The Best Hotels to Stay in Morocco for Exploring
Morocco is honestly one of those places where you wake up in a different world every morning — ancient medinas one day, rolling sand dunes the next, and then bam, you’re sipping mint tea on the coast. It’s packed with colorful markets, mountain hikes, and those ridiculously photogenic blue streets that blow up your Instagram. But here’s the thing: your hotel pick can make or break your whole trip. Stay somewhere too far out, and you’ll waste hours commuting. Book the wrong vibe, and you’ll miss that authentic Moroccan magic. This guide covers the best hotels across Morocco — whether you’re chasing luxury, culture, budget savings, or adventure — so you can explore like a pro without the stress.
Morocco’s got everything – snow-capped mountains, endless desert dunes, crazy busy cities that’ll overwhelm all your senses in the best way possible, and chill coastal towns where you can actually hear yourself think. Each place needs a different game plan, so let’s dive into where you should crash to make the most of this amazing country.
Marrakech: Where the Magic Happens
La Mamounia – When You Want to Feel Like Royalty
Okay, so La Mamounia is basically THE hotel in Morocco. Like, if hotels had a hall of fame, this place would be in the center with a spotlight on it. It’s been around since 1923, and honestly, every celebrity you can think of has probably sipped champagne here.
But here’s why it’s actually perfect for exploring: you can literally walk to the main square (Jemaa el-Fnaa) in like 5 minutes, but when the chaos gets too much (and trust me, it will), you can escape back to this oasis of calm. They’ve got pools, an amazing spa, and restaurants that’ll make you forget you ever ate airplane food. Plus, their concierge team is basically magical – they can get you into places and experiences you didn’t even know existed.
Riad Yasmine – Your Instagram Is Gonna Thank You
If you’re looking for that authentic Moroccan vibe with seriously gorgeous photo ops, Riad Yasmine is your spot. This place is like staying in someone’s beautifully restored traditional house, except way fancier than anyone’s actual house. The tilework is insane, the courtyard is stunning, and the rooftop terrace? Chef’s kiss.s Perfect for those golden hour shots.
You’re right in the heart of the Medina here, so you can stumble out of bed and be wandering through the souks in minutes. Fair warning, ng though – you might get lost (it’s basically a maze), but honestly, that’s half the fun. Just make sure you screenshot your location before you venture out!
Les Jardins de la Koutoubia – The Sweet Spot
This one’s like the Goldilocks of Marrakech hotels – not too fancy, not too basic, but just right. It’s got that Moroccan charm without being overwhelming, and you’re close to everything without being in the middle of the crazy. Perfect if it’s your first time in Morocco and you want to ease into the whole experience.
The pools and gardens are clutch when you need to escape the intensity of the medina. And their staff? Super helpful with arranging stuff like cooking classes (highly recommend!) or those epic hot air balloon rides that’ll give you the best views of your life.
Pro Tips for Marrakech:
- Stay walking distance from Jemaa el-Fnaa – it’s where all the action is
- Seriously, book a place with a peaceful courtyard. The medina can be A LOT
- Peak season is October to April, so book early, or you’ll be SOL
Fes: The Ultimate Culture Trip
Riad Fes – Pure Luxury in an Ancient City
If you want to feel fancy while exploring Morocco’s cultural heart, Riad Fes is your answer. This place is part of that super-exclusive Relais & Châteaux group, which basically means it’s the real deal. It’s in a 17th-century palace (casual, right?) right in the old city.
The coolest part? You’re literally surrounded by the world’s largest car-free urban area. So you can walk out your door and be exploring thousand-year-old streets, visiting the world’s oldest university, or watching leather being made the same way it was centuries ago. Their cultural concierge can hook you up with private tours where you’ll meet actual master craftsmen – it’s like a behind-the-scenes pass to history.
Karawan Riad – Boutique Vibes, Big Character
This one’s smaller and more intimate, but honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you want. Each room is different and decorated with local stuff that actually has character (not just generic hotel art). You’re still in the medina, so you can explore all day, but you’ve got a cozy place to retreat to.
