marrakech hotels
One of the things I love most about Morocco is its architecture and decoration. And to admire them up close, nothing beats staying in a riad.
Not only will you enjoy charming rooms, but also beautiful inner courtyards, often shaded from the sun, which helps keep a pleasant temperature even in the middle of summer.
These bright spaces are usually tastefully decorated and filled with plants.
Of course, depending on your preferences or budget, you might prefer other types of accommodation, such as friendly hostels or luxurious hotels.
That’s why, in this article, I offer you a varied selection Marrakech hotels, for all types of travelers!
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Marrakech Hotels: Where to Stay by Neighborhood?
What is a riad?
You’ll see this word written everywhere, both on the walls of Marrakech and on accommodation platforms like Booking.
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house, typical of the medinas, built around a central courtyard or an interior garden, often decorated with a fountain.
The rooms are arranged around the courtyard, which promotes privacy and shields from street noise. Most of the time, there are no windows facing the outside, which helps keep things cool.
What I love most about these buildings are all the details typical of the sublime traditional Moroccan decoration: zelliges, carved stucco, intricately carved wood, handcrafted lanterns…
In Marrakech, as in most tourist cities in Morocco, many riads have been transformed into guesthouses, much to the delight of tourists like me!
ALSO READ: 3 Days in Marrakech
Marrakech Hotels: The Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
The main tourist attractions are concentrated in the medina. That’s why, quite naturally, most tourists choose to stay there.
However, there are other areas that can also be interesting for travelers looking for peace and quiet or those who want to immerse themselves in local everyday life.
1. The medina
The medina is the historic heart of the city, protected by ochre-colored walls. It’s an authentic labyrinth that hides the main attractions of the beautiful Moroccan city, from colorful souks to the most impressive palaces.
Without a doubt, this is the area I recommend for your stay. You’ll be ideally located to visit the must-see sites on foot while enjoying the unique and lively atmosphere of the old town.
On top of that, the medina is full of restaurants, cafés, and shops that will make your stay more convenient.
Hotels in the medina
Peekaboo Hostel ($): I spent 3 nights in this small hostel that offers 4- and 6-bed dorms at very affordable prices.
Sindi Sud ($$): I spent 4 nights in this modest riad, very well located in the medina and quite peaceful.
Riad Carina ($$): This magnificent riad wins over its guests with its beautiful decor. Plus, its pool with a view is perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing.
Riad Bensaid ($$$): I spent one night in this magnificent riad, a peaceful haven in the heart of the medina.
What to do in the medina?
- Explore the souks: get lost in the colorful markets and watch artisans at work.
- Visit the Bahia Palace: a jewel of Moroccan architecture with beautiful gardens and mosaics.
- Discover the Ben Youssef Madrasa: a former Quranic school, a splendid example of Arab-Andalusian art.
- Stroll through Jemaa el-Fna Square: a place that truly comes alive in the evening.
- Dine on a rooftop terrace: to enjoy views of the medina and its rooftops.
2. Gueliz
If you want to stay near the medina to easily explore it, but prefer a more modern and peaceful neighborhood, I recommend the Guéliz district.
Here, contemporary architecture strongly contrasts with the traditional buildings of the old city. The streets are lively, though less chaotic, and tourists are drawn to its shops, cafés, and art galleries.
Hotels in Gueliz
Bab Hotel ($$): This property offers air-conditioned accommodations. It also features a deep pool and a terrace.
Chez Abdou ($$): A fully equipped 2-bedroom apartment, perfect for families or groups of friends!
SOOFSTAY Guest-House ($$): This accommodation offers family rooms with a garden or city views.
Roof top terrasse Centre-Gueliz JACUZZI ($$$): A magnificent, spacious, and beautifully decorated apartment. It also features a jacuzzi and a balcony.
What to do in Gueliz?
- Go shopping in modern boutiques or concept stores: fashion, design, and reinterpreted local products.
- Stroll through the El Harti Garden: less touristy than the Majorelle Garden, but just as pleasant for a nature break.
- Have a drink or dinner at a trendy restaurant: contemporary Moroccan or international cuisine.
- Admire the Art Deco architecture inherited from the French protectorate.
3. L’Hivernage
Very close to Guéliz, the L’Hivernage district embodies chic and contemporary Marrakech, with its luxury hotels, refined restaurants, and lively rooftops.
It’s also an excellent option if you want to slow down and relax in a peaceful area that’s still close to the medina and its attractions. So it’s definitely worth considering if you have the budget.
Hotels in L'Hivernage
AppartHotel Atrani ($$): Near the train station, this aparthotel offers accommodations with private bathrooms. The best part? The terrace!
Opéra Appartement ($$): This apartment features a balcony with a view. A perfect choice for couples!
Appartement Jardin et Piscine ($$$): A spacious 2-bedroom apartment with a pool, garden, and terrace. Perfect for families or groups of friends!
Longue Vie Hotels ($$$): This accommodation offers family rooms with a balcony. It also features a swimming pool and a gym.
What to do in L'Hivernage?
- Enjoy a rooftop terrace or an elegant bar: lounge atmosphere with views of the city or the Atlas Mountains.
- Attend a show at the Royal Theater or in a palace.
- Relax in a luxury spa or hammam.
ALSO READ: 10 Things To Do in Marrakech
4. Ourika Road
If nature is what attracts you during your getaway to Marrakech, I recommend staying along the Ourika route, south of the city.
This area has many guesthouses where you can enjoy tranquility and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. It’s the perfect place to recharge, but keep in mind that getting to the medina for sightseeing will be a bit more challenging.
Hotels in Ourika Road
Riad Soir de Marrakech ($$): This riad, with an indoor pool and recently renovated, offers perfect rooms for couples.
Villa Agdal ($$$): A two-bedroom apartment with a terrace, balcony, and pool. Pets are also allowed.
Al Fassia Aguedal ($$$): A luxury hotel with traditional architecture and magnificent views of the Atlas Mountains. Perfect for couples!
Kenzi Menara Palaca & Resort ($$$$): This establishment offers spacious and bright rooms, a spa, swimming pool, gym, and a tennis court.
What to do in Ourika Road?
- Take a day trip to the Ourika Valley: nature, waterfalls, and Berber villages.
- Discover local cooperatives: argan oil, pottery, saffron… It’s the perfect time to buy your souvenirs!
- Admire the Atlas peaks from a panoramic terrace.
5. La Palmeraie
The last area to consider for your stay in Marrakech is La Palmeraie. This vast green zone is dotted with palm trees, luxurious villas, and resorts. As you might imagine, it’s best suited for travelers with a higher budget.
Getting to the medina from here can be a bit more complicated. That’s why I recommend this area to travelers who are more interested in relaxing in a dreamy, peaceful setting with high-end amenities than in doing cultural sightseeing.
Hotels in La Palmeraie
Moroccan Spirit ($$): This one-bedroom apartment is perfect for families. It also features a terrace and an outdoor pool.
Riad L’Escale de Marrakech ($$): This property offers air-conditioned accommodations. It also features a plunge pool and a terrace.
Villa Le Perroquet Bleu ($$$): With its outdoor pool and restaurant, this air-conditioned villa features a terrace, a swimming pool, and a garden.
Les Deux Tours ($$$$$): You’ll enjoy a 5-star experience at this incredible hotel, which also features a swimming pool, a spa, and a gym.
What to do in La Palmeraie?
- Take a camel ride among the palm trees.
- Try yoga or meditation in a peaceful setting.
- Indulge yourself in a luxury spa with traditional treatments.
Of course, choosing your accommodation depends on many factors, including your travel style and budget. However, I truly recommend staying in the medina to experience a real change of scenery and enjoy the sublime riads.
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