Where To Stay in Marrakech – The Best Areas in The City

I just returned from my most recent trip to Marrakech and as always, I chose a different place to stay. Back home I thought, why not write an article about where to stay in Marrakech. I have so much experience exploring all the best areas of Marrakech, staying in all sorts of accommodation options, from budget hostels to riads, from mid range hotels to luxury resorts. I’ve explored many of the areas outside of the Medina at different times of the year. Each time, Marrakech felt slightly different. Quieter. Louder. More chaotic. More polished. More local.

That’s because Marrakech isn’t just one city. It’s several worlds sitting side by side. The ancient Medina, where life spills out into the streets. Gueliz, with its cafés, boutiques and wide pavements. Hivernage, glossy and modern. The Kasbah, slower and more residential. And then there are the resorts outside the city, places that feel like destinations in their own right.

Choosing where to stay in Marrakech isn’t about finding the “best” hotel. It’s more about deciding what kind of trip you want. Do you want to wake up to the sound of birds and the call to prayer echoing through narrow alleyways? Or would you rather step outside into a neighbourhood that feels familiar and easy, with cafés and taxis on every corner?

Here’s a breakdown of the best areas to stay in Marrakech, based on my own experiences, with my own pros and cons, and my recommendations of the places I’ve personally stayed at and really liked.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

The Medina

The Medina is the historic heart of Marrakech. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by ancient walls and filled with souks, palaces, mosques and hidden courtyards. This is the Marrakech most people picture before they arrive: a labyrinth of alleys, the smell of spices in the air, motorbikes weaving past donkeys, and doors that give absolutely nothing away from the outside.

Staying in the Medina means immersing yourself fully in the city’s rhythm. It can be magical, overwhelming, beautiful and exhausting, sometimes all in the same afternoon.

One of the defining features of staying in the Medina is staying in a Riad. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes built around an internal courtyard, often with a fountain, plants or a small pool. From the outside, they’re usually very discreet, almost anonymous. Step inside, and you’re suddenly surrounded by tiles, carved ceilings, lanterns and calm.

Riads are not hotels in the conventional sense. They’re intimate, personal, and often run by families or small teams. Breakfast is usually homemade. You’ll often be greeted with mint tea and pastries. And more often than not, someone will take the time to sit down with you, explain the area and help you navigate the Medina.

That said, staying in the Medina isn’t for everyone.

Pros of Staying in the Medina
You’re right in the middle of everything. You can walk to major sights like Jemaa el Fna, Bahia Palace and the souks. Riads are atmospheric and unique. Even budget riads feel special. Mornings and evenings inside the Medina can be surprisingly peaceful.

Cons of Staying in the Medina
It can be noisy. Finding your riad can be tricky, especially on arrival. Taxis can’t reach most doors, so you’ll walk the final stretch. Rooms are often smaller than hotel rooms. If you’re a light sleeper or like everything very straightforward, it can feel intense.

Where to Stay in the Medina

Riad Kamal

Riad Kamal was the very first riad I stayed in, not just in Marrakech, but in Morocco as a whole. It was my introduction to what staying in the Medina really feels like, and I still remember that first arrival vividly.

The riad is located close to the Tinsmiths Square, an area I still love wandering through due to the spice market, and within walking distance of Bahia Palace and the Badi Palace. It’s a great base if you want to explore the southern part of the Medina without being right in the thick of Jemaa el Fna.

What really stayed with me was the welcome. I arrived late at night, slightly disoriented, after my taxi driver called the owner. Instead of just giving directions, he came out to meet me at the gate of the Medina and walked me through the narrow streets to the riad. It immediately put me at ease.

Inside, Riad Kamal is beautifully decorated in a very traditional Moroccan style. Nothing flashy, just beautiful. There’s a small pool on the rooftop, too cold to have a swim though at that time of the year.

I was welcomed with mint tea and pastries, something that still feels special no matter how many times it happens. Breakfast was included and very typically Moroccan. Fresh bread, jams, honey, pastries and strong coffee, served slowly, without rush.

My room was small but cosy, with a double bed and an ensuite bathroom. I was small but comfortable, and a perfect introduction to what a riad is.

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Riad Cherif

Riad Cherif is located in the northern part of the Medina, an area that feels a little quieter and more residential. I found it to be a good balance between being central and being able to retreat from the crowds at the end of the day.

The riad itself is cosy and traditionally decorated, with warm colours, tiled floors and lanterns casting soft light in the evenings. My room had a double bed and a private bathroom, and while it wasn’t large, it was well laid out and comfortable.

Breakfast was included and typically Moroccan, with fresh bread, pancakes, jams and mint tea. One of the highlights here is the rooftop terrace. From up there, you can look out over the rooftops of the Medina, listen to the sounds of the city and watch the light change as the sun sets.

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Gueliz

If the Medina is the soul of Marrakech, then Gueliz is its everyday life. This is the modern part of the city, built during the French protectorate in the early 20th century, and it feels immediately different. Streets are wide, pavements exist, traffic flows in a more predictable way and navigation suddenly becomes effortless. There’s even traffic lights!

Gueliz is where many locals live, work and socialise. It’s filled with cafés, bakeries, boutiques, coworking spaces and some of the great restaurants in Marrakech. There’s a certain familiarity to it that can feel grounding, especially if it’s your first time in Marrakech or if you’re staying for more than a few days.

What I like about Gueliz is that it doesn’t try to impress you. Instead, it offers ease. You can step out of your hotel, grab a coffee, walk to dinner without checking a map every two minutes, and hail a taxi without any effort. After several trips to Marrakech, I’ve come to appreciate this side of the city more and more.

Gueliz is located just outside the Medina walls, and depending on where you’re staying, you can walk to Jemaa el Fna in around 20 to 30 minutes. I often enjoy doing this walk in the early evening, watching the city gradually shift gears as you move from modern streets into the historic heart.

Pros of Staying in Gueliz
It’s easy to navigate, calmer than the Medina and feels familiar. Hotels tend to offer larger rooms and better value for money. Restaurants and cafés are plentiful, and you won’t feel overwhelmed by crowds.

Cons of Staying in Gueliz
You miss out on the magic of waking up inside the Medina. Most major sights require a walk, bus, or taxi ride. It’s less atmospheric, especially in the evenings.

Where to Stay in Gueliz

Hotel Racine

Hotel Racine is where I stayed on my most recent visit to Marrakech, and it suited that particular trip perfectly. After several stays in riads, I wanted something simple, comfortable and well located, somewhere I could treat Marrakech almost like a city break rather than an immersive cultural plunge.

The hotel is ideally positioned, within walking distance of the Medina, a one stop bus ride or around 20 minutes on foot from Jemaa el Fna. I liked being able to move between Gueliz and the old city without relying on taxis which can be overwhelming due to haggling the price first.

Hotel Racine is very much a budget hotel, but one that’s well maintained and thoughtfully run. Everything was clean and efficient, without being cold or impersonal. The room was cosy, with twin beds that were noticeably larger than the narrow beds you often find in riads. As I travelled with a friend, we both appreciated the larger size of the beds.

One of the standout features is the rooftop pool. It’s cleaned daily and offers a welcome break from the heat. I spent a few afternoons up there, doing very little, which felt like a luxury in itself. Breakfast was included and continental, with a mix of familiar options and Moroccan touches like msemen and amlou. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was satisfying and unpretentious.

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Hivernage

Hivernage is Marrakech at its most refined and composed. It’s the part of the city that feels consciously designed to slow you down, where wide boulevards with palm trees on each side replace winding alleys and the pace of life feels noticeably calmer. If the Medina is all energy and instinct, Hivernage is about comfort and space. And no wonder that this is where the fancy hotels in Marrakech are.

The neighbourhood developed in the early 20th century and has gradually become home to many of Marrakech’s most prestigious hotels, restaurants and nightlife venues. It sits just south of Gueliz and close to the Menara Gardens, which gives it an open, airy feel compared to the dense fabric of the old city.

What I’ve always noticed about Hivernage is how quiet it feels, even when it’s busy. There’s none of the sensory overload you get in the Medina. No scooters squeezing past you, no bargaining, no constant background noise. Instead, there are palm lined avenues and landscaped hotel grounds.

Staying in Hivernage is a very different way to experience Marrakech. Your day is more likely to begin with a slow breakfast, followed by time by the pool or in a spa, rather than stepping straight into the streets. Evenings tend to revolve around hotel lounges, cocktail bars or destination restaurants rather than wandering and discovering things by chance.

This area attracts a particular kind of traveller. Couples celebrating something special, visitors on a shorter stay who want to combine sightseeing with relaxation, and people who prefer structure over spontaneity. It’s also popular with business travellers.

That said, Hivernage doesn’t feel disconnected. Taxis are easy to find, and you can reach the Medina, Gueliz or the airport quickly.

Pros of staying in Hivernage
The hotels are luxurious and spacious, often with large pools, gardens and spa facilities. It’s quiet, safe and feels polished. Ideal if you want to unwind after sightseeing.

Cons of staying in Hivernage
There’s very little street life, and you won’t stumble upon hidden gems. Most activities require a taxi. It lacks the sense of immersion that makes Marrakech feel so distinctive.

Where to Stay in Hivernage

Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa

I stayed at the Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa on my first trip to the city with Jet2 Holidays. From the moment you step inside, you know this is not just a place to sleep but an experience in itself. And at that time, this is exactly what I was looking for. The hotel sits right in the heart of Hivernage, surrounded by palm trees and beautiful gardens, yet only a short drive from the Medina.

What I love about the Sofitel is how it balances Moroccan character with French elegance. The design is simply superb! It’s unmistakably a luxury hotel, but with the character of a high end Riad.

