Marrakech is one of the best destinations in the world for accommodation. There are few cities I've been to, anywhere, that has such a wealth of incredible options for all budgets. There are cosy family riads at purse friendly prices, stylish boutique stays filled with heritage antiques, even vast resorts and swanky hotels fit for royalty.
If anything, the depth of choice can be a bit daunting. When you have hundreds of well priced, well reviewed hotels to pick from, which one do you go for? I've been to Marrakech 4 times now, so I've had to grapple with this choice plenty of times myself. As such, I've put together this review of some of the best hotels and riads in Marrakech for every budget.
My personal criteria for an excellent stay tends to favour design-led spaces with character - and of course, great service. Most of these are independent, boutique stays, which is what Marrakech does best. I've also included a few select experiences outside the city, if you're looking to travel further afield during your Morocco trip.
P.S. Planning a Marrakech trip? Check out my Marrakech hub, with all the best things to do, restaurants, and practical tips for the ultimate Marrakech adventure.
Budget Hotels and Riads in Marrakech
I feel I should stipulate that budget is a very subjective concept, and will of course vary depending on each of our circumstances. In this instance, I'm using the term budget to group any properties up to and around £100 a night. Whilst in some cities, this would barely cover a bed in a mixed dorm (ahem London, New York), in Marrakech it's a fairly healthy budget. Of course, prices fluctuate depending on season, so I apologise if this is not the case - but at time of writing, this is my criteria.
Anywhere with a full review and photos is somewhere I've personally stayed at or visited, however I've also included a shortlist of other attractive options at each price point.
Riad Dada Massouda Spa
Riad Dada Massouda Spa is a prime example of an elevated yet budget friendly riad stay. The decor is classic Moroccan riad - think arched walkways, warm terracotta furnishings, and plenty of pops of teal. The staff are wonderful, always on hand with a pot of Moroccan mint tea. Rooms are fairly compact, but perfectly functional and homely. The location is ever slightly outside the main Medina bustle, in a less touristy area - but the vast majority of sights are still a manageable walk away.
One thing to note is that our particular room had no door closing off the toilet area, which is something to consider if you're travelling with someone you're less familiar with. Thankfully Adam and myself are pretty comfortable (our first trip away together included intense food poisoning, which is a pretty swift bonding experience), but it was still a bit weird. I don't think this is the case with every room though!
More Budget Marrakech Hotels and Riads
- Riad Kilimini and Spa: A beautiful riad decked out in traditional Moroccan style, with plenty of ornate furnishings and unique details. The location is somewhat north of the main hub of the Medina, but still within walking distance of many attractions.
- Riad des trois Palais: The rooftop of this picturesque riad is the main selling point, for breakfasts under the Moroccan sun. Close enough to the Medina, but in a quieter part of town.
- Riad Meriem: This stylish riad offers lots of interesting architectural details for design lovers, set amidst a colour palette of aubergine and lime hues. It's also right in the heart of the city, with the souks just a short stroll away.
- Riad Palais Des Princesses & Spa: Centrally located, rooftop, pool, spa, and wellness centre: this stylish riad offers it all, and at an attractive price point.
- Riad Musee: Super central, rooms under £100 per night, classic Moroccan interiors and rooftop views make this a great bet for an affordable stay.
- Origin Hotels Riad Lhena: For those who seek to be in the heart of the action, this beautifully furnished riad is as central as it gets.
- Riad Chambres D'Amis Marrakech: A simply appointed, centrally located riad with an excellent roof terrace for breakfasts.
- Hotel & Spa Dar Baraka & Karam: The lovely riad has all the hallmarks of a traditional Moroccan stay, and some beautiful larger suites.
Mid Range Hotels and Riads in Marrakech
Riad Jardin Secret
This is a Riad I've had my eye on staying at for quite some time, lured in by oh so aesthetic shots of it's terracotta, cactus-filled roof terrace. I finally booked Riad Jardin Secret for my most recent Marrakech trip, and it did not disappoint. The interiors are ornate, walls lined with carved woodwork and cosy recessed alcoves to stop for a spot of mint tea. Hidden in a quiet backstreet a little outside the main Medina, it's so quiet and tranquil that we realised we'd been speaking in whispers since we'd checked in, so aware as we were of not wanting to disturb the peace! That said, it's still just a short walk to many of Marrakech's main sights.
