Where to Stay in Marrakech 🇲🇦: Best Areas & Hotels in Marrakech

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Marrakech, the heart of Morocco, attracts travelers with its exotic charm, rich history, and stunning architecture. As you plan your adventure to this captivating city, choosing the perfect accommodation is key to an unforgettable experience. From luxurious resorts with breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains to traditional riads nestled in the heart of the Medina, Marrakech offers a wide range of options for every traveler’s taste and budget.

Our Pick of the Best Hotels in Marrakech 🔝

I’ve curated a list of the best hotels in Marrakech for 2024, based on their location, amenities, and guest reviews. Whether you want to stay in Medina, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s culture, or prefer the calm of the Palmeraie, this guide will help you find the ideal place to call home during your stay.

For those seeking a more authentic Moroccan experience, the city’s riads, traditional houses with interior courtyards, provide a intimate and charming alternative. No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll be within easy reach of Marrakech’s top attractions, including the lively Jemaa el-Fna square, the historic Bahia Palace, and the trendy art galleries and boutiques of Gueliz.

Quick Marrakech Neighborhood Guide 📋

1. Medina – Best Area to Stay in Marrakech for Historic Charm 🏰

🕌 Enchanting Labyrinth: The Medina, the historic heart of Marrakech, is a captivating maze of narrow streets, souks, and ancient architecture. This walled city, dating back to the 11th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Moroccan experience.

Medina, Marrakech

🔥  Key features of the Medina include:

  • Jemaa el-Fnaa: The central square filled with street performers, food stalls, and snake charmers
  • Koutoubia Mosque: The iconic 12th-century mosque with its towering minaret, visible from much of the city
  • Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th-century palace showcasing intricate Moroccan architecture and lush gardens
  • Saadian Tombs: The ornate 16th-century mausoleum housing the remains of the Saadian dynasty rulers

🏰 Hidden Gems: Within the Medina, you’ll find numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered, such as:

  • Madrasa Ben Youssef: A 16th-century Islamic school with stunning tilework and intricate carvings
  • Dar Si Said Museum: A former palace housing a collection of traditional Moroccan art and crafts
  • Marrakech Museum: A museum showcasing Moroccan history and culture, housed in a beautiful 19th-century palace
Medina Attractions

🎨 Artistic Haven: The Medina is also home to a thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and workshops showcasing the work of local artists. From traditional Berber rugs to contemporary paintings, there’s something for everyone.

All hotels in Medina →

Where to stay in Medina? 🏨

Best hotels in Medina

  • Riad Kniza – Stunning riad with impressive traditional decor, impeccable service, and a perfect location for exploring the Medina.
  • Les Jardins De La Koutoubia – Elegant and tranquil riad with lush gardens, a beautiful pool area, spacious rooms, and exceptional staff.
  • La Maison Arabe – Luxurious riad with a top-notch spa, delicious Moroccan cuisine, tastefully decorated rooms, and a stunning rooftop terrace.

Best cheap/moderate hotels

  • Riad Andalla – Charming riad offering excellent value, cozy rooms, friendly staff, and a relaxing rooftop terrace.
  • Hotel Aday – Great choice for budget-conscious travelers, with simple but clean rooms, convenient location, and welcoming staff.
  • Riad La Vie – 5-star hotel, a restored traditional Moroccan riad offers luxurious accommodations, an indoor pool, spa services, and a rooftop terrace with stunning city views.

Best Hostels

  • Equity Point Marrakech – Modern and well-maintained hostel with an ideal location, helpful staff, and perfect common areas for socializing.
  • Riad Wow – Unique riad-turned-hostel with beautiful traditional decor, a friendly atmosphere, comfortable dorms, and a great rooftop terrace.

2. Gueliz – Best Place to Stay For Modern Vibes 🛍️ 

🌇 Modern Oasis: Also known as the New Town or Ville Nouvelle, the area is a trendy neighborhood located outside the historic Medina walls. This modern district offers a stark contrast to the traditional charm of the old city, with its wide boulevards, contemporary architecture, and chic atmosphere.

Gueliz, Marrakech
Gueliz, Marrakech
Gueliz, Marrakech
Gueliz, Marrakech
Gueliz, Marrakech

🔥 Highlights include:

  • Jardin Majorelle: A stunning botanical garden featuring blue buildings and exotic plants
  • Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Dedicated to the life and work of the famous fashion designer
  • Place du 16 Novembre: The heart of the neighbourhood, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops
  • Grand Café de la Poste: An iconic Art Deco cafe serving French cuisine and cocktails
  • Carré Eden Shopping Center: A modern mall with international brands and a supermarket

🛍️ Shopping Haven: Here is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts, with its mix of high-end boutiques, international brands, and local designers. Stroll along Avenue Mohammed V and Rue de la Liberté to discover a wide array of fashion, jewelry, and home decor stores.

