Best Hotels in Marrakesh

About Marrakesh

Marrakesh rhythm lives in its red sandstone walls, the scent of cumin and orange blossom that clings to the air, and the hum of mopeds cutting through Jemaa el-Fnaa at twilight. Every visit begins in a kind of sensory chaos, then slowly untangles itself into layers: history, design, food, and that peculiar Moroccan hospitality that’s both formal and mischievous at once. Locals joke that Marrakesh runs on three things: tea, bargaining, and patience. You’ll feel that at every turn from the riad owner who insists on one more mint tea before check-out, to the shopkeeper who smiles even as you walk away mid-negotiation. The city has grown fast, yet the old medina still pulls the most curious souls. It’s where narrow alleys hide both timeworn riads and surprisingly sleek the best hotels in Marrakesh, sometimes just a few steps apart.

Spend a day wandering, and you’ll notice the contrast: the dusty pink walls reflecting late-afternoon sun, the sound of muezzins echoing against rooftop terraces, and the sweet smoke of grilled sardines from a corner stall. This isn’t a city that behaves neatly, it’s layered, slightly unpredictable, and that’s what makes its hotel scene so fascinating. The Marrakesh hotels stretch from ancient riads with hand-painted ceilings to luxury hotels in Marrakesh where the scent of jasmine drifts through marble courtyards.

Marrakesh Airport Address

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Avenue Guemassa, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Phone: +212 5244-47910
Email: info@onda.ma

The airport’s only about 6 km from the city center is roughly a 15–20 minute taxi ride (expect around 100–150 MAD depending on time of day). The arrivals hall can get hectic after sunset; drivers crowd near the exit, so pre-booking via akbartravels.com saves both the haggle and the confusion.

The Best Time to Visit Marrakesh

Spring (March–May) wins hands down in daytime around 25°C, evenings cool enough for a light jacket. The gardens are lush, the air dry, and the medina tolerably busy. Summer (June–August) bakes; hotel pools become survival gear rather than luxury. Still, hotels in Marrakesh drop rates by up to 35% around late July when the desert heat pushes visitors elsewhere.

Autumn (September–November) is ideal for long terrace dinners and hammam sessions without sweating mid-massage. Winter brings crisp mornings and orange-scented nights. Here’s a small local quirk: riads without proper insulation can feel colder inside than the street itself – pack warm layers even if forecasts say “mild.”

Akbar Travels offers curated Marrakesh tour packages that cover top attractions, hotels, and local experiences for a hassle-free trip.

How to Reach Marrakesh

By Air:

Marrakesh Menara Airport connects directly to Europe, North Africa, and Middle Eastern hubs. Airlines like Royal Air Maroc, Air France, and Qatar Airways operate daily flights. The airport has two terminals; Terminal 1 handles most international routes. Arrivals can feel chaotic; customs lines fluctuate wildly by hour, so aim for mid-day landings if you can.

By Rail:

The city’s station, Gare de Marrakech, links Casablanca and Rabat. Trains run roughly every two hours. Taxis cluster outside the gate; avoid the touts offering “fixed” fares. There are hotels in Marrakesh near railway stations that make early departures painless; Les Ambassadeurs and Tempoo are reliable picks.

By Road:

Buses from Essaouira, Agadir, and Casablanca are comfortable and cheap. Supratours and CTM operate from the main terminal near the train station. For longer drives, note that roads leading into Marrakesh narrow through busy suburbs; add a 30 minutes buffer to arrival time.

Things to Do in Marrakesh

1. Jemaa el-Fnaa – The heartbeat of Marrakesh; street food, snake charmers, storytellers.
2. Koutoubia Mosque – The city’s defining minaret, visible from nearly every rooftop.
3. Majorelle Garden – Yves Saint Laurent’s cobalt-blue botanical escape.
4. Bahia Palace – 19th-century craftsmanship with intricate zellij and painted wood.
5. Saadian Tombs – Hidden royal mausoleum, rediscovered only in 1917.
6. El Badi Palace – Ruined splendor that once dazzled visiting sultans.
7. Dar Si Said Museum – Carpets and jewelry narrating Morocco’s artisan history.
8. Le Jardin Secret – An oasis of calm amid the medina maze.
9. Menara Gardens – Olive groves with Atlas Mountains as backdrop.
10. Atlas Mountains Day Trip – A winding, scenic escape less than two hours away.