There are a number of rooms available at different price points. We splurged on a suite with fireplace, at just under 3k dirhams for a night. Where riad rooms are often quite compact, this was an ample space, with a vast, mustard arched bed, and gorgeous terracotta bathroom complete with the iconic green tiles you'll spot everywhere in Marrakech.
Note: Riad Jardin Secret actually has secret back alley access the gets you to a main road without having to drag your bags for ages, so make sure to arrange access for your arrival.
Riad Il Parco dei Principi
I toyed with whether to put this beautiful Riad within budget or mid-range, as the price varies. Whilst we paid under £100 a night for a last minute booking, rooms cost more in peak times - so it's somewhere in between! Either way, Riad il Parco dei Principi is a lovely classic Moroccan riad that provides a wonderful stay experience. We were immediately plied with Moroccan mint tea on arrival, and brought more whenever we asked (we love a mint tea moment, so this was a real treat!). The staff are unobtrusive yet always on hand to help, and will fully go above and beyond. For example I needed a dress ironed however their iron was broken - so they insisted on wizzing out to get it ironed elsewhere, at no charge.
Interiors-wise, there's plenty of nods to Moroccan design, but done in a more muted, elevated palette. I absolutely fell in love with the sage limewash walls of the TV room - definitely giving me inspo for my next interiors job. The location is excellent, just inside the Medina but with a main road a 5-10 minute walk away. As an aside, cars can't drive into the Medina, so a road nearby is a key factor so you're not shlepping your bags too far!
More Mid-Range Marrakech Hotels and Riads
- Riad Palais Sebban: This opulent riad truly does feel like staying in a palace, every corner a visual feast from colourful tiled floors to intricate carved woodwork. Definitely one for the maximalists.
- Riyad Al Moussika: The mustard-hued courtyard of this attractive riad houses a decently large pool, a rarity for Marrakech riads. The terrace looks like a lovely spot for breakfast - this is definitely on my shortlist for my next Marrakech trip.
- Riad Tarabel: Proof that Moroccan design doesn't have to mean maximalist. Tarabel is chic, sleek, and a wonderfully elegant Marrakech stay.
- Riad Yasmine: If you're remotely online you've probably seen the green and white tiled courtyard of Insta-famous Riad Yasmine pop up on your feed at some point. The OG Instagram Riad, Riad Yasmine books out early so make sure to get booking well in advance if photo-friendly spaces are your priority.
- Riad Bamaga: An elegantly furnished riad stay with nods to Moroccan design without being over the top. It's also one of the most affordable of the mid range options, with a night stay coming in at just over £100 at time of writing.
- Riad Andalla Spa: If the luxury of a spa to retreat to after a day of navigating the souks, Riad Andalla Spa will be right up your street. This wonderfully rated riad has it's own hammam and spa treatments on offer, as well as a great rooftop and comfortable common spaces.
- Riad Ilayka: A riad that showcases opulent Moroccan design at a purse-friendly price point, with helpful, attentive staff.
Luxury Hotels and Riads in Marrakech
La Sultana
I'll be the first to admit that I bandy the term "bucket list" about rather more than I should, but with La Sultana, it's plenty apt. This luxury Marrakech riad is in fact 5 riads converted in to one, making exploring the different themed spaces a fun part of the stay experience. It's somewhere I'd had on my bucket list for some time, and was every bit as magical as the oh so aesthetic photographs I'd seen of it would suggest. There's a large pool area, a rarity in most central Marrakech riads, as well as multiple cosy communal corners. Rooms are palatial, well furnished, and with all the amenities you'd need - plus a few more besides.
