Riad Papillon

L'atelier des saveurs restaurant Marrakech.

Nestled into the medina just around the corner from the beautiful Riad Papillon, you will find this trendy little spot which is aptly named “L’atelier des Saveurs”. This attractive, open fronted eatery is on the section of street that runs between the palace at Dar ‘l Bacha and the busy taxi drop-off point of Riad […]

Cristiano-Ronaldo’s-Family-Members photo by Maria Dolores

Marrakech is an ever popular destination for celebrities, and as the popularity of this fabled red city grows year on year it is becoming the choice of destination for important celebrations. This year was no exception. Ronaldo was just one of a host of celebrities who chose to see in the New Year in the […]

Marrakech marathon 2018 - Marrakech Riad

The 29th edition of the  Marrakech marathon will take place on the 28 th January 2018. His Majesty King Mohammed VI is the patron of this event, where more than 8000 runners from all around the world will take part in a most prestigious marathon. The stunning circuit in Marrakech is considered to be one […]

Wine Tasting with Marrakech riad

Wine may not be our first association when we think of Morocco, yet there superb wines and beautiful vineyards. Charles de Melia a renowned wine maker from the Chateauneuf du Pape region in France makes a selection of fabulous wines at his Moroccan vineyard.  This is the most southerly vineyard in North Africa and also has […]

Felt necklaces made and dyed in the souks of Marrakech

Make your way through the open arch portal beside the historic Mouassine fountain, and you will find yourself inside Sebbaghine, Marrakech’s vibrant Souk des teinturiers. (Dyers Souk) If you have a passion for textiles, an eye for colour, or an interest in all things artisanal; then you will certainly enjoy a look at the dyers […]

Koutoubia Mosque Marrakech

Sally Evans visited Marrakech for  Candis Women’s family & Lifestyle magazine. Her account of staying in Marrakech describes beautiful mosques, enchanting palaces and thriving souks. With a beautiful account of her experiences and a host of helpful tips the essence of this beautiful ancient city is vibrantly shared by her clear passion for the red city.   […]

oldest homosapien bones found near marrakech

Fossils recovered from an old mine on a desolate mountain in Morocco have rocked one of the most enduring foundations of the human story: that Homo sapiens arose in a cradle of humankind in East Africa 200,000 years ago. Archaeologists unearthed the bones of at least five people at Jebel Irhoud, a former barite mine […]

Riad Star (16)

Bananas were introduced to Morocco as a crop in the early 1940’s, production was confined to small plantings in special micro climates along the Atlantic coast, north of Agadir, The best sites for banana cultivation are low areas along the Atlantic coast that are essentially frost-free. Sites are protected from strong winds; also, windbreaks, typically living fences of […]

secret garden marrakech

The walls of Marrakech Medina hold hidden spaces. As we walk through the sun kissed, busy, vibrant streets we are often unaware of the beauty concealed behind the doors. Your first experience as a visitor to one of our riad hotels will illustrate this, as you step through the doors for the first time, the hidden […]

riad-papillon-_ALK2248

From the moment you step off the plane you are immersed in the beauty and wonder of Marrakech. The heat of the desert sun greets you warmly like an old friend as you disembark from your flight. The cool slick interior of the brand new airport terminal greets you and ‘wows’ you with stunning architecture. The […]

What to pack for Marrakech

It’s always helpful to have some local info for your holidays, so here are a few top tips to make your stay in Marrakech simple. I have been travelling in Morocco for over 16 years, and here are a few very easy things which I always do which make my trip more comfortable. Bring the name and address of […]

Spanish festoon butterfly Morocco

In honour of the name of Riad Papillon! We would love to share some of the species of butterflies which are found in Morocco. For those with an interest in Flora and Fauna Morocco has so much to offer. The butterfly Fauna of Morocco is particularly rich with 135 recorded species. Morocco offers the richest and […]

Dar Habiba, only minutes from the Jemma al Fnaa square

The arabic word Rais usually means ships captain, the berber language has borrowed this word to describe the leader of a group, like this one, that play with the traditional Ribab instrument. Recorded live in the Jemma al Fnaa square Marrakech at the time of the Marrakech Film festival 2011, note the giant outdoor screen […]

Gelati Dino Avenue Mohammed V marrakech

What better way to indulge yourself in scorching Marrakech than a delicious ice cream. Our favourite place for ice cream is located on the Avenue Mohamed V in the new town of Guiliez. Gelati Dino offers authentic Italian ice cream in luxurious air conditioned surroundings. It is one of THE places for affluent cool (no […]

Hassan our vegetable supplier

Here at Riads Cinnamon and Papillon we buy as much as possible of our food from local suppliers. We shop daily visiting our regular stall and shop owners. Their personal relationships directly back to the farmer mean that we know where our food has been right from the minute that it has been picked till […]

Roof tent at night, Riad Cinnamon

Marrakech Riad deals make it even more attractive to stay in our two fantastic Riad hotels in the central medina. Marrakech Riad deals and Offers are regularly updated. Pick up a choice bargain with our best prices available through our website.

winter prickly pear

The Prickly pears for sale in the street markets of Marrakech are ten times sweeter in the winter, and ten times more expensive! Our boutique hotels in the heart of the ancient city are the perfect base from which to go out and enjoy Marrakech. Reserve accommodation today!

Responsible tourism marrakech, spot the solar panel?

As part of our commitment to responsible tourism Riad Papillon has solar water heating with the panels discretely located on the roof terrace.

Marrakech Riad Papillon has a fantastic dipping pool in the courtyard. Perfect for cooling off in the hot summer months. The pool is tiled with intricate Zellige from Fes, a real work of Marrakechi craftsmanship. Its sympathetic shape is the product of many hours of reflection by Lucie and our super architect, Chris Redecke.

Marrakech Riad is owned by English couple Mike and Lucie Wood who personally supervised the renovation of Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon both of which are situated in ideal locations within the Medina of Marrakech Morocco. Each Riad has five great en suite guest rooms all individually designed and furnished. The cosy and private facilities are […]

dining in the tent on the Roof Terrace at Riad Papillon

We are very proud of our newly installed Moroccan tent on the Roof Terrace at Riad Papillon.  Hand made by local craftsmen it is a beautiful and romantic space especially in the evening when it can be lit by candles. The tent will feature during the winter months and is an excellent place to eat, whether a wonderful breakfast […]

Your en suite room in a de Luxe Riad is the perfect base from which to explore the Medina of Marrakech. Our two Riads, Riad Papillon and Riad Cinnamon are located in the heart of the ancient Medina, a UNESCO heritage site. Explore the famous Marrakech Souks, discover the incomparable Jemaa al Fnaa square, visit […]

Riad Papillon formerly the kitchen to the adjacent home

The terms Riad (literal meaning garden) and Dar (literal meaning house) are somewhat interchangeable in Marrakech. Strictly speaking a Riad is a garden house built around a courtyard or patio.  Some would say that a true riad requires four trees in a formal setting. The broader term Dar includes even the finest Riads but also dwellings that are more modest  in scale and […]

Sunset over Marrakech square

Marrakech is always a fun town for people watching, even more so at the moment! Hollywood is in Marrakech and the heart of the Medina is buzzing with activity for the filming of Sex And the City 2. A few hundred yards from Riad Papillon burly security guards left us in no doubt that amateur […]

Welcome visitor

A butterfly is a rare sight in the urban setting of the old town of Marrakech.  So imagine our delight at the arrival of this welcome guest at Riad Papillon. It was cunningly photographed by our eagle eyed guardian Abdelatif as it inspected the newly opened Riad. As the Moroccans say ‘Baraka’, what a wonderful omen!