Morocco, a chameleon of culture, offers a diverse array of accommodations. Choosing the best hotels can be a varied task, given the country's rich offerings. Whether you seek a vibrant city break in Marrakech, serenity in the Atlas Mountains, or immersion in the Agafay desert, Morocco provides more than just winter sun. It's no wonder Morocco has long been favored by the fashionable jet set, boasting many notable hotel addresses, ranging from lavish palaces to reimagined farmhouses and bohemian beachside boltholes.
If you come to Marrakech you have to stay in the medina to get the full experience, at least once. That said, staying there is not for the fainthearted. The medina comes to life in the evening, you will be woken up by various mosques in the vicinity, and it gets crowded - in short: it is an overwhelming medley of sights, sounds, and smells. Still, I love it and I think staying at a riad, a typical Moroccan house, is the best way to do it. Keep in mind that when you stay in the medina you will need to get around on foot - taxis can only take you to the outskirts of the Jemaa El Fna square for most of the day. There are plenty of porters around who can help you or your luggage to get to your riad but I recommend having your guesthouse organize a pick-up for you especially if it is your first time in Marrakech.
If you choose a hotel outside of Marrakech chances are you will be blessed with more space, maybe a big pool, and usually some stunning views over the Atlas Mountains. Mind you, getting there can be a bit of a hassle especially if you want to move between your hotel and Marrakech for sightseeing and dining. First, check if your hotel offers a shuttle to the city center. Many offer a few rides per day which are usually free. It is also within easy walking distance from Jemaa El Fna but tucked away enough to provide peace and quietness from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
Here are some of the best small hotels in Morocco, offering unique experiences and exceptional hospitality:
Marrakech Riads and Hotels
Where to stay in Marrakech - that is a question that comes to the mind of many Morocco travelers and whether it is your 1st or 10th time in the Red City it is never an easy one to answer. With that, I put together a small list of the best hotels and riads in Marrakech where I like to stay, that have a certain something, and which I would recommend to my friends and family.
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Bab Hotel Marrakech: The rooms here at Bab Hotel Marrakech are big, clean, and modern. The bathrooms are equally as large and modern. The location itself is not bad at all, but it’s just a little farther from the medina than I would have liked.
Riad Les Yeux Bleus: A tiny oasis of calm is something Riad Les Yeux Bleus provides. It was decorated by El Fenn’s manager Willem Smit and boy, the man knows what he is doing. This riad in the Marrakech medina is another perfect example of how to mix traditional Moroccan design with modern touches. Add a bit of pop art and some rich jewel tones and voila, you got yourself the perfect intimate, stylish hotel experience. There is a pool in the courtyard, various nooks and crannies to chill at, the obligatory rooftop terrace, and a private hammam.
Riad Yasmine: Even if you have never been to Morocco or searched ‘where to stay in Marrakech’, chances are you have seen a picture of Riad Yasmine. That is not to say, that Riad Yasmine doesn’t deserve all the attention it gets because it is a beautiful little riad. It sets itself apart from all the others thanks to its resident cats (well, at least for me), one of the best plunge pools in town, and the beautiful murals in the courtyard.Thanks to their initial success they have now opened Le Petite Yasmine, a private house you can book. While the riad is not open to people simply wanting to take a picture you can still expect a more than usual amount of photoshoots by resident guests. The staff is always more than happy to play photographer and seeing just how pretty Yasmine is you can’t blame anyone.
El Fenn: If I could live at El Fenn I would. Owner Vanessa Branson’s (yup, that is Richard’s sister!) handwriting can be seen everywhere: rich colors, local art, bold design. Even the smaller rooms are quite palatial as are the hallways and the courtyard. Unlike other riads in Marrakech which will prepare dinner upon request, El Fenn has a proper restaurant on-site with an array of Moroccan and international dishes. Their roof terrace is incredible and they also have a tiny in-house spa and hammam and many Instagram-worthy corners. Best of all, they also have an amazing hotel shop with stunning linens, exclusive Moroccan soaps, and much more - curated so nicely you can skip the souks.
