Where to Stay in Marrakesh (5 Best Areas & Places)

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Marrakesh is like my second home, and I’ve spent a lot of time here over the past 15 years. I know all the best neighbourhoods, so I’m here to help you decide where to stay on your next trip.

If it’s your first time visiting, I suggest basing yourself in the Medina. This is the city’s old town, which is home to the main tourist attractions and charming guesthouses known as “riads.”  La Maison Arabe is one of the best hotel options here. It’s spacious, close to many of the city’s top attractions, and has a wonderfully refreshing pool.

My personal hotel recommendation is Riad Assakina in the Mellah neighbourhood. It’s a stylish medina retreat within walking distance of the main square.

But there’s more to the city than the Medina. Below, I’ll highlight the best areas to stay in Marrakesh, from boutique hotels in the modern Gueliz district to peaceful resorts in the Palmeraie.

Let’s start with a summary of the best hotels.

Best Places to Stay in Marrakesh

If you’re short on time, these are my top hotel picks: 

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Riad Assakina (stylish riad with welcoming hosts)
• 📍 Best Location – La Maison Arabe (historic hotel near top sights)
• 💎 Best Luxury – Royal Mansour (opulent & discreet)
• ❤️ Best for Couples – Riad Cinnamon (intimate, luxury suites)
• 👪 Best for Families – Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie (family rooms & activities)
• 🛎️ Best Resort – Les Deux Tours (peaceful Palmeraie retreat)
• 🤝 Best Hospitality – Riad Mur Akush (friendly staff, great food)
• 🛏️ Best Budget – Riad Carina (cheap, cheerful, & central)

Ok, now scroll down for a deep dive into the pros (and cons) of each area of Marrakesh: 

5 Best Neighbourhoods & Areas to Stay in Marrakesh

At the heart of Marrakesh, the Medina is the focal point for most first-time visitors. Outside the historic centre, the Gueliz, Hivernage, and Palmeraie neighbourhoods offer a choice of accommodation in different settings.

Medina (Old Town)

👉 Best Area For First-Timers | ✨ Best Medina Hotels: La Maison Arabe • Riad Cinnamon • Riad Carina • Riad Mur Akush 

The Medina is the historic centre of Marrakesh. Most first-time visitors base themselves here as it’s where the main city attractions are located, and the ancient architecture is stunning. The narrow alleyways can be confusing to navigate, but that’s all part of the adventure.

This area is famous for its riads, which are traditional guesthouses with patios, dipping pools, and roof terraces. When I’m in town, riads are my favourite places to stay.

La Maison Arabe is one of my go-tos in the Medina. Hospitality here is superb, and it’s larger than many other riad hotels, so there are plenty of gorgeous salons and courtyards to explore. I love going for a swim at their country club to escape the city heat, too.

I’m also a fan of Riad Cinnamon, as the suites are colourful, and the staff is so helpful that they’ll even come and find you if you’re lost!

Pros of Staying in the Medina:

• Home to the main sights
• Lots of restaurants and cafés 
• Huge choice of riads to stay in 

Cons of Staying in the Medina:

• Hard to navigate
• Many riads inaccessible by taxi
• Can be noisy around the main square

Kasbah & Mellah

👉 Best Area For History Buffs | ✨ Best Kasbah & Mellah Hotels: Riad Assakina • Riad des Lys • La Sultana 

The Mellah (Jewish) and Kasbah neighbourhoods sit just south of the Medina. I’ve combined the two because they’re very similar and are right next to one another. Top attractions here include the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, the Jewish Cemetery and Synagogue, and Place des Ferblantiers (Tinsmiths Square).

These historic residential districts are quieter than Medina, so base yourself here if you’re interested in the city’s ancient heritage and want a peaceful night’s sleep.

My favourite place to stay is Riad Assakina in the Mellah, with its stylish interiors, super-friendly staff, and dreamy plunge pool. The roof terrace is so romantic at night, and the afternoon mint tea and cake go down a treat. Riad des Lys in the Kasbah is another good choice, with its rooftop pool and tranquil patio.

