If you’re seeking accommodation in Marrakech, you’ve come to the right place. This page provides all the information you need to find the perfect hotel or riad to suit your needs.
Marrakech offers a plethora of accommodation options, with many riads available in addition to traditional hotels. With so many choices, it can be overwhelming to make a decision, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the city. This guide will help you make the right choices before and during your stay in Marrakech.
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In this article, you will discover detailed information about the most highly recommended hotels and riads in Marrakech. I will point out the best neighborhoods and districts for finding suitable accommodations, as well as caution you about areas to avoid. By the end of this guide, you will have a list of top-rated riads located in various parts of the city, along with recommendations for lodging that meets specific requirements, such as budget-friendly and family-friendly options.
To help you navigate this comprehensive guide, there is a table of contents available to quickly find the information you need.
Have you ever wondered what a riad is and why it’s so highly praised?
To fully experience Marrakech, it’s essential to spend at least one night in a riad. With over 1,000 riads, most of which are located in the medina, you can immerse yourself in the lively heart of the old town.
The medina in Marrakech is surrounded by distinctive red clay walls that have earned the city the moniker of “the red city.” These walls are not only architecturally significant, but they also conceal the winding alleys and streets that lay within the outside world. Who knows? You may stumble upon a modest home or a magnificent Moorish palace that will become your own little slice of heaven during your stay.
When it comes to traditional Islamic architecture, the interior of a building holds greater significance than the exterior. In Moroccan culture, ostentatiously displaying wealth is not encouraged, hence opulence is not typically apparent from the outside of buildings. However, many riads boast stunning interiors that are a sight to behold.
Most traditional townhouses, including riads, feature a small courtyard at their center, often adorned with lush foliage. It’s no surprise that the term “riad” originates from the Arabic word for garden. Some riads even have multiple courtyards.
Typically, a riad spans three floors and includes a roof terrace. Some courtyards may feature pools or ponds. During the summer when the Medina can be hot and dusty, a riad’s shaded inner courtyard provides a peaceful retreat to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the old town. In recent years, many riads have been restored to their former glory, with some of the best interiors inspired by the opulent Dar Si Said or Bahia palace styles.
Aside from riads, there is also a variety of hotels to choose from in Marrakech. These can be found in the Medina, as well as the Hivernage district of the new town and the Palmeraie green belt area that borders the north of the city. Large hotels often feature spacious gardens and swimming pools, making them an excellent choice for families with children. With over 50 five-star establishments and renowned chains such as Four Seasons and Ibis, Marrakech has no shortage of luxury hotels that offer all the creature comforts to make for an unforgettable stay.
I would recommend avoiding modern hotels located outside the medina if you want to fully immerse yourself in the sensory experience of Marrakech. Instead, opt for a stay in a charming old town riad or a spacious hotel that exudes traditional oriental charm and features lush palm-lined gardens.
Providing specific price figures can be challenging as it’s difficult to compare the cost of an affordable medina hotel to a luxurious one such as La Mamounia, where elite international trend-setters and the jet-set often stay for several hundred euros per night. However, a basic hotel in Marrakech can cost around 10 Euros for a double room per night, with prices increasing for a better location, modern amenities, and added comfort. Typically, a well-appointed and well-managed riad can cost around 40-100 Euros per night for a double room. While there are cheaper and more expensive riads available, the majority falls within this price range.
To fully immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Marrakech, it’s best to stay in an old town riad located in a prime area. The medina is home to almost all of the city’s major attractions, and with few exceptions, they are only accessible on foot. By staying in the medina, you can save time, and money, and avoid the hassle of taxis. Moreover, it’s practical to have a stopover point when you need a break or a place to rest.
A perfect way to end your day is by savoring a glass of tea while enjoying the sights and sounds of Jemaa el Fna. From morning until around midnight, there’s always something to see and do. In the evenings, the medina’s alleys are bustling with shops, people, and lamps illuminating the way. However, the medina is not just about central locations and easy access. Each district has its own character, and it’s essential to consider this before making your booking, as explained in the next paragraph.
