In short:
To book an authentic and official riad in Marrakech, check its operating license, administrative plate and its exact location in the medina.
- Official License: Require an authorized establishment according to law n°80-14 promulgated by dahir n°1-15-108 of August 4, 2015.
- Mandatory taxes: Count 15 MAD per person and per night for the municipal tourist tax (municipality of Marrakech).
- Tourist tax: Add 8 MAD (2nd category) or 11 MAD (1st category) per person per night for TPT (ONMT).
- Recording: The DGSN passport declaration is mandatory on arrival according to Decree No. 2-15-865.
How to make sure to book an official and secure riad?
Booking a riad in the Medina of Marrakech requires strict vigilance on the legal status of the accommodation. Many private residences are clandestinely rented without legal authorization, which deprives the traveler of any guarantee of security or recourse in the event of a dispute.
However, the Moroccan regulatory framework is very clear. Law n°80-14, promulgated by Dahir n°1-15-108 of August 4, 2015, imposes a compulsory classification and an administrative authorization for exploitation issued by the Ministry of Tourism for any house of hosts or riad. In addition, the joint decree n°985-24 of December 24, 2024 unifies the classification of these tourist accommodation establishments under an official standard reference frame, supervised by the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Tourism.
The 5 steps to book an authentic riad in Marrakech
Check the official plate and the approval number
A legal riad has an operating authorization number. According to the Regional Tourism Council (CRT) Marrakech-Safi, each approved establishment must affix an official metal plate to its main entrance, indicating its level of classification. Before paying a deposit, ask for confirmation of the approval number from the owner if it is not clearly visible on its website.
Locate the nearest taxi drop-off point
The alleys of the medina are entirely pedestrian and very narrow. A riad located more than 10 minutes walk from a door (BAB) or from a car access poses major logistical difficulties with your luggage. Use the satellite view to check the actual distance between the nearest taxi stand and the riad entrance gate.
Anticipate the transfer and arrival in the medina
For a first stay, ask the Riad to plan a transfer from the airport or the train station. A member of the staff will greet you at the vehicle drop-off point to guide you through the maze of the alleys. Luggage is generally transported by manual cart to the reception of the riad.
Analyze the details of the tourist taxes on the quote
Rates displayed on online platforms often exclude mandatory local taxes. Check that your final invoice clearly distinguishes the price of the overnight stay and the regulatory taxes collected on behalf of the local authorities.
Confirm the legal registration procedure
When you arrive, the RIAD manager must imperatively identify the identities of all occupants. Decree No. 2-15-865 of the Ministry of the Interior lays down the obligation to electronically declare on the secure platform of the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) for all customers residing in an approved RIAD.
What are the regulatory taxes to be paid on site?
The calculation of the total cost of one night in Riad includes two taxes governed by Moroccan regulations. These amounts are fixed and must be the subject of a separate line at the time of invoicing.
| Tax designation | Amount per person per night | Recipient organization |
|---|---|---|
| Municipal tourist tax | 15 MAD | Municipality of Marrakech |
| Tourist promotion tax (TPT) – 2nd category | 8 MAD | Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) |
| Tourist promotion tax (TPT) – 1st category | 11 MAD | Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) |
How to avoid location errors in the Medina?
The standard postal address does not exist in the heart of the old town. The riads are identified by a neighborhood name (DERB) and an alley number. In order not to find yourself isolated in a poorly lit or off-center sector, favor central districts such as Mouassine, Kennaria, Riad Laarous or Derb Dabachi.
Beware of imprecise descriptions simply indicating “5 minutes from Jemaa el-Fna square”. Check the exact position by crossing the name of the derb on collaborative cards. If the property refuses to tell you the exact meeting point before booking, direct your choice to another guest house.
frequently asked questions
How to know if a riad in Marrakech is legal?
An official riad has an administrative metal plate screwed at the main entrance, issued by the CRT Marrakech-Safi, and an operating authorization number. He systematically makes the legal electronic declaration of your passports to the DGSN on your arrival.
What is the amount of tourist taxes in a riad in Marrakech?
The municipal fixed tourist tax amounts to 15 MAD per person per night. To this must be added the tourist promotion tax (TPT), which varies between 8 MAD (2nd category) and 11 MAD (1st category) per person per night.
How to access your riad with your luggage from the taxi?
Vehicles do not circulate in the heart of the medina. Your taxi will drop you off at the nearest pedestrian access point. The riad usually sends an employee to guide customers and carry suitcases to the facility.
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