La Mamounia: I am not entirely sure how the Mamounia became my favorite luxury hotel in Marrakech because it is nothing like the hotels I usually like. It is a little too big, a little too bling, and its signature color is orange. But somehow I like it all, it works together. Or maybe it is the super comfortable beds, the dates and almond milk you get upon check-in, the soap that I always steal because it smells so good or or or…They also have tennis courts, a fitness center with a stunning view over the private garden, and some of the best cocktails in town if you are no sports enthusiast.
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Riad Karmela Princessa: The aptly named Riad Karmela Princesse really had me feeling like royalty as soon as I stepped through the door. Besides the ideal location, I loved the modern and colorful decor dispersed throughout.
Riad Star: Before transforming into the boutique riad it is today, Riad Star was once the Marrakech home of jazz superstar, Josephine Baker. Riad Star had one of the best terraces I saw during my stay in Morocco. As it’s a boutique riad property, it always had a cozy feel to it.
The Mellah Hotel: With colourful and creative interiors, and a rooftop pool overlooking Marrakesh’s historic Jewish quarter, this personal passion project is the latest in a wave of Moroccan riads pivoting towards the contemporary. On entering the riad in the historic Mellah (old Jewish Quarter), you are struck by its brightness and zest: the central courtyard’s bright white walls, the black-and-white zellige floor tiles, the circular yellow sofa sprouting an orange tree, and the fruit bowl piled with lemons and limes radiate joy. At the rooftop bar and kitchen, talented mixologist Abdel Samad took my humdrum gin and tonic request and elevated it to a deliciously frothy pomegranate concoction.
Royal Mansour, Marrakech: At the Royal Mansour Marrakech, located inside the medina, the draw is privacy - its beautifully tiled riads have their own pools dotting lush gardens that are made for afternoon strolls.
Royal Mansour Marrakech
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Hotels Outside Marrakech
Berber Lodge: The tranquil bubble of Berber Lodge feels like a world away from Mococco's busy Marrakesh. This walled garden oasis consists of 9 individually styled Berber lodges scattered across a private property which embody a slow way of living and an understated luxurious stay. The materials used to make each guest lodge have all been locally sourced such as hand-crafted terracotta tiles, unfinished timber beams and sandblasted walls.
Berber Lodge
Fellah Hotel:If you are looking for a stylish getaway from Marrakech, Fellah Hotel is the place to go. Especially if you are traveling with kids or are looking for a fairly inexpensive resort this is a great place to stay outside of Marrakech. While Fellah has lost its original charm as an artist retreat, it is still a rather cool place with quirky and stylish rooms, a stunning pool, and lots of nature. They have a few resident goats and donkeys, a private boxing gym, and a cooking shack where you can learn how to make a tagine. In addition, there is a library, a cool hotel shop and of course, a huge restaurant. Mind you, you are only a 30-minute drive from the medina so you can choose to either hang out at Fellah non-stop or travel back and forth between Marrakech.
Fairmont Royal Palm: But even without a party, the hotel is a great choice if you are looking for a luxury resort outside of Marrakech. The rooms are quite big with simple lines and Atlas mountain views, and there are a few different pools, an amazing Origin spa, various restaurants, and important for the golf players amongst you: a golf course. My favorite was their amazing bar - ask them to serve your wine in a rose-gold pineapple! Keep in mind that you will also be a 30-minute drive from Marrakech and can’t just walk down the road for a quick bite.
Other Notable Hotels in Morocco
Gray Boutique Hotel Casablanca: I only stayed at Gray Boutique Hotel Casablanca for one night, but I would have liked to stay there more! Amanda and I were assigned a very large, multi-room suite. Our room also had a super huge wrap-around balcony outside. This was maybe the best breakfast spread we had during our entire trip. Big breakfast buffet with lots of Moroccan and “western” goodies too.
