Marrakech

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About Marrakech

Marrakech is without doubt the premier tourist destination in Morocco and many of the best places to stay have become destinations in their own right. The city offers more than a touch of exoticism and romance, with old souks, fascinating Medina and ancient buildings — many of which have been converted into atmospheric riads and hotels.

The best places to stay in the city itself are located either in or in close proximity to the Medina. There are also some lovely hotels just outside the city some of which are included in our list.

For luxury and 4/5 star comforts and facilities you will probably end up staying in one of the hotels outside the Medina or in the Palmerie, but it you want to get the real Marrakech experience, book a riad inside it, because these are the most exciting and atmospheric places to stay. For a full listing of Medina hotels check out our Ultimate Guide.

Some of our Marrakech Collections:

Mysterious and welcoming, Marrakech has been a medina town for as long as it can remember. A place desert caravans converged upon bringing in wonders from all over Morocco and the world beyond. The flavours of the spices and the recipes brought in off the desert, are one kind of wonder and one of the reasons Marrakech is considered a heaven for foodies.

Marrakech has no shortage of choice when it comes to eating with everything from street food to sumptuous feasts. The very best meal you have here may not be from a world renowned tasting menu or even a perfectly tender teyhan (spleen) kebab in the medina, but something home cooked and served on the rooftop of your riad. Whichever of our foodie favourites you choose, it's worth giving the staff plenty of notice about any dietary requirements, as they'll more than likely tailor a menu to your needs.

Wherever you're dining the traditional way to enjoy your food is with your bare right hand - use breads to scoop - and plenty of gusto!

Shopping is done with a similar level of energy and gusto. You can buy almost anything in The Souk adjacent to the Place Djemaa El-Fna. Haggling is what people do here and people are expecting it. It’s unlikely you’ll get the same prices as a local would but you should definitely give it a go!

Once you've been out in it for a couple of hours the sun may begin to feel relentless and the crowds and dust of the medina are easy to become lost in. Of course it begins to feel as if everyone is trying to sell you something, because, well, everyone is trying to sell you something. But Marrakech has the perfect answer to the problem of Marrakech, a glorious tradition of pampering spa treatments - the hammam, or Turkish bath. The hammams work on the principle that if you've come in off the desert you'll need a good steam followed by a darn good scrub.

What not to Miss

Explore the frenetic streets and alleyways leading towards Djemaa el-Fna Square, which are filled with people finishing long journeys - some off buses, some have carts. Tuareg, Berbers and other tribesmen come in off the Sahara to trade amongst mysterious herbs drying in the sun, heaped piles of colourful spices and air thick with the smell and smoke of cooking.
You cannot visit Marrakech without a trip to the souk - but be prepared to haggle!
You also cannot visit the city without experiencing a hammam.
Visit the Palmeraie, a real oasis on the outskirts of the city;
The Koutoubia Mosque, which is like Marrakech’s Eiffel Tower;
the beautifully decorated Saadian Tombs;
the Dar Is Said Museum,
the El Bahia Palace
and the Ben Youssef Madrassa.

There is plenty of choice of accommodation so selecting one of the best places to stay in Marrakech shouldn't be a problem. Choosing just depends on your preference and budget.

Best places to stay in Marrakech

For an authentic feel

For an authentic feel in the heart of the medina, we'd advise booking Dar Hanane. Its six individually designed rooms and suites have been done in a simple way, with a nod to Moroccan tradition, and the property oozes understated elegance. There's a roof terrace with panoramic views over the city and to the Atlas mountains, where you can drink, dine or simply lounge in the sun.

Best Riads

Many of our Gurus’ favourite places to stay in Marrakech are beautiful, traditional Moroccan riads, some of which we feel have similar qualities to what we’d call a "boutique hotel" in other countries. Morocco is known for its artistic heritage and some of the tile work, stucco and carved wood design in these properties is up there with the city’s cultural highlights.