The standout, however, is the vast roof terrace, which hosts rooftop bar and casual fare at Odette, and a gorgeous international dining restaurant in the form of Le Table du Souk. I'd highly recommend booking in for a meal at the latter, offering a unique view out over the Saadian Tombs below. You can also dine poolside at La Table de La Sultana, which looks particularly romantic lit up by night. If you're considering a stay, make sure to read my full La Sultana Review.
Kasbah Conti
Kasbah Conti is for those who like the bustle of Marrakech - but not all the time. This stylish holiday villa sits on the outskirts of Marrakech, half an hours drive from the Medina. It's ideal for heading in to explore - then escaping the crowds and heat to relax by the pool, or tuck into a sumptuous Moroccan meal served up by the villa's resident chef. The villa hosts 6, with three spacious en-suite bedrooms. There's a pool, small indoor gym, and indoor and outdoor dining areas.
Design is impeccable throughout, with a modern take on traditional Moroccan design. Large patterned vases sit against a backdrop of striped green seating and zellige tiles. Each bedroom has it's own scheme - the duck egg blue master, with a four poster sat under swathes of a romantic canopy. The bold red and modern African prints of the second bedroom, the deep indigo and dramatic stripes of the twin bed. But it's the outdoor areas that occupied our time the most, with plenty of spaces designed for relaxation, from cosy sofas to sun loungers. At night, our on-site butler ensured the fireplace in the lounge was lit, by which we'd play games supplied by the villa. The only issue? It's very hard to drag yourself away from the loungers to head into the chaos of the souks...
Whilst I've put Kasbah Conti in luxury, because the experience is most certainly luxurious, I'd argue that it's remarkably good value split between 6 guests. I'm already plotting to return with friends!
More Luxury Marrakech Hotels and Riads
- The Oberoi Marrakech: With private pool villas, Atlas mountain views, and a courtyard to rival the grandeur of the Medersa Ben Youssef, the Marrakech outpost of Indian luxury brand Oberoi is nothing short of spectacular.
- Amanjena: Aman is one of my bucket list hotel brands, and their Marrakech resort is one of their most iconic. Moroccan design takes on a more considered approach here, with palm tree framed arches in salmon hues taking guests through the spaces of this sleek resort.
- Royal Mansour: All the charm of a riad, but with the amenities of a well equipped hotel - you'll find an indoor pool, outdoor pool, and spa, at this stylish Marrakech hotel.
- El Fenn: A great stay for art lovers, this beautiful hotel on the outskirts of the Medina hosts an on-site gallery, extensive gift shop, and one of the city's best rooftops. The playfully decked out rooms feel like a modern take on traditional Moroccan design, furnished in a range of jewel box hues.
- L'Hotel: One for the design lovers, this chic Marrakech riad is the work of famed British designer Jasper Conran. A historic 19th century property, it hosts 6 suites around an outdoor pool. The spaces are, unsurprisingly, impeccably furnished, with unique antique pieces and intricate design details making every corner a visual feast.
- La Mamounia: La Mamounia is a true Marrakech institution, known for hosting distinguished guests like Winston Churchill and Alfred Hitchcock. It's a suitably regal stay, La Mamounia is for those seeking an experience seeped in history, nostalgia, and glamour.
- Selman Marrakech: Another classic Marrakech luxury stay, the Selman sits south of the Medina in ample grounds. There's pools (3 of them), a gym, and spa, of course, but also a great kid's club, and even horse riding available at this fully kitted out stay.
The Best Hotels Outside Marrakech
Whilst Marrakech has a bounty of excellent accommodation in and around the city itself, it's also worth turning your attention outside the city. There's luxury desert camps in the Agafay Desert, just a short drive from town, as well as sumptious properties offering a serene getaway tucked away in the Atlas Mountains. My most recent trip was my first time getting out of the city for more than a day trip, and I was so glad I did. It was wonderful taking a moment away from the intensity of the souks, to slow down in the desert and mountains - and to see more of Morocco's beautiful landscapes in the process. In fact, it's inspired me to get further afield on my next trip - Morocco road trip anyone?
