Best hotels in Marrakech: where to stay by area

Marrakech is a sensory city of souks, hidden riads, gardens and minarets, and the area where you sleep completely changes the trip: the labyrinthine medina around Jemaa el-Fnaa, modern Gueliz, elegant Hivernage, the palace-filled Kasbah, the resorts of the Palmeraie. The medina is walkable but a maze, so your riad's location matters a lot. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Marrakech, area by area

The Medina

The walled old city around Jemaa el-Fnaa square, with the souks, the riads and the great monuments. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants the most authentic atmosphere, allowing for narrow lanes and a bit of chaos.

• The Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the souks
• The Koutoubia Mosque
• The Ben Youssef Madrasa
• The Secret Garden

For atmosphere and riads, look for hotels in the Medina.

Gueliz, the new town

The modern district of boulevards, cafes, restaurants and shops, handy and orderly. It is the choice for anyone after Western comfort, good prices and a calmer base, steps from the medina.

• The Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
• The boulevards and cafes of Gueliz
• Restaurants, bars and modern boutiques
• Quieter and handier than the medina

For convenience and value, see hotels in Gueliz.

Hivernage

The elegant district of hotels and gardens, between the medina and the airport, with nightlife and spas. It is the choice for anyone after high-end comfort, pools and restaurants, while staying close to the monuments.

• Elegant hotels, spas and pools
• The Menara Gardens
• Restaurants, lounges and nightlife
• A few minutes from the medina and the airport

For elegance and relaxation, look for hotels in Hivernage.

Kasbah and Mellah

The southern part of the medina, the royal quarter of the great palaces, quieter and more monumental. It is the choice for anyone who loves history and art, with charming riads away from the crush of the souks.

• The Bahia Palace
• The El Badi Palace
• The Saadian Tombs
• The monumental Bab Agnaou gate

For history and calm, see hotels in the Kasbah.

The Palmeraie

The palm grove outside the city, with luxury resorts, villas and big pools. It is the choice for anyone after relaxation, space and quiet, accepting that you are away from the centre.

• The Palmeraie palm grove
• Luxury resorts with big pools
• Spas, golf and hotel restaurants
• Transfers to the medina

For relaxation and luxury, look for hotels in the Palmeraie.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Morocco uses the dirham (MAD, around 11 to a euro) and Marrakech is affordable.

• A double room in a riad or mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 500-1,500 MAD a night (about 45-135 euros).
• A dinner for two: about 200-500 MAD (about 18-45 euros); a mint tea 15-30 MAD.
• Transport: a short petit-taxi ride 20-40 MAD; always agree the fare before you get in.
• Tourist tax: the taxe de sejour is per person per night and varies by category, roughly 15-30 MAD (up to about 50 at the luxury end); it is usually paid in cash at the riad. Verify at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Marrakech.

Getting there and around

The airport is Menara (RAK), about 6 km from the centre, reachable by petit taxi in around fifteen minutes (agree the fare) or by bus 19. The medina is walkable, but a maze: note your riad's location well, as it often arranges the transfer.

A car in the medina is unnecessary, between narrow, pedestrian lanes. For trips out of town a transfer or a grand taxi is best.

When to go

• March-May: a warm, blossoming spring, the ideal window.
• June-August: very hot, often 40-45 degrees, with days by the pool.
• September-November: excellent, warm weather, superb for the medina.
• December-February: mild days and cool nights, with the snow-capped Atlas on the horizon; lower prices.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? The medina in a riad for atmosphere, or Gueliz and Hivernage for modern comfort.

Should I stay in a riad? Yes, the traditional courtyard houses are atmospheric; remember the medina is a maze, so note the location.

Do you haggle in the souks? Yes, it is the norm; for taxis always agree the fare before you get in.

How should I dress? Modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, especially in the medina.

How much is the tourist tax? Roughly 15-30 MAD per person per night by category, often paid in cash at the riad.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the medina, the gardens and perhaps a trip to the Atlas or Essaouira.

The best hotels in Marrakech

Below is a selection of real hotels in Marrakech among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.