Morocco Accommodation Guide
Riads, hotels, desert camps, and where to stay in every destination
Why Morocco Stays Are Special
From centuries-old riads with intricate tilework to luxury desert camps under the stars, Morocco offers some of the world's most unique accommodation experiences.
Types of Accommodation
Traditional Riads
Historic courtyard homes converted into boutique guesthouses, offering an authentic Moroccan experience.
Pros
- Authentic Moroccan architecture and design
- Personal service and local hospitality
- Central medina locations
- Traditional breakfast included
- Unique character and ambiance
Cons
- May lack modern amenities
- Stairs can be challenging (no elevators)
- Rooms can vary greatly in size
- Some may have noise from street/mosque
Tip: Book rooms with courtyard views for the best experience. Ask about rooftop terraces.
Luxury Hotels
International 5-star properties and Moroccan palace hotels with world-class amenities.
Pros
- Full-service spas and pools
- Multiple dining options
- Concierge and tour services
- Modern amenities (gym, business center)
- Accessible rooms available
Cons
- Less authentic local experience
- Often located outside medinas
- Higher prices
- Can feel impersonal
Tip: La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, and Four Seasons are iconic choices in Marrakech.
Boutique Hotels
Design-focused properties combining Moroccan aesthetics with contemporary comfort.
Pros
- Curated design and aesthetics
- Modern amenities in traditional settings
- Usually excellent restaurants
- Unique photography opportunities
- Personalized service
Cons
- Can be trendy over authentic
- Prices may not reflect value
- Some focus more on style than service
Tip: El Fenn in Marrakech and Palais Amani in Fes are standout boutique options.
Desert Camps
Berber-style camps in the Sahara ranging from basic bivouacs to luxury glamping.
Pros
- Once-in-a-lifetime desert experience
- Stunning sunset and sunrise views
- Berber music and culture
- Camel trekking included
- Stargazing opportunities
Cons
- Limited facilities (basic camps)
- Hot days, cold nights
- Remote locations
- Sand gets everywhere
Tip: Luxury camps have private bathrooms, heating, and four-poster beds. Book with reputable operators.
Kasbahs
Historic fortress-style lodgings, often in dramatic locations in the Atlas Mountains or desert edges.
Pros
- Dramatic architecture and settings
- Rich history and heritage
- Often stunning views
- Good bases for trekking
- Peaceful and secluded
Cons
- Remote locations
- May have limited dining options
- Can be cold in winter
- Variable quality standards
Tip: Kasbah Tamadot (Richard Branson) and Kasbah du Toubkal are exceptional choices.
Guesthouses (Dars)
Family-run homes offering intimate accommodation with local hospitality.
Pros
- Affordable prices
- Home-cooked meals
- Family atmosphere
- Local insights and tips
- Authentic experience
Cons
- Basic amenities
- Less privacy
- Language barriers possible
- Variable standards
Tip: Smaller dars offer more personal attention. Check reviews for cleanliness.
Hostels
Budget-friendly options with dorms and private rooms, great for meeting other travelers.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Social atmosphere
- Often include rooftop terraces
- Good for meeting travelers
- Usually central locations
Cons
- Shared facilities
- Can be noisy
- Less privacy
- Basic amenities
Tip: Rodamon Riad in Marrakech combines hostel pricing with riad architecture.
Beach Resorts
Coastal properties in Agadir, Essaouira, and Taghazout for beach-focused stays.
Pros
- Direct beach access
- Pools and water sports
- All-inclusive options
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Good for families
Cons
- Less cultural immersion
- Distance from historic sites
- Can feel touristy
- Weather dependent
Tip: Essaouira offers wind sports; Taghazout is the surf capital; Agadir has the best beaches.
What is a Riad?
A riad(from the Arabic word for "garden") is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior courtyard or garden. These historic homes were designed to provide privacy and escape from the bustling medina streets.
The architecture follows Islamic tradition: plain exterior walls hide opulent interiors. Windows face inward toward the courtyard, creating a private oasis. Many riads are centuries old and have been lovingly restored as boutique accommodations.
Staying in a riad is a quintessential Moroccan experience. You'll wake to birdsong from the courtyard, enjoy breakfast on the rooftop terrace, and return each evening to genuine Moroccan hospitality.
