Jaal Riad Resort

We booked the hotel following research on TA. We are always sceptical about some of the reviews but overall all the comments we read were general accurate and a fair reflection.
The Jaal Riad is a lovely hotel with spacious public rooms. We did not use the pool because to be frank, it was very cold outside so in the pool would have been a body shock. There is a charge of 200 dirhams to use the indoor heated pool.
Our room on the 1st floor was well equipped, spacious, comfortable and had plenty of hot water when showering.
We used the pool bar quite a lot and the staff were very welcoming. Indeed the staff throughout the hotel were very helpful and pleasant.
The reception staff helped me out with a couple of issues we had in respect of an excursion we were going to do and they also gave advice with regard to the cost of a taxi into the Medina (50 dirhams or €5 for 2 persons per single trip).
The main bar had a log fire burning which was great as the evenings were chilly.
We were on an All Inclusive tariff but be aware there appears to be more than one tariff. We were yellow band, this meant that in the main we were on locally produced spirits etc but even so they all were good.
The food choices in the restaurant were excellent. There have been a number of comments from other travellers regarding the temperature of food in the buffet restaurant. I have to say I generally agree with these comments, mostly hot dishes were at best, warm. Have to say however the harissa was very spicy, delicious. Management have responded to this criticism for some time now, they really need to address it as a matter of some urgency.
The hotel is listed as 5 star. It really does have the potential to be 5 star but lets itself down and a number of minor points which if addressed would justify 5 stars, things like there being no soap in dispensers in toilets, no hand towels in dispensers, electric hand driers not working, having to ask for serviettes when dining. Yes these are minor points but ones that put that extra star on to make 5. I personally feel it is more 4.5 stars.

Would we return, yes. Thanks to all at the hotel for making our first visit to Morocco so memorable.

Our stay at Jaal Riad Resort was nothing short of exceptional, and what truly set it apart was the incredible human touch from the team—especially Chef Salim and Restaurant Manager Mounssif.
Out of nowhere, and without us even asking, they went out of their way to curate a beautiful Indian meal, thoughtfully prepared to match our tastes. This wasn’t just food—it was empathy, care, and cultural understanding served on a plate. Every dish felt intentional, authentic, and made with genuine love.
Chef Salim’s talent is undeniable, but what impressed us even more was his willingness to personalize the experience so deeply. And Mounssif’s warmth, attentiveness, and kindness elevated the entire dining experience—he made us feel seen, valued, and truly at home.
In hospitality, luxury isn’t just about the المكان—it’s about how people make you feel. At Jaal Riad, thanks to people like Salim and Mounssif, we felt cared for on a human level. This is the kind of service that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Highly recommended, and we’ll definitely be back

We booked the place in a package of Voyage Privé. This means you get some extra benefits included such as a discount on the Spa, 1 hout Padel court and all inclusive. The start was very poor, I wrote around 5 mails to the reservation mail address to get more information about the Padel court, but without reply. After many requests they sent me a mail address to use. But that link didn't work so I gave up. The arrival was ok. The place was introduced by a nice lady, and we arrived at the room after a little tour. We had a pool view room on the 2nd floor with a balcony (2x2 meter). The rumour in the corridors at night when drunk english people stumble to their rooms is well heared, and on all the emergency lights on the walls are little birds sitting to get some warmth. The buildings of the complex and the beautiful main hall are constructed to stay cool in summer I suppose. But the past days, apart of the heave rainstorms that passed, were cold, so not comfortable to stay in. There were fireplaces but, apart from the bar some evenings, they were not lighted. It looks to me that the Spa and the Italian restaurant are different companies. Although all inclusive they charge € 5,00 for a medium hot espresso, and the Spa can only be contacted direct, even for simple questions like " if the aqua gym of Sunday is cancelled or not", no info is given. No towels provided at the outside (very cold) swimming pool, and het medium warm pool and jacuzzi (charged) they provide towels after many requests. The outside bar serves meals but they are outside the package, and as well in the Maroccan restaurant there are additional fees on many of the dishes. They are also not trpared on weather changes, although the water was really pooring down, no umbrella available. Conclusion: we travel a lot, all over the world, and my expectations of a 5 star all inclusive resort are different from what was offered and served. It is a nice place, they are very friendly but there is a lot of work to he done to reach the level I expected.

