Exploring the Best Accommodation Options in Morocco

From luxury riads to boutique beach resorts, Morocco offers visitors a wide variety of unique and atmospheric places to stay. As you plan your trip, consider your priorities – are you looking for an authentic cultural experience? A relaxing beach getaway? Do you want a central location for exploring cities or prefer being out in nature? Read on for a comprehensive overview of the best lodging options in Morocco.

Riads and Guest Houses – Quintessential Cultural Stays

For an immersive taste of Moroccan culture, consider staying in a restored riad (traditional mansion) or small guest house nestled in the ancient medinas (old cities) of imperial cities like Marrakech, Fez and Rabat.

Riads

  • Elegant boutique hotels built inside restored riads, typically featuring:
    • Multi-story design centered on a courtyard garden with fountains
    • Ornately decorated interiors with carved woodwork, colorful tiles and arched windows
    • Roof terraces with stunning views over the medina
  • Recommended options in Marrakech include Riad Kniza, Riad Elixir and Riad Dar Anika
  • In Fez, top-rated picks include Riad Salam, Riad Laaroussa and Riad Dar Dmana

Guest Houses

  • Small, family-run guest houses with just a few rooms
  • Offer intimate atmosphere and chance to connect with hosts
  • Great guest houses in Fez and Marrakech medinas abound – check Airbnb for curated options with reviews

Hotels – Familiar Comfort Across All Budgets

Looking for familiar amenities and services? Morocco has hotels for every budget:

  • Luxury Hotels
    • Internationally known 5-star chains in major cities
    • Resort hotels near prime coastal spots and the desert
    • Pool, spa, bars, restaurants and opulent rooms
  • Mid-range Hotels
    • Often smaller, modern properties with boutique charm
    • Mix of local and international brands
    • Good value for money – prices average $50-100/night
    • Great options in Marrakech, Casablanca and beach destinations
  • Budget Hotels and Hostels
    • Hostels – dorm beds for ~$10-20/night, social atmosphere
    • Budget hotels – no frills but comfortable, ~$30-60/night
    • Ideal for backpackers and solo travelers

Holiday Rentals – Ideal for Families and Long Stays

Renting an apartment, house or villa can make for the perfect multi-generational family trip or extended stay.

  • Luxury Villas
    • High-end villas with 3+ bedrooms, private pool and staff
    • Clustered in exclusive resort developments
    • Marrakech and Agadir areas especially popular
  • Medina Dar Homes
    • Multi-story family homes native to Morocco’s imperial cities
    • Often restored into rentals maintaining original architecture
    • Great way to live like a local in Fez, Casablanca or Tangier
  • Apartment Rentals
    • Modern apartments in cities or beach towns
    • Cater to expats and travellers on longer visits
    • Useful for self-catering and extra space

Camping and Desert Expeditions

Get off the grid and out into Morocco’s magnificent landscapes by pitching a tent or booking a Sahara desert camp.

  • Camping Sites
    • Range from basic areas with shared facilities to luxury eco-campgrounds
    • Offer locations near beaches, the Atlas Mountains and desert
    • Equipment rentals available
  • Desert Camps
    • Luxury camps create a magical oasis-like setting amid the dunes
    • Signature experience is overnighting after trekking into Sahara on camel
    • All-inclusive programs with meals, tents, activities

Top desert camps include Sahara Sky Luxury Camp and Scarabeo Camp.

Beach Bungalows – Relaxing Coastal Getaways

Imagine waking up to sunny skies and ocean views in a thatched-roof beach bungalow. Blissful.

  • Numerous beach resorts dot Morocco’s Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines
  • Laidback ambiance perfect for some R&R
  • Destinations like Ouarzazate, Agadir and Essaouria especially popular
    • Offer variety of beachfront hotels, resorts and bungalow rentals

Some top-rated options include Villa Garance, L’Hippocampe and Atlantic Sunset Residence.

So whether you picture yourself poolside at a luxury riad hotel in Marrakech, bargaining at the local souk from your medina apartment rental in Fez, or sleeping under the stars in the Sahara, Morocco has a wonderfully unique array of accommodation options to meet your needs and budget!