Start by explaining what guests can book with you
A riad is closely associated with Moroccan living culture and the inner courtyard. However, this alone does not reveal what your listing is actually like. Are you renting out the whole house to a group of travellers, or individual rooms with shared communal areas? Does your family live there as well? Start with this information before describing the furnishings, décor or the history of the house.
Next, list the rooms that form part of the accommodation. When booking the entire property, it is useful to know, for example, whether all the bedrooms are in the same part of the building. For individual rooms, highlight en-suite bathrooms, lockable entrances and access to the courtyard. A brief verbal description of the layout makes it easier to understand than a long list of flowery adjectives.
The courtyard is lovely – and a communal space
Show the courtyard from several angles: from the entrance, from the seating area and, if accessible, from an upper gallery. This helps guests see whether it is a cosy retreat or the heart of the house. Explain when breakfast is served there, whether other guests pass through it, and which rooms open directly onto the courtyard. A covered area can also be important for planning a trip.
A house set back from the street is not automatically quiet. Voices, the clatter of crockery or footsteps may be heard in the courtyard. Describe the actual situation and how you ensure consideration within the house, without promising absolute silence. If there is a water feature in the courtyard, clearly state how it is to be used. A decorative fountain should not give the impression, in photos or in the text, that it is a usable swimming pool.
Describe the light, 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 to one under the roof terrace. Therefore, take separate photographs of each room on offer and describe its location. Show windows, doors and any blackout facilities. State the actual number of beds and their dimensions, rather than presenting different rooms with a single, particularly spacious example image.
Explain how the property is cooled, heated and ventilated during the periods when you are hosting guests. Historic walls are no substitute for specific details about the facilities. If air conditioning is only available in certain rooms, this restriction must be clearly stated in the description. Hot water, sockets by the bed and space for unpacked suitcases are also useful details that can easily be checked whilst taking photographs.
Make the final part of the journey easy to understand
If your riad is located in an old town with narrow alleyways, 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 journey time. Only promise a personal pick-up if you can reliably organise it.
Walk the route yourself with a wheeled suitcase and check it again after dark. If necessary, take a photograph of the entrance to the property from the perspective of arriving guests. Information on parking facilities should make it clear whether they are on the property or off-site. A roof terrace offers a lovely view, but is no substitute for a clear description of the stairs leading up to it.
Personal hospitality requires clear agreements
If you offer breakfast, communal meals or help with finding your way around, describe the exact scope of these services. Where are meals served, at what times, and what is included in the stay? Distinguish between fixed offers and options that are subject to prior arrangement. A lovingly laid table in a photo should not inadvertently imply a meal that guests have to organise themselves.
Also explain how often you’ll be on the premises. Some guests look forward to a chat, whilst others prefer more independence. Both approaches can be conveyed in a friendly manner. Special dietary requirements should be discussed in good time; do not claim to be able to cater for everything that your kitchen cannot provide. A realistic daily routine conveys more hospitality than a general promise to be able to fulfil every wish at any time.
- Which meals are actually provided?
- Which communal areas are shared?
- When are you available on site?
- What should guests discuss with you before their arrival?
Capture the atmosphere and the layout in your photographs
Mosaics, woodwork and plants say a lot about your home. Always complement such close-up shots with pictures of entire rooms. Guests must be able to tell whether the seating area shown belongs to their room, is located in the communal courtyard or is accessible on a different level. Also take photos of bathrooms and staircases. They shape everyday life just as much as the most beautiful view from the terrace.
For the first image, choose an area that booking guests are actually permitted to use. Do not show a neighbour’s terrace as part of your accommodation. If you talk about 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 carried out, 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 doesn’t know the property – ask them to visualise their stay based on your description. Can the person find the room they’ve booked, understand how to use the bathroom, and know how to get there? Also check whether open-plan areas, roof access or bodies of water require specific explanations. Clarify what use is permitted at your location, in line with your property and local regulations.
Once your rooms, services and available dates have been finalised, you can list your riad free of charge in the hosts’ 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 is essential that the photos and details match, and that guests can see exactly what sort of stay you personally wish to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I describe the whole riad or individual rooms?
Describe exactly what guests can book. For rooms, shared areas and the relevant bathroom are particularly important. For an entire house, guests should be able to see which rooms are included and whether other people live on the property. Do not mix these two types of accommodation in an unclear description.
Does a riad have to have a pool?
Guests should not assume there is a swimming pool based on the description alone. Only show and name the facilities in your property. A fountain or small ornamental pond should be explicitly identifiable as such. If there is a swimming pool available for use, describe its location and whether it is available exclusively to your guests or to several parties.
How do I describe a location in narrow old town alleyways?
Explain the actual final walk, accessibility with luggage and a clear arrival point. Details such as ‘in the heart of the old town’ are too vague for this purpose. If a personal meet-and-greet is only possible at specific times, this restriction should be made clear before arrival.
Apart from the courtyard, what sort of photos are particularly helpful?
Show the booked room, its bathroom, the routes between the different areas and any stairs. Also include the entrance and communal areas. A lovely overall view piques curiosity; the additional everyday views help guests assess whether the accommodation suits their trip.
Can I list my riad for free on BookNoFees?
Yes, you can list your accommodation free of charge in the hosts’ area. To do so, please 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 standard procedure for hosts.