Riad Hicham in Chefchaouen: Our two-night stay at Riad Hicham in Chefchaouen was probably my favorite of all the Morocco riads and hotels we stayed at during the whole trip. This place was such a fun place to stay, albeit, it’s a total labyrinth. Riad Hicham is right in the center of Chefchaouen’s main square. Our guide Mohamed told us that when he stays at other Morocco riads or hotels in Chefchaouen, he tells everyone to go here for dinner.
Palais Houyam in Fes: Fes was one of my favorite cities in Morocco, and our Fes riad was one of my favorite Morocco riads as well. First of all, our room was huge. We had another upper-level room that was incredibly large and beautifully decorated. The property itself is gorgeous even as Morocco riads are concerned, with lots of wood carvings, intricate lanterns, and mosaic tile designs all over. There’s a huge rooftop terrace for amazing views over the city, especially at sunset. The staff at Palais Houyam was so friendly and helpful.
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Riad Fès - Relais & Châteaux: Located in the ancient city of Fes, Riad Fès - Relais & Châteaux literally feels like a palace. Breakfast is served indoor or out-I prefer outdoors, as it overlooks a small plunge pool and white statues. It’s a tie between the intricate and ornate decor featured in the lobby and the spacious rooftop offering stunning views of Fes.
L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable: L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable (the Sand Castle) was the one 5-star property we stayed at and WOW. It was such a cool feeling to feel like you were literally staying at a sandcastle in the middle of the desert. And it was a 5-star property so you really did feel like royalty out here. I counted four pools, and some of them go right up to your room. So you can literally walk out your patio door and jump in the pool. In the desert.
Golden Camp Merzouga: Staying at Golden Camp Merzouga was an undisputed highlight of our entire trip. I mean, it’s a luxury camp in the Sahara desert - how could you not love it? Golden Camp Merzouga has private, permanent tents that were nothing like I thought they were going to be. They had real beds with lots of plush bedding, plush rugs, heating and air conditioning, flushing toilets, hot water, Wi-Fi, and even a fancy lantern hanging in the shower. The Sahara Desert is literally your backyard. Besides our tents, the whole property is cool. There’s a nice firepit space where you can listen to (and play) music at night, a big dining tent, and the whole place is beautifully lit and decorated. Plus, excellent Wi-Fi believe it or not. Actually, I was even getting texts when I was way up on the dunes.
Golden Camp Merzouga
Riad Ritaj in Meknes: The second of all the Morocco riads we stayed in was in Meknes - Riad Ritaj. This whole place is really beautiful with every bit the “Moroccan” vibe you’re looking for. I loved that this riad (like most Morocco riads) was truly tucked away in the maze of tiny streets.
Hotel Riad Bahammou in the Dades Valley: One of my favorite places to stay in Morocco was Hotel Riad Bahammou in the Dades Valley. The staff here was so incredibly fun and friendly and welcoming. The food at Hotel Riad Bahammou was such a surprise! Everything we ate was so different. Every night we had a 4 course meal of something new and interesting and delicious. Like our riad in Chefchaouen, the place is a total maze but you actually feel like you’re staying in a palace.
Ksar Shama in Ouirgane: Towards the end of our trip, we stayed in Ouirgane at Ksar Shama, just outside of Marrakech. This place has a big resort feel. Huge pool area, bar and restaurant, lots of lounge areas, and your room feels like its own private cottage (even though it’s attached).
Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains: All kasbahs are a kind of oasis of calm behind fortified walls, and Kasbah Tamadot is one of the very finest in Morocco. Its name means “soft breeze” in the local Berber language, evoking the reprieve it offers in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains. Like all kasbahs, Tamadot is an oasis, enclosed by high walls, set in splendid gardens and featuring a lavish yet quirky Amazigh castle with exquisite carved doors and intimate courtyards, secret passageways, and terraces of reflecting pools strewn with rose petals.