And here i am once again here , loving it and enjoying like the first time with my wife , it is a little bit colder but it is okey there is an heated pool that you can book , all in all it feels like a homecoming with the lovely staff in the front desk and in the restaurant

Just returned from a week stay. We had a wonderful time. The staff are lovely and really made it a great stay. Khalid at front desk and there was another man who arranged for me to use the indoor pool a couple times - so helpful. Also rashid in the restaurant was so friendly - all the restaurant staff were great. The bar staff in evenings also so helpful. Thank you for my delicious expresso martini ! The man with the glasses behind the bar - he was so kind. Mohamed who ran entertainment also fun. Smoking in the bar was annoying though but I guess it’s allowed in Morocco.
The food is fab. Loved the Moroccan pancakes and the biscuits. Our room was clean and spacious.
I do think the indoor pool should be free in winter months. That was a bit disappointing We would def stay again. It’s a beautiful hotel .

We had one night at this beautiful riad due to a cancelled flight and we wish we could have stayed longer. The environment is beautiful and spotless. The charming team at the front desk made us feel incredibly welcome and well looked after following our stressful time at the airport. The breakfast buffet was fantastic with many options for all tastes. A short commute from the airport and into the medina. Happy to recommend.

We stayed in Jaal Riad hotel for a week with family over the new year period.We had a fantastic experience NYE in the hotel the atmosphere was awesome 🤩 with brilliant food and entertainment. All of the staff where wonderful and so helpful special thanks to Ayman , Ebrihim , they made our time special through your our stay the hotel should be so proud to have staff like this thank you. Our only point we wished the pool was heated. Thanks Daliah

Beautiful hotel, excellent welcoming and professional staff who are very helpful and go over and above to deliver great service. Good location - shopping, restaurants, trips and more.Our second stay here, would highly recommend.

Lovely hotel reception lady is very nice and helpful if you need anything she will gladly help you, all staff are nice, the bedrooms are very spacious with a big comfortable bed Lovely view of pool, pool is nice and big with nice relaxing chairs, indoor pool is heated, the grounds are kept clean and looks lovely
The food is delicious there is plenty of chicken lamb and beef .

I never leave bad reviews, so please believe me on this one.

Our recent stay at Jaal Riad Resort in Marrakech was deeply disappointing from start to finish. The hotel is absolutely not deserving of a 5-star rating, and in its current state it struggles to meet even 4-star standards.

The staff were generally rude, unwelcoming, and made even simple requests feel like an inconvenience. The only exception was the entertainment guy — he was genuinely lovely and a real credit to the hotel. Unfortunately, he was the only bright spot, but only came in a couple of times a week for evening entertainment.
Any other evening entertainment would be a small poster by the bar just stating the hours it would be on… these usually started late and ran short.

The buffet food was cold every single evening, without exception. Service was painfully slow throughout the hotel, and there are clear rations on food and drinks. Even on the so-called all-inclusive package, nearly everything is a paid extra. Getting a drink with dinner felt like a battle — you often had to ask four or five times before anything arrived.

Hygiene in the restaurant was shocking. Birds were flying freely around the dining area and directly over the food. We watched birds pecking at the pizza flour at the pool bar, and to make matters worse, my boyfriend was literally pooed on by a bird while eating in the restaurant. Completely unacceptable.
The rooms are outdated and ours wasn’t even prepared for two people, lack of towels and robes. We even questioned if we had been given the correct room due to our television welcome screen having a different name to our own. Even after the room was “serviced” you could still feel dirt under your feet.

Sun loungers are sparse around the pool area, and if you are lucky enough to get one you might not manage to get the accompanying cushion, not a dry one anyway due to them being left out in the December rain. And be cautious when walking between buildings if it has rained, as there is no drainage for rain water and no effort to push it away or make it easier to walk on the slippery ceramic tiles.
The indoor pool is a paid extra, even when the outdoor pool is unusable due to cold weather and not heated. The indoor pool area itself is damp, musty, and frankly disgusting, any towels you receive are damp, small and likely have holes or torn threads — definitely not something you’d expect to pay extra for in a “luxury” resort.