Traditional Riad Features
Central open-air garden with fountain, often with orange trees
Intricate geometric mosaics on floors and walls
Polished lime plaster giving a smooth, waterproof finish
Ornate wooden ceilings and door frames
Private outdoor space with city or Atlas Mountain views
Some riads have private steam rooms
Where to Stay by Destination
Marrakech
Medina
$$-$$$$Heart of the action, traditional riads, walking distance to Jemaa el-Fnaa
Best for: First-time visitors, cultural immersion
Gueliz (New City)
$$-$$$Modern hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Easier navigation.
Best for: Business travelers, modern comfort
Hivernage
$$$-$$$$Upscale area with luxury hotels, casinos, nightlife
Best for: Luxury seekers, nightlife
Palmeraie
$$$$Palm grove oasis with resort hotels and golf courses
Best for: Resort experience, families
Top Picks:
Fes
Fes el-Bali (Old Medina)
$$-$$$UNESCO heritage site, traditional riads, authentic atmosphere
Best for: Cultural experience, photographers
Fes el-Jdid
$$Newer medina, near Royal Palace, slightly calmer
Best for: Balance of access and peace
Ville Nouvelle
$$French colonial new town, modern hotels, easier parking
Best for: Self-drivers, modern amenities
Top Picks:
Chefchaouen
Blue Medina
$$Stay within the famous blue-washed streets
Best for: Photography, atmosphere
Outside Medina
$-$$Hotels with parking and mountain views
Best for: Drivers, panoramic views
Top Picks:
Sahara Desert
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
$$-$$$$Tallest dunes, most popular, many camp options
Best for: Classic Sahara experience, first-timers
M'hamid (Erg Chigaga)
$$-$$$More remote, wilder dunes, less crowded
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path, adventure seekers
Zagora
$-$$Gateway to desert, less dramatic dunes but easier access
Best for: Limited time, budget conscious
Top Picks:
Essaouira
Medina
$$Charming riads within the walled city, near beach
Best for: Walking access to everything
Beach Area
$$-$$$Hotels along the coast, great for wind sports
Best for: Surfers, kitesurfers
Top Picks:
Booking Tips
Book Direct for Best Rates
Many riads offer better prices when booked directly via email or their website.
Reserve 3-6 Months Ahead
Popular properties fill up, especially for peak season (March-May, September-November).
Read Recent Reviews
Focus on reviews from the last 6 months. Ownership and quality can change.
Confirm Airport Transfers
Many accommodations offer pickup - arrange in advance and confirm meeting points.
Check Meal Options
Most riads offer breakfast; many can prepare dinner with advance notice.
Request Specific Rooms
If a room looks amazing online, request it by name when booking.
Best Booking Platforms
| Platform | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Large selection, reliable reviews, free cancellation | Hotels and larger riads |
| Airbnb | Unique properties, local hosts, full apartments | Longer stays, families |
| Direct Email | Best prices, personal service, special requests | Boutique riads |
| Hostelworld | Budget options, traveler reviews | Hostels and backpacker riads |
Price Ranges
Hostels, basic guesthouses, simple riads
Quality riads, 3-4 star hotels, nice dars
Boutique hotels, luxury riads, 5-star hotels
Palace hotels, exclusive riads, luxury camps
Note: Prices are higher during peak season (March-May, September-November) and can double during major holidays and events. Book early for the best rates.
Amenities to Expect
| Amenity | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Almost universal | Speed varies; can be slow in medinas |
| Air Conditioning | Most mid-range and up | Essential May-September |
| Heating | Variable | Important Dec-Feb; many riads lack it |
| Swimming Pool | Some riads, most hotels | Plunge pools common; full pools in hotels |
| Breakfast | Usually included | Moroccan breakfast is generous |
| Rooftop Terrace | Most riads | Great for breakfast and sunset drinks |
| Hammam/Spa | Some riads, most luxury hotels | Traditional steam baths and massages |
| Parking | Limited in medinas | Hotels outside medina or nearby car parks |
Accessibility Considerations
Challenges
- Medina riads often have steep stairs and no elevators
- Narrow alleyways with uneven surfaces
- Limited wheelchair-accessible options in old cities
- Many historic buildings cannot be modified
Solutions
- Modern hotels in Gueliz/Ville Nouvelle offer accessible rooms
- Some ground-floor riad rooms are available
- Beach resorts typically have better accessibility
- Request wheelchair-accessible taxis in advance
Recommendations
- La Mamounia has accessible rooms
- Four Seasons Marrakech offers full accessibility
- Hotels in Agadir are generally more accessible
- Contact properties directly to discuss specific needs
Explore More
Let Us Handle Your Accommodation
Our tours include carefully selected accommodation that matches your style and budget. From luxury riads to desert camps, we book the best for you.