Le Ryad Boutique Hôtel – Marseille

Occupying a late-19th-century building in the heart of Marseille, Le Ryad Boutique Hôtel is styled on a traditional Moroccan riad. It offers a diverse selection of rooms for couples and families, including an independent house nestled at the base of the garden. Begin the day with breakfast in the peaceful garden where Moroccan sweets and mint tea are also served each afternoon. Once a popular meeting place for artists of the old Alcazar scene, the hotel continues to attract art and culture lovers to this day.

Le Ryad is located in Marseille’s 1st arrondissement, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Port and a stone’s throw from the historic high street of La Canebiere. It’s an easy stroll from two metro stations that will whisk you to destinations across the city, as well as to the Gare de Saint Charles that’s just a kilometre away.

Wander along the famous street of Cours Julien or delve into the fascinating history at the renowned MuCEM, then catch a show at the renowned Théâtre du Gymnase. The Marseille Provence Airport is 25 minutes by taxi from the hotel.

Begin the day with breakfast in the oriental courtyard garden of Le Ryad Boutique Hôtel. French pastries, traditional Moroccan crepes and freshly squeezed orange juice are on the menu, together with your choice of tea or coffee. In the afternoon, be transported to North Africa with refreshing mint tea and traditional sweets while enjoying the wafting fragrance of roses and jasmine.

Lunch or dinner can also be organised at the hotel with advance notice or there’s everything from casual bistro fare to gourmet cuisine available in the surrounding restaurants.

Le Ryad Boutique Hôtel is styled after a traditional Moroccan riad, with these historic houses situated in the heart of the medina. It features tiled floors, a sweeping staircase and wrought iron furnishings, as well as artwork and decor that will transport you to the souks of this North African nation.

The rich ochre, blue and red colours used in the interior spaces are complemented by the lush greenery of the patio, which is planted with palm trees, roses and jasmine.

Each of the rooms is individually decorated with typical Moroccan touches and inspired by a town or element in traditional culture. Ornate lanterns, rich tapestries and tiled bathrooms are featured in many of the rooms while air-conditioning, coffee machines and flatscreen TVs are among the modern conveniences.

Guests can opt for the blue-hued Chaouen room or the whitewashed Mogador room, as well as the Ahlem or “dream” room that’s been designed as a honeymooners bridal chamber.

None of the rooms at the Le Ryad Boutique Hôtel are specifically adapted for wheelchair access or those with limited mobility.

Guests travelling with kids can take advantage of the Noor room, which features a queen-size bed and living room sofa that can be transformed into additional beds. Babysitting services are also available on request.

The friendly concierge service at Le Ryad can recommend nearby cultural sites, as well as assist in booking tickets and tours. Daily housekeeping is available and complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. Temporary exhibitions and artistic performances are occasionally held at the hotel, together with storytelling sessions in the garden.