Whenever complaints were raised, the hotel team became aggressive and hostile, which made us extremely uncomfortable. Asking for a taxi felt like asking for the world, and despite the hotel listing stating they have concierge services, staff claimed they do not offer this.
If you did raise complaints you were then singled out with “special” treatment and staff wouldn’t leave you be. You shouldn’t have to have attention brought to you in what is supposed to be an all-inclusive “5-star”.

Overall, everything moves at a snail’s pace, staff lack basic manners, and I felt uneasy every time I ordered a drink because it genuinely felt like I was asking for too much. The hotel feels run-down, sad, and neglected, and requires significant work before it could even be considered 4-star, let alone 5-star.

Most telling of all, we didn’t meet a single happy guest during our stay.

I would strongly advise anyone considering this hotel to look elsewhere.

What an hotel, we enjoyed it so much, morrocan ambiance, great rooms, the food was amazing, nice pool, a short drive to the centre and the entire staff made this an holiday we will never forget

Old, dirty on the flight path … nearer a 3 star never in a. Million years a 5 star hotel … not enough wardrobe space, worn towels, tired dressing gown generally very very poor …

So Disappointed nota 5 star hotel and definitely not All inclusive.Only certain drinks you can have and bad service.🙁☹️

Point number 1
On our first day Chris the porter friendly but when we got to our room wanted tip straight away we said we haven’t got any dirhams yet.He said have you any English money !
In the end he said later then. !
Well he didn’t wait long as soon as he saw us getting money at reception he came straight over and put his hand out.We were disguised and felt ambushed so we handed over 20 dirhams to which he replied you do know that’s only Afew dollars !!

Point 2
You cannot get a drink of any kind until 11 am and not after 11pm and then you can only get certain drinks even on Xmas day the special cocktail they made cost 100 dirhams each ! Shocking we payed for All inclusive.In the restaurant if you have wine it’s as if they are rationing you as they just pour a quarter of a wine glass full and you have to keep asking and asking to get more.

Point 3
Food once again not All inclusive as the pool bar just served what was left over from the main restaurant every day.
You could have something off the menu but you had to pay extra so if you wanted say chips and a burger or a sandwich you had to pay extra.WHY we were All Inclusive !!

Point 4
We came for Xmas so yes it’s low season but the hottubs were closed off.The upstairs terrace was closed off the library was shut.
Entertainment is on it advertised well if you call a lady singer who sings for half an hour then puts a CD on and another night a game of guess the music then the Managers need to re assess what there doing.And on Xmas Day no Entertainment and you are having many different cultures at your hotel so you need to cater for them all.
Point 5
Food in the main restaurant is barely luke warm.I have had diahorrea. and sickness for 3 days after eating a lasagne that was practically cold but all the food is like this and this is right from the restaurant opening at 7.30.
This hotel is for seniors not young people. We are in our 60’s but this place is like an old people’s home.
Genuinely managers and there are a lot of you go to other All Inclusive 5 Star hotels and see how they do it as you yourselves need re training on customer service as when a guest is speaking to one of your restaurant staff you should not be rude and send them off doing something else as you make that guest feel unwelcome and please remember some of your guests speak your language and so don’t appreciate what is being said about them.

Last of all condition of our room 2161 see pics broken kettle,broken sliding doors,chipped cup,marks all over the walls hate to think what they are next to toilet.Really needs a good clean and a paint.Glass tops on small tables not fastened on just generally dated but wee done to the cleaners as they do the best with what they have.Old worn towels and bathrobes once again Not 5 Star.

I have traveled to over 30 countries, and without exaggeration, this is one of the worst hotels I have ever stayed in. Jaal Riad Resort is completely out of touch with modern hospitality and operates more like a dated boarding house for retirees than a hotel.

I stayed here for four nights, and every single day was unpleasant. If you are young, social, or traveling for fun or adventure, do not make the mistake of booking this place. The property is rundown and poorly maintained—cracked walls, outdated rooms, and a total lack of basic amenities. No microwave. No pressing iron. Instead, they conveniently withhold these basics so they can nickel-and-dime guests for extra fees.

