Where To Stay In Marrakech: Best Areas & Beautiful Hotels 2025
Trying to decide where to stay in Marrakech? I’ve got you covered!
Marrakech is one of those magical cities that stays with you long after you’ve left. I’ve spent plenty of time wandering its vibrant streets, and there’s no shortage of amazing places to stay.
Whether you’re visiting Marrakech for a weekend getaway or planning a longer stay to explore more of Morocco, choosing the right neighborhood is key to getting the most out of your trip.
Some areas are lively and full of excitement, while others offer peaceful escapes from the city’s chaos. But don’t worry — Marrakech has a neighborhood that’s perfect for every kind of traveler.
Let’s dive into the best places to stay in Marrakech and find the perfect spot for you personally, whether you’re seeking a tranquil riad in the medina or a stylish hotel in the modern parts of town. You’re going to love it here!
Don’t have time to read the whole post?
The absolute best place to stay in Marrakech is Riad Ekla in the Northern Medina. It wins on luxury, price, and location!
➡️ Click Here To Book Your Stay At Riad Ekla NOW! ⬅️
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 is where all 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. We’re sure you’ll find somewhere to suit your preferences.
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
- Eat at Jemaa El-Fna – This is an experience! Throughout the evening, there are many street food stalls set up, with plenty of dishes to choose from. The atmosphere is vibrant with a hint of chaos, but it’s an experience everyone should have when visiting Marrakech!
- Admire Koutoubia Mosque – Koutoubia Mosuqe towers over the skyline of Marrakech. This impressive mosque is closed to the public unless you’re Muslim. However, take a walk around and admire this incredible structure.
- Explore the souks – Another must-do in Marrakech! The souks are arguably the beating heart of the city, where you can shop in little boutiques, haggling a good price, and finding some beautiful souvenirs.
- Visit Bahia Palace – The Bahia Palace is one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech, with intricate white and blue tilework throughout the Palace. It does get busy, so go early or late to avoid the tour groups.
- See the Saadian Tombs – The Saadian Tombs offer a tranquil escape from the bustling medina. The tombs are intricately decorated, surrounded by a small peaceful garden to escape to.
Northern Medina: Best For A Local Experience
The Northern medina is another great place to stay in Marrakech, offering a more local experience. Though don’t take local to mean boring, because it is far from that. In fact there is plenty to do in this neighbourhood.
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.
The northern medina is full of charming riads which offer a peaceful escape after a busy day of exploring.
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 has plenty to do in it’s own right.
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 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
- Marvel at Ben Youssef Madrasa – Ben Youssef Madrasa was my favourite place in Marrakech. I honestly don’t think I have ever been anywhere as beautiful in my life. The tilework and stone carvings are insanely intricate, and we had so much fun exploring the little rooms on the second level.
- Visit the Maison de la Photographie – This museum is a little off-the-beaten-path, but it has a fascinating collection of photographs depicting Marrakech from the 19th century onwards. It’s super interesting!
- Explore the Museum of Marrakech – The museum of Marrakech is located in the beautiful Dar Mnebhi Palace, containing a collection of artifacts and artwork collected throughout Morocco. If you’re not interested in museums, the Palace itself is worth checking out.
- Relax in the Secret Garden (Le Jardin Secret) – This 16th-century garden is tucked away in the heart of the medina, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s the perfect spot to get out of the heat and unwind for a while.
- Wander through the northern souks – The northern souks are a little quieter than the souks in the central and southern medina, allowing you the chance to explore without being hassled by shop owners to buy.
Kasbah And Mellah: Best For Culture
Whilst, admittedly, we did not stay in the Kasbah and Mellah district of Marrakech, it was easily one of my favourite areas.
The Mellah area is often referred to as the Jewish Quarter, and is so much quieter than the central medina. Dating back to the 16th century, this neighbourhood is known for its history and cultural significance.
The Mellah neighbourhood blends with the Kasbah district, which was once the royal district of Marrakech. In years gone by, the rulers of Morocco called this area home. It is known for its beautiful palaces, architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.
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. You are still within walking distance to most attractions, and the accommodation options are plentiful.
And I mean, if it’s good enough for past Kings and Queens, then it’s got to be good, right?!
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
- Explore El Badi Palace – El Badi Palace is another of my favourite spots in Marrakech. This is the ruins of a 16th-Century palace, where you’ll find storks nesting high on the walls, incredible architecture to explore, and incredible views from the terraces.
- Admire the Saadian Tombs – The architecture in the Saadian Tombs is stunning – make sure you visit!
- Shop at the Mellah spice market – The Mellah spice market is the best place to shop for fragrant spices, olives, and traditional Moroccan products in Marrakech
- See the Kasbah Mosque – Whilst you can’t go inside (unless you’re Muslim), the Kasbah mosque is huge and very beautiful. It is one of the oldest mosques in Marrakech and is an iconic part of the Marrakech skyline.
- Stroll through Tinsmiths Square (Place des Ferblantiers) – This charming square is known for its handmade goods such as beautiful lanterns and traditional crafts.
Guéliz: Best For Modern Touches
Guéliz is one of the best places to stay in the ‘new’ part of Marrakech, developed during the French colonial period. 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.
That being said, Guéliz is located on the edge of the medina, so it’s a great place to base yourself if you want a bit of the hip and trendy as well as the historical Marrakech.
The accommodation options in Guéliz tend to be a bit more modern than in the medina. Whether you’re after boutique hotels with trendy interiors and rooftop pools or beautiful modern serviced apartments, I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Best Places To Stay In Guéliz
✅ Best Budget Option – Swiss Continental Hotel & Spa – This hotel is a littl 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
- Visit Jardin Majorelle – With iconic blue buildings and a peaceful cactus garden, Jardin Majorelle is a lovely spot to explore. Get there for opening time as it gets very busy!
- Explore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum – An interesting exhibition for fashion lovers, with original sketches, fashion exhibits, and personal artifacts on display.
- Shop at Carré Eden Shopping Center – A modern shopping centre filled with international brands and restaurants.
- Discover local art at MACAAL (the Museum of African Contemporary Art) – The MACAAL is one of the most unique art galleries, filled with work from African artists, celebrating the uniqueness of this part of the world.
- Dine at Le Grand Café de la Poste – Experience classic French-Moroccan cuisine in a chic, colonial-era setting
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 been featured in many films and TV series (I remember spotting it in Inventing Anna on Netflix recently!).
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 stones 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.
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
- Relax at a luxury hammam – A hammam is a Moroccan spa, offering public or private steam rooms and body scrubbing procedures, leaving you feeling cleansed and relaxed.
- Stroll through the Ménara Gardens – A peaceful garden with a beautiful reflective lake in the centre, surrounded by lush olive groves and palm trees.
- Experience fine dining – Hivernage is the best place for fine dining in Morocco. Try out The Red House or one of the four restaurants at La Mamounia.
- Catch a show at Theatro Nightclub – Known as the best nightclub in Africa and one of the top 50 in the world, a night at Theatro is unforgettable.
- Explore the Koutoubia Gardens – Despite being located just a stones throw from the hectic Djemaa el Fna, the Koutoubia Gardens are a tranquil haven. Sit on a park bench amidst palm trees and relax before heading back to explore.
Things To Know About Staying In The Marrakech Medina
Whilst staying in the medina would be our recommendation, particularly if it’s your first time, 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.
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
OUR TRAVEL RESOURCES
Fly
Tours
Found This Post Helpful? Pin It For Later!
