Best Places To Stay In Marrakesh

Marrakesh feels like stepping into another world, one where the air smells of spices and mint tea, where you can hear the call to prayer echoing across terracotta rooftops. The city’s nicknamed the “Red City” (thanks to the clay-built walls that glow pink at sunset), and I fell in love with it the first time I visited.

I’ve stayed in a handful of places across Marrakesh, and the accommodation you pick really does shape your trip. You’ve got riads which are traditional Moroccan houses built around courtyards, often with plunge pools and rooftop terraces. You find these scattered throughout the Medina (old town).

Then there are the big, glossy hotels outside the old town if you’re after a full-on resort. Both have their place, depending on what you’re looking for.

The Medina itself is where most of the magic happens. It’s chaotic, motorbikes weaving through crowds, vendors calling out, the occasional donkey cart squeezing past, but that’s part of the charm. Staying in a riad here means you’re minutes from Jemaa el-Fna square (which transforms into an open-air theatre at night) and all those incredible souks.

But when you duck back through your riad’s heavy wooden door, it’s like the volume gets turned right down. Suddenly you’re in this serene space with zellige tiles, carved cedar ceilings, and maybe a cat lounging by the fountain.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Marrakesh, based on what I’ve experienced and what other travellers have raved about. Whether you’re splashing out or keeping things reasonable, there’s something here for you.

Riad Kheirredine: When You Feel Like Part Of The Family

This one consistently tops the charts, and after staying there, I get it. Riad Kheirredine isn’t just a place to sleep, it feels like being taken under someone’s wing. The staff hand you a phone when you arrive (yes, a whole phone) so you can WhatsApp them anytime for restaurant bookings, directions, or just general life advice in Marrakesh. One couple I spoke to said it was the best stay they’d had across fifty countries, which is saying something.

The riad itself is stunning. Rooms come with private balconies, beds that you sink into, and bathrooms finished in traditional tadelakt plaster that’s smooth as anything.

Breakfast happens on the rooftop and consists of pastries, fresh fruit, Moroccan pancakes and proper orange juice, all while you watch the city wake up. There’s a little plunge pool for cooling off, and in the evenings they’ll sort dinner for you right there on the terrace if you fancy it.

During my stay, the staff remembered how I took my coffee and which route I preferred to the square. Those small touches add up. The whole place feels romantic without being over-the-top, and it’s spotlessly clean. If you’re a couple or travelling solo and want to feel genuinely looked after, this is the one.

Riad le Clos des Arts: Where Every Corner Tells a Story

Down a quiet side street in the Medina (you’ll need to follow the blue arrows painted on the walls), Riad le Clos des Arts is an absolute visual treat. The decor is rich, think jewel tones, intricate tile work, carved wooden screens and somehow photos never quite capture it. You need to see the way light filters through the courtyard in the late afternoon.

The owners, Giorgina and Massimo, run the place with an infectious warmth. They give you a hand-drawn map on arrival, marked with their favourite spots and a few places to avoid (always useful). Breakfast on the rooftop terrace is a great way to start the day, watching pigeons circle the minarets while demolishing almond croissants and sipping mint tea. They also do dinners if you book ahead, and apparently the chicken tagine is amazing.

Location-wise, you’re minutes from the main palaces but far enough from the square that nights are peaceful. The rooms are generous, air-con works brilliantly, and Wi-Fi is strong. It’s the kind of place you book once, then keep coming back to at any opportunity.

Riad Dar Ten: Right in the Thick of It (Without the Chaos)

If you want to be central without spending a fortune, Riad Dar Ten is perfect. It’s literally two minutes on foot from Jemaa el-Fna, which might make you think it would be noisy, but the riad’s tucked away enough that you still get a good night’s sleep. The souks are right on your doorstep, so you can pop out for shopping or just wander without needing transport.

The pool is small but refreshing, breakfast is included (and actually really good – fresh juice, eggs, pastries, the works), and the rooms are clean and comfortable. I stayed in what they call the Muscat room with two friends, and we had plenty of space. The silence at night surprised me, given how close we were to the action.

Staff are lovely and the manager speaks excellent English, which helped when we wanted recommendations for a herbalist tour. There’s paid parking nearby if you’ve hired a car, though honestly, you won’t need it much once you’re settled. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable, cosy, and you’re saving money that you can spend on better dinners or souvenirs. I’d stay again without hesitation.

