Where To Stay In Marrakech For First Timers: Best Areas & Beautiful Hotels 2026
Trying to decide where to stay in Marrakech for your first visit? I’ve got you covered!
Where to stay in Marrakech depends on the kind of trip you’re dreaming of. I’ve spent a lot of time in the city, exploring everything from the souks to the palaces, and one thing is clear: choosing the right neighbourhood can completely shape your experience.
Each part of Marrakech has its own personality. Some areas put you right in the heart of the action, while others offer peaceful escapes with boutique hotels and rooftop terraces. In this guide, I’ll share the best areas to stay in Marrakech, along with carefully researched riads and hotels that combine great locations with standout guest reviews.
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Southern & Central Medina: Best For First-Time Visitors
The Central and Southern medina is easily my favourite area to stay in Marrakech, and I would highly recommend it to first-time visitors. This neighbourhood is home to many of the iconic attractions, such as the Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the Koutoubia Mosque.
The Southern and Central medina has easy access to the vibrant souks, where you can find everything you could possibly need and want. Plus, the area is buzzing with an incredible energy.
There are so many beautiful accommodation options in this neighbourhood, whether you’re a budget backpacker or want to experience a luxury riad.
Pros Of Staying In The Central & Southern Medina:
- Perfect location for first-time visitors.
- Walking distance to Jemaa el-Fna, Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace & the souks.
- Huge variety of riads, from budget to luxury.
- Vibrant atmosphere and cultural immersion.
Cons Of Staying In The Central & Southern Medina:
- Can be noisy, especially near Jemaa el-Fna.
- Narrow alleyways can make transfers tricky.
- The hustle of the souks can feel overwhelming at times.
Best Places To Stay In Southern & Central Medina
✅ Best Budget Option – Riad Sijane – Riad Sijane is one of the places we personally stayed in Marrakech. Whilst the rooms are basic, the staff are incredible and the shared spaces are beautiful. There is a rooftop terrace where guests tend to gather in the mornings and evenings, and the breakfast was the best we had in Morocco. Plus, the location was exceptional, just a short 5 minute walk from Djemaa el Fna and all the main attractions.
✅ Best Mid-Range Option – Riad L’Etoile D’Orient – This beautiful riad is located right in the centre of the Marrakech medina, just a short walk from all the main attractions. It is decorated in a sleek modern style, with traditional touches and has a hammam on site for absolute relaxation. The rooftop terrace is stunning, with incredible views over the medina.
✅ Best Luxury Option – Riad Flamme D’Orient & Spa – This is one of most luxurious place to stay in the southern and central Marrakech medina. The riad is beautiful, with spacious and comfortable rooms. The staff are so friendly and nothing is too much trouble for them. The location is excellent for exploring more of Marrakech.
Best Things To Do In Southern & Central Medina
Northern Medina: Best For A Local Experience
The Northern medina is another great place to stay in Marrakech, offering a more local experience. The vibe in the northern medina is slightly quieter, though you’re still within walking distance to many major attractions. It’s a little less hectic, making it a great option if you want to experience the magic of the medina with less of the hustle and bustle.
We’ve stayed in both the northern and southern medina, and both are great options for first-timers. The northern medina is a little further from our favourite attractions, though it has plenty to do in it’s own right.
Pros Of Staying In The Northern Medina:
- Quieter than the central/southern medina.
- Still within walking distance of major attractions.
- Plenty of beautiful boutique riads.
- Ideal for couples or travellers seeking a calmer base.
Cons Of Staying In The Northern Medina:
- Slightly further from Jemaa el-Fna and the busiest souks.
- Can feel too quiet at night for some travellers.
- Fewer restaurant options than central areas.
Best Places To Stay In Northern Medina
✅ Best Budget Option – Riad Mounir – Another of the places we stayed in Marrakech, we can highly recommend Riad Mounir. The service was professional and friendly, the rooms were large and very comfortable, and the free breakfast was excellent.
✅ Best Mid-Range Option – Riad Dar Dialkoum – Riad Dar Dialkoum is an adults-only boutique hotel in the northern medina, offering a haven of tranquility just at the edge of the medina. It is beautifully decorated and the hospitality is next level.
✅ Best Luxury Option – Riad Ekla Boutique Hotel – Riad Ekla is honestly stunning. It seamlessly combines a traditional Moroccan vibe with a crisp modern aesthetic, offering the best of both worlds. The location is perfect for exploring Marrakech, and breakfast on the roof terrace could not be more perfect.
