Best Hotels in Morocco: A Local Guide to Riads, Resorts and Desert Stays

Choosing where to stay in Morocco is not only about finding a beautiful hotel. The right location can make your trip easier, while the wrong one can leave you carrying luggage through the medina, searching for parking or spending more time than expected in taxis.
I’m Kamal, a licensed Moroccan tour guide based in Marrakech. For more than 20 years, I’ve helped travellers explore Morocco, from Tangier and Chefchaouen in the north to Fes, the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coast.
During that time, I’ve seen how different accommodation choices work for different travellers. A romantic riad may be perfect for a couple, while a family with children may be happier in a modern hotel with larger rooms, a swimming pool and easy vehicle access.
Choosing between the best hotels in Morocco becomes easier once you know your route, preferred accommodation style and budget. This is not simply a list of the most expensive properties. I’ll explain who each hotel suits, what kind of experience to expect and what you should check before booking.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Best Hotels in Morocco: The Quick Answer

The best hotels in Morocco include palace properties in Marrakech, historic riads in Fes, coastal retreats in Oualidia and luxury camps near Merzouga. Royal Mansour and La Mamounia are iconic Marrakech choices, Kasbah Tamadot offers a peaceful Atlas Mountains escape, and La Sultana Oualidia is ideal for a relaxing coastal break. For the full Sahara experience, choose a carefully selected camp near the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Best for	Hotel	Location	From/night
Exceptional luxury	Royal Mansour	Marrakech	€1,400–€2,500+
Palace stay	La Mamounia	Marrakech	€500–€1,100+
Families	Selman	Marrakech	€450–€900+
Mountains	Kasbah Tamadot	Atlas	€600–€1,200+
Historic riad	Riad Fès	Fes	€250–€500
Coastal charm	Villa Maroc	Essaouira	€170–€260
Lagoon escape	La Sultana	Oualidia	€700–€900+
Tangier luxury	Villa Mabrouka	Tangier	€400–€800+
Southern escape	Dar Ahlam	Skoura	€1,000–€1,800+
Dunes hotel	Kasbah Mohayut	Merzouga	€60–€140
Desert camp	Sahara Stars Camp	Merzouga	€120–€250
Agafay escape	Caravan Agafay	Agafay	€180–€500+

These are strong starting points, but the hotel name is only part of the decision. Location, road access, room type and what is included can matter just as much as the number of stars.
A riad deep inside the Fes Medina may be unforgettable for a couple travelling lightly. The same property may be inconvenient for a family arriving late at night with several suitcases.

Price note: These are approximate nightly rates for two adults and may change according to season, room category, availability and what is included. Always check the final booking price before reserving.

Compare hotels across Morocco and check current availability before choosing your final route.

Disclosure: Some hotel links in this guide are affiliate links. If you make a booking through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Morocco Tips and allows me to continue publishing independent local travel advice.

How I Selected These Hotels

I did not choose these properties simply because they have high prices or famous names.
My selection of the best hotels in Morocco is based on location, comfort, atmosphere, road access, reputation and how well each property suits a particular type of trip.
I have visited some of these hotels, arranged stays for travellers at others and worked with guests who have stayed in properties across Morocco. I also check current hotel information and recent guest feedback before including or keeping a recommendation in this guide.
No hotel is perfect for everyone. A beautiful historic riad may have steep stairs and no lift. A large resort may offer excellent facilities but place you far from the medina. A desert camp may look luxurious in photographs but require a long 4×4 transfer.
That is why I consider the practical details as carefully as the design, service and reputation.
Hotel facilities, management, room categories and prices can change. Always check the latest booking conditions and recent guest reviews before paying, especially when reserving a non-refundable room.

Riad, Hotel, Kasbah, Resort or Desert Camp?

Morocco offers several accommodation styles, from traditional riads and mountain kasbahs to beach resorts and Sahara camps. The Moroccan National Tourist Office accommodation guide also provides an overview of the main places to stay across the country.

