Our riad in the heart of Marrakech
We affectionately call our riad Villa Berna. We, Verena and Norbert, met in Bern and spent many wonderful years in this enchanting city in Switzerland. We wanted to bring a little bit of our old home back to Morocco. We are fulfilling a small lifelong dream with this riad.
Book directlyOur Riad Villa Berna
The house has six lovingly renovated, bright rooms furnished in oriental style with a view of the patio. The rooms bear the names of our six children. This is also a sign of our attachment to our children and our old home in Bern.
Each of the rooms has its own bathroom with shower. A seating pool in the patio provides welcome refreshment on hot days. On the roof terrace you will find comfortable sun loungers for cosy hours. Under the covered pergola or in the cosy lounge areas, you can enjoy your breakfast, a romantic dinner or a Moroccan tea with pastries.
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Riads are typical Moroccan family houses. The rooms are arranged around an inner courtyard (patio), which is often landscaped and equipped with a small pool. The atmosphere is very informal and you quickly socialise with other guests. Due to the construction, our riad is not suitable for children.
Our rooms
In the bathrooms you will find local toiletries, a hairdryer and high-quality bathrobes. Pool towels are provided at the pool and by the sun loungers.
Room
Room „Julia“ with small private terrace
Our room “Julia” with a view of the large bitter orange tree is on the 1st floor. Breakfast is included in the price. The furniture is lovingly handmade by our Berber friends. The bathroom has a shower and the tiles are typically Moroccan.
1 Double bed (140×200)
Shower/WC
Room
Room „Raphaela“
Our room “Raphaela” is our only double room with a very large bathroom. Breakfast is included in the room. The furniture is lovingly handcrafted. The wooden ceiling is a work of art more than 100 years old. The room overlooks the patio with a large bitter orange tree.
2 Single beds (90 x 200)
Shower/WC
Room
Room „Simon“
Our “Simon” room is bright, spacious and traditionally furnished in oriental style. Breakfast is included in the room rate. The furniture is lovingly handmade by our Berber friends. The windows of the room open onto the patio with a large bitter orange tree.
1 Double bed (160×200)
Shower/WC
Room
Room „Milena”
Our “Milena” room is bright, spacious and traditionally furnished in oriental style. Breakfast is included in the room. The furniture is lovingly handmade by our Berber friends. The windows of the room open onto the patio with a large bitter orange tree.
1 Double bed (160×200)
Shower/WC
Suite
Suite “Marvin”
Our “Marvin” suite is brand new and is located in the extension completed in 2024, which is directly adjacent to the existing Riad Villa Berna. It is bright, very spacious, traditionally furnished in oriental style, has two separate sleeping areas and can comfortably accommodate 4 guests.
1 double bed & 2 single beds
Shower/WC
Suite
Suite “Ida”
Our “Ida” suite is brand new and is located in the extension completed in 2024, which is directly adjacent to the existing Riad Villa Berna. It is bright, very spacious, traditionally furnished in oriental style, has two separate sleeping areas and can comfortably accommodate 4 guests.
1 double bed & 2 single beds
Shower/WC
Galerie
Food & Drink
Dinner
A rich and varied breakfast is included in the room rate.
- 3 course menu (also vegetarian/vegan) incl. water 25€
- Main course (also vegetarian/vegan) incl. water 15€
Cookery course
Let’s get cooking! Together with Atika and Fatima we will prepare a typical Moroccan tajine, either with meat or vegetarian/vegan. Of course, a starter and a typical Moroccan dessert are also included.
Participants: minimum 2 people up to a maximum of 8 people
Price: 40€ (incl. water)
About us
The Riad Villa Berna is firmly in female hands. Fatima and Atika, two women who grew up in the medina of Marrakech, know the city like the back of their hands. Women are still an exception in management positions in Morocco’s traditionally conservative society. We wanted to change this and are absolutely convinced of the commitment and professionalism of our team. We are very proud of the two women and of our entire team!
Our team
Munia
Enjoy a classic or oriental oil massage with our masseuse Munia.
Rabiaa
Rabiaa keeps the whole house clean and supports the kitchen team.
Sinem
Sinem keeps the whole house clean and supports the kitchen team.
Aziz
Aziz is our guest relations manager. He supports Atika and Fatima in their day-to-day business.