Riad Kniza: Elegance That’s Been There Forever

Riad Kniza has this timeless quality. The furnishings are antique, the hammam spa is traditional, and the pool is tucked into a beautiful courtyard. It feels steeped in history, the kind of place where you notice details: old photographs on the walls, hand-woven rugs, brass lanterns.

Service is personalised but not fussy. They’ll arrange excursions, bring you welcome tea, and sort out whatever you need.

Breakfast is more gourmet than basic, think pastries from a proper bakery, fresh yoghurt, Moroccan pancakes and they do dinners that showcase local cuisine as well. It’s aimed at people wanting refined tranquillity without being too modern or spa-resort-y. If you’re after something quietly luxurious in the Medina, this is the one.

Royal Mansour: When Only Palace-Level Will Do

This one is a splurge. Royal Mansour was commissioned by the king, and you feel it the second you arrive. You’re not booking a room, you’re getting your own private riad, complete with a pool, butler, and interiors that would make a design magazine weep. There’s even underground tunnels so staff can move around without disturbing you.

The spa’s extraordinary (people talk about it in hushed, reverent tones), the gardens are lush, and the restaurants are Michelin-starred. It’s for honeymooners, special anniversaries, or those “I’m doing it properly this once” trips. You’re paying for an experience that’s closer to staying in a palace than a hotel. Not remotely budget-friendly, but if you’ve got the cash and want to go all-in, this is the place. It’s definitely on my wishlist!

Amanjena: Resort Luxury Away from the Medina

If the idea of navigating narrow alleys makes you nervous, Amanjena sits outside the old town and gives you a full resort experience. Each suite is designed like a mini riad with private pools, and the grounds are vast with tennis courts, a spa and manicured gardens. The food’s exceptional, service is Aman-standard (which means impeccable), and it’s incredibly peaceful.

The down side is you’ll need a taxi or transfer to get into the city centre. It’s not a quick walk to the souks. But if you’re after somewhere stunning where you can genuinely relax between city excursions, it fits the bill. Honeymooners love it, and I can see why, waking up to your own pool and breakfast on a sun-drenched terrace is a pretty dreamy way to start the day.

Riad Palais Sebban: Great Value, Loads of Character

This riad gives you the authentic Moroccan experience without the luxury price tag. The pool’s larger than most, the courtyards are ornate, and the staff are genuinely helpful. Breakfasts are generous, you’re definitely not left hungry, and the location makes exploring easy.

It’s the kind of place where you get a real sense of traditional architecture and hospitality, but you’re not paying through the nose for it. Perfect if you’re balancing budget with wanting somewhere charming. I’ve heard nothing but solid feedback from people who’ve stayed here, no one’s disappointed, which says a lot.

Riad Dar Najat: For the Food Lovers

If meals matter to you (and they should in Marrakesh), Riad Dar Najat is brilliant. The home-cooked food is a highlight, rooftop dinners under the stars featuring traditional dishes made with care. The owner’s passionate about sharing Moroccan culture through cuisine, and it turns your stay into something more than just accommodation.

Rooms are cosy, the vibe is intimate, and you’re centrally located. It’s not the fanciest on this list, but the combination of great food and warm hospitality makes it memorable. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve had a proper taste of local life.

A Few Practical Bits Before You Go

Location-wise, areas like Dar El Bacha or Mouassine in the Medina are safe, walkable, and atmospheric. If you’re nervous about navigating the old town, Gueliz offers modern hotels and is more straightforward. Always book airport transfers through your riad because trying to find it yourself down those winding alleys with luggage is a recipe for stress.

Riads are intimate and cultural but can be tricky to access (narrow streets, no vehicles). Hotels offer ease and often bigger pools, but you lose that authentic Moroccan feeling. Pack light, respect local customs (dress modestly when exploring), and tip the staff, they work incredibly hard and it’s appreciated.

Why We Love Marrakesh

Marrakesh has this pull that’s hard to explain until you’re there. The clatter of the souks, the smell of fresh bread from street ovens, the way sunset turns everything golden, it gets under your skin. Where you stay shapes how you experience all of that, and each of these eight places offers something different – one thing is for sure, you’ll never run out of things to do in Marrakesh.

Whether it’s Riad Kheirredine’s exceptional service, Amanjena’s serene luxury, or Riad Dar Ten’s central convenience, you’re set. Pick whichever one suits you best, book those transfers, and get ready.