Where to Stay in Morocco: Best Cities, Riads & Hotels
Choosing where to stay in Morocco can make a big difference to your travel experience. Morocco offers traditional riads, modern hotels, luxury resorts, and Sahara Desert camps across destinations such as Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen, Merzouga, Casablanca, and Essaouira.
The best place to stay depends on your itinerary, budget, and travel style. This guide will help you choose the right accommodation for your Morocco trip.
Where to Stay in Morocco for First-Time Visitors
For a first trip, Marrakech and Fes are excellent cities for experiencing Moroccan history, architecture, food, and traditional medinas.
If your itinerary includes the Sahara Desert, consider spending at least one night around Merzouga. Travelers with more time can also add Chefchaouen or Essaouira.
A multi-city itinerary allows you to experience several different sides of Morocco.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
Marrakech offers one of the largest selections of accommodation in Morocco.
Travelers who want to experience the historic atmosphere can stay inside or close to the Medina. Traditional riads are particularly popular in this area.
If you prefer modern hotels, larger rooms, resorts, or easier vehicle access, areas outside the historic Medina may be more suitable.
Where to Stay in Fes
Fes is famous for its historic Medina and traditional riads.
Staying near the old city gives travelers convenient access to many historic attractions, markets, workshops, and restaurants.
However, travelers who prefer modern hotels and easier transportation access can also choose accommodation in the newer parts of Fes.
Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is a smaller destination, and many travelers choose accommodation close to its famous blue Medina.
Traditional guesthouses and riads can provide easy access to the old town.
If possible, choose accommodation that makes it easy to explore Chefchaouen on foot.
Where to Stay in Merzouga
Merzouga offers a completely different accommodation experience.
Travelers can stay in hotels near the dunes or spend a night in a Sahara Desert camp.
Desert camps range from simple accommodations to more comfortable luxury-style camps.
For many visitors, combining a hotel or riad with an overnight desert camp creates a memorable Sahara experience.
Where to Stay in Casablanca
Casablanca is often used as an arrival or departure point for international travelers.
The city offers many modern hotels, particularly around central districts and major attractions.
If you are starting a longer Morocco tour from Casablanca, staying somewhere with convenient vehicle access can make departure easier.
Where to Stay in Essaouira
Essaouira is a good choice for travelers looking for a more relaxed coastal atmosphere.
You can stay inside the historic Medina or choose accommodation closer to the beach.
It can be particularly enjoyable after several days of traveling between Morocco’s larger cities and the Sahara.
Riads vs Hotels in Morocco
One important decision when choosing where to stay in Morocco is whether to book a riad or hotel.
A riad offers a more traditional Moroccan accommodation experience, often centered around an interior courtyard.
Hotels may provide larger facilities, easier vehicle access, elevators, swimming pools, or other amenities depending on the property.
Many travelers combine both during their trip.
Where Should Families Stay in Morocco?
Families should consider more than just location.
Room size, family rooms, swimming pools, elevators, vehicle access, and distance from attractions can all be important.
For families with young children, choosing accommodation that reduces unnecessary walking and transportation can make the trip easier.
Where Should Couples Stay in Morocco?
Couples and honeymooners often choose traditional riads, boutique accommodations, or upgraded Sahara Desert camps.
Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Essaouira, and Merzouga can all provide very different romantic experiences.
Combining several destinations can create a more varied honeymoon or couples itinerary.
How Many Nights Should You Stay in Each City?
The ideal number of nights depends on your total trip length.
For example, a Morocco itinerary could include:
Marrakech: 2–3 nights
Fes: 2 nights
Chefchaouen: 1–2 nights
Merzouga: 1–2 nights
Essaouira: 1–2 nights
Casablanca: 1 night
Avoid changing accommodation every night when possible. Spending additional time in selected destinations can make your Morocco vacation more relaxing.
Tips for Booking Accommodation in Morocco
Before booking, check the location carefully.
In historic medinas, some accommodations cannot be reached directly by car. Also check room type, breakfast, air conditioning, heating, swimming pool access, and cancellation conditions according to your needs.
Most importantly, choose accommodation that works with your overall itinerary rather than selecting hotels separately and then trying to connect them.
Travelers can also explore Morocco’s official tourism website for information about destinations, accommodation and travel experiences.
Plan Your Morocco Accommodation and Private Tour
Knowing where to stay in Morocco is only one part of planning your vacation.
Morocco Family Tours can create a customized itinerary combining private transportation, selected accommodations, Sahara Desert experiences, and destinations based on your travel dates and preferences.
Send us your travel dates, number of travelers, arrival city, number of days, and preferred accommodation level to receive a personalized itinerary and quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in a riad or hotel in Morocco?
It depends on your preferences. Riads can provide a traditional atmosphere, while hotels may offer more extensive facilities and easier vehicle access.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Morocco?
Marrakech and Fes are popular choices for first-time visitors. Chefchaouen, Merzouga, and Essaouira can be added depending on your itinerary.
Should I stay overnight in the Sahara Desert?
Travelers who want a more complete Sahara experience often include an overnight desert camp around Merzouga.
How many nights should I stay in Marrakech?
Two or three nights can give many first-time visitors time to explore Marrakech while still leaving room for other destinations.
