Marrakech is an intricate city unlike anywhere else in the world. Characterized by its labyrinthine souks, the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, and the buzzing Djemaa el-Fna square, its ancient Medina core is a place that really divides travelers. Some love haggling for fragrant spices and stumbling upon time-worn tombs, while others find it overwhelming and prefer to stick to the peaceful hammams and ornate palaces.
Get your trip off to a great start by staying in one of the best hotels in Marrakech, and the rest will follow. From cafes selling sweet mint tea and French-inspired boutiques to electric bus tours and boxy minarets that burst into life with melodious calls to prayer, Marrakesh will leave you bubbling with stories you’ll be telling people about for years.
There’s a bit of disagreement when it comes to how the city got its name. Some people say it comes from the Berber phrase murr akush meaning “The Land of God.” Others say it comes from the Arabic phrase murra kish meaning “Pass by Quickly.” This phrase was designed to warn people traveling to Morocco to watch out for wild animals when in the capital!
Marrakech is home to some incredible places to stay, from stunning riads and rural lodges to luxury resorts and charming boutique hotels. In fact, there are so many superb accommodation options that you may have a hard time choosing one. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 12 top hotels in Marrakech to make your vacation just that much more amazing!
Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Check out our top 3 picks!
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Where to Stay in Marrakech
There are loads of excellent places to stay in Marrakech, whatever type of vacation you’re planning. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the city, we suggest staying in the Medina. The oldest part of Marrakech, the Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with winding streets, colorful souks, ancient buildings, and stunning mosques. Because it’s so large and diverse, it’s best to split Medina into two halves.
The southern part of the Medina is bustling and crowded – but it’s also where all the best attractions are. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be within walking distance of everything and have an authentic Moroccan experience. The northern region of the Medina is a little more chilled out and residential. Although it’s still just a short trip from the many attractions you can find in the south.
Kasbah is another great choice. Located just south of the Medina, this neighborhood has all the old-world charm of the center without the chaos. You can take a cab to the attractions in the Medina or stay local and explore fascinating sites such as El Badii Palace and the Saadian Tombs. There are some great places to eat around here, as well as plenty of cool Marrakech hotels.
For something a bit more modern, consider Gueliz. This area is considered to be the New Town and is home to excellent stores and boutiques with fixed prices. Here you’ll also find the Matisse Art Gallery, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and Le Grand Cafe de la Poste – one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Marrakech!
The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Marrakech, Morocco
1. Riad Altair
Surrounded by intoxicating souks and just a 10-minute walk away from the Place Jemaa el Fna, Riad Altair is one of the coolest boutique hotels in Marrakech if you want to be in the middle of all the action. Formerly a family home, this phenomenal building has been transformed into a charismatic hotel, welcoming weary travelers to the heart of the Medina.
You’ll find beautiful touches all over the hotel, from tranquil inner courtyards with crystal-clear pools to secret rooftop terraces with awe-inspiring views of the city. There’s a remarkable restaurant on-site that dishes up Moroccan specialties made with fresh market produce, with plenty of other dining options on your doorstep. As an added bonus, the hotel also offers pampering beauty treatments, indulgent massages, and delicious cooking classes.
With just six rooms, you can be sure of a wonderful night’s sleep at Riad Altair. Each room is decorated in a fantastic blend of traditional and modern Moroccan styles, with quality textiles, gorgeous artwork, and fantastic views.
2. Amanjena Resort
One of the most sensational and unique Marrakech hotels, Amanjena Resort looks more like a palace than a place to spend the night. Inspired by the ancient buildings you find throughout the Medina, this sprawling hotel boasts an almost never-ending number of hidden spots just waiting to be discovered. From sun-speckled courtyards and bubbling mosaic fountains to lush green gardens and shaded pavilions, you’ll have a wonderful time exploring every inch of this property.
Accommodation here takes the shape of spacious individual houses. The pavilion houses boast huge private gardens plus dazzling outdoor gazebos. But for something a little more special, we suggest upgrading to one of the “Maisons.” Each of these also comes with a heated pool! But no matter which type of house you choose, you can take advantage of the hotel’s free airport shuttle service.
A fabulous place to pamper yourself, Amanjena Resort features spectacular spa facilities that will make you feel like a whole new person. Designed with your body and needs in mind, the spa facilities range from massages and full body treatments to yoga classes and facials.
