5 Best Hotels in Rabat, Casablanca, and the North Atlantic Coast, Morocco

This outstanding riad is a veritable sanctuary set over three floors and run by a lovely Anglo-Moroccan couple. Each individually themed suite is decorated with a decidedly local touch, creating an atmosphere that's both opulent and comfortable. The cuisine, too, is remarkable; the chef uses local ingredients to prepare an entirely vegetarian menu (unique in Morocco), which, at dinner, consists of five exquisite courses. A flower-filled roof terrace and on-request massage and beauty treatments (men can try a wet shave on the roof-top) all help to make this a blissful place to enjoy some genuine peace, away from the bustle of city life. If you’re feeling ambitious, Moroccan cooking classes and guided tours can also be arranged. 

This smart addition from the Barceló hotel group has spacious and tastefully decorated public areas and generous-size rooms. There's a bar and lounge, the Acajou Restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and spa. Contemporary rooms are generous and have balconies, and on the upper floors have great city views. Upmarket Anfa is a good location for both business and leisure travelers.

Overlooking the lagoon, this family-run hotel offers clean, functional rooms arranged around a truly beautiful, flower-filled garden. There’s direct access to the beach, but if you’re looking for other daytime activities, boat trips on the lagoon (possibly combined with a bracing walk on the northern promontory) can be organized. After the sun goes down, the combined restaurant-lobby area takes on a warm glow. In winter, a roaring fire is lit, and guests are free to take refuge with a good book, good company, or both.

Mazagan is a spectacular seaside resort between Azemmour and El Jadida. Built over more than 500 acres, it changed the definition of luxury accommodations on this part of the coast. The family-friendly resort is a full-service operation with lots to keep both adults and kids occupied. Facilities include 11 restaurants, numerous swimming pools, a high-end spa, a casino, a top-notch golf course, a variety of organized water sports and activities, plus access to a breathtaking beach.

This luxury hotel has large, well-equipped rooms that are decorated in a classy contemporary style. Views abound over the lush greens of its 18-hole golf course to the Atlantic beyond. There are several restaurants on-site as well as great recreational facilities—including a pair of pools (one indoors, one out) and a fabulous spa. Note that the hotel is in a quiet area north of El Jadida, on the right as you drive south. It's out of the range of the town's petits taxis, but you can charter a grand taxi to get you there.