Marrakech accommodation is defined by riads (traditional courtyard houses converted to guesthouses) in the medina and modern hotels in Gueliz, Hivernage, and the Palmeraie. Your choice determines whether you spend your stay in an Instagram-perfect traditional setting with practical compromises or a modern hotel with reliable amenities.
Where to Stay in Marrakech by Area and Budget
Riads in the Medina: The Marrakech Experience
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around a central courtyard, often with a rooftop terrace and small plunge pool. Riad Yasmine at 209 Rue Ank Jemel, Bab Taghzout (90-150 EUR/$98-$163) is an Instagram-famous riad with an emerald green tiled plunge pool, 7 rooms, and a rooftop with Atlas Mountain views.
Riad BE at 23 Derb Sidi Lahcen, Bab Doukkala (120-200 EUR, $130-$218) has a larger pool and is very welcoming to first-time Morocco visitors with excellent staff. Riad Jardin Secret at 43 Derb Sidi Mouloud, Mouassine (80-140 EUR, $87-$152) is a quiet artist-run riad with a cactus-filled courtyard.
Book riads directly on their websites for better rates than Booking.com. All three are within a 10-minute walk of a taxi-accessible gate. Most riads include breakfast on the rooftop terrace. Riad drawbacks: rooms can be dark (windows face the interior courtyard), soundproofing is limited, and some have steep staircases with no elevator.
Mid-Range Hotels in Gueliz
Hotel Les Trois Palmiers at 35 Rue Ibn Aicha, Gueliz (50-90 EUR, $54-$98) has a pool in a quiet Gueliz location 10 minutes walk from the Majorelle Garden. Hotel Almas at 79 Avenue Moulay Rachid (45-80 EUR, $49-$87) offers reliable chain-hotel comfort with a pool on the main Gueliz Boulevard. 2Ciels Boutique Hotel at 27 Rue Ibn Aicha (80-140 EUR, $87-$152) has a rooftop pool with city views. All three have direct taxi access and are within walking distance of Gueliz restaurants and bars.
Budget Options
Hostel Marrakech Rouge at 4 Derb Sidi Boulfdail, Riad Laarouss (dorm beds from 8 EUR/$9, private rooms from 30 EUR/$33) is the best backpacker hostel in the medina with two rooftop terraces, a small pool
a social atmosphere. Equity Point Marrakech at 1 Derb Sidi Riad Ouled Ben Brahim, Bab Doukkala (dorms from 10 EUR/$11) is a larger hostel in a converted riad with a pool. For budget private rooms, Riad Dia at Bab Laksour (30-50 EUR, $33-$54) has simple clean rooms in a well-located medina riad.