The staff here really knows their stuff and can set you up with guides who’ll show you the medina’s secrets. Trust me, you want a guide for your first day in Fes – the place is like a 3D puzzle that someone mixed up.
Fes Survival Tips:
- Get a local guide for day one. Seriously. The medina will eat you alive otherwise
- Ask your hotel to arrange visits to workshops – watching traditional crafts being made is mind-blowing
- Always carry your hotel’s business card. The narrow streets all look the same after a while
Chefchaouen: The Blue Pearl That’ll Steal Your Heart
Lina Ryad & Spa – Mountain Views and Chill Vibes
Chefchaouen is basically Morocco’s most photogenic town (yeah, that’s saying something), and Lina Ryad puts you right in the middle of it all. The whole town is painted in different shades of blue, and from this hotel’s terrace, you get killer views of the Rif Mountains too.
It’s way more laid-back than Marrakech or Fes, which is perfect when you need to decompress. Plus, they’ve got a spa with traditional treatments, so you can get pampered after hiking in the mountains. The blue streets are gorgeous but can be touristy during the day – early morning is when you’ll get those money shots without the crowds.
Dar Echchaouen – Cozy and Authentic
This little guesthouse captures exactly what makes Chefchaouen special – it’s chill, friendly, and real. The owners are super nice and know all the best hiking spots in the area. The rooftop terrace has amazing views, and honestly, you’ll probably spend a lot of time up there just taking it all in.
Why You’ll Love Chefchaouen:
- The hiking here is incredible – trails for everyone, from casual walkers to serious hikers
- Those blue walls look best in soft morning light (Instagram tip!)
- It’s the gateway to some serious national park hiking if you’re into that
The Sahara: Because You Can’t Skip the Desert
Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp – Glamping at Its Finest
Look, sleeping in the Sahara Desert is probably going to be one of those experiences you’ll never forget. This luxury camp near the massive Erg Chebbi dunes gives you the full desert experience without having to rough it too much. We’re talking real beds, private bathrooms, and traditional Berber tents that are actually comfortable.
The camel rides at sunrise and sunset are absolutely magical (even if your legs will hate you the next day), and the stargazing out here is insane. Like, you’ll see more stars than you knew existed. They also do 4×4 trips to visit local Berber families, which gives you a glimpse into how people actually live out here.
Auberge Yasmina – Desert Dreams on a Budget
If luxury camping isn’t in your budget but you still want the desert experience, this family-run place is perfect. It’s simple but clean, the food is great traditional Berber cooking, and you’re right by the dunes. The family that runs it is super welcoming and can arrange all the desert activities you want.
Desert Planning Tips:
- Book camel treks through your hotel – they know the good guides
- Stay at least two nights if you can. The desert changes so much from day to night
- Sunrise and sunset rides are worth getting up early (or staying up late) for
Essaouira: Coastal Chill Time
Villa Maroc – Historic Charm Meets Ocean Views
This converted 18th-century mansion is right where you want to be – overlooking the port with the medina right at your doorstep. Essaouira is way more relaxed than the inland cities, and this hotel captures that perfectly. The rooftop terrace is ideal for watching those famous Atlantic sunsets with a glass of wine.
You can walk everywhere from here – the UNESCO medina, the fishing port where you can buy super fresh fish, and those famous ramparts you’ve probably seen in movies. It’s got that historical character but with modern comfort.
Le Jardin des Douars – When You Want Resort Vibes
Sometimes you want to explore, and sometimes you want to chill by a pool. This place gives you both options. It’s a bit outside the medina, but they have shuttle service, and honestly, sometimes it’s nice to escape the wind (Essaouira can be breezy!).
The gardens are beautiful, there are multiple pools, and it’s perfect if you’re traveling with people who want different things – some can explore while others lounge.
Essaouira is Perfect For:
- Surfing and windsurfing (it’s Morocco’s wind sport capital)
- Wandering the compact, walkable medina
- Eating incredible fresh seafood right off the boats
City Life: Casablanca & Rabat
Casablanca: Hôtel Le Doge – Art Deco Dreams
Casablanca has this unique vibe – it’s got Moroccan tradition mixed with French colonial style, and this hotel nails that combination. You’re close to the massive Hassan II Mosque (seriously, it’s enormous), the old medina, and all the cool Art Deco buildings that make Casa special.
