If Marrakech had a star sign, it would be a Gemini. Just when you think you’ve understood the city, it reveals a new and unexpected side of its character. No shade, Geminis, that’s all part of your charm — and the charm of the Red City, with its maze-like Medina, trendy Gueliz neighbourhood, Edenic Palmeraie and rough, rolling desertlands beyond.
Marrakech has something for everyone. So, whether you’re after a gastro getaway, a budget-friendly break or loved-up escape, our guide to the best hotels and riads in Marrakech will help you find your perfect fit.
FOR A ROMANTIC BREAK
This Time Tomorrow Marrakech
Forget The Kinks’ song of the same name — revamped riad This Time Tomorrow, in the ancient heart of the Medina, is making us groove. Tucked amid the souks and fondouks of Kaat Benahid to the north, this intimate, adults-only stay encourages lovebirds to live for the moment — and each other — with its tech-free suites and dreamy offerings designed for two: a couples treatment in the riad’s marbled hammam, cookery lesson in the open kitchen or a bottle of wine in the palm-shaded courtyard. And to fill the gaps between aphrodisiacal rooftop dinners and canoodles under the covers, in-house curator, Youssef, is on hand with a medley of cultural experiences, across art, food and music, leaving you free to surrender to the romance of it all.
Best room for couples Tagut’s palm-shaded balcony makes the perfect spot for popping open a bottle of bubbles before sharing a soak in the suite’s enormous tub.
Design details Fall head over heels in love with the riad’s jewel-toned furnishings, ornately tiled fireplaces, statement headboards and arched doorways. Artworks have been specially selected by owner Pierre, and the ground-floor lounge displays a fascinating collection of 19th-century albumen prints.
Something to eat Menus vary depending on what chef Zakia selects at the local markets, but you can’t go wrong with a classic Moroccan tangia.
See the sights Staring into each other’s eyes may be all you want to do, but staring at some of the works in the neighbouring Maison de la Photographie makes a great alternative. The building may be small, but this private collection of 8,000 photos documents the city and its inhabitants from 1870 to 1950.
FOR SPA SPOILING
Le Farnatchi
The colourful chaos of the Red City can leave even the most seasoned traveller feeling frazzled, but there are pockets of serenity to be found amid the serpentine alleys of the souks, and Le Farnatchi hotel’s white-marble spa is among our favourites. Set around a glass-roofed patio with white armchairs, zellige tiles and ornate doors, the setting alone is enough to induce a state of calm. Here, massages and facials take care of the outside by harnessing the rejuvenating properties of local oils and herbs, while a menu of good-for-you snacks and lunches nourish you from the inside. For a truly Moroccan experience, opt for the traditional hammam: a full-body scrub in a lantern-lit marble chamber where you’ll be enveloped in the aromas of eucalyptus-infused black soap and botanical-enhanced ghassoul clay.
Best room for spa seekers Each of the Superior Suites has their own private terrace, courtyard or balcony, so you can spend lazy mornings meditating under the North African sun. There are plenty of cosy nooks to curl up in for a post-pampering nap, a fireplace for chilly winter evenings and — best of all — a sunken, black-granite bath tub to soak in.
Design details Tiled floors, deep red curtains and ornately carved arches may sound like the hallmarks of traditional Marrakshi design, but look a little closer and you’ll find contemporary touches: soothing dimmer switches to soften the mood, a sleek glass dining table in the restaurant, and splashes of Majorelle blue throughout.
Something to eat Sample a selection of more unusual Moroccan dishes at the hotel’s restaurant, Le Trou au Mur (like poussin stuffed with vermicelli and sultanas in a harissa sauce) all made from family recipes rarely seen outside private homes. Otherwise, their signature méchoui (barbecued) lamb is a crowd pleaser, and the tagine changes by the day.
See the sights Built in the 14th century, Ben Youssef Medersa was once the largest Islamic school in North Africa. Today, it’s a Unesco World Heritage Site, meticulously preserved, and a masterpiece of Arabic architecture. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from Le Farnatchi.
FOR A BUDGET-FRIENDLY BREAK
Dar One
Perched at the end of a gated alleyway in the Medina’s Jewish quarter, Dar One hotel may well be one of Marrakech’s best-kept secrets. Not only for its cosy courtyard and rooftop Jacuzzi, but also for its reasonable rates, allowing you to maximise your souk spends. It may be affordable, but there’s nothing ‘budget’ about the riad’s sleek interiors, which have been renovated in a contemporary minimalist style with Missoni-inspired striped textiles, Starck-style bathroom fixtures and geometric leather furnishings.