While taxis can only drive up to a few riads in the medina, it’s still possible to find one that isn’t too far from Jemaa el Fna. To avoid long walks, it’s recommended to choose a riad that is easily accessible by taxi or airport shuttle and is within a reasonable walking distance from the central square. This is especially important if you’re new to Marrakech or arriving in the evening.
The above map is a useful tool if you’re unsure about where to stay in the medina, as it highlights the key landmarks within the old town. Additionally, I’ve pinpointed four districts within the medina that I highly recommend for lodging. These areas are conveniently located near Jemaa el Fna and offer easy access to the main attractions.
However, it’s important to note that these are just my personal suggestions, and there are plenty of other exceptional riads located outside of these areas.
Here are some rewritten tips for booking hotels and riads in Marrakech:
Providing firm recommendations for hotels and riads can be challenging as they frequently undergo changes in ownership, management, and staff. Additionally, new establishments constantly emerge while others shut down. Moreover, individuals have varying preferences and budgets, and given the plethora of riads in Marrakech, it is difficult to provide a comprehensive list. Nonetheless, the following selection will offer you an overview of the type of accommodation available.
If you’re looking for an enchanting stay in Marrakech’s old town, the northern medina is a great place to start. One of the most charming districts in the area is Mouassine, featuring beautiful fountains and quaint covered alleyways. To reach it from Jemaa el Fna, simply take the souks route north of the square. Just keep in mind that the souks close at night, so you’ll have to take a slightly longer route after dark.
Another excellent option in the northern medina is the Bab Doukkala district, which is a bit farther from Jemaa el Fna. Despite its distance, it’s still a convenient location since the bus station is just a few meters from its gates. Keep these areas in mind when searching for your perfect riad in Marrakech.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and less touristy area to stay in Marrakech, the southern medina is a great option. I personally prefer this area as it has less traffic and crowds compared to the northern part. The Riad Zitoun el Lakdim and Riad Zitoun el Jdid streets offer some of the most beautiful and charming hotels and riads in the area. From this location, you can easily access all the popular attractions and landmarks, and Jemaa el Fna is just a stone’s throw away.
Traveling to Marrakech with children can be a fun and exciting experience for the whole family. The medina, with its array of entertainers such as jugglers, snake charmers, and monkey trainers, provides ample opportunities for children to have fun.
Families visiting Marrakech have the option of staying at a large hotel with an outdoor pool or a family-friendly riad in the medina. Riads offer a self-contained environment, ensuring that children stay within sight and aren’t likely to wander off. Additionally, family-friendly riads provide family rooms and some even offer child care services along with their own swimming pools, making them an ideal option for families.
If you’re on a tight budget, the medina is the best place to look for cheap accommodation options. There are many small and simple hotels and riads available, but keep in mind that the quality can vary greatly. Some budget hotels offer rooms with private toilets, while others have shared facilities on the same floor and extra charges for using showers.
For a cost-effective stay, check out the well-maintained hotels on Riad Zitoune Kedim, located southeast of Jemaa el Fna. You can also consider staying in one of the many hostels in Marrakech to meet other young travelers and socialize.
There are plenty of hotels and riads in Marrakech that offer accessible rooms or are fully accessible for guests with disabilities.
However, it’s important to note that most riads in the medina do not have elevators and their narrow, steep, and twisting staircases may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. Nonetheless, some riads do have ground floor rooms that are spacious enough to accommodate wheelchairs.
For those seeking accommodations that are specifically designed for people with disabilities, Riad Tarzout is a great option. Their professional and welcoming hosts provide excellent service to all guests with disabilities.
While homosexuality is still considered taboo in Morocco, there is a growing gay scene in Marrakech. Some hotels and riads are openly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, particularly those run by European same-sex couples. Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner famously renovated the Jardin Majorelle hotel. For more information and recommendations, check out my article on LGBTQ+ friendly accommodation in Marrakech.
