Choosing where to stay is half the magic of Marrakech. The classic choice is a riad — a traditional house built around a hidden courtyard, opening from a plain medina lane into a tiled oasis of calm — but the city also has legendary grand palace hotels, sleek garden resorts on the outskirts and cheap, characterful guesthouses. This guide runs from the ultra-luxury of La Mamounia and the Royal Mansour to intimate boutique riads and backpacker beds, with nightly prices, the pros and cons of each area, and tips on getting to your door through the car-free lanes.
$$$$La Mamounia
Area
Medina (Hivernage edge)
Type
5-star palace hotel
“Even non-guests can book afternoon tea or a cocktail to see the legendary gardens — Churchill's favourite bolt-hole.”
$$$$Royal Mansour
Area
Medina (near Koutoubia)
Type
5-star ultra-luxury
“Every guest gets their own three-storey private riad — the pinnacle of Marrakech indulgence; even the spa is a marvel.”
$$$$Riad El Fenn
Area
Medina (Bab El Ksour)
Type
Boutique riad
“Co-founded by Richard Branson's sister — the rooftop bar, art collection and sprawling design make it the coolest riad in town.”
$$$$Selman Marrakech
Area
Route d'Amizmiz (outskirts)
Type
5-star resort
“A serene garden resort with its own stable of Arabian horses and a huge pool — a calmer alternative to a medina riad.”
$$$Riad Kheirredine
Area
Medina (Kaat Benahid)
Type
Boutique riad
“Consistently rated among the medina's best — the rooftop restaurant and hands-on Italian-Moroccan hospitality win rave reviews.”
$$Riad Yasmine
Area
Medina (Sidi Ben Slimane)
Type
Boutique riad
“Home to the most Instagrammed pool in Marrakech — book the courtyard early; it's cosy, pretty and great value.”
$$Riad BE Marrakech
Area
Medina (Bab Doukkala)
Type
Boutique riad
“Sociable, welcoming and design-led, with two pools and free daily activities like cooking and calligraphy — great for solo travellers.”
$Equity Point Marrakech Hostel
Area
Medina (near Jemaa el-Fnaa)
Type
Hostel / budget riad
“A rare riad-style hostel with a pool and rooftop, minutes from the square — dorms and private rooms, sociable and cheap.”
Marrakech hotels & riads in detail
1.La Mamounia
La Mamounia is not just a hotel but a Marrakech legend, arguably the most famous address in Morocco and a byword for old-world glamour since it opened in 1923. Set within the medina walls on royal gardens that date back to the eighteenth century — a wedding gift from a sultan to his son, Prince Al Mamoun, hence the name — it fuses Art Deco elegance with Moroccan-Andalusian craftsmanship across grand public rooms, and it has hosted a century of celebrities, royalty and statesmen. Winston Churchill was its most devoted patron, returning repeatedly to paint in the gardens and calling it one of the loveliest spots in the world; his memory pervades the place, from the Churchill piano bar onward. A comprehensive restoration by designer Jacques Garcia gave the interiors their current sumptuous look, all rich fabrics, tilework, carved plaster and filtered light. The heart of the property remains its magnificent eight-hectare gardens, full of centuries-old olive trees, roses, citrus groves and fountains, best enjoyed from a lounger by the grand pool or over the famous afternoon tea. There are several excellent restaurants (Moroccan, Italian and a Jean-Georges outpost), a vast and beautiful spa, bars and boutiques. Rooms and suites are lavish and impeccably serviced. It is expensive and grand rather than intimate — this is a large palace hotel, not a hidden riad — but for a landmark stay steeped in history, glamour and horticultural splendour, nothing else in the city compares. Non-guests can experience a slice of it by booking tea, lunch or a drink amid the gardens.
Hours
Check-in 15:00 / check-out 12:00
Price
Doubles from ~$700/night
Getting there
Just inside the western ramparts near Bab Jdid; ~10 min by taxi from the airport
Insider tip: Even non-guests can book afternoon tea or a cocktail to see the legendary gardens — Churchill's favourite bolt-hole.
2.Royal Mansour
The Royal Mansour is Marrakech's most extraordinary hotel and one of the most opulent in the world, commissioned by King Mohammed VI and executed by hundreds of Moroccan master craftsmen over several years to showcase the very pinnacle of the country's artistry. Rather than conventional rooms, the property is laid out as a miniature medina of individual private riads — each a self-contained house of one, two or three floors with its own courtyard, plunge pool or roof terrace, sitting rooms and dazzling handcrafted detail. In a stroke of genius, the staff move unseen through a network of underground tunnels beneath the riads, so service appears almost by magic without ever intruding on guests' privacy. The craftsmanship throughout is simply breathtaking: acres of hand-cut zellige, carved and painted cedar, chiselled stucco, wrought metal and silk, all executed to a standard rarely seen since the great historic palaces. The spa is a soaring white filigree cathedral of wellness, and there are restaurants overseen at times by world-renowned chefs, lush gardens, and impeccable, deeply personal service. Understandably it is astronomically expensive, the preserve of a very fortunate few, but for those celebrating a milestone with an unlimited budget it offers a level of privacy, beauty and craft that is essentially unmatched. It is located within the ramparts near the Koutoubia, moments from the medina yet utterly serene. Even for most travellers who will only ever admire it from afar, the Royal Mansour stands as the definitive statement of what Moroccan luxury and craftsmanship can achieve.
Hours
Check-in 15:00 / check-out 12:00
Price
Private riads from ~$1,200/night
Getting there
Just inside the western ramparts near the Koutoubia; ~10 min by taxi from the airport
Insider tip: Every guest gets their own three-storey private riad — the pinnacle of Marrakech indulgence; even the spa is a marvel.
3.Riad El Fenn
Riad El Fenn is the medina's most celebrated boutique riad, a byword for bohemian luxury and effortless style that has set the template many others aspire to. Created by Vanessa Branson (sister of Richard) and her partner, it has grown organically over the years from a single house into a rambling complex of six interlinked riads, wrapped around a series of leafy courtyards with orange trees, plunge pools and hidden corners, so that exploring it feels like wandering a small private village. The design is a masterclass in balancing authentic Moroccan craft — tadelakt plaster, carved cedar, zellige, roaring fireplaces — with contemporary comfort, splashes of bold colour and a serious collection of modern art, including pieces by major British and Moroccan artists dotted throughout. Rooms and suites are individually styled, generously proportioned and full of character, many with their own terraces or fireplaces. The rooftop is one of the finest in the city, with multiple terraces, a bar, a restaurant and sweeping views over the medina to the Koutoubia and the Atlas, making it a magnet for sunset drinks. There is also a lovely spa, a screening room, and genuinely warm, unstuffy service that manages to feel personal despite the size. Prices are luxury-level but well below the grand palace hotels, offering arguably better value and a far more intimate, characterful experience. Central yet secluded, artistic yet comfortable, Riad El Fenn perfectly captures the creative, laid-back luxury that draws a certain kind of traveller to Marrakech.
Hours
Check-in 14:00 / check-out 12:00
Price
Doubles from ~$350/night
Getting there
Near Bab El Ksour in the western medina; taxi to the gate, then a short walk (staff will meet you)
Insider tip: Co-founded by Richard Branson's sister — the rooftop bar, art collection and sprawling design make it the coolest riad in town.