The city gets overlooked by a lot of tourists, but it’s got character and some amazing architecture. Plus, the seafood here is incredible.
Rabat: Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses – Capital City Luxury
Morocco’s actual capital (not Marrakech, surprise!) is way more chill than you’d expect. This Sofitel puts you near all the UNESCO sites and has these gorgeous gardens where you can escape after exploring. Rabat’s got great museums, Roman ruins, and way fewer tourists than the other imperial cities.
Urban Exploration Tips:
- Both cities are super walkable in the center – bring good shoes
- The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca requires booking for inside visits
- Rabat’s museums are world-class and way less crowded
Mountain Adventures: Atlas Mountains & Berber Villages
Kasbah du Toubkal – Mountain Magic
Okay, this place is special. It’s way up in the Atlas Mountains at 1,800 meters, and it’s basically your base camp for hiking North Africa’s highest peak. But even if you’re not into serious hiking, just being here is incredible. The views are insane, the village life is authentic, and it operates as a social enterprise helping the local community.
You can do everything from day hikes to multi-day treks, and the traditional Berber hospitality here is the real deal. Fair warning – it’s rustic luxury, not city luxury, but that’s kind of the point.
Dar Imlil – Cozy Mountain Vibes
This guesthouse is more intimate and gives you that authentic mountain village experience. The food is traditional Berber cooking with local ingredients, and they can set you up with great local guides who know these mountains like the back of their hand.
Mountain Adventure Notes:
- Spring and fall have the best weather for hiking
- Get a local guide – seriously, these mountains are no joke
- Even if you’re not a hiker, the scenery and culture up here are worth the trip
Booking Like a Pro
Timing Is Everything
Peak season (October-April) is when the weather’s perfect, but it’s also when everyone else figured that out too. Book 2-3 months ahead if you’re going during peak times, or you’ll be fighting for rooms.
Summer’s hot as hell in the desert and inland cities, but it’s actually perfect for the coast and mountains. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September) are the sweet spot – good weather, fewer crowds, better prices.
Riads vs Hotels: What’s the Deal?
Riads are those traditional houses built around courtyards – they’re intimate, authentic, and usually gorgeous. But they might not have pools or gyms, and the wifi can be sketchy. Hotels give you consistent service and modern amenities, but might feel less “Moroccan.”
Honestly? Do both. Stay in a riad for the cultural experience and a hotel when you want to relax and recharge.
Getting Around
If you’re staying in a medina, cars can’t reach you, so pack light and be ready to walk through narrow alleys. Most places send someone to meet you at an accessible point, and porters are usually available.
For getting around beyond walking, your hotel can hook you up with drivers, tours, or point you toward local transport. Many places have shuttle services to major attractions.
Morocco’s honestly a dream destination for explorers — you’ve got ancient cities, epic deserts, mountain escapes, and coastal vibes all in one country. The key is matching your accommodation to your travel style: luxury riads if you want pampering, traditional medina stays for cultural immersion, desert camps for adventure, and coastal spots for laid-back exploration. Do a little research, book ahead (especially in peak season), and don’t stress too much — Morocco’s one of those places where getting a little lost is half the fun. Happy exploring!
FAQ
Is it better to stay in a riad or a hotel in Morocco?
Riads offer authentic cultural experiences with personal touches, homemade breakfasts, and traditional architecture — ideal for explorers wanting local immersion. Hotels provide modern amenities, standardized service, and more space. Choose riads for authenticity, hotels for convenience.
Are Moroccan hotels safe for tourists?
Yes, especially riads and hotels in well-known areas like medinas in Marrakech and Fes. Book places with excellent reviews, 24/7 staff, and secure entrances. Choose accommodations near Medina Gates for better lighting and easier navigation at night.
How many nights should you stay in each city?
Spend 2-3 nights in Marrakech to explore the medina and souks, 2 nights in Fes for the UNESCO sites, 1-2 nights in Chefchaouen for relaxation, and at least 1 night in the Sahara for the full desert experience. Adjust based on your pace and interests.
