Start by describing what guests can book at your place
A riad is closely associated with Moroccan living culture and the inner courtyard. However, this alone doesn’t reveal what your listing is like. Are you renting out the entire house to a tour group, or individual rooms with shared common areas? Does your family also live there? Start with this information before describing the furnishings, decor, or the history of the house.
Next, list the rooms that are part of the property. When booking the entire house, for example, it’s helpful to know whether all bedrooms are located in the same part of the building. For individual rooms, highlight features such as a private bathroom, lockable entrances, and access to the courtyard. A brief verbal description of the layout makes it easier to understand than a long list of fancy adjectives.
The courtyard is beautiful—and a shared space
Show the courtyard from multiple angles: from the entrance, from the seating area, and, if accessible, from an upper gallery. This helps guests determine whether it’s a small retreat or the heart of the home. Explain when breakfast is served there, whether other guests pass through, and which rooms open directly onto the courtyard. A covered area can also be important for travel planning.
A house with an inner courtyard isn’t automatically quiet. Voices, dishes, or footsteps may be heard in the courtyard. Describe the actual situation and how you ensure consideration for others in the house, without promising absolute silence. If there is a water feature in the courtyard, clearly state its intended use. A decorative fountain should not give the impression of a usable pool in photos or in the text.
Describe lighting, temperature, and room location in detail
Not every room gets sunlight at the same time of day. A room on the ground floor may feel different from one under the rooftop terrace. Therefore, take separate photos of each room you’re offering and describe its location. Show windows, doors, and any available blackout curtains. List the actual beds and their dimensions, rather than presenting different rooms with a single, particularly spacious example photo.
Explain how the property is cooled, heated, and ventilated during the times you host guests. Historic walls are no substitute for specific details about the amenities. If air conditioning is available only in certain rooms, be sure to include this restriction in the description. Hot water, outlets near the bed, and a place to unpack suitcases are also helpful details that can be easily verified while taking photos.
Make the final leg of the journey easy to understand
If your riad is located in an old town with narrow alleys, describe the route from the point that a vehicle can actually reach. How far do guests have to carry their luggage? Are there steps or uneven ground? A clearly identifiable meeting point can be more helpful than simply stating a travel time. Only promise a personal pickup if you can reliably arrange it.
Walk the route yourself with a rolling suitcase and check it even after dark. If necessary, take a photo of the building’s entrance from the perspective of arriving guests. Information about parking options should make it clear whether the parking spaces are on the property or off-site. A rooftop terrace offers a charming view, but it’s no substitute for a clear description of the stairs leading up to it.
Personal hospitality requires clear agreements
If you offer breakfast, shared meals, or assistance with getting around, describe the actual scope of these services. Where are meals served, at what times, and what is included in the stay? Distinguish between fixed offerings and options that are available only by arrangement. A lovingly set table in a photo should not inadvertently imply a meal that guests must arrange themselves.
Also explain how often you’ll be on-site. Some guests look forward to conversation, while others prefer more independence. Both can be communicated in a friendly manner. Special dietary requests should be discussed in advance; don’t claim to be able to accommodate everything if your kitchen can’t handle it. A realistic daily schedule conveys more hospitality than a general promise to fulfill every request at any time.
- Which meals are actually included?
- Which common areas are shared?
- When are you available on-site?
- What should guests discuss with you before their arrival?
Capture both the atmosphere and the layout in your photos
Mosaics, woodwork, and plants say a lot about your home. Always supplement such close-ups with photos of entire rooms. Guests need to be able to tell whether the seating area shown belongs to their room, is located in the shared courtyard, or is accessible on a different level. Also take photos of bathrooms and staircases. They shape daily life just as much as the most beautiful view from the terrace.
For the first image, choose an area that booking guests are actually allowed to use. Do not show a neighbor’s patio as part of your accommodation. If you share the history of the house, stick to verifiable facts and your own connection to the place. A careful renovation can be described in terms of specific work done, without turning the house into a museum or a supposedly unaltered historical original.
Review your listing from the perspective of first-time guests
Imagine someone who isn’t familiar with the house planning a stay based on your description. Can that person find the booked room, understand how to use the bathroom, and figure out how to get there? Also check whether open galleries, rooftop access, or bodies of water require special explanations. Clarify what uses are permitted at your location based on your property and local regulations.
Once your rooms, amenities, and available dates are finalized, you can list your riad for free in the host area at BookNoFees. Be sure to describe how you welcome your guests and who will be available to answer practical questions during their stay. It’s crucial that the photos and descriptions align so that guests can see exactly what kind of experience you personally want to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I describe the entire riad or individual rooms?
Describe exactly what guests can book. For rooms, common areas and the assigned bathroom are particularly important. For an entire house, guests should be able to tell which rooms are included and whether other people live on the property. Do not mix these two types of accommodations in an unclear description.
Does a riad have to have a pool?
Guests should not assume there is a pool based on the description alone. Show and name only the amenities in your home. A fountain or small decorative pond should be clearly identifiable as such. If there is a usable pool, describe its location and whether it is available exclusively to your guests or to multiple parties.
How do I describe a location in narrow old-town alleys?
Explain the actual final walk from the property, accessibility with luggage, and a clear arrival point. Descriptions such as “in the middle of the old town” are too general for this purpose. If a personal escort is only available at certain times, this restriction should be made clear before arrival.
Besides photos of the courtyard, what other photos are particularly helpful?
Show the booked room, its bathroom, the pathways between areas, and any stairs. Also include the entrance and common areas. A beautiful overall view piques curiosity; the additional everyday views help guests determine whether the accommodation suits their trip.
Can I list my riad for free on BookNoFees?
Yes, you can list your accommodation for free in the host area. To do so, prepare up-to-date photos and clear details about what you’re actually offering. Whether you’re offering a room or an entire house, you’ll specify this when creating your listing; the process follows the general steps for hosts.
