7 Best Hotels in Tangier and the Mediterranean, Morocco

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.

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-hued 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 tadelakt cellar hammam. Set around the courtyard, some rooms have ocean views. The hotel can prepare afternoon tea, and dinner if ordered in advance.

A luxe makeover has given this traditional riad six striking suites—named after some of the city’s celebrity fans, including Elizabeth Taylor—in which contemporary pieces have been artfully blended with traditional Moroccan design. The gorgeous, glass-walled terrace comes with showstopping views, ideal for a leisurely breakfast. Other amenities include an authentic marble hammam and an Art Deco–inspired cocktail bar complete with a grand piano. Meals are available: order in advance and the chef can tweak the menu to your taste.

This Spanish-owned medina 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.

With the intimacy of a guesthouse and the comforts of a luxe boutique hotel, every art-filled room is individually decorated, with balconies looking out over the gorgeous gardens with a flash of the Mediterranean in the distance. Enjoy the sun-soaked roof terrace and the cozy living room overlooking the green-tiled swimming pool. A small reading space has plenty of books and a piano, and the friendly staff will make you feel at home.