5 Best Hotels in Chefchaouen, Tangier and the Mediterranean

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.

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 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 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.