Riads

A riad is a traditional Moroccan home organised around an interior courtyard. Many have fountains, zellige tiles, carved plaster, wooden ceilings and rooftop terraces.
Riads are especially common inside the old medinas of Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira and Rabat. They are a good choice when you want traditional design, personal service and a location close to historic attractions.
The main disadvantage is access. Many riads are reached through narrow pedestrian streets where taxis cannot enter. Some also have steep staircases, no lift and small plunge pools rather than full-sized swimming pools.
Ask the riad where the nearest taxi drop-off point is and whether someone can meet you when you arrive.

Modern Hotels

Modern hotels usually offer larger rooms, lifts, reception desks, vehicle access and facilities such as gyms, spas, restaurants and swimming pools.
They are often more practical for families, business travellers, people with limited mobility and anyone arriving late at night.
In Casablanca, Rabat and Agadir, a modern hotel is often a better choice than searching for a traditional riad.

Kasbahs and Mountain Lodges

Kasbah-style hotels and mountain lodges work well in the Atlas Mountains, Skoura, the Dades Valley and Tinghir.
These properties are usually surrounded by quieter landscapes and may include terraces, gardens and traditional evening meals.
When booking in the mountains or southern Morocco, check heating in winter, air-conditioning in summer and whether dinner is available. Some properties are far from other restaurants.

Beach Resorts

Morocco’s main beach resorts are concentrated around Agadir, Taghazout and parts of the Atlantic coast.
They usually offer larger pools, direct or nearby beach access, several restaurants and facilities for children. They suit travellers who want to slow down rather than spend every day sightseeing.
A resort described as being in Taghazout may actually be several kilometres from the village, so check the exact map location.

Desert Camps

A night in the Sahara can become one of the most memorable parts of a Morocco itinerary, but not every desert camp offers the same experience.
Before booking, confirm whether the tent has a private bathroom, whether the camel ride or 4×4 transfer is included, how far the camp is from the road and whether drinks are included with dinner.
The word “luxury” is used very freely around Merzouga. Look closely at the room photographs and the latest reviews rather than relying only on the property name.

Best Hotels in Morocco by Destination

Below, I have organised the best hotels in Morocco by destination so you can compare options that fit your itinerary.

Marrakech

Marrakech has the widest choice of accommodation in Morocco, from small medina riads to private villas and large luxury resorts.
Royal Mansour Marrakech is one of the city’s most exceptional stays. Instead of standard hotel rooms, accommodation is arranged in private riads. It suits travellers looking for privacy, Moroccan craftsmanship and a high level of service.
La Mamounia is the classic palace choice. Its gardens, location near the medina and long history make it attractive to travellers who want a famous Marrakech experience without staying deep inside the souks.
Selman Marrakech is outside the old medina and offers more of a resort atmosphere. The gardens, pools and additional space can work well for couples and families who want to relax between days of sightseeing.
The main decision in Marrakech is whether you want to stay inside the medina or outside it. The medina gives you atmosphere and walkability. Hivernage and the areas outside the walls provide easier vehicle access, larger hotels and more space.
For neighbourhood advice and additional options, read my Best Hotels in Marrakech and Where to Stay in Marrakech guides.

Atlas Mountains

An overnight stay in the Atlas Mountains gives you something a day trip cannot: a quiet evening, a cooler morning and more time to appreciate the landscape.
Kasbah Tamadot is one of Morocco’s best-known mountain retreats. It combines mountain views with the comfort and service expected from a high-end property. It works well for honeymoons, special occasions and travellers who want to rest after several busy days in Marrakech.
Kasbah Bab Ourika is another strong option, especially for travellers who want views over the Ourika Valley and easier access from Marrakech. Its atmosphere is more intimate than a large city resort.
For a more affordable experience, there are many small guesthouses around Imlil, Ouirgane and the Ourika Valley. These can offer warm local hospitality, but facilities vary, so check heating, road access and luggage arrangements carefully.
Mountain temperatures can fall quickly after sunset, even when Marrakech feels warm. During winter, confirm that your room has effective heating rather than assuming it will.

