Staying in a Riad is quite a different experience to staying in a hotel, so if you are going to Marrakech you really should stay in a Riad. We stayed at Riad Al Badia February 2013 and we enjoyed every moment. The personal attention and service was impeccable.
When approaching the Riad from the road / lane outside it does not look promising but once you have passed through the front door you are reasurred by the peace, quiet and tranquility.
The walk to the main square is about 10 /15 minutes all of which are eventful !
Several of the main sites are only a few minutes walk from the the Riad.
Dinner can be ordered the evening before and we ate there once, it was most enjoyable.

The rooms on the roof are smaller and more basic than the rooms lower down . We stayed in both types of room and although it is personal choice we enjoyed the roof room best as it opens directly outside, still quite quiet, a nice seating and lying area.

If I were returning to Marrakech I would stay again at Al Badia.

It is almost impossible to express adequately in words the level of service, care and attention we received from all the staff at Riad Al Badia. From our initial contact, via email, to arrange taxi transfers and an evening meal on our first night, until Laurent and Ahmed waved us off in our taxi, we could not have been more impressed. On arrival Ahmed made us feel so welcome. Over mint tea and pastries he carefully explained where to find places of interest and the best places to eat, marking each destination on a map. When it came time for us to venture out he lead us through the streets and set us on our way from a central point, which enabled us to find our way back easily. We dined at the Riad on the first night. The 3 course meal was a delight. Each course, cooked by resident chef Samira, as a "taste sensation". All the staff, lead by Laurent, were helpful, kind and attentive. We would recommend this Riad without hesitation. Badia apparently means "Brilliant" and this Riad definitely lives up to its name! Thank you to Laurent, Ahmed, Samira, Mohamed, Fatima, Hanane and Amal for making our stay so memorable.

Riad Al Badia was my first riad. It was a great experience. And it truly was a wonderful respite in the heart of a bustling, headache-y mass of chaotic souks. However, it was well located, relatively easy to find and close to the major sites.

Lovely riad with cozy comfort and pretty designs. The room was small, but somehow airy with quaint Moroccan touches throughout.

The swimming pool in the lounge area was perplexing, but the terrace lounge was quite nice, with a wonderful view of the snow-capped mountains. The terrace area outside Ambre room was also quite relaxing.

Great customer service. Laurent was a great host and Abdel was very helpful and extremely knowledgeable. His recommendations were wonderfully on point for both restaurants and hammam in Marrakech. The hotel-recommended drivers were great - courteous and gave really good mini-tours - they ALWAYS took the scenic route, and were always patient to point out attractions and provide a history of their fair city! The riad even completed our exit forms. Came in very helpful as I struggled to jump line at the airport!

Highly recommended!

We stayed one full week at Riad Al Badia and would recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Marrakech. The hotel is perfectly located in the calmest part of marrakech within the ancient city. Hotel has very nice rooms and a wonderful suite ! Fatima kooks amazingly well for breakfast as well as for dinner (on demand). And most of all, the staff and its director Ahmed is incredibly kind and helpful. They will definitely make your stay unforgettable !