21 Best Hotels in Tangier and the Mediterranean, Morocco

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.

Tucked between Larache and Asilah and reached by an unpaved track, this design-led hotel from the La Fiermontina Family Collection is a game changer on this stretch of wild Atlantic coastline. Pale-stone villas—each with a pool—are scattered across a hillside, with stellar ocean views from every angle. They’re a masterclass in understated luxury, mixing bold Moroccan rugs and smooth tadelakt walls with European designer furniture and mid-century light fittings. You can transition from tagine to tiramisu in the indoor-outdoor restaurant, eat feet-in-the-sand at the chiringuito-style beach bar, or indulge in a private sunset picnic among the dunes. And it’s a sustainable project at its core, employing villagers from nearby Dchier, where they’ve created four traditional houses with uninterrupted views over serene countryside, a café and a hammam; don’t miss a delicious breakfast with a local family.

The large, bright suites at this upscale hotel come with traditional Moroccan touches, such as brass lanterns and dark-wood doors. Some suites have direct access to the expansive roof terrace and 360-degree views. The heated pool is tucked away in a patio, and a top-notch Moroccan restaurant is only for guests. A visit to the hammam or a massage with organic oils makes the perfect end to a hard day’s sightseeing.

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; there's a hammam, too.

British designer Jasper Conran (of L'Hôtel Marrakech) has transformed the former home of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé into a magical boutique hotel. Much of the 1940s feel of the dazzlingly white Modernist villa has been preserved—where the six suites include YSLs Marrakech Suite—with the addition of contemporary comforts. Elegant decorative touches—Moroccan lanterns, classical artifacts, ancient Andalusian tiles—make it feel like the home of a friend with impeccable taste. A further six suites are spread around the gorgeous gardens, all manicured lawns, lofty palms, and fabulous flowers, within touching distance of Bab Kasbah but a world apart. Sightseeing may take a back seat to lounging by the glorious pool carved into a rock face or being scrubbed and massaged at the spa. The Roof Terrace Bar is the place for a sunset martini before dining on L'Orangerie's lovely terrace.

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.

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, a bar, 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.

This traditional 19th-century riad 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. 

This 1920s hilltop palace has been reborn with an air of understated luxury. The rooms—along with some stunning signature suites—celebrate Morocco’s crafts in a contemporary way, with brass filigree lamps, wooden lattice screens, and bespoke fabrics. It can be hard to tear yourself away from the outsized black marble swimming pool and the expansive spa to go sightseeing. But later you can refuel at one of the six restaurants and bars—perhaps farm-to-table Mediterranean fare at Crudo or made-for-sharing Persian cuisine at the speakeasy-style Parisa.

Just a few blocks from the Mediterranean, this five-star Hilton impresses, 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.

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.

Set in a striking Hispano-Moorish building, this 1920s grande dame has retained a certain period charm despite somewhat dated decor. Guest rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, with double-glazed windows and air-conditioning; ask for one at the front, with balconies overlooking the bustling square.

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.

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.

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.

Dating from 1905, this prestigious Tangier residence has been turned in to a charming boutique hotel without losing the feel of an opulent family home. The apartment-size suites showcase Moroccan crafts, with ornate plasterwork, pretty stained-glass doors, and handwoven rugs and throws. And they all come with spacious sitting areas, kitchenettes and open fireplaces for chilly evenings. Indulge in a leisurely breakfast on the pretty patio or the expansive roof terrace with panoramic views over the city. Tucked down a quiet street, it’s around the corner from Bab Kasbah, but you can be whizzed around in their golf buggy if you’d rather not walk.

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.

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.