Ismail
Ismail is our guest relations manager. He supports Atika and Fatima in their day-to-day business.
Verena
Verena was born in Austria and lived in Switzerland for 35 years. She is the mother of four grown-up children and ran her own restaurant in Switzerland for several years.
Norbert
Norbert was born in Germany and has also lived in Switzerland for many years. He is the father of two grown-up sons and, with his experience as an economist, brings the necessary business experience to the company.
What our guests say
Great location, comfortable rooms, close to the heart of the Medina.
“We loved our stay! The place is very comfortable and the staff were friendly and helpful. We felt totally at home and really enjoyed the calm and quiet located close to the heart of the Medina. The beds very very comfortable, and breakfast was generous and delicious. The terrace was lovely, even during the heat of a 98 degree day.”
– Bruce, United States
Das beste Riad!
“Leider hatten wir nur eine Nacht in diesem wunderschönen Riad. Hier ist alles mit Liebe fürs Detail eingerichtet und nichts fehlt. Wir wurden an unserem Checkout-Tag schon früh zu einer Wüstentour abgeholt und das Team hat möglich gemacht, dass wir das tolle Frühstück früher einnehmen konnten. In unseren 2 Wochen Marokko das beste Riad! Wir müssen wieder kommen!”
– Caren
Riad Villa Berna
Services
Transfer from the airport to the centre of the medina (20€)
If you wish, we can recommend our favourite restaurants and cafés, our preferred hammam and the shops we trust.
We organise for you: private day trips (just you and the driver), quad tours, cooking courses and massage in the house, off-road tours, balloon trips and much more.
We do not organise group tours.
Our partners for exclusive experiences and accommodation in Morocco: www.saharatours.ch
FAQ
How far is it to … ?
| Ben Youssef Mosque | 450 m |
| Marché aux epices | 500 m |
| Souks | 200 m |
| Jemaa-el-Fna | 1 km |
| Koutoubia Mosqu | 1.7 km |
| Jardin Secrèt | 700 m |
| Musée de Marrake | 400 m |
| Musée dar el Bacha | 900 m |
| Bahia-Palace | 1.6 km |
Why does our transfer cost more than a taxi at the airport?
The taxi drivers only take tourists to the end of the Prince’s Passage, which leads away from Jemaa-el-Fna. From there, you have to find your own way to the riad. This is possible with Google Maps, but can be exhausting because of the young men who offer their help for a fee along the way.
Our driver will take you closer to the riad as he knows where it is. There you will be picked up by a member of staff and accompanied to the riad.
Is breakfast included in the price?
Yes, there is a varied and comprehensive breakfast that you can enjoy on the beautiful roof terrace. We are also happy to offer a vegan and/or gluten-free or lactose-free breakfast on request.
Can I order a glass of wine with dinner in the evening?
Morocco is a Muslim country and the consumption of alcohol is frowned upon. It is of course possible for tourists to buy alcohol in certain restaurants or hotels. To do this, the establishment needs an alcohol licence. We do not have such a licence and are therefore not authorised to serve alcohol.
Is it dangerous to be out and about in the alleyways at night?
Morocco, and Marrakech in particular, is very safe due to its high police presence (often in plain clothes during the day). The penalties for harassing tourists or even stealing a mobile phone or wallet are severe.
If you feel unsafe and are afraid to leave the souks in the evening, we will be happy to pick you up at your restaurant.
Is it customary to tip?
Yes, tipping is very important in Morocco. Many people live on the breadline, have large families to support and for them tipping is more than just showing appreciation. We usually give 10% of the bill if we were satisfied with the service.
Can I exchange cash on site or do I have to bring dirhams with me?
You do not need to bring dirhams from home. Their import and export are limited anyway.
You can withdraw dirhams from the numerous ATMs or exchange them for euros, dollars or pounds in the bureaux de change. You can get the best exchange rate at the Hotel Ali on Jemaa-el-Fna.
Are there guarded car parks near the riad?
There are various larger and smaller guarded and paid car parks in the old town. Some of them can be reached within a few minutes on foot. Ask our team, they will advise you.
Is the pool heated?
We have two pools, one is heated, the other is not.
Is the pool for exclusive use?
No, the pools are available to all our guests.
Contact us
Riad Villa Berna
Derb el Ferrane N63
MÉDINA
40000 Marrakesch