Best value room Small but mighty, the Petit Prince has everything you need for a weekend amid the souks, with a cosy double bed and large walk-in shower.
Design details Each room is uniquely decorated, some with tadelakt walls or bath tubs, others with chandeliers or fireplaces. Communal areas abide by a muted-yet-modern look, punctuated by a colourful pillow here and a statement wall there.
Something to eat While the riad doesn’t have a formal restaurant, guests can enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine. Dishes are created using locally sourced ingredients and reflect the chef’s daily inspiration, but special requests are welcome.
See the sights The Lazama Synagogue is the oldest in the city, built by Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492. It’s retained its impressive blue-and-white interiors, and doubles as a mini museum of Jewish life in Morocco. The Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum is also worth a visit, with daily demonstrations, interactive cooking classes and a pleasant rooftop cafè.
FOR FAMILY GETAWAYS
Selman Marrakech
If you’re visiting Marrakech with kids but still want an Arabian nights experience, look no further than Selman Marrakech, an expansive family-friendly stay just outside the city’s walls. The candy-coloured kids’ club will keep little ones busy with arts and crafts workshops, horse-and-carriage rides and visits to Selman’s thoroughbred-filled stables, which leaves more time for parents to lavish in the hotel’s opulent spaces or relax at the vast Henri Chenot spa. Baby cots and extra beds can be accommodated in every room, and local nannies are available round-the-clock for when you need some one-on-one time.
Best room for families Make life a little easier by booking a villa. They each have a private pool for little ones to splash about in freely and 24-hour butler service for when you all scream for ice-cream.
Design details In contrast to the pastel-hued kids’ club, Selman charms with jewel-toned velvets, ornate tiles, carved wooden ceilings and polished plasterwork — the work of acclaimed French designer Jacques Garcia, who also used his design nous on La Mamounia.
Something to eat At the hotel’s La Terrasse, chef Jean-François Piège’s globetrotting menu delights with dishes like steamed artichokes, wild-squid carbonara, lobster linguini and churros to finish.
See the sights There’s plenty to ‘ooh and ahh’ over without leaving the grounds. For parents, the 1,200-square-metre spa must be seen to be believed. And since you’re there, why not indulge in a phyto-mud treatment or ultrasonic face peel… But for family-fun, book a table for Sunday brunch, during which you can watch a full-gallop horse show of equestrian acrobatics.
FOR EXPLORING THE MEDINA
El Fenn
El Fenn has served as a base for the city’s bohemian scene for the past 20 years, thanks to its impressive collection of contemporary art, maximalist design, and central location, bang in the middle of the Medina. Its rooftop bar is the place to be seen, with a guests-only pool, killer cocktail menu and views of nearby Jemaa El-Fna; and the hotel’s ground-floor boutique is filled with super-stylish Marrakshi-made clothing and homewares. Plus, the team has spent years building relationships with local artisans, so they are well placed to guide you to the best stalls in the souks and workshops.
Best room for maximalists All of El Fenn’s individually designed rooms are pretty out-there, but for some extra oomph, ask for the pink Extra Large room, a suite with kaleidoscopic stained-glass doors, curly wooden bed posts and cherry-red furnishings.
Design details The riad is replete with handicrafts: hand-stitched leather floors, block-colour lime plasterwork, a unique mix of traditional Moroccan and mid-century furnishings, and chock-full of contemporary artworks from co-owner Vanessa Branson’s private collection.
Something to eat The rooftop restaurant serves ‘new-wave’ Moroccan fare and is known for its signature salads. If you’re feeling indulgent, follow it up with the fig, black tea and saffron mousse, and a hibiscus margarita.
See the sights El Fenn is perfectly placed for retail therapy. Its downstairs boutique has a curated collection of locally made treasures. Otherwise, check out Hanout and Different for contemporary, boho-style fashion, or Hicham Home for funky babouches (leather slippers) and basket bags.
FOR TRENDSETTERS
Riad Brummell
Just minutes away from Marrakech landmarks Le Jardin Secret and Dar El Bacha, you’ll find Riad Brummell, a cool new stay in the heart of the Medina. