Where to Stay in Morocco: 7 Best Cities for Every Traveler

Unlocking Morocco’s Accommodation Secrets

Morocco is an incredible destination that feels like multiple countries squished together into one glorious package. From imperial cities steeped in history to the dramatic Sahara Desert, each region offers experiences as rich and diverse as the landscape itself. But here’s the secret that transforms good trips into extraordinary adventures: where to stay in Morocco is absolutely crucial to your experience.

Choosing uniquely Moroccan accommodation isn’t just about having a place to sleep—it’s the cherry on top of your adventure ice cream. Whether you’re seeking traditional riads in ancient medinas, mountain retreats in the High Atlas, or luxury desert camps under billion-star skies, your accommodation choice shapes every moment of your Moroccan journey.

This comprehensive guide provides expert insights derived from real traveler experiences, detailed examples of specific properties with their pros and cons, and strategies for memorable and authentic stays. You’ll discover clear definitions of each accommodation type for easy understanding, practical booking tips, and optimization strategies that help you find the perfect match for your travel style and budget.

The Quintessential Moroccan Riad: An Oasis Behind Hidden Doors

What is a Riad? Definition & Core Concept

A riad represents classic Moroccan housing typically hidden from the street, appearing as nothing more than a simple door in an alleyway wall. Don’t judge a book by its cover—what you see from the street will never reveal what lies beyond. Inside, riads are little pockets of oases soaring two or three floors around a central garden, often featuring a fountain as the centerpiece.

Often confused with ‘dars’, riads are generally larger and more spacious, originally designed for multi-generational families. Their exterior façade comprises a blind wall up to 8 meters high, completely neutral with nearly no windows, designed to protect privacy and dissimulate riches from passersby. This architectural philosophy creates some of the best places to visit in Morocco right within your accommodation.

Riads are very common in the old medinas of imperial cities like Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat, making them ideal bases for exploring the best cities to visit in Morocco.

Architectural & Design Marvels of Riads

Internal Courtyard/Garden: The central “wousted-dar” (patio) serves as the heart of every riad, providing light and fresh air to surrounding rooms. These courtyards often feature fountains richly decorated in zellige tiles and carved plaster, surrounded by four separate gardens with fruit trees (lemon, fig, orange) and fragrant herbs (mint, basil, jasmine).

Interior Design Elements: Rooms traditionally showcase wooden door and window frames with intricate mosaic artwork. High ceilings, elaborate wood carvings, and mosaic tile designs create an atmosphere of timeless elegance, while many rooms open onto semi-covered terraces or roof terraces offering stunning city views.

Key Decorative Elements:

Tadelakt: An ancient (11th century) natural lime coating used on walls, hammams, fountains, and bathtubs, often colored with natural pigments
Bejmat: Rectangular ceramic floor tiles arranged in geometric patterns, commonly found in patios and alleyways
Moroccan Stucco: Plaster-based material creating intricate, lace-like patterns on walls and ceilings since the 13th century
Zellige: Enameled clay tiles forming geometric mosaics essential to traditional Moroccan ornamentation
Moucharabieh: Openwork wooden partitions allowing natural ventilation while maintaining privacy

The Riad Experience: What to Expect

Breakfast Experience: Most riads serve breakfast downstairs in the garden, though rooftop dining offers the best city views and opportunities to listen to the call to prayer. Typical offerings include jams and butter, amlou (almond-argan spread), three kinds of bread, orange juice, tea, coffee, and various sugary pastries.

Privacy & Tranquility: Despite being located in busy medinas, riads offer a world away from the chaotic streets, providing a luxurious cocoon shielded from outside commotion. The traditional architecture naturally creates peaceful sanctuaries perfect for rest and reflection.

Moroccan Hospitality: Expect elegance matched with Moroccan hospitality at its finest. You’ll often be greeted with tea and pastries upon arrival, and staff will insist on carrying your bags—just let it happen, as this gesture represents genuine care for guest comfort.

Traditional Amenities: Many riads offer hammams, spas, and cooking classes, providing authentic cultural experiences without leaving your accommodation.

Recommended Riads by City

Best Riads in Marrakech:

Riad Africa: Located bang in the middle of the medina, this peaceful, compact property offers cozy accommodations with great staff and owners, recognized among the best hotels by Hotels Combined
Riad Kniza: One of Marrakech’s most prized riads, this 2-century-old family-owned property features traditional decor, a dipping pool, rooftop terrace, and has been frequented by celebrities
La Maison Arabe: Marrakech’s first restaurant-turned-riad offers stylish, intimate luxury with old-world architecture, spa, gym, and cooking classes

Fes Accommodations:

Riad Palais Houyam: Features huge, beautifully decorated rooms, gorgeous property, excellent staff, and a massive rooftop terrace with excellent medina access
La Cle De Fez: This stunning hidden gem offers tranquil surroundings, enormous deluxe rooms, and a clean pool, though the rooftop hike rewards you with spectacular views
Riad Fes: A Relais & Châteaux property representing premiere luxury boutique accommodation with traditional Spanish Moorish architecture, panoramic gardens, and gourmet dining

Chefchaouen Options:

Riad Hicham: Features a fun, interesting atmosphere with delicious food, labyrinth-like layout, and an amazing penthouse panoramic suite in the heart of the blue city

Riad Booking & Experience Tips

Exterior Expectations: Remember that what you see from the street will never reveal the stunning interiors within. Expect plain exteriors hiding architectural marvels.

Baggage Assistance: Wherever you stay in Morocco, staff will be eager to carry your bags. This represents genuine hospitality, so accept graciously.

Medina Navigation: Expect to navigate narrow, winding alleyways to reach your riad. Some properties may arrange guides to help you find the entrance initially.

Room Selection Considerations: Ground floor rooms near pools or kitchens may experience more noise, so light sleepers should request upper floors when possible.

High Atlas Mountain Retreats: Gites & Kasbahs for Authentic Berber Immersion

Gites: Simple Charms in the Mountains

Gites represent traditional Berber-style mud-brick buildings found throughout Morocco’s mountain regions. These accommodations take you out of the city and into spectacular mountain landscapes where basic amenities meet authentic cultural experiences.

The charm of gites comes from their simplicity. Features include low ceilings, traditional Berber artwork, and locally made furniture creating a rustic mountain atmosphere. While facilities remain basic—electricity and bathroom facilities (sometimes shared)—meals served in common rooms often provide opportunities to share experiences with local families.

Kasbahs: Fortified Elegance

Traditionally fortified houses or citadels, many kasbahs have been converted into unique guesthouses offering elevated mountain experiences. Kasbah Africa, located an hour and half drive from Marrakech amidst the High Atlas Mountains, offers incredible views of the Azzaden Valley, elegant rooms, telescope for stargazing, log burners, and well-maintained pools.

Exploring Imlil: Gateway to Toubkal & Berber Culture

Imlil, situated at 1,800 meters elevation, serves as the main base for climbing Jebel Toubkal (4,167m) while offering breathtaking mountain landscapes, authentic Berber culture, excellent trekking opportunities, and peaceful mountain retreat atmosphere—all conveniently accessible from Marrakech.

Accommodation Options in Imlil:

Budget (under $25 USD/night): Guesthouses, homestays, dormitories like Dar Refuge and Imlil Lodge
Mid-Range ($25-60 USD/night): Boutique guesthouses and mountain lodges such as Smile House Imlil and Riad Atlas Toubkal
Luxury ($100+ USD/night): Premier eco-lodge experiences including Kasbah du Toubkal and Dar Imlil

Mountain Activities: Summit attempts on Jebel Toubkal, Berber village exploration (Armed, Ait Souka), Imlil Waterfall visits, day treks through Tizi n’Mezzik Pass and Azzaden Valley, Berber cooking classes, mule rides, photography, and world-class stargazing.

Tips for Mountain Stays

Mobility Considerations: Be prepared for steps and uneven terrain—properties like Kasbah Africa require navigating numerous outdoor steps.

Climate Preparation: Ensure adequate heating availability, especially during winter months when mountain temperatures drop significantly.

Cash Requirements: ATMs aren’t available in Imlil center, so bring sufficient Moroccan dirhams for all expenses.

Responsible Tourism: Consider supporting local initiatives like Education For All or waste management projects to give back to mountain communities.

Sahara Desert Dreams: Desert & Nomadic Camps for Celestial Experiences

Desert Camps: From Basic to Luxury Glamping

Imagine dining in the Sahara under a blanket of a billion stars—desert camps offer unparalleled connection to the earth and cosmos. Located deep inside the famous Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, these accommodations range from basic to luxurious glamping experiences.

Basic Camps feature large tents arranged in circles, tall enough to stand comfortably, with shared accommodations, comfortable beds, and carpeted floors. Toilets require short walks (no running water, but bowls, soap, and sanitizer provided), while lamps provide evening illumination without electricity.

Luxurious Camps offer similar circular setups with bigger beds, additional furniture, and usually private (though basic) shower and toilet facilities. Wi-Fi and even AC/heating can be available in premium options.

Shared Experiences: Unforgettable moments include sitting around campfires, listening to Bedouin stories, traditional drumming, and stargazing sessions that will forever change your perspective on the night sky.

Recommended Desert Camps:

Golden Camp Merzouga: The undisputed highlight featuring private permanent tents with real beds, plush bedding, heating/AC, flushing toilets, hot water, and Wi-Fi, plus beautiful lighting and excellent food
Ali and Sara’s Desert Palace: Unusual take on desert glamping mixing traditional nomad Berber tents with modern amenities, extra-large queen beds, and private bathrooms with hot showers
Travel Exploration Private Sahara Desert Luxury Camp: Located in Erg Chebbi’s heart away from tourist areas, offering hotel room comfort in large bedroom tents with en suite facilities

Desert Camp Tips

Transportation Reality: Rides to camps can be the scariest moment of your life, with drivers flying over dunes at full speed. Consider motion sickness medication and avoid sitting in the very back.

Timing Flexibility: Camp activities like music may start late, and check-in times might be delayed, potentially impacting planned activities like camel rides.

Essential Items: Camps rely on lantern lighting, so bring a torch. Confirm cot availability when traveling with children, and note that electricity might be shut off during daylight hours.

Camel Trek Clarity: Clarify trek duration and sunset viewing locations to avoid confusion and ensure optimal experiences.

Modern Comforts & Unique Experiences: Hotels, Villas, & Overnight Trains

Hotels: Blending Local Flavor with Contemporary Amenities

Morocco resorts and hotels range from perfectly adequate to spectacular 5-star properties, offering familiar comforts while maintaining local character.

Notable Hotel Examples:

Gray Boutique Hotel (Casablanca): Among the best hotels in Casablanca, featuring very large multi-room suites, huge wrap-around balconies, and exceptional breakfast spreads
L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable (Erfoud): A 5-star property that’s incredible from top to bottom, resembling a sandcastle in the desert with multiple pools, fitness rooms, bars, and stunning restaurants
Bab Hotel (Marrakech): Offers big, clean, modern rooms with large bathrooms, mini-fridges, and balconies, though located 45 minutes’ walk from the medina

Private Villas/Airbnbs: Space and Personalized Service

Superbe Villa (Rabat) exemplifies luxury villa experiences with four double rooms, three bathrooms, three lounges, dining room, well-equipped kitchen, and beautifully maintained garden with pool. The included housekeeper service can provide chef-quality meals, offering privacy while delivering personalized attention.

Overnight Trains: Travel & Sleep Simultaneously

Morocco’s overnight trains offer double benefits of transportation and accommodation. Lockable couchettes with four berths convert between seats and beds, including pillows, blankets, and air conditioning. Shared toilets at carriage ends and food carts provide necessary amenities, though most travelers bring their own provisions.

