Morocco Top Trips · Updated 30 October 2026
Where you sleep in Marrakech makes a huge difference to your trip. A good riad, a traditional house built around a courtyard, gives you a calm, beautiful base right inside the medina, often with a roof terrace, a plunge pool and staff who will help you with everything from dinner reservations to directions.
Here are ten places to stay that our travelers love, from intimate riads to two of the city’s legendary palace hotels. On our private tours, we choose the riad according to your package and preferences, so tell us what matters most to you: a pool, a quiet location, a rooftop view or a lower budget.
1. Riad Kniza
An 18th-century house in the heart of the medina, beautifully restored and run with old-fashioned care. Antique furniture, fine tilework and attentive, personal service give it the feel of a private home. The roof terrace, with views towards the Atlas on clear days, is perfect for breakfast or an evening tea.
2. La Mamounia
Not a riad but a palace hotel, and the most famous address in Marrakech. Set in large gardens just inside the city walls, La Mamounia has hosted royalty, film stars and Winston Churchill, who painted in its gardens. Expect grand Moroccan interiors, a superb spa and several restaurants. Ideal for a special occasion.
3. Riad Yasmine
One of the most photographed riads in Marrakech, thanks to its green-tiled pool surrounded by plants in the central courtyard. Rooms are simple and stylish, and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Book early, as it fills up quickly.
4. Riad Be Marrakech
A colorful boutique riad that mixes traditional decoration with a contemporary, artistic feel. It suits travelers who want something a little different from the classic riad style.
5. El Fenn
Owned by Vanessa Branson, El Fenn is a larger riad made up of several connected houses near the Koutoubia, known for its bold colors, contemporary art collection and lively rooftop bar and restaurant. A good choice if you like design and a sociable atmosphere.
6. Riad Dar Anika
A calm, elegant riad in the medina, appreciated for its warm, personal service and comfortable rooms. It’s a good base for exploring the historic sights on foot.
7. Riad Noir d’Ivoire
A luxurious riad with a sophisticated, slightly theatrical style, an indoor pool and a spa, ideal for unwinding after a day in the souks.
8. Riad Les Yeux Bleus
As its name suggests, this riad is decorated in shades of blue. It has two courtyards with plants and fountains, which give it a peaceful, garden-like feel in the middle of the medina.
9. La Sultana Marrakech
A luxury hotel made up of several linked riads beside the Saadian Tombs in the Kasbah district. It has a spa, a large roof terrace with views over the city and fine dining, and it is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
10. Riad Camilia
A smaller, more intimate option in the medina, for travelers who prefer a quiet, simple stay with a personal welcome to the scale of the bigger names on this list.
How to choose your riad
- Location: a riad within 10 to 15 minutes’ walk of Jemaa el-Fna makes sightseeing easy. Riads in the Kasbah district are a little calmer.
- Access: cars can’t reach most riads. Staff usually meet you at the nearest drop-off point, so tell them if anyone in your group has limited mobility.
- Pool or plunge pool: worth having from May to September, when afternoons are very hot.
- Rooms: riads are built around courtyards, so some rooms face inwards. Ask for a room with a window or terrace if light matters to you.
- Children: not all riads welcome young children, so check before booking.
Plan your stay
For more on where to stay, read our Marrakech holiday planning guide and our guide to the best riads across Morocco. If you’d like us to choose a riad for you as part of a private tour, send us your dates and preferences. Many guests spend two or three nights in a Marrakech riad at the start of a 7-day private tour from Marrakech, before heading over the Atlas to the Sahara.