The rooms are spacious, which is something you really appreciate in Marrakech after staying in smaller riads. There’s room to unpack properly, to spread out, and to actually relax in the Moroccan corner, with a traditional sitting area and tables. The bed was incredibly comfortable and I loved the flowers left on the cover every day by the cleaners.

One of the highlights of staying at the Sofitel is the outdoor space. The pool area is expansive, surrounded by loungers and greenery, just like an oasis in the desert. Dining at the Sofitel is also an experience in itself. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, each with its own personality. Whether you’re in the mood for Moroccan flavours, international cuisine or just cocktails in the evening, you don’t really need to leave the hotel unless you want to. Breakfast, in particular, is worth mentioning. They have an entire section just for nuts, which made me feel I was shopping for my breakfast for free, in the Medina. The pastries were taken at a completely different level, just like in Paris.

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Kasbah

The Kasbah is one of Marrakech’s most underrated areas, and I say this as someone who’s stayed all over the city over the years. Tucked just south of the Medina, near the Badi Palace, this neighbourhood feels calmer, more residential and noticeably less frantic than the souks around Jemaa el-Fnaa.  

Historically, the Kasbah was the royal quarter of Marrakech. This is where royalty lived, where palaces were built, and where the city’s power once concentrated.

The Kasbah is big. If you are staying near the Medina, you will be close to sites like the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace or Café Clock. If you are staying more south, you will need to take a bus or taxi to the Medina, but you will be in a very peaceful area.

Pros of staying in the Kasbah

The Kasbah is quieter and more relaxed than the Medina, making it a great base if you want a calmer experience of Marrakech. The area feels authentic and residential, giving you a glimpse of local life beyond the tourist crowds. Many riads and resorts here are larger than those in the Medina, with gardens or pools, so you get more space and comfort for your money.

Cons of staying in the Kasbah

There’s less nightlife and fewer bars or restaurants within walking distance than in Gueliz or the Medina. Shopping options are limited, so you’ll often need a taxi to reach the souks or larger shops. While peaceful, the Kasbah doesn’t have the same energy or buzz of the city centre, which may feel a little removed if you’re visiting Marrakech for the first time.

Where to Stay in the Kasbah

Jaal Riad Resort

Jaal Riad Resort sits right on the edge of the Kasbah and feels more like a retreat than a traditional city hotel. This is a hotel you pick because you want space, comfort and a little breathing room from the intensity of Marrakech.

The design blends modern luxury with Moroccan elements in a very beautiful way. Think clean lines, earthy tones, keyhole shaped window frames and plenty of light. The rooms are spacious and thoughtfully laid out, with comfortable beds, generous bathrooms and private terraces overlooking the pools.

One of the highlights for me was the pool area. It’s large, calm and never crowded, even when the hotel was busy. The spa facilities add to that sense of escape, making it easy to turn your stay into a balance of sightseeing and proper downtime.

Because of its location, you’ll likely rely on taxis to get to the Medina, but taxis in Marrakech are affordable and easy to arrange. I used the bus to go to the Medina and negotiated a taxi back in the evenings. For me, the trade-off was worth it. Jaal Riad Resort works best if you want a peaceful base, with the option to dip into the city rather than be surrounded by it at all times.

Click here to see the latest rates on Booking and click here to read the reviews on Tripadvisor.

Extra: Oberoi Marrakech

The Oberoi Marrakech deserves its own category because it’s not really about where to stay in Marrakech, but rather where to stay near Marrakech when the hotel itself is the experience.

Located outside the city, surrounded by landscaped gardens and framed by the Atlas Mountains in the distance, The Oberoi feels worlds away from the hustle of the Medina. The architecture is inspired by the Madrasa Ben Youssef, with grand courtyards, reflective pools and intricate detailing that feels both opulent and serene.

The villas are the real showstopper. Many come with private pools, gardens and complete privacy, making this an ideal choice for couples, special occasions or anyone looking for a deeply restorative stay. Everything is designed to slow you down, from the layout of the property to the way meals unfold and spa treatments are delivered.

Service here is exceptional in that quiet, intuitive way where nothing feels forced. Staff remember your preferences, anticipate what you might need and somehow manage to be present without ever being intrusive. Dining is also a highlight, with visitors coming from Marrakech just to eat here.

The obvious downside is location. If your main goal is to explore Marrakech on foot, wander the souks or pop back to your riad throughout the day, The Oberoi isn’t practical. You’ll need to rely on hotel transfers or taxis to get into the city, which adds both time and cost.

That said, The Oberoi isn’t trying to be a city base. It’s a destination in its own right. If you’re looking to combine Marrakech with serious rest and indulgence, or if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s hard to imagine a more memorable place to stay.

Click here to see the latest rates on Booking and click here to read the reviews on Tripadvisor.

For more recommendations about Marrakech, check out my recommendations below:

• Unique things to do in Marrakech
• How to get from Marrakech airport to the city
• The best spices to buy in Marrakech

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