The breakfast area is equally embarrassing, with birds freely pecking at food, which says everything about their hygiene standards. On top of that, the hotel enforces absurd, restrictive rules, including a curfew on visitors—who are only allowed to sit in the lobby like schoolchildren being monitored.

To make matters worse, the staff behavior is unacceptable. Three of my friends who traveled from America and Nigeria for the AFCON game were publicly embarrassed by the hotel’s staff for no valid reason. One staff member in particular, Suffian, repeatedly attempted to extort money at every opportunity. I formally reported this to management, only to discover that they were more interested in covering for him than addressing the misconduct, despite the fact that I have recordings to support my claims.

This hotel is overpriced, poorly managed, restrictive, and deeply unprofessional. It offers none of the comfort, service, or value one expects from a legitimate resort.

Final warning: If you are a young traveler, save yourself the frustration and book an Airbnb instead. This place is a grossly overpriced facility that runs like a missionary home, not a hotel.

Excellent staff especially waiting staff. Food was up there also. Room was luxurious with excellent shower and bottled water plentiful each day.
Would definitely return next October as December is cooler in the evenings.
Taxi to Medina cheap and regular.

Although we had a relaxing time, the Jaal Riad Resort was a very disappointing. And thankful that we had only booked a week. We were actually ready to go home after 5 days!

The staff were all lovely, but we felt the senior management were very poor. We felt that some were not interested in the guest experience, many people were complaining about the choice of food, the food being cold and food supplements.
There were supplements for using the indoor pool and outdoor jacuzzis.
There are many supplement charges for food, even in the snack bar.
We did have a meal in “The Cat” Italian restaurant, it wasn’t anything special, but we did pay approx £50 in food supplements.

Apart from the restaurants, there was only one other place at a time open to get a drink, either the O2 pool snack bar (11:00-18:00) or “The Stay” bar (19:00-23:00)

Being December there were plenty of sun beds. However, we could imagine there being a shortage during busier times.

Our holiday was booked with Jet2, and our holiday rep was fantastic. Any problems and she was immediately on the case. It was just the resort itself that was disappointing.

The senior management need to visit other all inclusive hotels and see where they are lacking.

Previously, we have stayed in Rui All Inclusive resorts around the world, and our lesson has been learn’t not to stay anywhere else.

Just to say, some guests who were leaving a couple of days after we arrived did mention that previously the food had been lovely. Still with many supplements though.

The hotel is stunning rooms stunning food in cat restaurant was amazing also you the terize restaurant for us was amazing food fantastic staff can’t do enough for you from fetching drinks to carrying food also the chef was excellent in telling us about the food dishes

After visiting as a family of 4 in July, myself and my husband came back in November for our anniversary.
Again, what a beautiful time we had.
The staff remembered us and we were treated with absolute courtesy .
The staff are just THE BEST.
Please, PLEASE ignore the negative, miserable comments. Just enjoy the wonderful hotel and its delightful atmosphere.
It’s not a 5* hotel, and it’s pretty clear from the off that it isn’t by how much a stay is, but who cares - seriously!!!
Aimem, Rania, moncif, Yousseff, all restaurant staff/ chefs. Lovely ladies that clean the rooms.
And super Salim in the bar along with Nordine and the young lads serving. THANK YOU for making our stay so memorable once again.
See you again in July when we return as a family of 4!
And for those who moan and whine about this delightful hotel and want 5*++++++ then go to Beverley Hills instead !!!

Beautiful hotel, an oasis of calm and serenity, excellent facilities and fantastic service. The staff were superb, the food was delicious. We were all inclusive,m for a week. Wine was great, beer was cold. We will go back.

This is our second visit. We brought our close friends this time around. We’ve loved it. The location is a good distance from the centre in a cheap 10 minute taxi journey. The atmosphere is both relaxing and lively. The rooms are good , cleaned everyday if wanted. The all inclusive is worth the money, we prefer the garden view over pool view. Noise levels vary around the resort. A lot of the staff are very friendly and helpful