Best Things To Do In Northern Medina
Kasbah And Mellah: Best For Culture & Quiet
Whilst, admittedly, we did not stay in the Kasbah and Mellah district of Marrakech, it was easily one of my favourite areas. It is a great neighbourhood to stay in for first-timers.
The Kasbah was once home to Moroccan royalty, and the Mellah is the city’s historic Jewish quarter, dating back to the 16th century. The Kasbah and Mellah districts are more of a residential area, offering a distinct feel compared to the rest of the medina. I think it’s the perfect place to stay if you want a more peaceful vibe and more of a cultural experience.
Pros Of Staying In Kasbah & Mellah:
- Rich in history and cultural landmarks.
- Quieter and more residential than the central medina.
- Great location for sightseeing (Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace).
- Plenty of traditional riads and boutique hotels.
Cons Of Staying In Kasbah & Mellah:
- Fewer restaurants and nightlife options.
- Not as “buzzing” as central areas
- A little further from some attractions
Best Places To Stay In Kasbah And Mellah
✅ Best Budget Option – Riad Miss Caracal – This riad offers a spectacular rooftop terrace, where you’ll have a delicious breakfast daily. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the newly-refurbished riad is beautiful.
✅ Best Mid-Range Option – Riad Nesma Suites & Spa – The highlight of this hotel is the rooftop pool and jacuzzi, with incredible views over the medina. The location of this riad is also top tier, located in the medina yet just a couple of streets from the main road where you can easily grab a taxi.
✅ Best Luxury Option – Dar Anika – Dar Anika is a tranquil oasis inside the walls of the medina. With spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and lush green plants throughout, you know you’ll be able to relax here. The location is excellent and the staff couldn’t be more helpful. This riad is the most beautiful in the Kasbah and Mellah district.
Best Things To Do In Kasbah And Mellah
Guéliz: Best For Modern Comfort
Guéliz is one of the best places to stay for first-timers in the ‘new’ part of Marrakech. Offering a stark contrast to the historic medina, Gueliz is characterised by wide boulevards and European-style architecture. This is a great place to stay if you like your comfort zone and don’t want to push yourself too far out of it.
This neighbourhood is brimming with trendy cafés, high-end boutiques, and all your favourite highstreet brands. The modern amenities and laidback vibe make Guéliz the perfect breather from the vibrant and slightly chaotic atmosphere of the medina.
Pros Of Staying In Guéliz:
- Wide choice of modern hotels and serviced apartments.
- Trendy cafés, restaurants, and shopping.
- Close to attractions like Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum.
- Easy access to taxis and transport.
Cons Of Staying In Guéliz:
- Lacks the traditional Moroccan atmosphere of the medina.
- Not as walkable for sightseeing (you’ll need taxis for most attractions)
- Less nightlife compared to Hivernage.
Best Places To Stay In Guéliz
✅ Best Budget Option – Swiss Continental Hotel & Spa – This hotel is a little gem in the Guéliz district. It is perfectly clean and comfortable, the location is great, and the staff are so friendly and helpful.
✅ Best Mid-Range Option – Fashion Boutique Hotel – This small boutique hotel offers beautiful modern rooms, with a wonderful rooftop pool. Everything is styled to perfection, and honestly, the food is to die for.
✅ Best Luxury Option – Radisson Blu Marrakech – Radisson Blu Marrakech offers the celebrity treatment as standard. Featuring modern spacious rooms, a hotel gym, a spa, and even a kids club, you have everything you need for an incredible stay right at your fingertips.
Best Things To Do In Guéliz
Hivernage: Best For Luxury & Nightlife
Looking for luxury? Look no further. Hivernage is Marrakech’s upscale luxury district. This is the area where A-list celebrities holiday in the most insanely beautiful hotels. It’s even been featured in many films and TV series.
Even the streets are elegantly lined with trees and stylish restaurants, adding to the sophisticated atmosphere of the Hivernage neighbourhood. Yet, it is still just a stone’s throw from the medina, allowing you to explore with ease.
Hivernage is the best place to stay in Marrakech if you’re after a world-class experience, with fine dining, spa treatments, and a vibrant nightlife.
Pros Of Staying In Hivernage:
- Home to Marrakech’s most luxurious hotels and resorts.
