Checking In: P'tit Habibi, Marrakech
Up in the northern quarter of Marrakech’s bustling Medina, P’TIT HABIBI is a five-room oasis of calm, and the perfect base for getting under the skin of Morocco’s captivating capital. Whilst in the heart of the city, the traditional riad feels like a serene private hideaway, with its white-washed courtyard, sun-drenched roof terraces, and a Scandi-infused design aesthetic, all dressed up with eclectic local flair.
Tucked away by an unassuming door with a teeny tiny sign down a dusty road, P’tit Habibi is modest, understated and calm. There’s no stuffy atmosphere and no surplus staff making you feel on edge, it’s just a relaxed home from home — someone’s with impeccable style and taste! Traditional Moroccan arts and crafts add colour to clean white walls, big arty coffee table books dress up empty corners and photos of Mick Jagger and pals on the walls make you wonder what went on here years ago. The decor is on point and unlike all the other corners of the Medina, at P’titi Habibi, minimalism is embraced. (The riad’s owner is an architect who lives in Norway, hence the douse of Scandi cool.)
The five rooms and suites are spread around the courtyard over two floors, all uniquely decorated with hand-painted furniture, local crafts and eccentric touches. Our room was particularly special — we definitely lucked out! Cosy and compact, the bed was slotted in one end, and at the other, a real fire with an elegant, intricately tiled flume. We stayed in January when evenings dropped to zero degrees, so it was a very welcomed addition. We had our own terrace too with a cosy cushioned nook that looked out over the courtyard. Not a bad spot to start the day with a book, before heading out to explore.
On the ground floor, guests can chill out in the library or listen to Arabic music in the airy Moroccan salon. The highlight of P’tit Habibi for me though was the sun-drenched roof terrace — a serene spot to hideaway, relax, sunbathe, eat breakfast (what a feast they put on!) or dip your toes in the pool — a much-needed refresher when it’s hitting 40-degrees in the summer months. No city is more magical than Marrakech in the pink golden hour light, and the top terrace is a perfect place for sundowners with its hazy views over the rooftop of the city.
P’tit Habibi was my perfect kind of place to stay: calm, quiet, unpretentious, and chilled out. The service and hospitality we encountered was second to none, the team couldn’t have been friendlier or more helpful in guiding us around town (it sure is easy to get lost in the Medina!). There are a hundred great riads to choose from in Marrakech but few of them feel as calm, considered and as authentic as this.
P'TIT HABIBI, rates from £100/night
MORE TO READ: 48 HOURS IN MARRAKECH