Caravan Agafay
The Agafay desert is just a short drive from Marrakech, making it a great destination for an overnight trip from the city. Whilst many choose to do a desert day trip, the wealth of stylish hotels and tented camps in the vicinity make it well worth a stay. My pick of the bunch is Caravan by Habitas Agafay, a sleek, chic luxury camp with a range of standalone tents and lodges providing accommodation.
I will say that if you're expecting golden sand dunes, you'll be disappointed. The landscape of Agafay is more rocky hills than rolling dunes, but it's impressive nonetheless. The location feels remarkably rural rather than just 40 minutes south of Marrakech, an impression only briefly punctuated by the regular sightings of groups of quad bikers and camel riders crossing the ridge beyond on their day trip excursions.
There are two pools - though I'll admit, on a brisk February day these weren't particularly appealing. I imagine come the warmer months, they're a wonderful respite. However we did make good use of the bar, which served up excellent cocktails overlooking a truly incredible sunset across the hills beyond. The dining is also very good, which is ideal considering the lack of immediate alternative options. But with a vast menu, including multiple plentiful breakfast choices, you're in for a treat.
We stayed in one of the lodges, which was vast, well equipped, and definitely felt far more luxurious than camping! The only thing to note? The toilet involves a series of levers and pulls, and even comes with a short guide. It takes a moment to get used to, but is perfectly fine for a couple of nights.
Kasbah Tamadot
Part of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Limited Edition collection, Kasbah Tamadot is a very special stay. Tucked away in the Atlas Mountains just outside the small town of Asni, the backdrop of white snow-capped peaks makes the vast grounds of this impressive fortress style luxury hotel particularly atmospheric.
There's a number of different room and suite options, including luxury Berber Tents and family-sized riads. We stayed in the former, so completely palatial it was easy to forget we were in a tent. The best bits? The bathtub, which I took every available opportunity to luxuriate in, and the outdoor terrace with views out over the Berber village beyond.
In February, the pool was not particularly appealing, however the smaller jacuzzi pool was gloriously warm - and there's also an indoor spa pool. Another highlight is the jewel-toned library, where a roaring fire makes board game afternoon particularly cosy. You'll also find tennis courts, and plenty of activities available to organise in the surrounding areas.
With rooms hovering around the £1k mark, it's far from a budget stay, but is undeniably luxurious. You can expect all sorts of thoughtful touches, such as traditional Moroccan slippers to take home, and small treats during turndown. We stayed over Valentine's Day, and came back from dinner to discover our suite had been given a romantic, petal-filled makeover!
More Hotels Outside Marrakech
BE Agafay: In Marrakech, BE riad and their sister restaurant Folk are well established Marrakech hotspots. Their stylish, photo friendly aesthetic has also been applied to their Agafay outpost, a luxury tented desert camp. There's yurts, bungalows, and a pool so photogenic it's sure to make all your Instagram followers super jealous.
The Seven Saints Luxury Camp: Another luxurious Agafay tent option, this resort is perfectly poised for relaxation with a side of desert views - and some rooms even come with their own pool.
Kasbah d'If: With a commanding location overlooking over the desert, Kasbah d'If is a spectacle before you even arrive. Here, elegance is understated and elevated, all sandy neutrals and textural accents. With plenty of dining and drinking spaces, as well as extensive spa and wellness facilities, you'll be kept well amused at this standout mountain stay.
Domaine De La Roseraie: Set in 23 hectares of grounds nestled amidst the Altas Mountains, flower filled Domaine De La Roseraie feels like a real immersion in nature. As such, hiking trails and other adventure activities are in full supply - or take it easy in the spa, or one of the many pools.
It's hard to put together a definitive list to the best hotels and riads in Marrakech, as there's just so many exemplarary stays available. Though I've been multiple times now, my hotel bucket list in and around the city just keeps growing! Nonetheless I hope this guide provides a solid starting point for navigating the seemingly endless number of accommodation options.
If you have any other hotel or riad recommendations in Marrakech, please don't hesitate to pop them in the comments below. And if you do check out any of these, I'd love to hear about your experience.
