29 Best Hotels in Medina, Marrakesh

Since 1923, Morocco's most prestigious hotel has achieved legendary status for its opulence, grandeur, celebrity guest list, and hefty price tag. Famed also for its elegant interiors, magnificent mature gardens, and immaculate service, La Mamounia occupies 20 acres of fragrant gardens that once belonged to 18th-century Prince Mamoun and is a glowing example of Moroccan Arab–Andalusian fine arts. As you enter the main foyer, doormen glide to your assistance as you're greeted by a waft of orange blossoms. The marble sculptures, velvet armchairs, antique furniture, and spacious lounges hung with Asian paintings ooze elegance. Animal lovers will be delighted to see that despite its five-star standing, La Mamounia welcomes furry friends—a rarity in Morocco. It also has its own colony of rescue cats and a friendly donkey wandering the grounds.

At the edge of the medina, with easy access to parking, taxis, and the main Jemaa el-Fnaa square, La Maison Arabe is a stylish hotel offering old-fashioned charm and exceptional Moroccan hospitality. The design is an artful blend of Moorish and European, and each of the four courtyards offers grandeur on an intimate scale. Beautiful carved wooden paneling leads you through the old wing to discover the cool inner patio, reading rooms, piano bar, and an elegant Moroccan restaurant that's one of the best in Marrakesh. Most rooms have a fireplace and a balcony, and the hotel has a small (oddly placed) swimming pool and sun terraces above. There is a luxurious spa and hammam and guests also have access to a country club just outside Marrakesh, with a large pool and gardens. The house was once a famous restaurant, the first to serve Moroccan cuisine to such notables as Winston Churchill and Jackie Kennedy.

With easy access from Bab Laksour and just a five-minute walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, this luxurious riad is a great base for exploring the medina. The service is impeccable, rooms and suites are beautifully decorated, and the bejmat-tiled patio (local handmade tiling laid in a herringbone design) is a delightful place to sip mint tea while shaded by orange trees. A high wall protects the small patio swimming pool from the sun. Meals are served on the roof terrace, the patio, or in the cozy upstairs salon, which has a huge open fireplace and a library of books and games. For even more privacy, they also have a small, restored townhouse around the corner suitable for two- to four guests. 

Riad Tarabel is an enchanting hideaway that exudes old-world charm. Antique maps, peacock chairs, taxidermy birds, and sparkling chandeliers all have a place here, as do lush paintings that were shipped from the enigmatic owner’s family château in France. For those who love travel-inspired nostalgia and treasures, a stay at Tarabel is an absolute must. Pay close attention to the gilt mirrors that decorate Tarabel’s sitting areas. One of them is actually a secret door that leads to a spa—all you have to do is find and press the button.

This renovated riad near the Badi Palace in the Mellah quarter has rooms arranged over two floors, looking inward to the central patio pool and terrace, which is shaded by jasmine, bougainvillea, and banana palms. Some suites are large enough to accommodate extra beds making this a convenient family base for exploring. Traditional features remain such as zellige tiled detailing and bathrooms finished in tadlak. Request meals on the secluded terrace, which has great views of Marrakesh and the High Atlas.

English entrepreneur Vanessa Branson created this riad "adventure" in 2002, and since then it has been reworked and extended into a palace of individually conceived rooms designed with a stylish modern aesthetic. The property appeals to fashionable sophisticates although families with children are equally welcome. The atmosphere is chic, relaxed, and trendy, but it's expensive compared to other properties in the same category. There are three pools, a hammam spa, restaurant, spacious bar with lounge, exclusive designer boutique, library, and shaded garden patios. The roof terrace is huge and attracts outside guests for evening cocktails, as does the restaurant. Hardly any wonder that most guests stay four to five days—some even two weeks. 

A long-standing favorite among budget travelers and backpackers, Hotel Ali is right at the edge of the main square and is constantly abuzz with activity, but don't expect many creature comforts. The rooms have en suite baths and air-conditioning (not always working), and guests have access to a 24-hour currency-exchange bureau. There are great views over Jemaa el-Fnaa, and some rooms have private balconies overlooking the street and a small park at the entrance to the square.

This well-managed, budget riad is a cut above the rest with an ideal location just a stone's throw from Place Djemâa el Fna. The decor is simple with Moroccan textiles, rugs, and lamps adding a splash of color to each of the bedrooms, which are clean and well-appointed. A central patio fountain, brightly tiled floors, tadelakt columns, rooftop terraces, and cascading plants contribute to an air of elegance. Meals are available in the hotel's salon restaurant, which has a cozy fireplace for winter and long, low cushioned benches for relaxing. There is also a terrace and a traditional 'caidal' tent for dining or just hiding yourself away with a book. Meals must be requested in advance.

Opened by celebrated British designer Jasper Conran, peace and tranquility reign supreme at this stylish riad set within a former 19th-century Ciadal palace. L'Hotel has six spacious suites, including Agadir, its newest and largest suite, which comes with its own private courtyard and fountain. Conran furnished all the rooms and common spaces with antiques and artworks from his private collection, which makes staying here feel like you're visiting a well-off friend's lush Marrakesh villa. Four-poster beds are made up with hand-finished Egyptian cotton linen surrounded by billowing white voile drapes. While all suites overlook the garden courtyard, request one with a private balcony or terrace. The on-site restaurant serves Moroccan cuisine either in the elegant dining room or on your own private terrace. There are no TVs and children are not accepted unless the entire riad is booked for private use. The sun-drenched roof terrace is ideal for afternoon tea or sunset cocktails.

There's a certain over-the-top charm to this series of five interconnected riads of palatial proportions, each with a different decorative theme inspired by previous ruling dynasties. The hotel concierge offers all services and comforts associated with a small luxury hotel and there's a Romanesque underground spa and massage suite, as well as on-site cooking classes. There are also salon areas and lounges in each of the different riads, plus a billiards room and other spaces for meeting, greeting, or relaxing. A nighttime aperitif beside the patio pool amid rows of man-size lanterns is hard to beat. The very pleasant terrace restaurant is open to nonguests and has both French and Moroccan menus.

Take your breakfast or lunch here, but head elsewhere for dinner.

On the souk's northern tip is this lavish riad spread across five adjoining properties, known for its fabulous decor and elite clientele (Angelina Jolie and Russell Crowe have stayed here). Its location in the heart of the busy El Mok'f neighborhood may be a bit more on the edgy side, but once you've reached the riad, you may never want to leave. TVs are hidden behind carved moucharabia screens and iPod docks are filled with cool tunes. Hidden alcoves and salons are great places to grab a meal, but don't miss the terrace for sunset. 

This outpost of a well-respected French luxury hotel chain is ideally situated on the edge of the medina but an easy walk from the main sights. Modernist in style, with Moroccan and Oriental touches, the rooms and suites all look out over the hotel's main attraction: the heated swimming pool. Loungers, parasols, poolside bar, pizzeria, and even a lifeguard in attendance make this ideal for families, as do the kids' club (for ages 4--12), babysitting service, and swimming lessons. Rooms in the main hotel are furnished simply in cream, beige, and brown hues, and some suites have twin bathrooms. For a family group or special event, the 26 contemporary-style private riads (from around 7,000 DH per night) can accommodate up to eight people with private patio, pool, fully equipped kitchen, and comfortable living rooms. The hotel also has an excellent spa and hydrotherapy facility.

Despite its location on an unprepossessing street, this hotel is in the heart of the action and has a rather grand and opulent interior that cannot fail to impress. The carved pillars of the garden give the air of an ancient temple, with four salons around an enormous, heated pool and a giant fireplace at one end. The Ambassador suite has great views of the medina and nearby Koutoubia Mosque, but most of the rooms look upon the inner garden and pool area. Elegant sitting rooms, a cigar room, a piano bar, and an additional outdoor heated pool on the roof add to the hotel's charms. There are also plenty of in-house dining options with the Moroccan Koutoubia restaurant as well as Indian and French options. Guests can enjoy the rooftop pool and the hammam with aromatic spa treatments.

With easy access and elevators, this is a good choice for anyone with mobility issues.