Riad de Tarabel is a stunning colonial style riad that's perfect for a romantic getaway. Its dreamy interiors are the epitome of luxury with French antiques complementing the traditional Moorish architecture. The icing on the cake is its spa, Les bains de Tarabel, an orange blossom and eucalyptus scent filled area, where you can indulge in a traditional hammam followed by a wide range of treatments.
Understated and elegant with design that combines Moroccan tradition and European style, Dar Les Cigognes is in a great location with fantastic views from the roof terrace. There are 11 rooms, each unique, in these two converted riads joined into one by a bridge over a small alleyway. There’s also a spa, hamman and jacuzzi.
Riad Adore is a chic, contemporary riad just minutes from the Souk Cherifia. The ten beautifully done rooms boast luxury furnishings, with plenty of Moroccan detailing and balconies too. There's a small plunge pool and hammam, plus delicious dinners on request.
Just ten minutes walk from Djemaa el Fna, the Riad Les Yeux Bleus is charming and unpretentious with just eight rooms, tucked away down a pink alleyway. Elegant and very Moroccan, there’s a trickling fountain, a rooftop view, bright colours in the decor and in the bougainvillea-filled courtyard and the smell of lemon trees. There’s a small hammam and very reasonable prices.
Riad Tzarra is another charming property in a slightly off-the-beaten-track part of the medina. Here there are just four individually designed en suite rooms, plus patio with plunge pool, roof terrace with a view and hammam.

For foodies

Dar Les Cigognes is another top choice. It has previously won the accolade of Best Cooking School in Morocco, and has been instructing guests since 2001. Here you also get beautifully decorated rooms and stunning city views from the roof top terrace.
Founded in the 40s, in its heyday La Maison Arabe was the most talked about restaurant in Marrakech - and then in 1997 it was turned into a luxury hotel. The atmosphere of lanterns and classical music sets the mood perfectly. The menu you'll fall in love with - with plenty of traditional options including some of the heartiest tagines in town. These days there are two restaurants and a cooking school.
Foodies looking for romance should book the Jardins d'Issil. A collection of 15 caïdal tents which are like mini marquees set up around a large central pool. You can also sup around the pool, under awnings, or go for something more formal in the restaurant.
Come to Dar Ayniwen if you want to eat well and relax. This gorgeous haven is just a short drive from the centre of town but within its five acres of green gardens it feels like your own oasis of green calm. They also offer free cooking classes to hotel guests.

Best family friendly places

Palais Mirage d'Atlas is ideal for a family stay in Marrakech. First up it's located in the Palmeraie, ideal for both city adventures and relaxing, plus it has great accommodation for groups in the three bed villa (which also comes with a private pool).
The Riyad el Cadi is filled with fine furniture and art but manages to also be suitable for families. There is a rooftop sun terrace and cookery classes are also offered. Book one of the suites or the villa if you’re travelling with the tribe.
Riad Kaiss is another good family option. Bang in the centre of town it is perfect for exploring all that Marrakech has to offer. With just nine rooms and suites it would make the ideal location for an extended family gathering or special occasion.

For luxury and romance

Les Cinq Djellabas is an encampment of ten African eco lodges, offering the perfect spot to chill out away from the buzz of the medina. The feel is barefoot luxury - where contemporary minimalist design blends easily with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. Ideal for groups and extremely private.
The Oberoi Marrakech is one of the most luxurious places to stay, just a few miles East on the Ouarzazate road. 72 private villas with their own swimming pools and fabulous views of the snow-capped Atlas make this an unforgettable experience. A popular honeymoon hotel.
Romantic and intimate, the Riad Al Moussika has just five bedrooms, courtyards flooded with sunlight and a delicious Italian/French/Moroccan restaurant. The decor is classical Moroccan around a central courtyard with a pool, bougainvillea and rose-filled fountains.
Equally romantic and perfect for honeymoons is the Ksar Char Bagh, a Moorish Palace with tranquil gardens and an enormous outdoor pool.
The French-owned Villa des Orangers has sophisticated rooms and a luxurious hammam for proper pampering.
The Riad El Fenn is another superb destination for a luxurious hammam experience where you can also enjoy food grown in the riad's own garden, open fires and deep baths with soothing fragrant oils.

