Best areas and hotels to sleep in in Marrakech

Are you planning a trip or vacation a Marrakech, and you want to know which are the best areas and hotels to sleep? In this article we will explain how Marrakech is divided, what they are the best areas to stay and which are the best riads and hotels for each zone.

Marrakech is one of the most important cities in Morocco and the fourth largest city in the country, dopo Casablanca, Fez and Tangier. The city is divided into 2 parts, the Medina and the modern city. In the Medina there is the largest souk or market in Morocco and is the tourist area of ​​the city.



It is part of the four imperial cities of Morocco (the others are Fez, Meknes and Rabat) and it is the one that attracts the most tourists. In fact, it is also the city with the most accommodations in Morocco, with well over 3.000 hotels and accommodations of various types, even if the riad is the most recommended and chosen structure to stay.

Where to sleep in Marrakech

Best areas and hotels to sleep in in Marrakech
The magnificent architecture of Morocco - Photo from Pikrepo

Surely this beautiful city of Morocco offers all tourists a beautiful and unforgettable experience. But which area to choose to sleep in Marrakech and spend a wonderful holiday?

The best area to stay in Marrakech is the Medina area. The Medina is the historic center of Marrakech, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, whose heart is the square Jemaa el Fna.

Inside the walls there are other interesting areas to stay Mellah e Kasbah.


If this is not your first time in Marrakech and you already know the city, it might be interesting too stay outside the historic center and get to know the new area and other interesting places in the city.


La Medina: the best area to sleep in Marrakech

The Medina is a very lively area formed by typical and colorful streets, with numerous souks and squares where artisans buy and sell their products. This is the most chosen area by tourists to stay in Marrakech. Inside its walls they are present numerous restaurants where you can enjoy traditional cuisine.

The historic area is surrounded by about ten kilometers of walls, with ten doors to access it. It cannot be accessed by taxi or motor vehicles. However, numerous accommodation facilities help the customer to reach the structure.

Best areas and hotels to sleep in in Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fna square in the evening - Photo from Piqsels

In this area you will find most of the main attractions of the city, such as the Jemaa el-Fna square, the lively and picturesque souk, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Koutoubia mosque. So if your priority is to be in a good position to walk through the city, sleeping in the Medina is the best option as you will have everything close at hand.

  • Also find out what to see in Marrakech

Most of the accommodations in the Medina are riad, the traditional dwellings in Morocco, built around a garden or an internal courtyard.


As for the price, the rates are very varied, you can find cheap accommodation, but also high-level facilities. For reference, there are some fantastic riads from 20 € per night and other more luxurious ones at 70 €.

Of course, sleeping here also has its drawbacks, especially if you want to return to your hotel quite late. Walking around the Medina at night is not recommended, so if you like to go out in the evening, it is better to look for another area because as we said taxis cannot enter the walls.


Best areas and hotels to sleep in in Marrakech
Medina of Marrakech, Morocco - Photo from Istock

The best accommodations in the Medina of Marrakesh

Riad Konouz

Riad Lalla Manoush

Riad Majdoulina

Riad Albatoul

Riad El Youssoufi

Find a hotel in the Medina

Mellah: for those looking for a quiet area

Located within the walls that make up the old city, the Mellah area represents the old Jewish quarter of Marrakech. It is a good area to stay because in addition to various attractions in the surrounding area, it is also close to La Medina, which is about a 10-minute walk away.

The area is quite quiet, with a good hotel offer, mostly made up of riads. It is also the best sleeping area in relation to the location / price of accommodation. In addition, there are many good facilities, equipped with all the services that tourists may need during their stay.


The best accommodations in the Mellah area

Riad Bayti

Riad Ciel d'Orient

Riad Noos Noos 

kiss

Riad Al Ksar & Spa

Find a hotel in the Mellah area

Kasbah - the most convenient location for everything

Best areas and hotels to sleep in in Marrakech
Interior of a riad - Photo by Piqsels

In the southern part of the Medina of Marrakech there is another of the most touristic districts of the city, the Kasbah. Although the Kasbah is a very lively area, it is a lot quieter than the northern part of the Medina, where there are many tourist souks.


In the Kasbah you will find some tourist attractions such as the Saadian tombs or the El Badi Palace. Although located in the southern part of the historic center of Marrakech, access to the area is much easier and more comfortable. At the same time you are not far from the Medina, reachable in 10 minutes on foot. Undoubtedly it is one of the best areas to stay in Marrakech.