This 18th-century palace once belonging to the cousin of King Hassan II is now a luxurious boutique hotel with lush gardens hidden in the kasbah area of the medina. Accommodations are spacious and there's a decent-size pool, making this a great choice for families. Rooms with a garden view open onto a jungle of banana, palm, orange, olive, and jacaranda trees and are deliciously cool in summer. Other rooms open onto private patios, some have sun terraces, and all are decorated with traditional Moroccan finishes of tadlak and tiling, with ceiling fans and air-conditioning. The swimming pool sits at the edge of the gardens surrounded by terraces for sunbathing, and the hotel has a hammam and massage suite. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner and is open to the public.

This Italian-owned boutique riad is near the Dar el Bacha Royal residence, on a street filled with antiques dealers and quality boutiques; it features gorgeous interiors that blend European, Italian, and Moroccan influences. Rooms are arranged around the central hexagonal atrium, which pours light into the central patio. On the ground floor there are cozy alcoves for reading, an elegant restaurant, and a glassed-in swimming pool that opens to a cloistered inner courtyard. The roof terrace has comfortable shaded seating areas and a dining area.

The jewel in the crown of the English-owned Pure Riads collection, Riad Adore is decorated in cool, pale shades of white, beige, and gray, with tadlak walls and subtle lighting—it's an elegant and sophisticated guesthouse close to the main medina action. The property extends over two courtyards joined by a zellij-tile dining room, in keeping with the original character of the house. Rooms are decorated with hand-embroidered cushions, fine white linen, and a scattering of antique rugs; en suite bathrooms are fitted out to a high quality. There's an on-site hammam for guests, and the roof terrace with Amazigh-tent lounging area is stunning.

Nestled into a residential area of the kasbah, the intimate Riad Baya has a lovely central courtyard and rooftop terrace. There's a living room and dining area on the ground floor and a tented alcove adorned with wall-to-wall couches, poufs, and vintage rugs. 

BE is the fun and laid-back retreat created by Nicole Billi and Mohamed Bousaadi, who treat all of their guests and staff like family. The couple first met in 2012 when Billi traveled from her hometown of Zurich, Switzerland, to Marrakesh and fell in love—with both Bousaadi and his home country. The pair wed and are now the proud owners of one of the most charming riads in the city, blending Billi’s love of modern European design and Bousaadi’s dedication to preserving his cultural heritage. BE also has a yoga studio and spa, plus sells local crafts and artisanal goods. Additionally, the food is great and if you fancy picking up some tips, cooking classes are available.

The Italian owners Georgina and Massimo have blended Moroccan flavors and craftsmanship with European style to create a riad that oozes sophistication. Traditional wood-paneled doors lead to each thoughtfully decorated room. There's also a small on-site hammam and massage area.

The decor is modern Moroccan meets cool hideaway at this chic riad, with a bright and airy interior. There's a nice to terrace on which to sip mint tea while taking in the sunset or, during colder months, you can lounge by the downstairs fireplace. Five understated bedrooms are available for rent individually or you can book the full riad for a group trip or private escape. 

Tucked away in the Riad Laarouss neighborhood, Les Trois Mages is a delightful small riad with English-speaking staff and spacious, tastefully furnished rooms. It's also one of few riads in this price category that has a small pool on the roof terrace that's heated in winter months. On the ground floor there are two comfortable lounges around the central patio, one with a fireplace for chilly winter nights, the other with a piano for musical guests. Some rooms have four-poster beds; the ground-floor Gaspard room combined with the adjacent Melchior room works well for families. The in-house chef offers a delicious lunch or dinner menu upon request.

A Scottish-owned riad with English-speaking staff, Riad Linda is an unpretentious and welcoming guesthouse that is an excellent value; it's decorated in contemporary Moroccan style, with individual touches such as vintage caftans displayed in bedrooms and enormous abstract modernist paintings by the owner. Rooms have wrought-iron beds and en suite bathrooms and are simply decorated with cool white walls, powder blue painted shutters, and a scattering of soft woolen carpets. The upstairs Douria Suite is split-level and ideal for a small family, with an open fireplace, huge walk-in bathroom, and private hammam. 