🍽️ Dining Delights: The neighborhood boasts a diverse culinary scene, with restaurants offering both international and Moroccan cuisine. From French bistros and Italian trattorias to stylish rooftop bars and cozy cafes, the area has something to satisfy every palate.

These places are worth a visit in Gueliz

🚶‍♂️ Easy Exploration: The area is conveniently located within walking distance of the Medina, allowing visitors to easily explore both the old and new parts of the city. The neighborhood is also well-connected by public transportation, with buses and taxis readily available.

All hotels in Gueliz →

Where to stay in Gueliz? 🏨

Best hotels in Gueliz

Best cheap/moderate hotels

  • Hotel Almas – Excellent value for money, offering clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities. Welcoming staff and convenient location
  • Hotel Akabar – Affordable hotel with cozy, well-maintained rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace. Within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
  • Hotel Nassim – Great choice for budget-conscious travelers, providing simple but clean and well-equipped rooms. Friendly staff and convenient location.

Best Hostels

  • Hostel Gueliz Marrakech – Great value for budget travelers, offering basic but clean and well-maintained dorms and cozy common areas.
  • Hostel Ghali & Private Rooms Gueliz – Friendly hostel with private rooms for more privacy and shared spaces for socializing. Helpful staff and great location.

3. Kasbah – Best Neighbourhood to Stay for Royal Heritage 🏯 

🏰 Royal Heritage: This district is steeped in royal heritage. A former citadel, Kasbah was once home to the city’s rulers and their palaces, offering a glimpse into the town’s rich history and culture.

Kasbah, Marrakech

🔥 Highlights of the area include:

  • Saadian Tombs: Ornate 16th-century mausoleum housing the remains of the Saadian dynasty rulers
  • El Badi Palace: Impressive ruins of a once-grand 16th-century palace built by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur
  • Moulay El Yazid Mosque: Beautiful chapel with a distinctive green-tiled roof and towering minaret
  • Kasbah Mosque: One of the oldest cathedrals in Marrakech, dating back to the 12th century

🚶‍♀️ Authentic Atmosphere: Wandering through the streets you’ll experience a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the center of the medina. The area is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic taste of the city’s history and culture.

🎨 Hidden Gems: Within the area, you’ll discover several hidden gems that offer a deeper understanding of the city’s past, such as:

  • Dar Si Said Museum: A museum housed in a 19th-century palace, showcasing traditional Moroccan art and crafts
  • Saadian Tombs Museum: A small museum adjacent to the tombs, displaying artifacts from the Saadian era
  • Kasbah Hammam: A traditional Moroccan bathhouse where you can experience a relaxing and rejuvenating hammam treatment
Attractions Kasbah

🍽️ Local Cuisine: The area is home to several local restaurants serving traditional Moroccan dishes, such as tagines, couscous, and pastilla. Be sure to enjoy a cup of refreshing mint tea while taking in the historic surroundings.

All hotels in Kasbah →

Where to stay in Kasbah? 🏨

Best hotels in Kasbah

Best cheap/moderate hotels

  • Riad Shemsi – Charming riad a short walk from the Royal Palace and Saadian Tombs, with a rooftop terrace and large pool.
  • Riad Amin Marrakech – Lovely riad with a pool, free WiFi, terrace with city views, and a convenient location near Bahia Palace and Djemaa El Fna.
  • Riad Anyssa – Riad with a terrace offering mountain views, a pool, free WiFi, and proximity to the Saadian Tombs and Djemaa El Fna.

Best Hostels

  • Riad Villa Harmonie – Budget-friendly riad with free WiFi, a shared kitchen, terrace with city views, and an excellent location near Bahia Palace and Djemaa El Fna.
  • Riad Jonan – Hostel-style riad offering free WiFi, a terrace, shared kitchen, at budget-friendly prices.

🌴 Desert Oasis: The Palmeraie, a lush palm grove on the outskirts of Marrakech, offers a calm escape from the city center. This verdant area is home to luxurious resorts, traditional Moroccan villas, and sprawling golf courses, all nestled among thousands of palm trees.

Palmeraie, Marrakech

🔥 Highlights of the Palmeraie include:

  • Camel rides through the palm groves, offering a unique perspective on the landscape
  • Luxury spa treatments incorporating traditional Moroccan techniques and local ingredients
  • Gourmet dining experiences featuring international and Moroccan cuisine
  • Relaxing by the pool or in the shade of the palms, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere
  • Golfing on one of the area’s world-class courses, surrounded by stunning scenery

🏜️ Desert Adventures: The Palmeraie is the perfect base for exploring the nearby desert landscapes. Take a guided quad bike or 4×4 tour through the rugged terrain, stopping to admire the stunning sunset over the dunes or visit a traditional Berber village.

Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech
Palmeraie, Marrakech

🌅 Scenic Surroundings: The Palmeraie’s location on the edge of the city provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility, while still being just a short drive from the city’s main attractions. The area’s natural beauty, with its towering palms and desert landscapes, creates a stunning backdrop for a memorable stay.

All hotels in Palmeraie →

Where to stay in Palmeraie? 🏨

Best hotels in Palmeraie

  • Tigmiza Suites & Pavillons – Luxurious 5-star hotel with stunning villas, private pools, three swimming pools, and excellent dining options. Perfect for a relaxing getaway.
  • Le Palais Rhoul & Spa – Unique and enchanting hotel with stunning architecture, artwork, exceptional spa treatments, and tent rooms. Ideal for those who appreciate quirky design.
  • Les Deux Tours – Stylish and serene hotel with beautifully landscaped gardens, ponds, pool, excellent dining options, and impeccable service. A true oasis of tranquility.

Best cheap/moderate hotels

  • Pullman Marrakech Palmeraie Resort and Spa – Modern resort offering great value, comfortable rooms, a large pool, spa, multiple dining options, and friendly staff.
  • Villa Al Assala Palmeraie – Charming villa with a peaceful atmosphere, spacious rooms, pool, delicious Moroccan cuisine, and warm hospitality.
  • Le Pavillon du Golf – Comfortable accommodations near the golf course, featuring a pool, restaurant, bar, simple but well-maintained rooms, and friendly staff.

5. Northern Medina – Best Area to Stay For Local Experience 🔍

🌇 Authentic Charm: Located on the northern side of Marrakech’s historic medina, the area is less touristy and offers a more authentic and local experience for those wondering where to stay in Marrakech.

Norra Medina, Marrakech
Norra Medina, Marrakech
Norra Medina, Marrakech
Norra Medina, Marrakech
Northern Medina, Marrakech

🔥 Highlights of the place include:

  • Medersa Ben Youssef: A stunning 16th-century Islamic school with intricate tilework and carvings
  • Maison de la Photographie: A fascinating museum showcasing vintage photographs of Morocco
  • Dar El Bacha Museum: A former palace turned museum displaying Moroccan art and artifacts
  • Bab Doukkala Mosque: A beautiful 16th-century chapel with a distinctive minaret
  • Rue Bab Doukkala: A lively street lined with local shops, cafes, and restaurants

🏰 Traditional Accommodations: The neighbourhood is home to many beautifully restored riads, traditional Moroccan houses with central courtyards and rooftop terraces. Staying in a riad allows you to experience the authentic charm of Marrakech within the heart of the medina.

These places are worth a visit in Northern Medinaa

🌍 Off the Beaten Path: If you’re looking for a more authentic experience during your trip to Marrakech, this neighbourhood is your best bet. This area offers a chance to escape the crowds and explore the less-visited neighborhoods of the medina, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and history.

Best Areas & Hotels in Marrakech on a Map 🗺

FAQs about Visiting Marrakech ❔

Which area is best to stay in Marrakech?

The best areas to stay in Marrakech are the Medina (old city) for a traditional experience, Gueliz for a modern vibe with luxury hotels, or Palmeraie for resorts outside the city. The Medina is ideal for first-time visitors who want to be immersed in the culture.

Is it better to stay in a riad in Marrakech?

Staying in a riad in Marrakech offers a unique, authentic experience. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards that provide a peaceful retreat from the busy city. They allow you to experience local hospitality, architecture, and cuisine in an intimate setting.

What is the difference between Medina and Kasbah?

The medina is the old walled city of Marrakech, while the Kasbah is a specific district within the medina. The Kasbah was the former royal citadel and has some important historical sites. It is generally a bit quieter and less touristy compared to the main medina areas.

Is Medina a good place to stay in Marrakech?

Yes, the medina is an excellent place to stay to experience the heart and soul of Marrakech. You’ll be surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of the souks, historic sites, and traditional riads. It’s perfect for soaking up the culture, though some may find it a bit overwhelming.

Is it safe to walk around Medina Marrakech?

Walking around the Medina in Marrakech is generally safe, even at night, as it’s busy and well-lit. However, stay vigilant about pickpockets and scams. Stick to main thoroughfares and be cautious in quieter backstreets at night. Getting lost is common, so have a map or phone GPS handy.