23 Best Hotels in Tangier and the Mediterranean, Morocco

Morocco’s first Banyan Tree is an all-villa resort, each with a private pool and just a pebble’s throw from a sweep of shell-strewn beach, that pays homage to the region's history with its sparkling white Andalusian-Moroccan–style architecture. The large, ultraprivate villas are decorated in neutral tones without losing their sense of place. Abundant amenities include a host of water sports, a state-of-the-art gym, a kids club, and plenty of laid-back lounging spaces, one of which is an oud-scented library. Guests have no shortage of dining options, with Thai cuisine at Saffron, Moroccan at Tingitana, and catch of the day and pizza by the beach at Azura, plus tapas at Le Baga and cocktails at the chic Volubilis Bar. Head to the world-class spa's deluxe hammam for long, pampering sessions. If you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger, the resort also organizes a variety of excursions.

The inner courtyard of this beautifully designed, Spanish-run riad in the medina dates back to the 17th century, and during the Spanish protectorate, the palace housed the pasha (governor). More recent renovations include smooth tadelakt walls and a freshening up of the original carved cedar doors and colorful tiles. It's home to a light-filled reading area, an authentic hammam, and a restaurant serving modern Spanish-Moroccan fusion cuisine.

With two separate locations run by the same owner, these two riad complexes offer gorgeous decor and true Moroccan hospitality. Dar Baibou consists of three adjoining riads, where you'll find individually decorated suites and common areas you could lounge in all day, warmed by the fireplace in winter. Decorations are culled from the best of local crafts. The rooftop terrace is a tranquil oasis, with handwoven carpets, richly covered banquettes, and lantern lights in the evenings. Just down the street, Casa Hassan is a 350-year-old family home turned traditional restaurant offering a choice of tagines, slow-roasted meats, and succulent chicken dishes, all served from a bright-tiled open kitchen. There are a handful of guest rooms upstairs.

This Spanish-owned riad has been nicely restored and converted into an intimate B&B with small but attractive rooms and plenty of laid-back lounging spaces. These include an elegant ground-floor salon with an open fireplace, where breakfast is served around a communal table, and a rooftop terrace complete with a haima, a Moroccan-style tent. 

In the heart of the medina and boasting 360-degree views, this charming inn (the name means "House of Light") is partly built right on the kasbah's western ramparts. At times, you may believe you're climbing an M.C. Escher stairway in and out of the three historic houses that make up the property, which the French owners have tastefully decorated with a mix of antiques, local art, and crafts. Breakfast on the roof terrace is a delight, and in the evening it turns into a hip bar; try the cocktail du jour, perhaps a mint-filled mojito, as you watch the sun set over the medina's jumble of rooftops.

Built in the 1930s, one of Tangier's most iconic hotels has faded somewhat (despite a recent renovation) but still offers beautiful gardens, a large swimming pool, several restaurants, and a stunning courtyard lined with photos of celebrity visitors. It's in the new town, just a short walk from the medina. Decorated in Moorish style, the spacious guest rooms are adorned with rich fabrics, brass, and traditional Moroccan tables, pottery, and artwork.

Morocco’s only five-star Hilton, this hotel just a few blocks from the Mediterranean shows a whole other side to Tangier, from its showstopping lobby to the stylish rooms. Guest rooms (connected rooms are available for families) and spacious, marble-clad bathrooms are neutral-hue but far from bland and businesslike, with Moroccan highlights in the framed weavings, beaten copper artworks, and Islamic motifs. The buffet breakfasts are as good as you’d expect, but the views from La Kasbah (the all-day dining restaurant serving gourmet Mediterranean-Moroccan cuisine) almost outshine them. On a clear day you can see Tarifa shimmering in the distance. You can also soak in the views from La Terrasse on the 13th floor—half swimming pool, half chic lounge—over tasty tapas and a creative cocktail.

The spacious suites at this 18th-century former palace have been artfully decorated in a mix of antique and contemporary furniture and sumptuous fabrics; shaggy rugs, carved cedarwood, and handcrafted wall tiles help give the place a truly Moroccan feel. Flowing terraces, including a restaurant, ­offer panoramic views of the mountains, the Spanish coastline, and the bustling medina crowds below. Head to the alfresco bar for showstopping sunset views. There are also two rooms in the separate Maison de Jean-Luc.

With bright, traditional-style rooms, this hotel reflects the medina and sky with its fresh blue-and-white color scheme, stained-glass skylights, and plant-filled patios. The breakfast is more generous than most, and the daily changing three-course Moroccan set menu at the hotel's restaurant is highly recommended.

One of Tangier's first hotels, Hotel Continental was built in 1870 to house a British diplomat, but it has made some changes since then, adding Moroccan arches and other decorative flourishes, and while its heyday has long since past, it's still imbued with a certain nostalgic charm. The yellowing pages of the 19th-century guestbook refer to other notable residents—Degas, Winston Churchill, and the Beat poets among them, and Bertolucci's Sheltering Sky was partly filmed here. While rooms border on austere, you can relax in a variety of ornate parlors, reading rooms, and sunrooms or on the open patio overlooking the port. Rooms 108 and 208 have the best views of the bobbing boats.

This traditionally decorated B&B was designed by local painter Karim Al-Haoulani, whose paintings also decorate the walls. The retreat has a comfortable lounge area for relaxing and reviving, individually decorated rooms, a large terrace, and a basement restaurant serving up classic dishes.