Fes

Fes is one of the best places in Morocco to stay in a traditional riad. Its historic medina is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with centuries-old streets, architecture and traditional craftsmanship.
Riad Fès is a high-end choice inside the medina, combining traditional architecture with a rooftop overlooking the old city. It suits travellers who want a refined riad experience without giving up modern comfort.
Palais Amani is another respected option close to the main medina streets. Its garden and restaurant make it attractive to couples and travellers who want to spend time inside the property as well as exploring the city.
Smaller riads can offer excellent value, but location matters. A cheap riad at the end of a complicated series of alleys may not be the bargain it first appears to be.
Ask your accommodation to arrange a meeting point for your arrival. A member of staff can normally meet you near a gate or taxi drop-off and guide you to the property.
For a detailed comparison of the medina, Batha and the newer parts of the city, read my Where to Stay in Fes guide.

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is compact, but the hills and pedestrian streets can make hotel access more difficult than it looks on a map.
Lina Ryad & Spa is inside the old medina and suits couples who want a polished riad experience close to Chefchaouen’s blue streets.
Dar Echchaouen is positioned outside the busiest part of the old town and can be more convenient for travellers who value views, road access and a swimming pool.
For a shorter stay, location near one of the medina entrances is often more useful than being in the exact centre. It makes arrival easier and still allows you to walk almost everywhere.
Travellers with large suitcases should avoid choosing a property based only on rooftop photographs. Ask how far you will need to walk from the nearest vehicle access point.
One or two nights is enough for most visitors. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the medina early in the morning and later in the evening, when many day visitors have left.
Find more neighbourhood details in my Where to Stay in Chefchaouen guide.

Tangier

Tangier offers a mixture of historic houses, modern seafront hotels and large luxury properties outside the old centre.
Villa Mabrouka is an intimate luxury hotel set in a private house with gardens and views towards the sea. It suits couples and travellers who prefer a small, stylish property rather than a large resort.
Fairmont Tazi Palace offers a very different experience. It is a larger palace-style hotel with extensive facilities and more space, but it is not in the middle of the medina. It works best for travellers who do not mind using taxis or private transport.
For atmosphere and walkability, look around the Kasbah and the upper part of the old medina. For easier parking and modern rooms, the seafront and newer city districts can be more practical.
Tangier is also a good base for visiting Asilah, Tetouan and Chefchaouen. Two or three nights allows enough time to see the city without rushing. Find more neighbourhood details in my Where to Stay in Tangier guide.

Rabat

Rabat is calmer than Marrakech and Fes, making it a comfortable stop at the beginning or end of a longer journey.
Villa Mandarine is located in the quieter Souissi area. Its gardens and peaceful atmosphere suit couples and travellers who want to rest away from the city centre. The trade-off is that you will normally need a taxi or driver for sightseeing.
Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé sits across the Bouregreg River in Salé, with views towards Rabat. It offers a modern luxury experience and is convenient for travellers who want hotel facilities, restaurants and waterfront surroundings.
Travellers who prefer walking should look closer to the Hassan Tower, Rabat Medina or the Kasbah of the Udayas. Those arriving by car may find Agdal, Hay Riad or Souissi easier.
Rabat has a tram system and generally feels less stressful than Morocco’s larger commercial cities. It is a good choice for travellers who enjoy history but do not want the intensity of a busy medina.
Read my Rabat Hotels guide for additional choices.

Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and an important arrival or departure point, but traffic can make the wrong hotel location frustrating.
Royal Mansour Casablanca is a luxury option in the centre of the city, close to the Art Deco district and commercial areas. It suits travellers who want a high-end urban hotel rather than a resort.
Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is located beside the Atlantic and works well for travellers who prefer sea views and a calmer setting outside the busiest central streets.
For a short sightseeing stay, look near the Hassan II Mosque, the city centre or the Corniche. For an early flight, an airport hotel may be more practical than crossing Casablanca during rush hour.
Mohammed V International Airport is outside the city, and the journey can take much longer when traffic is heavy. Do not choose an airport-morning plan based only on the distance shown on a map.
Casablanca is also a practical place to collect a rental car before travelling to Rabat, Fes or northern Morocco.

Essaouira

Essaouira is one of my favourite places to recommend after Marrakech. It is smaller, cooler and easier to explore on foot.
Heure Bleue Palais is a refined historic property near the edge of the medina. Its position makes arrival easier than at many riads hidden deeper inside the old town.
Villa Maroc has a more intimate character and is well placed for the harbour, ramparts, beach and medina streets. It suits couples and travellers looking for a traditional Essaouira atmosphere.
The medina is best for character and walkability. The beachfront is better for larger rooms, modern facilities and direct access to the sand.
Essaouira can be windy, especially in the afternoon. A hotel pool may look attractive in photographs but is not always the most important feature here. A sheltered terrace, comfortable room and good location can add more value.
I normally recommend at least two nights. Read my Where to Stay in Essaouira guide for more hotels and a detailed medina-versus-beachfront comparison.

Agadir and Taghazout

Agadir and Taghazout are better suited to beach holidays than traditional medina experiences.
Fairmont Taghazout Bay is a luxury beachfront resort offering extensive facilities, ocean views and a peaceful setting outside the busiest part of Agadir.
Hyatt Regency Taghazout also provides a modern resort experience, with larger rooms and easy access to the golf and coastal area.
These resorts work well for couples, families and travellers who want to spend several days relaxing. However, they are not the same as staying inside Taghazout village. You may need a taxi or hotel transport to reach local cafés and surf shops.
Agadir itself is more practical for families who want a long promenade, a wide selection of restaurants and straightforward access to the airport.
Taghazout village feels smaller and more relaxed, but parking and traffic can become difficult during busy periods.
Always check whether the hotel has direct beach access or whether “beachfront” means you need to cross a road or use a shuttle.

Oualidia

Oualidia is a peaceful coastal village built around a sheltered lagoon. It is a good choice for couples, food lovers and travellers who want a quiet break between Morocco’s larger cities.
La Sultana Oualidia is the main luxury choice. It overlooks the lagoon and suits travellers looking for privacy, spa facilities and a slow coastal stay.
L’Hippocampe offers a more relaxed alternative in an excellent lagoon-side position. It can work well for travellers who care more about location and atmosphere than palace-level luxury.
Oualidia does not have the same range of restaurants and activities as Marrakech or Essaouira. The point of coming here is to slow down, enjoy seafood, walk near the lagoon and spend time at your hotel.
One or two nights is normally enough during a road trip between Casablanca and Essaouira. Travellers planning a longer rest may enjoy three nights, especially in warm weather.

Ouarzazate and Skoura

Ouarzazate and Skoura are useful overnight stops between Marrakech and the Sahara, but they offer different experiences.
Ouarzazate is the more practical base. It has fuel stations, restaurants, easy road access and a wider range of hotels. It suits travellers arriving late or leaving early for the next stage of a road trip.
Skoura is quieter and more atmospheric. Dar Ahlam is its most exclusive stay, set in a traditional kasbah within the palm grove. It suits special occasions and travellers looking for a carefully designed experience rather than a simple overnight stop.
Smaller kasbah hotels in Skoura can provide excellent value and a more personal atmosphere. Many serve dinner, which is useful because some properties are far from the town centre.
Always check the exact location before booking. A hotel labelled “Ouarzazate” may be outside the town or closer to Aït Ben Haddou.
For more choices, read my Where to Stay in Ouarzazate guide.