- Fine dining and lively nightlife (Theatro, Le Red House).
- Leafy, upscale vibe with wide boulevards.
- Still close to the medina for sightseeing.
Cons Of Staying In Hivernage:
- More expensive than other neighborhoods.
- Lacks the traditional Moroccan charm of the medina.
- Can feel a little “bubble-like” compared to local areas.
Best Places To Stay In Hivernage
✅ Best Budget Option – Savoy Le Grand Hotel Marrakech – This hotel is a great place to stay in Hivernage for families, with a large outdoor swimming pool to entertain. The hotel is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. It has a peaceful atmosphere and the breakfast is beyond amazing.
✅ Best Mid-Range Option – Dar Rhizlane – Dar Rhizlane is up there as one of the most beautiful hotels in Marrakech, both inside and out. The gardens and outdoor pool offer a tranquil escape from the busy city. Everywhere you look there are thoughtful decorative features, including a miriad of tropical plants. The hospitality is incredible and staff will always be around to help when necessary.
✅ Best Luxury Option – Royal Mansour Marrakech – This is where the celebrities stay. Really truly. The Royal Mansour Marrakech is the most opulent, most luxurious hotel in the city. You would be forgiven for thinking you’re staying in a palace. Instead of a room, you will have your own personal riad, complete with its own private plunge pool. Spend the evenings enjoying the grounds and dining at the hotel’s own Michelin restaurant. This is the epitome of luxury.
Best Things To Do In Hivernage
Things To Know About Staying In The Marrakech Medina
Whilst staying in the medina would be our strong recommendation for first-timers, there are a few things to know beforehand.
- The WiFi can be patchy. It’s not non-existent, and most hotels will have good WiFi in certain areas, but it doesn’t always travel to the rooms. But, hey, there’s more to a holiday than posting on Instagram, right?
- The plumbing system is very old and not adapted for modern use. That means you can’t flush the toilet paper. This is similar in the majority of places you’ll visit in Morocco.
- Not everywhere has hot water, all the time. Again, outdated plumbing system.
- If you’re staying near a mosque (there are many in the medina), be prepared for an early alarm call. The call to prayer goes off at sunrise every morning and can be very loud if you’re staying close. It lasts a few minutes, then you can head off back to sleep.
We really hope these things don’t put you off staying in the medina as we 100% think it is worth the compromise. However, it is worth being aware of them before visiting.
FAQs
Still have some questions about where you should stay in Marrakech? We’ve answered the most common questions below.
Which Area Of Marrakech Is Best For First-Time Visitors?
The best area to stay in Marrakech if it’s your first time visiting has to be the medina. We love and recommend the central and southern medina as it is right in the thick of it. However, if you’d like a more laidback vibe, the northern medina is perfect. Either way, you should definitely stay somewhere in the medina.
How Many Days Should I Stay In Marrakech?
The real question is how much time do you have? We’d recommend spending a minimum of 3 nights in Marrakech to give you plenty of time to explore the key attractions.
We found Marrakech to be intoxicating, leaving us wanting more and more. We honestly couldn’t get enough. If you have more time, you won’t regret spending it in Marrakech. There is just so much to see and do.
Is Marrakech Safe To Visit?
Yes, absolutely! We never felt unsafe once in Marrakech, and the people are very friendly. You may be hassled by a few shop/restaurant owners, but it’s harmless really.
Of course, you should dress modestly (particularly women) to be respectful and avoid unwanted attention.
It is also wise to follow the same precautions you usually would in a city, such as being aware of your belongings and not going out after dark by yourself. However, we found Marrakech to be perfectly safe.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Marrakech?
The best time to visit Marrakech is in the spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-November). The city can get pretty hot and stuffy in the summer (trust us, we went in a July heatwave). The cooler temperatures and fine weather of the spring and autumn are just perfect.
Wrap Up: Where To Stay In Marrakech
Marrakech is one of our favourite cities in the world, filled with a certain vibrant energy we’re yet to experience anywhere else. With a rich history and beautifully diverse neighbourhoods, there are so many incredible places you can choose to stay.
If it’s your first time visiting, definitely stay in the medina. It’s the perfect area to base yourself in order to explore everything the city has to offer. If, however, you’d rather a bit of luxury, Hivernage is the place to be.
No matter where you choose to stay, we know you’ll have an incredible time, captivated by the city’s irresistible charm.
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