Choosing Your Ideal Moroccan Accommodation: Key Considerations

Location Strategy

Medina Immersion: Riads provide ideal bases for experiencing crazy cities where alleyways twist and turn, revealing ancient secrets and hidden gems throughout the best places to go in Morocco.

Mountain Adventures: Gites and kasbahs offer rustic charm with direct access to Atlas Mountain treks and authentic Berber cultural experiences.

Desert Connections: Desert camps provide unparalleled Sahara access and stargazing opportunities unavailable anywhere else on earth.

Coastal Relaxation: Modern hotels or riads in coastal towns like Essaouira combine beach access with cultural authenticity.

Budget & Comfort Considerations

Morocco accommodates every budget from basic guesthouses to luxury experiences. Budget options start under $25 USD/night for mountain guesthouses, mid-range properties ($25-60 USD/night) include boutique guesthouses and mountain lodges, while luxury accommodations ($100+ USD/night) feature eco-lodges, 5-star hotels, and premium riads.

Travel Style Matching

Cultural Immersion: Choose riads, gites, nomadic camps, or homestays for authentic local experiences.

Adventure Focus: Select desert camps and mountain gites near trekking routes for outdoor enthusiasts.

Luxury & Relaxation: Opt for high-end riads, luxury desert camps, or boutique hotels with spas and pools.

Family Travel: Prioritize accommodations with larger rooms or separate sleeping areas for comfortable family experiences.

Essential Amenities

Wi-Fi Availability: Generally available in most accommodations, though speed and coverage vary, especially in remote areas or older properties.

Bathroom Facilities: Range from shared to private, basic to modern, with flooding showers being a common issue requiring awareness.

Climate Control: Heating and AC availability varies by property and region, crucial for extreme temperature conditions.

Dining Options: Breakfast offerings remain similar across properties, while many accommodations provide excellent on-site dining, sometimes open to non-guests.

Maximizing Your Experience: Advanced Tips for Booking & Staying

Leverage User-Generated Content

Prioritize properties with hundreds of positive, descriptive reviews on platforms like Google Business Profile and TripAdvisor. After your stay, contribute your own experiences, photos, and testimonials to help future travelers while boosting visibility for authentic local businesses.

Cultural Sensitivity & Responsible Travel

Dress modestly in Moroccan villages and towns with covered shoulders and knees. Always request permission before photographing people. Choose accommodations that give back to communities or promote sustainable practices. Be mindful of water usage, especially in areas like Imlil where resources are decreasing.

Essential Packing for Diverse Accommodations

Pack layers for temperature variations across regions and seasons. Bring sturdy footwear for medina walking and mountain treks. Include sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen), sufficient cash for smaller establishments, portable chargers for limited electricity areas, and torch/headlamp crucial for desert camps or unreliable power situations.

Your Moroccan Adventure Awaits

Morocco’s accommodation options are as diverse and captivating as its landscapes, from crazy imperial cities to spectacular Atlas Mountains and the rolling carpet of sand that is the Sahara. Understanding the unique characteristics of riads, gites, desert camps, hotels, and alternative accommodations enables you to select stays that perfectly complement your adventure style and budget.

Whether you’re seeking the architectural marvels of traditional riads, the rustic charm of mountain gites, the celestial magic of desert camps, or the modern comfort of luxury hotels, Morocco offers accommodation experiences that transform good trips into unforgettable journeys. The best places to see in Morocco become even more magical when you choose accommodations that enhance rather than simply house your adventure.

By matching your accommodation choice to your travel goals—cultural immersion, adventure seeking, luxury relaxation, or family bonding—you ensure that your Moroccan experience extends far beyond sightseeing into authentic cultural connection and personal transformation.

Your starry night dreams and cultural immersion experiences await. Start planning your perfect Moroccan accommodation adventure today, and discover how the right place to stay can make all the difference in creating memories that last a lifetime.