Dades Valley and Tinghir

The Dades Valley and Tinghir are among the most useful overnight stops on the road between Ouarzazate and Merzouga.
Hotel Xaluca Dades is a larger property with a swimming pool, restaurant and easy road-trip facilities. It works well for groups, families and travellers who prefer a full-service hotel.
Hotel Tomboctou in Tinghir offers a smaller kasbah-style experience close to the town and palm oasis. It is a practical base for visiting Todra Gorge while remaining near local shops and services.
I grew up in Tinghir, so this is an area I know particularly well. Here I pay close attention to heating, air-conditioning, parking and dinner rather than choosing only by decoration.
Temperatures in the south can be very cold at night in winter and extremely hot in summer. A beautiful traditional room is not comfortable if the heating or cooling is weak.
For a relaxed route, spend one night in Dades and another near Tinghir or Todra Gorge instead of driving directly from Ouarzazate to Merzouga.

Merzouga and the Sahara Desert

Merzouga offers two different accommodation experiences: hotels near the dunes and camps farther into the desert.
Kasbah Mohayut is a useful hotel option close to Erg Chebbi. It allows travellers to rest, use a proper room, store luggage and prepare before entering the desert.
Sahara Stars Camp is a more immersive choice for travellers who want to sleep among the dunes in a private tent.
Combining one hotel night with one camp night can work very well, especially after a long road journey. You arrive, rest at the hotel and enter the dunes the following day without feeling rushed.
Before booking a camp, ask how you will reach it, where you will leave your car and luggage, whether dinner and breakfast are included and whether the tent has a private bathroom.
Some camps described as being in Merzouga are far from the main village. That is not necessarily a problem, but you should understand the transfer arrangements before arriving.
Compare more options in my Best Desert Camps in Merzouga guide.

Agafay Desert

Agafay is a rocky desert landscape outside Marrakech. It does not have the high golden dunes found around Merzouga, but it is much easier to reach.
Caravan Agafay by Our Habitas offers a stylish desert-hotel experience with Atlas Mountain views and organised activities.
Inara Camp is a smaller luxury camp with private tented accommodation and bathrooms. It suits travellers looking for a quieter overnight escape.
Agafay works well when your itinerary is short or when you want one peaceful night after Marrakech. It can also be useful for couples and families who do not want to spend several days travelling to the Sahara.
The atmosphere changes between camps. Some focus on quiet stays, while others host music, group dinners, quad bikes and day visitors. Ask what normally happens during the evening before booking.
If seeing the Sahara is one of the main reasons for your trip, choose Merzouga. If you want a convenient desert-style escape close to Marrakech, Agafay is a good alternative.
Once your route is clear, compare the final room price, cancellation conditions, exact location and recent reviews before booking.

Best Places to Stay in Morocco by Travel Style

The best hotels in Morocco also depend on whether you are travelling as a couple, with children, on a road trip or for a special occasion.

Travel Style	My Recommendation
First trip	Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira. Stay in a riad and modern hotel combination.
Honeymoon	Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Skoura and Oualidia. Choose boutique luxury stays.
Family	Modern hotels in Marrakech, Agadir and Rabat.
Luxury	Palace hotels in Marrakech, Tangier and Skoura.
Road trip	Hotels with parking in Ouarzazate, Dades and Merzouga.
Beach	Agadir, Taghazout and Essaouira.
Traditional	Riads in Marrakech and Fes.

For most travellers, the best Morocco trip includes more than one accommodation style.
You might begin in a riad in Marrakech, stay in a kasbah in Skoura, sleep in a desert camp near Merzouga and finish in a modern hotel in Casablanca.
That variety is part of the experience, but changing hotels every night can become tiring. Try to include at least two destinations where you stay for two or three nights. If you are planning a longer route, read my Where to Stay in Morocco for a 10-Day Trip guide for a practical night-by-night accommodation plan.

