Raphaël Masson

April 4, 2025

Riad in Ouarzazate: why you should be interested and how to find the best riad for sale?

Why buy a riad in Ouarzazate?

Ouarzazate, a booming city in the heart of the desert

Considered to be the Desert Gate, Ouarzazate attracts more and more visitors every year. Between majestic kasbahs, movie studios, and green valleys, the city is in full development. Its international airport, its tourism projects, and the growth of cultural activities and Saharan Africa make it a strategic hub for investors looking for a booming sector.

A real estate market that is still accessible

Unlike Marrakech or Essaouira, the prices of real estate in Ouarzazate remain very affordable. It is still possible to buy a riad for sale in Ouarzazate for a reasonable price, with a high valuation potential. The goods to be restored or transformed are numerous, and the growing tourist demand allows glimpses of profitability prospects very interesting.

Investment opportunity: between personal residence and hotel project

A Riad in Ouarzazate can become a main residence, a peaceful place to live at the heart of a cultural and sunny city. But it is also an excellent place to launch a guest house, a boutique hotel, or a project in connection with desert, the cinema or the local crafts.

The unique appeal of a riad compared to a traditional hotel

An authentic and characterful experience

Ouarzazate Riads offer a unique accommodation experience. Their traditional architecture, their flowery patios, their shaded corners, and their intimate ambiance distinguish them from standard hotels. This setting allows visitors to feel like at home while living a cultural immersion.

Ideal for launching a guest house project or immersive stays

Thanks to the growing demand for authentic stays, riads have become a safe haven for investors. Numerous establishments transformed into guest houses are recording high occupancy rates, especially during tourist seasons. A well renovated riad, with good services (pool, massage room, games room, etc.) and a trained staff, can quickly become one of best establishments in the city.

Reviews on Riad Ouarzazate confirm the growing interest of travelers

A quick overview of platforms shows that Riad Ouarzazate reviews are very positive. Clients appreciate the welcome, the quietness, the proximity to the kasbahs, or even the quality of the services offered. A well-rated establishment with a personalized ambiance attracts families as well as travelers looking for withdrawal in the desert.

The most popular neighborhoods to buy a riad in Ouarzazate

The center of Ouarzazate and the Kasbah of Taourirt

The Ouarzazate city center, around the Kasbah of Taourirt, is one of the most sought after places to buy a riad. It's a neighborhood rich in history, very popular with tourists, and well located near restaurants, souks, movie theaters, and historical heritage. A riad in this area benefits from a natural visibility and of a strong tourist attraction.

Hay El Wahda: calm, proximity and good potential for development

The Hay El Wahda district combines residential calm, close to the center, and accessibility. It is an ideal area to buy a riad to transform, with quiet corners, of discreet neighbors and a good value for money. It is also a strategic sector for projects of family guest houses.

Areas close to Ouarzazate airport or with quick access to the desert

Areas close to Ouarzazate airport or on the roads leading to the desert offer significant logistical opportunities. A riad well located on these axes can seduce travel agencies, tour organizers, or tourists visiting for a night before leaving for the desert.

How to identify the best riad for sale in Ouarzazate?

Criteria to be evaluated: surface, general condition, bathroom, type of rooms

A good riad to buy must be evaluated according to specific criteria:

  • Its total surface and the configuration of the building (R+1, R+2...).
  • The condition of the building : should a complete renovation or finishes be planned?
  • The number of rooms available and their adaptability for future customers.
  • The comfort of the bathroom (private or shared).

Sought after amenities: pool, patio, games room, internet, parking

Visitors are looking for riads with pool, a well-maintained central patio, a reliable internet connection, and a secure parking. Other options like a playroom, a reading corner, or a terrace overlooking the Kasbah can be real differentiators.

Check the possible services: laundry service, ironing, massage

A quality riad will also offer additional services :

  • Laundry and ironing service.
  • Traditional massages or steam room.
  • Home-made breakfast or dinners upon reservation. These services add to the customer experience and the perceived value good.

Renovation and enhancement: making a riad a charming address

Old riad or to be renovated: transformation potential and added value

Numerous ancient riads in Ouarzazate can be purchased at attractive prices. A renovation well carried out allows you to transform these places into charming establishments, with a significant added value on resale. It is important to have a clear vision of the work budget and to surround yourself with skilled artisans.

Provide comfort: safe, air conditioning, modern bathrooms, pets allowed

Simple but essentials layouts make the difference: install a safe in the rooms, efficient air conditioners, modern bathrooms, and provide a welcoming environement for pets can appeal to European customers who are loyal to these standards.

Focus on the atmosphere: quiet street, trained staff, local and bright decoration

The atmosphere is everything: a well-lit reading corner, a calm street without traffic, a trained and welcoming staff, and a decoration inspired by local know-how allow a riad to stand out in online reviews.

Tips for buying a riad in Ouarzazate

Where to look for the best deals? Platforms, local contacts, hotel networks

Specialized real estate platforms, the local networks of notaries or agents, and the contacts in the hotel sector are your best allies. Some riads are transmitted Off-market, by word of mouth.

Read and interpret reviews on riads and hotels to identify market expectations

Reviews on the riads of Ouarzazate reveal the specific expectations visitors. Note the points that are often criticized (soundproofing, cleanliness, internet connection) and those that generate good grades (welcome, breakfasts, peace and quiet, decoration).

Take into account the rating, the services offered, and the exact location

A rating greater than 8.5 on Booking or Airbnb, associated with solid services and a strategic location (center, near airport or deserted access) are all positive signs for a long-term purchase.

Business opportunities: what to do with a riad in Ouarzazate?

Guest house, boutique hotel or theme accommodation?

With a riad well located, several options are available to you:

  • Create a charming guest house.
  • Start a upscale boutique hotel.
  • Develop a theme accommodation (cinema, desert, crafts...).

Take advantage of growing tourism: departure to the desert, cultural activities, kasbahs

Tourism in Ouarzazate is diversified: desert tours, visits to kasbahs, craft experiences or wellness stays. Be well located for the departure of excursions or suggest a personalized support reinforces the attractiveness of your future establishment.

Capitalize on the trend of immersive stays and personalized experiences

Immersive stays are in high demand: cooking classes, private excursions, homestays... By structuring your riad as a place to live and experience, you stand out clearly.

Conclusion — Buying a riad in Ouarzazate, a strategic and exciting decision

Summarize the key criteria for finding the best deal

To properly buy a riad in Ouarzazate, remember the following points:

  • The localization (center, Hay El Wahda, airport, desert).
  • The Property potential (surface, condition, amenities).
  • Services offered and the ability to create a memorable ambiance.

Why the right location and the right services make all the difference

A riad well located, with a clear offer, competent staff, and equipment adapted to today's standards, will quickly become one of the best establishments in the region.

Do you want to invest in a riad in Ouarzazate? Contact our experts to discover the best opportunities on the local market!