Also in this area most of the accommodations are riads, typical traditional houses transformed into hotels.

The best accommodation in the Kasbah area

Riad Caracal

Mnabha House 

Riad La Perle Rouge

Riad Hikaya

Riad La Villa Marrakech

Find accommodation in the Kasbah

Gueliz: per chi near a modern area with a hotel

Gueliz is made up of wide avenues, with lush vegetation and low buildings that give the city the appearance of a large garden. Outside the walls, it is one of the most modern districts of the city.

The area of ​​Gueliz offers modern and more westernized hotels, equipped with all services. Also in the area you can find international cuisine restaurants and modern shops for shopping.

Reaching the hotels in this area is much easier, but you must consider that if you want to visit the Medina and its historic center, every day you need to take a taxi to get around.

The best accommodations in the Gueliz area

2Ciels Boutique Hotel

Almanar Residence

Hotel Almas

Les Suites de Marrakech - 2

Find a hotel in Gueliz

Hivernage: for those looking for luxury or for business trips

If you want your stay in Marrakech to be as exclusive as possible, decide to sleep in the Hivernage neighborhood. This is the most luxurious area to stay in Marrakech.

Located in the southwest of the Guéliz district, it houses luxurious residential villas and the most spectacular hotel complexes such as La Mamounia, the most luxurious hotel in Africa, or the Royal Mansour. Here you will also find simpler hotels with a better price than some riads in the Medina.

This neighborhood is not close to the Medina (about 30 minutes on foot), but it is a very pleasant area to discover other aspects of life in Marrakech.

There are excellent restaurants, places like the Opera House or the Congress Palace, and it is one of the liveliest and most modern neighborhoods in the city. It is certainly not an economic zone and it is recommended for those traveling to the city on business.

The best hotels near Hivernage

Hivernage Secret Suites & Garden

The Red House

Es Saadi Marrakech Resort - Palace

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Find a Hivernage hotel

Sleeping in Marrakech: better a hotel or a riad?

Best areas and hotels to sleep in in Marrakech
Interior of a riad -

Sleeping in a riad it is certainly a nice experience to do during a trip or a holiday in Morocco, on the other hand these structures are one of the most characteristic things of the country. They are also generally cheaper than hotels.

For those who do not want to try this new experience and are very attached to the classic Western accommodation facilities, it is better to prefer thehotels. Most of the hotels are located in the new quarters of the city, outside the walls.

The best budget accommodation in Marrakech

If you are looking for a riad or a budget hotel in Marrakech to stay in, but we also have a good quality, here are some tips.

Be Nomad - La Medina: prices of 30 euros per night for a double room

Rooftop Hostel - La Medina: prices of 35 euros per night for a double room

For You Hostel Marrakech - Kasbah: prices of 30 euros per night for a double room

Kasbah Red Castel Hostel - Kasbah: prices of 40 euros per night for a double room

Hotel Le Caspien - Gueliz: prices of 50 euros per night for a double room

Amani Hotel Appart - Hivernage: prices of 40 euros per night for a double room

Map of where to sleep in Marrakech

To help you choose the area where to stay in Marrakech we present this very useful map to understand how the city is formed and where the various neighborhoods are located.

Best areas and hotels to sleep in in Marrakech
Map of Marrakech: the best areas to sleep

When to go to Marrakech

The best time to visit Marrakech is during spring and autumn, when the temperatures are not very high and the days are almost always beautiful and sunny. These 2 seasons also featuring the high season, so if you want to travel in these periods it is better to book as soon as possible.

During the summer, especially in the afternoon hours, it can get excessively hot in the streets of the city, while in winter it can happen some rainy days and it can be slightly cool, especially during the evening hours.

How to get to Marrakech

The easiest and practically the only way to reach Marrakech by plane. Marrakech Menara Airport is approximately 4 km from the city center. Once landed you can reach the city by taking a bus, taxi or using private transfers.

Find a flight to Marrakech

 

There are 2 buses that depart from Marrakech airport to the city: number 19 which leads to the areas of Hivernage, Bab Doukkala, railway station of Marrakech, Jemaa el-Fna, Gueliz; or the number 11, very convenient if you want to reach the central square of Jemaa el-Fna, located in the old city.

Il private or shared transfer it is the most convenient and economical solution to reach the city. Prices range from 10 euros for shared transfers to 20 euros for private transfers.

Best areas and hotels to sleep in in Marrakech
Jamaa el Fna square in Marrakesh, Morocco - Photo from Istock
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