Full of eccentric charm, the rambling Riad Malika occupies three old houses and was one of the first riads to become a guesthouse in the 1990s. There's a lush garden patio and a small private pool, and the riad is easy to find in a quiet and safe part of the medina. The winter lounge is one of the coziest in Marrakesh, and there are spacious two-room suites ideal for families, as well as a decent-size patio pool. Many rooms have a private terrace also. The whole effect is a lovingly curated, quirky collage of styles and eras—sculpted plaster cornices, marble walls, gold-leaf ceilings, and a terrace with tumbling bougainvillea.

Proof that staying in a beautiful riad with elegant rooms does not have to break the bank, this Moroccan-run guesthouse is a real treasure, with a delightful roof terrace. A tiled fountain occupies center stage in the first-floor patio and keeps you cool in summer; for winter evenings there are couches in the patio area and a Moroccan salon with a library and TV. The riad is very easy to access and ideally situated close to the Mellah and the main Place Jemaa el-Fnaa. It works well for small groups and families as there are twin, triple, and quadruple-bedded rooms. Rooms are all tastefully furnished in modern Moroccan style and finished with tadlak walls, subtle lighting, and sculpted stucco details. Breakfast is served on the roof terrace (included in the rates); other meals can be arranged in advance.

Made up of two adjoining houses around separate courtyards, Riad Samsli has nine charming rooms at very good prices. The property is in a well-lit, safe neighborhood within easy reach of taxis and is close to both Place Jemaa el-Fnaa and the Mellah. Rooms are all on the first floor and are tastefully decorated and furnished in traditional Moroccan style with tadlak walls, carved wooden doors, wrought-iron trellised windows, and tile floors strewn with rugs. There are several indoor communal salons and cozy corners in addition to a rooftop terrace, a decent-size plunge pool with alcove seating, and a large restaurant with fireplace. An extra bed can be added to suites and there is a twin room, so families with small children can be accommodated.

You'll get the best of both worlds at this unassuming riad that's close to all of the action of the medina but still secluded. Common spaces include a whitewashed courtyard, with a plunge pool and a roof terrace with panoramic views.

One of the most recognizable riads in Marrakesh, Le Riad Yasmine found Instagram fame in 2016 when an image of its gorgeous green pool went viral. Run by charming French couple Alice and Gabriel Paris, the space is an oasis full of plants and tiled floors. The rooftop terrace is perfect for enjoying fresh mint tea and you’ll often find yourself accompanied by chirping birds and two saucy felines named Bowie and BB, who went from living on the streets to becoming social media sensations who live like royalty inside the riad.

Built and owned by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, the Royal Mansour is an ultraluxurious private medina within the medina, comprising 55 individual three-story riads complete with a private patio, sitting room, rooftop plunge pool, fireplace, and personal butler. Master artisans from across the Kingdom finished each with zellij tiles, hand-sculpted plaster details, and polished tadlak. It's here that visiting heads of state and the super-elite will be housed during state visits or celebrity events; the rest of the time it's open to anybody with pockets deep enough to pay the rates. From the riads, pathways lined with 100-year-old olive trees transplanted from the King's own Agdal Gardens lead to the reception and the various fine-dining restaurants, while there is a stunning garden with massive outdoor pool and the "Le Jardin'" restaurant pavilion, overseen by Michelin-starred chef, Yannick Alléno. The luxurious hotel spa, with white wrought-iron atrium, resembles a birdcage and reputedly has one of the best (and possibly most expensive) hammams in Marrakesh. 

Formerly the private residence of a Marrakesh judge, this exquisite 1930s property has all the understated glamour and class you'd expect from a Relais & Chateaux hotel, with unobtrusive service, libraries to hide away in, and guest rooms with enormous bathrooms. The street outside is a busy thoroughfare, but when inside you are hardly aware of it. Dine in the excellent contemporary Mediterranean and Moroccan restaurant, or take your meals by the heated garden pool, terrace pool, or fireside on a private, orange-tree–filled patio.