The El Cadi Riyad Marrakech – The Story Behind

The El Cadi Riyad Marrakech was founded by Herwig Bartels, a long life diplomat, connoisseur of the Arab world, passionate collector of Islamic arts and last but not least German Ambassador to Morocco.

Bartels thought the traditional architecture of a 14th century riyad the most adequate platform to show his internationally renowned collection of Islamic arts. He considered the most attractive place for a riyad Marrakech as he loved the warm-hearted and easy-going Marrakchis, the all-year sun and the lively and colourful life in the red city. This was the ideal place to come to rest after a long working life. Until today, the riad is known among Moroccans as the ” Dar Essafir “, the house of the Safir, the Ambassador.

Open House for Art Lovers

Guests from all over the world met in a typical Moroccan environment to exchange ideas on Ottoman arts, modern Moroccan arts, creative dyers in the High Atlas Mountains, and carpet weavers in Anatolia. The meeting place for connoisseurs of Islamic arts was born!

The El Cadi Riyad Marrakech – once a private house – hosted more and more guests. Since 2000, the riyad was run as a hotel by Herwig Bartels and from 2003 on, his daughters are in charge of it – keeping up their father’s style.

The style of the Riyad Marrakech flair, oriental hospitality and arts

The El Cadi Riyad Marrakech still is a destination for friends of Islamic and Moroccan arts: Early Berber textiles from our collection are exhibited all over the riyad and permit insights into the age-old civilization of Morocco‘s Berbers.

Important artefacts – early Anatolian Kilims or Ottoman embroideries, medieval Musharabiyas from Fez or classical Chinese furniture, modern paintings or rural Moroccan pottery – can be found in all of the rooms, corridors and staircases and contribute to the exceptional character of the El Cadi Riyad Marrakech. All of these objects are in harmony and reveal art as a common language.

Welcome!

We say „Marhaba!“ and invite you to enjoy in the El Cadi Riyad Marrakech the oriental hospitality so typical for Morocco

Our offers

Book directly with us and benefit from special rates for our valued guests

10-30% LAST MINUTE OFFER

  • 10% -30% discount on reservations made at least 14 days before arrival and in January 2024. Limited offer.
  • Further discounts for entire January 2024.

FRIENDS OF EL CADI

Keep up to date with our news, enjoy a disocunt of 10 % on all our room rates during your stay.

EARLY BIRD

Plan your trip early and benefit from a discount.
20% reduction on standard room rates. 3 months in advance booking.

Cooking classes at Riyad El Cadi: Moroccan cuisine

Do you wish to prepare a simple but delicious tajine or couscous on your own? Hotel Riyad El Cadi has cooking classes to serve you! Prepare your own dishes on charcoal fire in a patio of our riad.
Costs: 70 EUR per person including cooking lesson and lunch. Cooking classes “Moroccan Cuisine” also available for guests not staying in our riad. Min 2 persons.

VIP PACKAGE

Let Riyad El Cadi pamper you: 3 nights in a suite, airport transfer, city-tour, hammam, dinner.. From 1140 EUR.

HOLIDAY PACKAGE

The best way to get to know the real Marrakech: 4 nights, city-tour, hammam. From 715 EUR per couple

GOLF HOLIDAYS MARRAKECH

7 nights at a special rate: A wonderful golf package including lots of golf on wonderful courses and a bit of culture.
24.11-20.12 and 05.01-28.01.