The Best Hotels to Stay in Morocco for Exploring
Morocco’s got this whole vibe going on – ancient medinas, blue-painted streets, massive sand dunes, and some seriously Instagrammable riads. But here’s the thing: where you stay can totally make or break your trip. Pick the right spot, and you’re minutes from the action. Pick wrong, and you’re spending half your day in a taxi.
The good news? Morocco’s hotel scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re after that five-star luxury life, a cozy boutique riad with killer tile work, or just a clean bed that won’t destroy your budget, you’re covered.
Best Hotels in Marrakech
La Mamounia
This place is legendary. Like, old-school glamorous with gardens that look like something out of a movie. You’re super close to Jemaa el-Fnaa (the famous square that’s basically sensory overload in the best way), and the staff treats you like royalty. Yeah, it’s pricey, but if you’re gonna splurge anywhere in Morocco, this is it.
Riad Yasmine
If your Instagram feed needs a glow-up, this is your spot. It’s one of those riads that looks almost too pretty to be real – think colorful tiles, plants everywhere, and that classic courtyard setup. Plus, it’s way more affordable than the big luxury hotels.
El Fenn
Artsy travelers love this place. The rooftop terrace alone is worth it – perfect for sunset drinks after a day of getting lost in the souks. The design is this cool mix of traditional Moroccan and contemporary art.
Why stay in Marrakech: You’re right in the middle of everything. The souks are a maze of shopping opportunities, the palaces are stunning, and you can easily book day trips to the Atlas Mountains or even the desert.
Top Hotels in Fes
Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux
This place screams elegance. It’s tucked inside the medina (the old walled city), so you get that authentic Fes experience without sacrificing comfort. The restaurant’s pretty incredible too.
Palais Amani
Smaller and more intimate than Riad Fes, but just as luxe. They’ve got this whole wellness vibe going on with a spa and cooking classes if you’re into that. The staff here really knows their stuff about local culture.
Why stay in Fes: The medina here is massive – one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. You’ll want a good base to recover after all that walking. Plus, Fes is where you see traditional craftsmen doing their thing: leatherwork, ceramics, the whole deal.
Best Hotels in Chefchaouen (The Blue City)
Lina Ryad & Spa
Mountain views, traditional Moroccan design, and a spa to relax after climbing all those blue-painted streets. The breakfast spread is solid, and the location’s pretty central.
Dar Echchaouen Maison d’Hôtes & Riad
If you’re watching your budget but still want that riad experience, this is a great pick. It’s cozy, clean, and the owners are super helpful with recommendations.
Why stay in Chefchaouen: This place is a photographer’s dream. Everything’s painted in different shades of blue, and the whole town has this chill, laid-back vibe. It’s smaller than Marrakech or Fes, so you can actually explore it all in a couple days.
Best Hotels in Casablanca
Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
Oceanfront luxury with all the bells and whistles. If you’re here on business or just want to enjoy the modern side of Morocco, this is your spot. The pool area’s gorgeous.
Hotel Le Doge
Love the whole Art Deco aesthetic? This boutique hotel in the city center captures that classic Casablanca feel without the massive price tag.
Why stay in Casablanca: It’s Morocco’s biggest city and main business hub. The Hassan II Mosque is absolutely worth seeing, and if you’re flying in or out, it’s convenient. Just don’t expect the same old-world charm as Marrakech or Fes – this is a modern city.
Best Hotels in Essaouira
L’Heure Bleue Palais
Historic building, rooftop pool, and you’re walking distance to the beach. The whole place has this relaxed coastal elegance thing going on. Perfect for unwinding after the intensity of the bigger cities.
Villa Maroc
Right near the medina walls with ocean views. It’s got character and that seaside atmosphere that makes Essaouira special. The breakfast terrace is a great way to start your day.
Why stay in Essaouira: Beach town vibes with a medina that’s way less overwhelming than the big cities. It’s super popular with windsurfers, and the seafood is amazing. Great place to slow down and catch your breath.
Best Desert Hotels (Sahara & Merzouga)
Luxury Desert Camp Erg Chebbi
Sleeping under the stars in the Sahara is one of those bucket-list experiences. These luxury camps give you the authentic desert vibe (yes, you arrive by camel) but with actual beds, private bathrooms, and sometimes even electricity. Way better than roughing it completely.
Kasbah Hotel Xaluca
If camping’s not your thing, this hotel’s right on the edge of the desert. You still get easy access to all the desert activities – dune surfing, camel rides, sunset watching – but you’re sleeping in a real hotel room.
Why stay in the desert: Because watching the sun set over massive sand dunes is unforgettable. The silence, the stars, the whole experience – it’s totally different from the busy cities. Most people do it as part of a multi-day tour from Marrakech or Fes.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hotel in Morocco
Location matters: Do you want to be right in the middle of the action or tucked away in a peaceful spot? Medina hotels put you close to everything but can be noisy. Hotels outside the old cities are quieter but you’ll need taxis.
Riad vs. modern hotel: Riads are those traditional Moroccan houses built around a courtyard – super charming and authentic. Modern hotels have amenities like pools and gyms. Your call on what matters more.
Transportation: Some riads in the medinas aren’t accessible by car, so you might be carrying your luggage through narrow streets. Ask about this when booking. Many places offer pickup services.
Timing your trip: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) have the best weather. Summer’s brutal in places like Marrakech and Fes. Winter’s cooler but fine, especially if you’re hitting the desert or coast.
Morocco’s hotel scene really delivers. You’ve got everything from those dreamy riads with their tiled courtyards to luxury desert camps under a million stars. The key is matching your hotel to your travel style – whether you’re here to explore ancient medinas, relax on the coast, or adventure in the Sahara.
Ready to book your Moroccan adventure? Pick a base (or a few), pack light, and get ready for some seriously good tagine and mint tea.