3. Riad Houdou
A traditional guest house ideally located in the center of the Medina, Riad Houdou is a top pick if you’re looking for where to stay in Marrakech to be close to all the best attractions. The Ben Youssef Madrasa, Jemma El Fna Square, countless souks, and some excellent dining options are all within walking distance.
Here you can choose between 10 gorgeous rooms, each of which has its own theme. Depending on which room you choose, you could be treated to quirky decor like silver teapots adorning the walls, handmade fan decorations, or beautiful mirrors framed with mosaics. For the ultimate experience, we suggest booking the Superior Junior Suite. It features a private patio with a heated plunge pool.
Even though you’ll be surrounded by cafes, bars, and restaurants, we definitely recommend eating within the hotel at least once. The talented chefs put on a decadent spread for breakfast and offer incredible Moroccan specialties for dinner, which you’ll struggle to find anywhere else. Their tagines are cooked for six hours in an authentic amphora and taste amazing!
4. Sakkan
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, choose Sakkan. This spectacular hotel boasts some of the most opulent rooms we’ve ever seen in Marrakech. While all the rooms are refined and elegant, we recommend splurging on the Master Suite.
This standout room is the largest in the hotel and features a solid wood 4-poster bed topped with Egyptian cotton sheets, a sophisticated bathroom with a copper bath and Botanika body care products, and a beautiful pool view with direct access to the hotel’s lounge area.
Make sure you check out the rooftop restaurant, lounge, and bar at least once during your stay. This gorgeous spot has a romantic, laid-back vibe and serves some of the most delicious food you’ll find anywhere in Marrakech. The menu is a lot more international than you may expect, but the execution is as close to perfect as you’ll find.
When you need to cool off from the intense Moroccan sunshine, you’ll find plenty of shaded patios and courtyards to relax in. Or head outside and take a dip in the pool surrounded by green vines.
5. Riad le Clos des Arts
Take one look at Riad le Clos des Arts, and you’ll instantly agree that it’s got to be one of the coolest boutique hotels in Marrakech. Located far enough away from the chaos of the Medina so you can enjoy some peace and quiet while still being close enough to the center so you can check out all the attractions, this stunning hotel is ideally located, whatever type of vacation you’re seeking.
From the hidden plunge pool on the rooftop terrace to the hand-painted ceilings in the guest rooms, every inch of this hotel is more dazzling than the last. Here you can while away warm, lazy evenings in inner courtyards illuminated by candles or cuddle up in the lounge on an oversized cushion next to a crackling fire.
Powered by solar thermodynamic energy, the spa is the first place you should go when you need to unwind. Offering a traditional hammam experience, the spa invites you to start off with a body scrub, followed by a ritualistic wash, and finally, a massage carried out with scented oils.
6. Riad Houma
Stuck between a beach vacation and Marrakech? Book a stay at Riad Houma. While this hotel may be inland, its rooftop has a cool beach club vibe you’ll fall in love with. With a sand-colored floor, wooden decking, sun loungers, umbrellas, a plunge pool, and a hot tub, you’ll quickly forget you’re in the middle of the desert!
The rest of the hotel is just as beautiful as the rooftop. There’s a fine-dining Moroccan restaurant, a spa that offers couples massages, an outdoor patio with a fire pit, and more activities than you could ever hope to do during your vacation. From cooking classes and themed dinner nights to walking tours and horseback riding, there’s loads to choose from here.
While all the rooms are spacious and comfortable, we definitely recommend splashing out on the suite. This large room features a king-size bed with top-quality linens and a bathroom with an elegant tub that’s sunken into the floor. It has a distinctly Moroccan feel with gorgeous fabrics, carefully-chosen furniture, and thoughtful details.
7. Dar Mo’Da
For a little piece of paradise in the bustling Medina, book a stay at Dar Mo’Da. One of the top hotels in Marrakech if you want to have your cake and eat it too, this property is located in the peaceful historic part of the center, with major attractions just a short walk away. Most of the rooms here are suites that are so awe-inspiring you’ll never want to leave.
Whether you opt for a Junior Suite or a Complete Suite, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous 4-poster bed with privacy curtains, charming indoor courtyard views, a separate lounge area, and complimentary tea, coffee, mineral water, bakery items, fruit, and fresh flowers every day. If you’re traveling as a large group, you can even rent the entire riad for yourself and use all the facilities and services exclusively.
This handsome building dates back to the 19th century and boasts a central courtyard with a chic swimming pool. Just steps away, you’ll discover an indulgent hammam, elegant dining room, cozy lounge, and pampering salon.