4.Selman Marrakech
Selman Marrakech is one of the city's most refined resort hotels, occupying landscaped gardens on the southern outskirts with the snow-capped Atlas as its backdrop, and offering a serene, spacious alternative to the intensity of a medina riad. Designed by the acclaimed decorator Jacques Garcia (of La Mamounia fame), it exudes a rich, romantic elegance — grand arched public spaces, a sumptuous palette of deep colours and Moroccan craftsmanship, and a spectacular 80-metre swimming pool that stretches through the gardens like a mirror. Its signature and genuine point of difference is the on-site stud farm of magnificent purebred Arabian horses, kept in beautiful stables designed by Garcia and visible from parts of the property; guests can admire the horses, and equestrians can ride. Rooms, suites and private villas (some with their own pools) are generous, calm and luxurious. There is an excellent Espace Vitalité Chenot spa, several restaurants including fine Moroccan and Mediterranean dining, and impeccable service throughout. Because it sits a short drive from the medina rather than within it, it trades immediate access to the souks for tranquillity, greenery, space and resort facilities — an ideal choice for those prioritising relaxation, families wanting room to spread out, or travellers combining sightseeing with genuine downtime by the pool. A complimentary shuttle links it to the city centre. Elegant, peaceful and distinctive, with those beautiful horses adding a touch of romance, Selman offers grand-hotel luxury in a garden setting for somewhat less than the historic palaces command.
Hours
Check-in 15:00 / check-out 12:00
Price
Doubles from ~$400/night
Getting there
On the Route d'Amizmiz, ~15 min by taxi from the medina and airport (hotel shuttle available)
Insider tip: A serene garden resort with its own stable of Arabian horses and a huge pool — a calmer alternative to a medina riad.
5.Riad Kheirredine
Riad Kheirredine is a perennial favourite at the very top of Marrakech's guesthouse rankings, an intimate boutique riad in the northern medina that combines classic Moroccan beauty with warm Italian management and a level of personal service that guests rave about again and again. Restored with great care, it wraps its rooms and suites around the traditional courtyard, here centred on a plunge pool and greenery, in an elegant, uncluttered style of tadelakt walls, arches, lanterns and quality fabrics that feels luxurious without being fussy. Where it truly stands out is in the hospitality: the small, attentive team seems to anticipate every need, arranging airport transfers, hammam treatments, guides, excursions and dinner reservations with genuine care, and greeting returning guests like friends. The rooftop is a particular highlight, home to both a lovely terrace for breakfast, sunbathing and mint tea with views to the Koutoubia and Atlas, and an excellent restaurant serving a refined menu of Moroccan and Italian dishes that many guests happily eat at more than once. There is also a small spa with a private hammam. At a price point well below the grand hotels and even many luxury riads, it delivers an experience that consistently exceeds expectations, which explains its stellar and loyal following. For couples and independent travellers wanting an authentic, comfortable, impeccably run riad in the heart of the old city, with food and service to match, Riad Kheirredine is one of the safest and most rewarding choices in Marrakech.
Hours
Check-in 14:00 / check-out 12:00
Price
Doubles from ~$180/night
Getting there
In the Kaat Benahid quarter of the northern medina; taxi to the nearest gate, then staff meet and carry bags
Insider tip: Consistently rated among the medina's best — the rooftop restaurant and hands-on Italian-Moroccan hospitality win rave reviews.
6.Riad Yasmine
Riad Yasmine became a social-media sensation on the strength of a single, irresistible image: its intimate courtyard, where an emerald green-tiled pool is framed by banana palms, patterned tiles and a single small tree, reflecting the ochre walls in a composition that has launched a million Instagram posts. Happily, the reality lives up to the photographs. This is a small, charming and reasonably priced riad in the northern medina, decorated in a warm, romantic bohemian style with plenty of the plants, lanterns, vintage rugs and dried pampas grass that have made it such a favourite of stylish young travellers and photographers. The rooms are cosy and prettily done rather than large or lavish, in keeping with an authentic riad of its scale and price, and the real stars are the communal spaces: that famous plunge-pool courtyard, perfect for a cooling dip and a photo between sightseeing, and a delightful rooftop terrace where the generous Moroccan breakfast is served and where you can relax over mint tea with views across the medina rooftops. The staff are friendly and helpful with directions, taxis and tips. Because it is small and so sought-after, and because that pool is understandably popular with guests wanting their own shot of it, booking well ahead is essential, and early risers get the courtyard to themselves. Offering genuine riad charm, a magical setting and a great location at a mid-range price, Riad Yasmine is a lovely, characterful and excellent-value choice for a first taste of medina living.