How Much Do Hotels in Morocco Cost?

Hotel prices vary by destination, season, room category and how early you book.
Prices at the best hotels in Morocco range from affordable guesthouses and simple riads to palace hotels, private retreats and luxury desert camps costing several hundred euros per night.
Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira and Chefchaouen are usually busiest during spring and autumn. Agadir and the Atlantic coast become more popular during holiday periods, while Merzouga is busiest when desert temperatures are comfortable.
Do not compare properties using the room rate alone. Check whether the price includes breakfast, dinner, parking, local taxes, airport transfers or desert transport.
A desert camp that includes dinner, breakfast and a 4×4 transfer may offer better value than a cheaper option that charges separately for each service.
The lowest room category may also be smaller, less private or face an interior wall. Read the description of the exact room you are reserving, not only the general hotel page.

Ready to book? Compare hotel prices, availability and recent guest reviews before finalising your Morocco itinerary.

Kamal’s Local Booking Tips

Check the Exact Map Location

Hotel names often include the nearest famous destination even when the property is several kilometres away.
A hotel using “Marrakech”, “Taghazout”, “Ouarzazate” or “Merzouga” in its name may not be in the centre. Open the map and check the real location before paying.

Ask About Medina Access

Taxis cannot enter many parts of the Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira and Chefchaouen medinas.
Ask the hotel for the name of the nearest accessible gate, how many minutes you need to walk and whether someone can help with your luggage.

Confirm Parking

Never assume that a hotel has private parking because a booking website displays a parking symbol.
The property may use public street parking or a guarded parking area several minutes away. Ask where the car will remain overnight and whether there is an additional charge.
For more road-trip advice, read my Rent a Car in Morocco guide.

Look Beyond the Main Hotel Photographs

Hotel galleries normally show the best room, the pool in perfect weather and the most attractive angle of the property.
Read the description of your exact room category. Check its size, view, floor, bed type and whether it is in the main building.

Check the Swimming Pool

Some riad pools are small plunge pools intended for cooling down rather than swimming.
Pools may also be unheated in winter or shaded for much of the day. Families should confirm whether children are allowed and whether there is a shallow area.

Read the Newest Reviews

Management and service can change. A hotel that was excellent three years ago may have a new team, while a property with older negative feedback may have improved.
Focus on recent comments about cleanliness, noise, access and service. Do not judge a hotel from one emotional review.

Check What Dinner Means

In remote mountain, kasbah and desert properties, dinner may be your only practical evening option.
Ask whether it is included, whether there is a fixed menu and whether the hotel can accommodate dietary requirements.

Book Important Stays First

For a road trip, book the places with limited availability first: special riads, desert camps, mountain retreats and small boutique hotels.
Large modern hotels in Casablanca or Rabat usually offer more alternatives if your plans change.

Keep the First Night Simple

After a long international flight, easy access can be more valuable than atmosphere.
A hotel that your driver can reach directly may be a better first-night choice than a hidden riad requiring a late walk through unfamiliar streets.
You can move to a more atmospheric property after you have rested and become comfortable with the city.

Your route matters more than trying to include every famous hotel. Read my Morocco Itinerary and Morocco Travel Guide before confirming your accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Advice from a Moroccan Guide

The best hotel in Morocco is not always the most expensive or the one with the highest rating.
It is the property that fits your route, gives you the facilities you actually need and places you in the right location for the experience you want.
Choose a riad when you want to wake up inside the medina. Choose a modern hotel when access and space matter. Stay in a kasbah when travelling through southern Morocco, and choose your desert camp carefully rather than relying on the word “luxury”.
Most importantly, avoid turning your journey into a race between hotels. Morocco is better when you have enough time to settle into a place, speak with the people around you and enjoy the atmosphere after the day visitors have gone.
Compare hotels for your Morocco itinerary and reserve the stays that matter most before completing the rest of your route.