Pros of Staying in the Kasbah & Mellah Neighbourhoods:

• Quiet, residential districts
• Easy walking distance to the main square
• Cheap accommodation

Cons of Staying in the Kasbah & Mellah Neighbourhoods:

• Longer walk to the north Medina attractions
• Lack of restaurants and bars
• Dark alleyways can feel intimidating

Gueliz (New Town)

👉 Best Area For Art & Shopping | ✨ Best Gueliz Hotels: Fashion Boutique Hotel • 2Ciels Boutique Hotel • Swiss Continental Hotel 

Known as the New Town or Ville Nouvelle, Gueliz lies to the northwest of the Medina. The long, wide boulevards feel more European than Moroccan, and the architecture reflects French colonial and Art Deco styles.

Gueliz is less touristy than the old town and is renowned for its art galleries, boutique shops, and upscale restaurants. It’s a great place to stay if you prefer a more modern vibe or are on your second visit.

Fashion Boutique Hotel is my #1 choice in Gueliz, as it’s handily located near lots of shops and restaurants, and it has a beautiful pool terrace with city views. If you prefer something simple yet stylish, the Swiss Continental Hotel is a solid budget choice.

Pros of Staying in the Gueliz Neighbourhood:

• Easy to navigate
• Lots of great restaurants, cafés, and art galleries
• Short walk to the train station

Cons of Staying in the Gueliz Neighbourhood:

• Longer walk or taxi ride to the Medina
• Feels more European
• Nightlife and traffic can be noisy

Hivernage

👉 Best Area For Luxury | ✨ Best Hivernage Hotels: Royal Mansour • Four Seasons Resort • Hivernage Marrakech • Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa 

Adjoining Gueliz, Hivernage is an upmarket neighbourhood to the southwest of the Medina. While there’s not much to see in the area itself, Hivernage is just a short walk from Djemaa el Fna, so the old town attractions are within easy reach.

Hivernage comes alive in the evenings, with rooftop bars and restaurants that stay open till late. If luxury and nightlife are your vibe, then Hivernage is the place to stay.

Hotels here are prestigious, offering high-end services and amenities. At the top of the list is the famous Royal Mansour, an opulent hotel favoured by celebrities with private riads instead of rooms. If they’re a splurge too far, you can still experience the hotel with a pool day pass. 

One of my favourite stays is the Four Seasons Resort because the multiple pools and palm-tree-filled gardens make you feel a world away from the city bustle.

Pros of Staying in the Hivernage Neighbourhood:

• Quieter than the medina
• Lots of great restaurants and rooftop bars
• Range of luxury, full-service hotels

Cons of Staying in the Hivernage Neighbourhood:

• Lack of major attractions
• Hotels can be pricey
• Not the best place to experience culture

Palmeraie

👉 Best Area For Peace & Quiet | ✨ Best Palmeraie Hotels: Les Deux Tours • Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie • Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa• Hotel Les Cinq Djellabas 

The Marrakesh Palmeraie is a peaceful oasis to the northeast of the Medina. Covering 54 square miles, this vast palm grove is home to thousands of date palms, several camels, and a range of luxury hotels and villas.

Palmeraie is just a short shuttle ride from the Medina and popular with visitors looking to escape the urban centre with high-end resort stays. For those who don’t want to roam far from the hotel, there’s golf, camel rides, and quad biking on the doorstep.

Les Deux Tours is a chic hotel with private pool suites, a luxurious hammam, and lush Andalusian-style gardens. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway surrounded by nature. A great choice for families is the Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie, with three pools and plenty of activities on site.

Pros of Staying in the Palmeraie:

• Peaceful and relaxing
• Great choice of luxury resorts
• All the facilities you need are on-site

Cons of Staying in the Palmeraie:

• You’ll need a taxi/shuttle to get to the Medina
• Not much to do apart from relaxing
• Hotels can be pricey
• No restaurants or bars in the area; you’ll either eat at your hotel or have to go into the city for them

Tips for Staying in Marrakesh

Eat dinner at your riad at least once

Home-cooked meals in Medina riads will be the best food you’ll have in Marrakesh. I’ve always found them far better than most restaurants, and eating outside on the terrace is just magical. Dishes are freshly prepared and tailored to your tastes.