Hours
Check-in 14:00 / check-out 11:00
Price
Doubles from ~$110/night
Getting there
In the Sidi Ben Slimane quarter of the northern medina; taxi to the nearest gate, then a short walk
Insider tip: Home to the most Instagrammed pool in Marrakech — book the courtyard early; it's cosy, pretty and great value.
7.Riad BE Marrakech
Riad BE Marrakech has carved out a reputation as one of the friendliest and most sociable riads in the medina, striking an appealing balance between boutique style, genuine value and a warm, community-minded atmosphere that makes it especially popular with solo travellers, couples and a younger, design-conscious crowd. Larger than many riads, it is built around two attractive courtyards, each with a plunge pool, decorated in a fresh contemporary take on Moroccan style with lots of colour, plants, patterned tiles and comfortable communal lounging areas, plus a spacious rooftop terrace with loungers and views. What sets it apart is the programme of complimentary daily activities designed to help guests connect with Moroccan culture and with each other — think cooking demonstrations, calligraphy or lantern-making workshops, henna sessions and communal events — which lends the place a convivial, house-party feel that solo travellers in particular appreciate. The rooms are stylish, comfortable and well-priced for the quality, the breakfast is generous, and the multilingual staff are consistently praised for their warmth and helpfulness in arranging excursions, transfers and tips. It also offers a hammam and massage service. Sitting in the Bab Doukkala quarter, it is well placed for the souks and sights while remaining in a more residential, authentic pocket of the medina. For travellers who want a beautiful, affordable riad with a sociable spirit, plenty of thoughtful extras and easy opportunities to meet people, Riad BE is an outstanding and welcoming choice.
Hours
Check-in 14:00 / check-out 12:00
Price
Doubles from ~$120/night
Getting there
In the Bab Doukkala quarter of the medina; taxi to Bab Doukkala, then staff meet you
Insider tip: Sociable, welcoming and design-led, with two pools and free daily activities like cooking and calligraphy — great for solo travellers.
8.Equity Point Marrakech Hostel
Equity Point Marrakech is the pick of the city's budget accommodation, proving that even backpackers can experience the magic of staying in a traditional medina mansion. Part of a well-regarded Spanish hostel group, it occupies a large converted riad-style building just a few minutes' walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, so you get an unbeatable central location at a fraction of the price of the boutique riads. The heart of it is a classic Moroccan courtyard complete with a small swimming pool — a genuine luxury in a hostel and a blessing in the summer heat — surrounded by tiled arches and greenery, plus a sociable rooftop terrace with loungers and views over the old town. Accommodation spans clean, air-conditioned mixed and female dorms at the budget end through to simple but comfortable private double and family rooms for those wanting more privacy without a hotel price, making it flexible for solo travellers, friends and even couples on a tight budget. A generous breakfast is included, there is a bar and communal lounge that make it easy to meet other travellers, and the staff are used to helping first-time visitors navigate the medina, arrange desert tours and day trips, and find their feet. The atmosphere is friendly, international and lively without being a party hostel. While it is basic compared with the riads elsewhere on this list, its combination of authentic setting, courtyard pool, prime location, sociable vibe and rock-bottom prices makes Equity Point an excellent and characterful base for younger and budget-minded travellers wanting to experience Marrakech without spending a fortune on a bed.
Hours
Check-in 14:00 / check-out 11:00
Price
Dorm beds from ~$15; private doubles from ~$50
Getting there
A short walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa in the medina; taxi to the square, then follow signs
Insider tip: A rare riad-style hostel with a pool and rooftop, minutes from the square — dorms and private rooms, sociable and cheap.