The Best Places to Stay in Morocco: Riads, Hotels & Desert Camps

Traditional Moroccan village near Midelt

Wandering through a traditional Moroccan village near Midelt.

Why Your Accommodation in Morocco Matters

In Morocco, where you stay isn’t just a place to sleep… it’s part of the adventure. Imagine sipping mint tea in a centuries-old riad, waking up to the call to prayer in a blue-painted Medina, or stargazing from a luxury Sahara desert camp.

This Morocco accommodation guide highlights the best places to stay in Morocco for every budget…budget, mid-range, and luxury…in all the must-visit destinations: Casablanca, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Sahara Desert, Rabat, Meknes, Midelt, Ait Ben Haddou, Tangier, Essaouira, and the Atlas Mountains.

Best Places to Stay in Casablanca

Why visit Casablanca: Morocco’s modern capital of commerce, home to the awe-inspiring Hassan II Mosque and a lively food scene.


Best areas to stay in Casablanca:

  • City Centre: Close to shopping, Medina, and transport.

  • Corniche (Ain Diab): Oceanfront hotels, nightlife, and beaches.

Top Accommodation Picks:

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco

Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.

Best Places to Stay in Marrakech

Why visit Marrakech: Morocco’s cultural jewel. Home to vibrant souks, palaces, Jardin Majorelle, hammams, and some of the most stunning riads in the world.

Best areas to stay in Marrakech:

  • Medina: Perfect for first-timers; buzzing atmosphere.

  • Gueliz: Trendy, modern district with cafes and galleries.

  • Palmeraie: Luxury resorts and peaceful escapes outside the city.

Top Accommodation Picks:

Mosques and date palms in Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech vives.

Best Places to Stay in Chefchaouen

Why visit Chefchaouen: The famous “Blue City” nestled in the Rif Mountains, perfect for photography, mountain views, and a slower pace.


Best areas to stay in Chefchaouen:

  • Medina: Sleep inside the magical blue streets.

  • Hillside: Quieter stays with panoramic views.


Top Accommodation Picks:

  • Budget: Dar MD - Rooftop terrace and great vibes.

  • Mid-range: Dar Jasmine - Large rooms and beautiful views.

  • Luxury: Lina Ryad & Spa - Indoor pool, spa, and breathtaking views.

The blue streets of Chefchaouen, Morocco

The blue alleyways of Chefchaouen.

Best Places to Stay in the Sahara Desert (Merzouga & Erg Chebbi)

Why visit the Sahara: An unforgettable Morocco bucket list experience, with camel trekking, Berber music by the fire, and stargazing.

Best areas to stay:

  • Merzouga village: Guesthouses before heading into the dunes.

  • Erg Chebbi dunes: Desert camps for the full Sahara adventure.

Top Accommodation Picks:

Want with sand dunes in the background at a luxury desert camp in the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Our Sahara Desert accommodation.

Best Places to Stay in Fes

Why visit Fes: Morocco’s historical centre, with a Medina so large you shouldn’t explore without a guide, and some of the best food you’ll taste in Morocco. Staying in a traditional Riad truly makes the experience memorable.


Best areas to stay in Fes:

  • Medina/Fes el-Bali: Authentic cultural immersion.

  • Ville Nouvelle/New City: Modern convenience.

Top Accommodation Picks:

  • Budget: Riad Jamaï - Lively, with a range of activities.

  • Mid-Range: Riad Mabrouka - central location, with an on-site hammam.

  • Luxury: Riad Fes - beautiful interiors and incredible service.

Experience Morocco’s history in Fes.

Best Places to Stay in Rabat

Why visit Rabat: Morocco’s relaxed seaside capital with the Hassan Tower, Kasbah des Oudaias, and leafy boulevards.

Best areas to stay:

  • Medina/Kasbah: For charm and history.

  • Hassan District: Convenient and modern.

Top Accommodation Picks:

The coastal city of Rabat, Morocco

Rabat, Morocco.

Best Places to Stay in Meknes

Why visit Meknes: An imperial city with impressive gates, mausoleums, and nearby Roman ruins at Volubilis.

Best areas to stay:

  • Medina: For authentic experiences.

  • Ville Nouvelle: More modern comforts.


Top Accommodation Picks:

Best Places to Stay in Midelt

Why visit Midelt: A mountain town between Fes and the Sahara, great for hiking, traditional villages, and breaking up long drives.

Best areas to stay:

  • Countryside around Midelt: Scenic mountain views.

Top Accommodation Picks:

Valleys and canyons in Midelt, Morocco

The Midelt region is a hidden gem in Morocco.

Best Places to Stay in Ait Ben Haddou

Why visit Ait Ben Haddou: A UNESCO World Heritage kasbah, famous as a filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Best areas to stay:

  • Inside the ksar: For atmospheric, rustic charm.

  • Nearby village: For more comfort and amenities.

  • Ouarzazate: Nearby village

Top Accommodation Picks:

Ait Ben Haddou from above in Morocco

Discover the history of Ait Ben Haddou.

Best Places to Stay in Tangier

Why visit Tangier: A port city blending Moroccan and European influences, with beaches, history, and cosmopolitan flair.

Best areas to stay:

  • Medina: Historic and atmospheric.

  • Corniche: Modern hotels by the sea.

Top Accommodation Picks:

Best Places to Stay in Essaouira

Why visit Essaouira: A laid-back coastal town with bohemian vibes, fresh seafood, and perfect winds for kitesurfing.

Best areas to stay:

  • Medina: Lively, colourful, full of character.

  • Seafront: Stunning ocean views.

Top Accommodation Picks:

Best Places to Stay in the Atlas Mountains

Why visit the Atlas Mountains: A hiker’s paradise and gateway to Mount Toubkal, with Berber villages, valleys, and snow-capped peaks (in colder months).

Best areas to stay:

  • Imlil: Popular trekking base for Mount Toubkal.

  • Ourika Valley: Scenic and peaceful, closer to Marrakech.

Top Accommodation Picks:

  • Budget: Dar Adrar - Simple and welcoming in Imlil.

  • Mid-range: Dar Tafantant - Peaceful country house in the mountains.

  • Luxury: Kasbah Angour - Incredible views and an outdoor pool.

  • Ultra Luxe: Kasbah Tamadot - Mountain views, poolside bar, tennis court.

Rural villages in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco

Exploring rural villages in the Atlas Mountains.

Where to Stay in Morocco

From vibrant city riads to peaceful Atlas mountain retreats and unforgettable Sahara desert camps, Morocco offers accommodation to match every budget and travel style.

👉 My tip: mix it up! Stay in riads in the Medinas, splurge on a luxury desert camp, and finish your trip with a coastal escape in Essaouira. This way, you’ll experience the full spectrum of Morocco’s magic.

Disclosure: This blog includes affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use these links to make a purchase.

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