics, and has become the heartbeat of the operation. Together, Éric and Naima have hosted over 500 events — from intimate family breaks to 45-person corporate seminars — making Riad Vendôme one of the most experienced directly-managed boutique addresses in Marrakech.
The French Expatriate Community in Marrakech — Context and Trust
There are approximately 12,000 French expatriates registered in Marrakech, making it one of the largest French communities on the African continent. Many run boutique guesthouses, restaurants or artisan businesses. The common thread is a particular approach to hospitality — influenced by French standards of service and communication while deeply embedded in Moroccan culture and supply chains. Naima, who runs the day-to-day operations at Riad Vendôme alongside Éric, trained in a Marrakech culinary tradition, while her 5/5 Google Cuisine rating reflects a standard that consistently surprises French guests accustomed to French cuisine.
For British, Dutch or German guests, a French-managed property often provides a useful cultural bridge — someone who understands European expectations around cleanliness, meal timing, breakfast quality and response time, but also knows how to navigate the medina's suppliers, artisans and service providers. Éric personally handles every group booking and speaks both English and French. The conversation begins on WhatsApp and typically ends with a clear, detailed PDF quote — no ambiguity, no surprises on check-in.
⭐ Google 4.2/5 (617 reviews) · 🏠 Booking 8.3/10 · ✈️ TripAdvisor 4.2/5 · 🎉 500+ events organised since 2013
The Riad Vendôme is classified by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism.
Meet your host: Meet Éric, the owner.