Just outside the medina, the basic Hotel Parador was originally built in the 1920s as the Spanish governor's house. It is worth stopping in if only to see the stunning views from the terrace or the gorgeously audacious wall-sized painting depicting "Moroccan social life" by the Casablanca artist Ahmed Louardiri; it was painted during a month-long residency in the hotel in the 1960s and is now displayed in the lobby. Guest rooms are comfortable yet plain, and many feature views. You can relax by the pool from June through August.

While the rooms have little in the way of real Tangerine style, this hotel does have a somewhat nostalgic feel to it, thanks to its splendid 1950s-era lobby and the eclectic blend of furnishings and artwork found throughout. The central location—smack dab in the heart of the Ville Nouvelle—and its Blue Pub, a bar with an outdoor patio, makes it a good all-around choice. It's popular, so reservations are well advised.

This elegant town house has been sensitively transformed into a tranquil haven amid the mayhem of the medina, with light-filled rooms (named after notable kasbah visitors) that have been individually decorated in exquisite French fabrics and antiques. The spacious en suite bathrooms all come with tubs and smooth tadlak (waterproof plaster) walls. Breakfast—consisting of delicious French pastries, Moroccan breads, and more—is served on the rooftop terrace, where the spectacular view stretches out over the medina and down to the sweeping curve of the bay. The owner, Aziz, is supremely knowledgeable about the city and is happy to offer travel advice in six languages.

Every guest room in this traditional hotel is completely unique, each individually decorated and with balconies looking out to the hotel gardens and the sea in the distance. There's a sun-soaked roof terrace as well as a large but cozy living room that also overlooks the gorgeous gardens and swimming pool. A small reading space has plenty of books and a piano, and the friendly staff will make you feel at home.

Located in the Kasbah, and offering great rooftop views of the city and ocean, this little gem of a hotel is hidden behind an unassuming exterior. The traditional Hispano-Moroccan-style house is organized around a central living room, and each floor offers a new view of the city. The knowledgeable staff makes you feel like one of the family. The rooms are palatial and visually exciting, with deep colors and rich patterns. Dinner can be arranged with advance notice.

Restoring this riad was a labor of love for the well-traveled Moroccan owner, and he's met his own high standards with the clean, contemporary look here. Pops of color and original artwork decorate the rooms, and every detail has been considered, right down to the handcrafted argan-oil toiletries. Nothing is too much trouble for the friendly staff, from helping you up the hill with your luggage to arranging tours. A long, leisurely breakfast on the roof terrace comes with stellar views over the blue-hue medina. There’s no proper restaurant, but order the modern Moroccan three-course set dinner in advance, and it’ll be one of the best you have anywhere.

At the highest point of the kasbah, this light, bright riad is stylishly decorated in Belle Époque--meets--Moroccan style, with vintage finds, large parlor palms, black-and-white checkered floors, atmospheric lanterns, and colorful carpets. The roof terrace is an ideal place to enjoy a delicious full breakfast as you gaze across the ocean to Spain, or just tea and pastries whenever you desire. To relax even more, you can have a massage at the tadlak cellar hammam. Set around the courtyard, some rooms have ocean views. The hotel can prepare dinner if ordered in advance.

Located above the Caves of Hercules, this luxury resort is popular with the Moroccan elite and visiting dignitaries. It blends traditional touches with contemporary comforts and a stunning panoramic view over the ocean. The 16 suites are very private, with lovely living areas and light, breezy bedrooms. Bougainvillea climbs up whitewashed walls and the sound of the surf is omnipresent. Enjoy the small yet verdant garden and perfect lawn, or walk down a staircase in the cliffs to the nearly endless stretch of Atlantic coastline. The restaurant, open to nonguests with a reservation, serves excellent seafood and international cuisine.

A reliable option in Ceuta, this aging grande dame is conveniently located on the main square. You can glimpse views of the well-maintained garden, the changeable sea, or the plaza itself. Rooms are simple but comfortable and mostly modern (meaning from the 1960s); they're a good size, though the decor is certainly not as striking as that in the public areas.

This traditional riad—built for the Moroccan prime minister during the Spanish protectorate in 1810—has five spacious rooms above the courtyard restaurant and five in the quieter neighboring building, all individually decorated with Andalusian tiles and Moroccan details. The hosts show their attention to detail in everything from the all-natural bath lotions and soaps to their eagerness to promote Tetouan. 

With its striking architecture, modern design, and vibrant colors, the Sofitel pays homage to the Riviera lifestyle, fusing the atmosphere of the Mediterranean and the Rif to create a unique resort. All the arty, chic rooms, done in primary colors, have outside spaces, and the gorgeous beach villas touch the sand. Guests can lounge around the turquoise-blue pool or in a beach cabana. Dining choices include Le Marche du Saveurs’s expansive all-day dining buffets and signature cocktails at the Koudiaz Bar.  At weekends, night owls will enjoy the SO Lounge, a full-fledged nightclub that hosts international DJs. The SoSPA is the place to unwind, with hammam rituals among the many therapies.

Al Hoceima's grand old hotel has contemporary rooms and bungalows for guests to choose from. All are sparsely decorated, with wood furniture details and quiet artwork. At the north end of town, you're just steps from the stairs down to the beach and port as well as from Place Mohammed VI and its accompanying festivals and action. Breakfast is served on the terrace in fine weather, and many of the rooms have lovely sea views.