8. Riad Olema et Spa
Riad Olema et Spa offers all the comforts and privacy of a personal home, along with the excellent facilities and services of a luxury hotel. Brimming with charming spaces inviting you to relax and unwind, the hotel boasts light-dappled patios, cool shaded courtyards, and multiple pools so you can always cool off, no matter how hot things get.
When you need a bit of pampering, the Spa Ô has got you covered. Here you can treat yourself to a world of massages, hammam rituals, facials, manicures, and pedicures. If you’d rather keep to yourself, there’s also a separate hammam where you can relax and be with your own thoughts.
Stop by the restaurant, and you’ll discover a decadent selection of creative dishes inspired by Morocco and the Mediterranean. Whether you’re in the mood for a chicken club sandwich, beef tagine, fresh fruit salad, or some handmade Moroccan pastries, you’ll find it all here.
Just steps away from the restaurant, you’ll find the open-air rooftop terrace. It’s decorated with Balinese-style beds and features elegant plunge pools.
9. Dar Zemora
Celebrating something special? Then make plans to stay at Dar Zemora. One of the most dazzling and sophisticated places to stay in Marrakech, this gorgeous property is surrounded by tranquility and serenity while still being just a short walk away from the center of the Medina. Plus, the accommodation here is almost too luxurious to be true.
Decorated in an opulent Moroccan style, each guest room here is entirely unique. From traditional Tatoui furniture, mesmerizing fireplaces, and marble bathtubs to private balconies, hand-painted chests, and stunning roof terraces – you never know what you’re going to get here! Our favorite is the Pavilion Suite, as it’s surrounded by a private garden and comes with a large pool.
But even if you don’t book this suite, you can still take advantage of the hotel’s huge swimming pool surrounded by lush grass and towering trees. If you need a little more pampering, head over to the hammam and spa, which offers a comprehensive list of treatments and massages.
10. Riad Assakina
A traditional Moroccan home centrally located in the heart of the Medina, Riad Assakina is one of the best boutique hotels in Marrakech if you want everything to be within walking distance. Step outside and you’ll discover countless cafes, coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and souks all vying for your attention. If you’d rather stay in, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do within the hotel, too.
Riad Assakina treats guests to a typical hammam with all kinds of exotic massages and treatments, an enchanting inner courtyard, and a swimming pool surrounded by a solarium. There’s also a cute gift shop where you can pick up all kinds of goodies to take home to friends and family, plus a sensational rooftop terrace from where you can see all over the Medina.
All the rooms here are gorgeous and bursting with character. But if you feel like treating yourself, we suggest going all out on the King Suite. This one-of-a-kind room features a fabulous sunken bed on a raised platform, traditional costumes used as wall decor, hand-carved furniture, and glamorous details collected from all over Africa.
11. Riad Kheirredine
One of the most unique hotels in Marrakech, Riad Kheirredine is guaranteed to wow you from the second you arrive. This ultra-luxurious property invites you to escape from the busy city streets and retire to your own peaceful haven in the middle of constant chaos. Blending all the colors, patterns, and spirit of Morocco, the hotel is beautifully decorated and provides you with loads of spaces to chill out.
The indoor patio is one of the most popular places in the hotel, complemented by green plants and the delicate sound of trickling water coming from the central fountain. Take a look around, and you’ll also discover a number of intimate lounges where you can sip sweet mint tea as you make plans for tomorrow.
When you need some fresh air, head for the rooftop. This part of the hotel is dedicated to a fantastic rooftop swimming pool surrounded by loungers, sofas, and low tables. From up here, you’ve also got excellent views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
12. Riad Goloboy
Add a splash of color to your life and stay at Riad Goloboy. This stylish hotel stands out from the crowd by moving away from the traditional Moroccan style in favor of a bright and modern approach to interior design. Each part of the hotel, from the central courtyard to the guest rooms, is themed according to a big, bold color.
The hotel is part of a larger building that dates back to the 19th century. The complex was originally owned by the aristocracy, but it’s since been completely transformed by art collector and interior designer Beatrice Faujas into the dazzling hotel you can see today. Every item, from paintings and sculptures to bedding and curtains, has been carefully selected to create the right vibe.
Here you can choose from classic rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites. The rooms are great if you’re planning a short break in Marrakech, but if you’re staying for a week or longer, we recommend booking one of the suites. These rooms are the largest in the hotel and come with separate lounge areas that definitely make a difference.
That completes our list of the 12 best Marrakech hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Marrakech? Comment below so we can add them to the list!
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