Tip: Most major attractions close around 5–6 pm, so time the medina wandering for post-sunset, when the energy truly spikes.

Shopping in Marrakesh

Skip the tourist trinkets and wander Rue Mouassine or Dar el Bacha for pieces you’ll actually love. The smell of cedar and leather lingers for hours afterward. Here are a few must-visits:

• Souk Semmarine – Endless labyrinth of rugs, lamps, and brass.
• 33 Rue Majorelle – Contemporary Moroccan designers under one roof.
• Ensemble Artisanal – Fixed prices; less charm but no haggling stress.
• Herboriste la Sagesse – Authentic oils and spices, ask for argan samples.
• Max & Jan – Urban fashion meets Moroccan textures.
• Chabi Chic – Modern ceramics, perfect for gifts.
• Atika – Quality leather shoes at fair rates.
• Maison de la Photographie – Vintage photos and art prints.
• Kaftan Queen – Designer caftans worth every dirham.
• Mustapha Blaoui – Hidden warehouse of antiques.
• Souk des Teinturiers – Watch dyers color wool in open vats.
• Akbartravels.com curated list – Handy for pre-mapped souk walks; less chance of getting spun around.

Famous Restaurants in Marrakesh

Food here tastes better outdoors, always has. The air hums with cardamom and grilled lamb smoke. For honest flavors and well-timed service, these stand out:

• Nomad – Rooftop tables, modern Moroccan plates.
• Le Foundouk – Candlelit, slightly hidden, ideal for long dinners.
• Al Fassia – All-female-run kitchen; the lamb shoulder is legendary.
• Dar Yacout – Old-world grandeur with set Moroccan feasts.
• La Maison Arabe – Refined tagines, discreet service, soft oud music.
• Café de France – Classic view over Jemaa el-Fnaa chaos.
• Terrasse des Épices – Laid-back, excellent salads and couscous.
• Comptoir Darna – Dinner-and-dance energy, late-night vibes.
• Pepe Nero – Italian-Moroccan fusion in a historic riad.
• Le Jardin – Shaded courtyard dining; try the orange cake.
• Amal Center – Run by a women’s cooperative, hearty home-style fare.
• Bô Zin – Stylish, pricey, and worth the scene.
• Plus tip: Always check the bread charge; it’s tiny, but locals still grumble about it.

Popular Hotels in Marrakesh

Choosing among hotels in Marrakesh can feel like picking between dreams; each one whispering its own story through tiles and terraces.

1. La Mamounia – The iconic Marrakesh 5 star hotel, beloved since Churchill’s time.
2. Royal Mansour – A literal masterpiece commissioned by the King.
3. Les Jardins de la Koutoubia – Steps from Jemaa el-Fnaa, classic elegance.
4. Riad Hikaya – Eight suites, all intimate and perfectly maintained.
5. Palais Ronsard – Feels like a private estate; superb spa.
6. El Fenn – Art-filled, trendy, yet deeply rooted.
7. Four Seasons Resort Marrakesh – Green oasis, exceptional for families.
8. Dar Darma – Bold interiors and moody lighting for art lovers.
9. Sofitel Lounge & Spa – Polished, modern, and close to nightlife.
10. Riad Kniza – Run by a former tour guide; the service feels personal.
11. Savoy Le Grand Hotel – Practical choice near Menara Mall.
12. Riad Les Ammonites – Traditional comfort at fair Marrakesh hotel prize points.
13. Hotel Riu Tikida Garden – Mid-range resort comfort, buffet joys.
14. Ibis Marrakech Centre Gare – Dependable chain among hotels in Marrakesh near railway station.
15. Hotel Oudaya – A cozy 2 star hotel Marrakesh option with friendly staff.

Popular Resorts in Marrakesh

For travelers who want more space, pools, and peace, these resorts blend desert air with city proximity.

• Mandarin Oriental – Low-rise villas, private pools, immaculate gardens.
• Palmeraie Palace – Golf, palm trees, and serene quiet.
• Selman Marrakech – Arabian horses grazing at sunset, genuinely surreal.
• Amanjena – Minimalist, meditative, the pinnacle among 5 star hotels in Marrakesh.
• Fairmont Royal Palm – Family-friendly luxury; the breakfast terrace steals hearts.
• Les Jardins de la Medina – Riads meet resort; close yet peaceful.
• Eden Andalou Suites – Good for groups, huge pools.
• Tigmiza Suites – Tasteful design near Palmeraie.
• Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie – Inclusive fun, not cheap but complete.
• Kenzi Menara Palace – Reliable service, great spa.
• Hotel du Golf Rotana – Business-meets-leisure near golf course.
• Be Live Collection Marrakech – Adults-only calm, pool bars worth lingering at.
• Aqua Mirage Club – Families adore the slides.
• Labranda Targa Aqua Parc – Affordable resort with a genuine holiday feel.