Best Hammams and Spas

The Riad Kaiss was once a harem, so it's a great place to stay in you're looking for somewhere with a bit of history! It's been very elegantly converted with many of the most beautiful original features have been kept, including some beautiful tiling and latticework. The central courtyard is a relaxing green haven, perfect for relaxing post hammam. Or you can arrange to have a massage poolside.
Not all dars and riads are in the centre of town and Dar Ayniwen is a fine, spacious example. Set on five green acres in the Palmeraie area, this dar has room for a large outdoor pool and giant tiled bathrooms - some of the suites even have their own jacuzzi. So, as you can imagine from all these watery relaxation aids, there's room for one of Marrakech's most indulgent hammams.
If you'd prefer to try a more traditional looking hammam, Riad Farnatchi has one in creamy white marble lit by candles. The welcoming pool has some beautifully detailed tiling. With only five suites in this luxury hotel you can guarantee personalised service. Apparently the massages are 'knock out'.

For something more Modern?

Recently restored, the Riad Joya is wonderfully unfussy with natural materials used in a simpler, more modern way. The rooms and courtyards are bright and light with modern furnishings and the service standards are high.
The Villa des Orangers is a smart, 30 room hotel with a fusion of Moroccan and European decor. Think beautiful mosaic floors and wood panelled walls. There’s a luxurious hammam and a tranquil inner courtyard.

For great value

With the rise in popularity of Marrakech as a short break destination, it is increasingly hard to find value for money. We have discovered a few places which still offer such value.

Riad al Bushra is a newcomer to the scene. It offers five suites all excellent value for money with prices starting a just €75 per night. The location too is perfect in the heart of the Medina, a stone's throw from all major attractions.
The Jardins d’Issil has 15 caidal tents set up around a huge infinity pool. Is unusual and fantastic value for money. Located just outside Marrakech itself, the view of the Atlas Mountains is incredible. You can book B&B from as little as €30 per person per night.
Riad Dar Zaman is an intimate property with just four rooms. It features many traditional Berber designs, offer fabulous food and is excellent value for money with rooms from as little as €95 per night B&B.

For an Apartment or Villa

If you’d prefer to stay in a self catering apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

Currently Marrakech-Menara Airport has direct flights from some European capitals and major cities. Once you’re inside Morocco, Marrakech is linked to Casablance, Agadir, Fez, Ouarzazate, Tangier and Al Hoceima. The airport is about five kilometres from the city and the Medina and if you don’t have too much luggage it is possible to walk to town. Otherwise your best bet is the airport bus which runs every 20minutes and serves all the major hotels. If you want to catch a taxi it’s a good idea to book a reputable fixed price fare company in advance, because the taxi drivers at the airport pick-up are known for being dishonest and difficult to deal with.
If you want to hire a car - which we highly recommend if you’re staying in Marrakech and you want to visit the Atlas Mountains - we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars
Marrakech is very hot in the summer and dry all year round, so it’s a great winter or autumn warmth destination. January and February are the wettest months, but it’s still fairly sunny. The best times to visit are probably during the shoulder seasons between March and April and October and November.

Still not sure?

Refine your search to one of the 20 of the best Marrakech riads,
Or Hotels in the Palmeraie,
Or consult our Guru’s Ultimate Guide to Marrakech Medina Hotels,
Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

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The best hotels in Marrakech

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Riad Cocoon

Marrakech (Diour Saboune)

Exuding the lust for life of its musical owner this riad allows guests to "cocoon" in the lap of affordable luxury in bustling Marrakech. The individually designed rooms include sumptuous silks, pop colours and mosaic tiles. The menu is gourmet and there's a roof terrace and hammam.

Value chic - Bespoke luxury in the centre of town starting from only 90 EUR.
Sights nearby - Marrakech has a thriving modern and traditional art scene and the Dar Cherifa, David Bloch and Galerie 127 are some of the best.
Cooking classes - Head to the Atlas Mountains for a unique cooking experience with a Berber chef.
Local markets - The hustle and bustle of the souks are within easy walking distance.

from AU$162 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees