Hotels in Ouarzazate: Find the Perfect Stay for Your Moroccan Trip
Planning to spend a few nights in Ouarzazate?
After 2 stays totaling 15 days in the city, I now have a good understanding of its neighborhoods and main highlights. That’s why I’ve written this article—to help you organize your stay and choose the ideal accommodation.
Ouarzazate is known as the Moroccan film capital, with places like the Atlas Studios, where movies such as The Hills Have Eyes and Gladiator were filmed. But that’s not its only attraction—its Kasbah is also truly worth a visit.
This stop is a must for any traveler looking to explore the Moroccan desert, whether it’s Merzouga, Zagora, or M’Hamid. It’s also a convenient place to break up the journey if you’re coming from Marrakech or Fez.
So keep reading—I’ll share with you the best neighborhoods to find the perfect hotels in Ouarzazate for a few nights.
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Hotels in Ouarzazate: Where to Stay by Neighborhood?
There are 2 types of travelers who set foot in Ouarzazate: those who come to spend a few days exploring the city, and those who stop over before heading out to the desert.
No matter which group you belong to, you’ll need a place to stay in the city—and that’s where I come in. Here’s a list of hotels in Ouarzazate you can consider, organized by neighborhood!
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1. City Center
The city center revolves around the main square: Place Al-Mouahidine. Here, restaurants and snack bars cater to both tourists and locals. There are also numerous shops of all kinds and, above all, the central market, where you can find absolutely everything.
This makes it a neighborhood worth considering if you want everything within easy reach. In addition, the CTM bus station is very close, which can be particularly convenient.
Another advantage is that Kasbah Taourirt and the Cinema Museum are within walking distance, making it perfect for a bit of sightseeing.
Hotels in the city center
Résidence Ouarzazate ($): This property offers suites as well as apartments, making it an affordable option for families and groups of friends. The accommodations feature city views, a terrace, and a seating area.
Hotel Riad Amlal ($$): This beautiful riad offers very bright rooms decorated with great taste. All accommodations include a desk, fridge, and kettle for a comfortable stay. Some also feature a seating area. It’s the option I recommend if you’re traveling as a couple.
Amanar Hotel ($$$): If you want to treat yourself to a luxury stay, whether as a couple or solo, don’t hesitate for a second! This new hotel also features a spa to relax after your visits. The accommodations include a balcony and private bathroom, and some offer city views. The outdoor pool, garden, and terrace provide perfect spaces to enjoy even more relaxation.
Berbère Palace ($$$$$): If you have the means to treat yourself to a dream stay, this palace is the perfect place! This property, featuring an outdoor pool and a spa center with a hammam, sauna, and jacuzzi, offers suites that are as spacious as they are elegantly decorated.
What to do in the city center?
- Have a mint tea in a local café: Sit on the terrace and watch life go by—a simple but typically Moroccan experience.
- Relax at Place Al-Mouahidine in the evening: Enjoy the local atmosphere, watch families strolling, and see street performers in action.
- Visit the central market: Explore the stalls filled with spices, dried fruits, rugs, and pottery. It’s an authentic place where locals do their daily shopping.
ALSO NEXT: The Best Hotels by Neighborhood in Marrakech
2. Hay El Whada
Hotels In Hay El Whada
Appartement City Center ($): I spent 10 days in a double room at this very budget-friendly hotel, which also offers beds in shared dormitories. Some accommodations have a private bathroom; in others, the bathroom and kitchen are shared. I recommend this bright and clean property if you’re on a tight budget.
Résidence Jannat ($$): If you want more freedom, this accommodation offers several apartments with fully equipped kitchens. Additionally, all units have a living and/or dining area. It’s a perfect option for couples, small families, or groups of friends.
The Kozyhome ($$): This beautiful riad, with carefully designed decor, features an outdoor pool, garden, shared lounge, terrace, and bar, offering a truly relaxing and enjoyable stay. All accommodations have a patio and a private bathroom. It’s the best option if you’re traveling as a couple and want to enjoy a lovely, spacious room.
What to do in Hay El Whada?
- Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt: Explore this iconic fortified palace with its magnificent adobe facades, courtyards, and secret passageways.
- Tour the Cinema Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of Moroccan cinema through posters, photos, and filming props.
3. Mellah
If you want to wake up in a completely different setting, I recommend the Mellah neighborhood. An old Jewish quarter, it is made up of traditional adobe houses typical of the region.
The center of Ouarzazate is about a twenty-minute walk away, but it’s worth it if you want to immerse yourself in a unique and beautiful environment.
Hotels in Mellah
Dar El Nath ($): This guesthouse is also located in the heart of Ouarzazate’s old town. The décor is simple, but the rooms are clean and comfortable. It’s an affordable option for couples who want to wake up in a unique and picturesque setting.
Hotel Rayyan l’Escale ($): a very simple hotel offering comfortable, bright rooms with a balcony and city views. It’s a very affordable option for both solo travelers and couples.
Dar Kamar ($$): This accommodation is located in a typical adobe house of the region. Both the rooms and common areas are beautifully decorated, and all feature a private bathroom. From the terrace, you can enjoy incredible views of the rest of the neighborhood. My recommendation for couples or solo travelers looking for a unique experience.
What to do in Mellah?
- Get lost in the neighborhood streets: Wander aimlessly to admire the typical façades and soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic district.
- Visit the Aben Danan Synagogue: Immerse yourself in the Mellah’s religious past by discovering this historic synagogue.
- Visit the Kasbah of Taourirt: Explore this iconic fortified palace with its magnificent adobe façades, courtyards, and secret passageways.
READ NEXT: 9 Things to Do in Ouarzazate
4. Tiboune
Located about fifteen minutes by car from the center of Ouarzazate, this area offers a peaceful setting while remaining easily accessible.
The neighborhood is less “urban” than the historic center, making it an ideal option for a relaxing stay—especially if you plan to spend several nights there.
Hotels in Tiboune
Résidence Dallas Warzazate ($): This quiet and bright apartment has everything you need. It’s an excellent option for couples, small groups of friends, or small families.
Dar Widad ($$): This beautifully decorated accommodation offers bright double and family rooms. For budget travelers, there are also beds available in shared dorms. Dar Widad also features a restaurant, a garden, a shared lounge, and a terrace where you can relax and meet other travelers.
Dar Nadia Bendriss ($): Built in 2015, this dar offers a 24-hour front desk and beautifully decorated double and triple rooms. Some accommodations include a seating area, while others feature a balcony. It also has a garden, a shared lounge, a terrace, and free private parking — making it perfect for travelers on a road trip.
What to do in Tiboune?
- Stroll through the village: Discover its narrow streets, traditional houses, and the authentic atmosphere of a small Moroccan town.
- Photograph the landscapes: Tiboune offers beautiful views of the mountains and palm groves — perfect for photography lovers.
What to Do Outside Ouarzazate?
No matter which neighborhood you choose to spend a few nights in, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of your stay to explore the surroundings of the city. Here are 4 must-do activities I recommend:
- Visit the Atlas Studios: If you’re a movie lover like me, I highly recommend visiting these studios, where many international film sets have been perfectly preserved.
- Take a day trip to Aït-Ben-Haddou: This fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its adobe architecture. It’s a breathtaking place — even after several visits!
- Relax at the Fint Oasis: This peaceful haven, surrounded by palm trees and mountains, is a favorite spot among locals who come to enjoy a quiet walk or a picnic away from the city bustle.
- Explore the Sahara Desert: It’s impossible to come to Ouarzazate without venturing into the Sahara Desert. Merzouga, Zagora, or M’Hamid — with their immense dunes, Berber songs by the fire, and incredible stargazing — a stay in the Sahara is an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime!
I hope this article has inspired you to choose the perfect accommodation for your stay in Ouarzazate.
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