Where to Stay in Marrakesh

Picking the best places to stay in Marrakesh depends on temperament. Inside the medina, everything feels divine but occasionally impractical with narrow lanes, noise, charm by the bucketful. Gueliz, the “new town,” offers modern comforts, easier parking, and hotel apartments in Marrakesh ideal for long stays. Hivernage balances both worlds: elegant boulevards, walkable nightlife, and several luxury hotels in Marrakesh that spoil guests with rooftop pools.

Places to Stay in Marrakesh Near Popular Attractions

• Near Jemaa el-Fnaa: Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, Riad Les Ammonites.
• Near Majorelle Garden: Riad El Youssoufi, 2Ciels Boutique Hotel.
• Near Koutoubia Mosque: La Mamounia, Riad Kniza.
• Near Menara Gardens: Savoy Le Grand, Four Seasons Resort.
• Near Palmeraie: Amanjena, Selman Marrakech, Palmeraie Palace.
• Near Bahia Palace: Riad Hikaya, Dar Darma.

If arriving late, hotels in Marrakesh near airport like Mogador Menzah or Hotel Relax save time, rooms are basic but check-in is swift.

Budget Hotels in Marrakesh

Budget doesn’t mean boring. The cheap hotels in the Marrakesh scene thrive on color and kindness. Try:

• Hotel Cecil – Steps from the square, tiny rooms but unbeatable location.
• Riad Dia – Backpacker-friendly, social courtyard.
• Hotel Ali – Classic cheap stay for solo travelers.
• Amour d’Auberge – Great breakfast terrace.
• Hotel Atlas – Basic comfort, reliable Wi-Fi.

Book early as rooms in cheap hotels in Marrakesh vanish fast during December markets. Akbartravels.com has occasional flash deals if booked 40–50 days ahead.

Marrakesh Hotels by Star Rating

• 5-Star: La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, Amanjena, Four Seasons, Selman Marrakech.
• 4-Star: Sofitel, Savoy Le Grand, Kenzi Menara Palace, Les Jardins de la Koutoubia.
• 3-Star: Riad Amira, Hotel Almas, Tempoo Hotel.
• 2-Star: Hotel Oudaya, Hotel Islane, Hotel Mont Gueliz.

Each star jump adds about 25–30% to the Marrakesh hotel price comparison rate, but service quality doesn’t always follow linearly; smaller riads sometimes outshine chains.

Best Hotels in Marrakesh Based on Location

• For first-timers: El Fenn (central, stylish).
• For quiet romance: Palais Ronsard (slightly away, whisper-quiet).
• For families: Four Seasons Resort Marrakesh.
• For nightlife: Sofitel Lounge & Spa in Hivernage.
• For designers-at-heart: La Sultana, near the Saadian Tombs.

One practical rule: avoid rooms facing main medina lanes if you value sleep; handcart wheels on cobblestones sound charming once, not at 6 a.m.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Marrakesh

Families love space and predictability. The hotels in Marrakesh offering that balance are rare but worth it:

• Four Seasons Resort Marrakesh – Kids’ club, shaded pool.
• Fairmont Royal Palm – Biking trails and easy dining.
• Les Jardins de la Koutoubia – Central but calm.
• Kenzi Menara Palace – Spacious rooms, kind staff.
• Aqua Mirage Club – Slides and easy smiles.

Marrakesh Hotels Tariff

Expect wide variance. Small riads start around 450–600 MAD a night; mid-range hotels in Marrakesh hover near 1,000–1,800 MAD; top-tier Marrakesh famous hotels cross 4,000 MAD easily. The Marrakesh hotel price comparison can swing 40% between weekdays and weekends, especially during Eid or major conferences.

A few pricing quirks:

• Rates spike sharply two weeks before the Marrakech International Film Festival.
• Rooms with rooftop terraces add roughly 20–25% markup.
• Cheapest hotel in Marrakesh bookings vanish fastest during winter sun rush (December–February).

Booking tip: Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to show lower online rates. Akbartravels.com’s fare calendar makes these dips easy to spot.