Watch out for scammers

I was scammed on a visit and ended up buying a rug that I didn’t want. Scams are rife in the medina, but forewarned is forearmed. Don’t trust anyone offering ‘free’ guiding in return for English lessons, ‘free’ pastries, or people who tell you the street is shut.

Carry coins for tipping

There is a tipping culture in Marrakesh, so it’s best to always carry a bit of loose change in your pocket. As well as restaurant and hotel staff, you’ll also need to tip luggage porters, toilet attendants, and street performers if you take their photo.

Wear comfortable shoes

You’ll be doing a lot of walking around the medina because cars can’t reach most places here. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes. The streets can be uneven underfoot, and you’ll be sharing them with donkey carts and mopeds, so something sturdy is always a good idea.

Book accommodation and restaurants in advance

There are hundreds of hotels and restaurants in Marrakesh, so you’ll always find a bed and a meal. However, if you have your eye on a particular property or eatery, it’s best to book well ahead, especially during the peak seasons from April to May and September to October.  

It’s easy to get lost in the medina

The maze of alleyways means it’s inevitable you’ll get lost when exploring the Medina. The trick is to use landmarks like the towering Koutoubia Mosque to navigate back to the main square. You can ask locals for directions, but some may expect a tip.

Watch out for the henna ladies

You’ll see ladies offering henna tattoos in the main square. They can be very persistent, sometimes running after you and drawing on your arm without permission. Some may use dangerous black henna, too. For a safe henna tattoo, I recommend the Henna Art Café just south of the square.

FAQs about Marrakesh

How many days is enough for Marrakesh?

3-4 days is enough time to tick off the main sights and explore the different neighbourhoods of Marrakesh. Many people begin and end longer Morocco trips in Marrakesh, so you can split your time in the city to make it feel less overwhelming.

What areas of Marrakesh should I avoid staying in? 

Hivernage is an expensive neighbourhood, so I don’t recommend staying here if you’re on a tight budget. The Mellah district to the south of the Medina can feel unnerving at night for first-time visitors or solo travellers, thanks to its dark, narrow alleyways. 

I’d also personally avoid staying in the tannery district in the north of the Medina. This area is known for its pushy street scammers, and with fewer tourists around, you can feel a bit vulnerable.

What are the best parts of Marrakesh to stay on a budget? 

The Medina is the best place to stay if you’re on a budget, as there are plenty of cheap riads to choose from, starting at around $35. Here, you can enjoy a traditional stay in a beautiful building without breaking the bank.

The most affordable guesthouses, like Riad Carina, are often found around the edge of the Medina, hidden down winding alleyways for a true Marrakesh experience.

When is the best time to visit Marrakesh?

I love visiting Marrakesh in May and June, when the spring flowers are in bloom, and it’s not yet too hot. October is another good time to come, after the sweltering summer heat has died down, but the weather is still warm. I’m actually a fan of coming in winter too, because while it is cooler and does sometimes rain, the city is a lot quieter, and you won’t be battling the crowds at the top attractions.

Is it safe to visit Marrakesh?

Yes, Marrakesh is generally a safe city for tourists, but as with most places, it’s best to take a few precautions. 

Pickpocketing does happen in crowded areas, so keep your valuables secure, and don’t wander the Medina alleyways alone after dark. The most hassle you’ll probably experience is the street touts and scammers, but a firm “la, shukran” (no, thank you) should see them off.

For more insight and some safety tips, see Catherine’s article on her experience of travelling through Morocco as a woman.

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Hopefully I’ve helped you decide where to stay in Marrakesh, but if you still have questions, just ask in the comments below. You can also use my guide to the best things to do in Marrakesh for itinerary inspiration!