Caravan by Our Habitas Agafay: The rocky sparseness of Morocco’s Agafay desert has long attracted travellers wanting a break from the sensory explosions of Marrakech. Their oasis among the lunar dunes eschews bells and whistles in favour of communal vibes and engagement with nature - or “luxury for the soul,” as founders Oliver Ripley, Kfir Levy, and Eduardo Castillo call it. At the Agafay locale, 41 Berber-inspired tents and lodges - solar-powered, with eco-bathrooms - embody stylish pared-downness: no minibars or TVs, just wooden floors and earthy cream and ochre tones reminiscent of the regional rock.
Dar Ahlam, Skoura: This rare palm-framed fantasyland near Ouarzazate, whose name translates from Arabic as “House of Dreams”, was conjured20 years ago, from the wild imagination of a Parisian creative. Guests can explore vast desert-scapes by four-by-four, or let the staff plan a picnic in a villager’s vegetable garden. There is no lobby, restaurant or bar, just beautiful spaces unfettered by telephones, menus or minibars. Dar Ahlam’s emotive approach to hospitality has a precious respect for Morocco’s remote rural places, with the surrounding community deeply involved.
Royal Mansour Casablanca: In the city that Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart made famous to many Americans, the Royal Mansour Casablanca brings a distinct brand of glitz and glamour to this seaside destination.
La Sultana Oualidia: The result was La Sultana’s beachy sanctuary of restorative wellness, slotted between acres of flourishing farmland and a tranquil lagoon sheltered from the roaring Atlantic. Sustainable, sea-to-table dining is central to the La Sultana experience, and seafood lovers will be glad to hear that oysters are the star dish, with five oyster beds scattered across the lagoon. All rooms have their own elegant personality, and with just 12 to choose from, the precision which has gone into each design is palpable.
Villa Mabrouka, Tangier: An instant classic, Villa Mabrouka is a sensitive renovation of the former Tangier love nest of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in a magical secret garden by the Kasbah. Conran’s thoughtful follow-up to the delightful L’Hôtel Marrakech is a lesson to our age of design overkill and bells-and-whistles luxury, with nods to masters of subtle design like Jacques Grange-the creator of the “non designed” aesthetic-and YSL himself.
Caravan Dakhla by Our Habitas, Dakhla: A 20-minute drive north of Dakhla, this luxe yet laidback hotel offers a sophisticated base for adventurous travellers looking to immerse themselves in the local surf scene. The hotel's 24 rooms either face over the lagoon (Ocean Villas) or the desert (Dune Villas), while a handful of Desert Riads offer a more secluded, enclosed option for families or larger groups. While the water sports are the main draw card (kite surfing in particular), there's always something happening on the terrace that tallies with Habitas’ aim to foster human connection.
Regardless of where we stayed, I always felt safe. This is a sentiment you’ll notice all over Morocco. What you see from the street will never, ever, ever reveal what it looks like on the inside. This is part of the Moroccan idea to never show your cards. From Morocco riads and hotels to rug shops, restaurants, and beyond, what you see from the outside will be plain, simple, and probably brown. But walk through that modest entrance and you’ll almost always be greeted with color, intricate mosaics and carvings, plush rugs, fountains, pools, friendly cats, and more. If you were thinking that this sounds like Dorothy emerging from her black and white midwest farmhouse into a magical land of color and wonder, you’re exactly right.
Morocco offers a huge range of accommodations from super low-budget homestays to high-end resort hotels.
| Hotel | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kasbah Tamadot | Atlas Mountains | Oasis of calm with lavish gardens and unique Amazigh castle. |
| Caravan by Habitas Agafay | Agafay Desert | Minimalist eco-retreat with Berber-inspired tents and lodges. |
| Royal Mansour | Marrakech | Luxurious riads with private pools and lush gardens. |
| Golden Camp Merzouga | Sahara Desert | Luxury desert camp with private tents and modern amenities. |
| Riad Star | Marrakech | Boutique riad with a cozy feel and a great terrace. |
| Berber Lodge | Near Marrakech | Tranquil garden oasis with individually styled Berber lodges. |
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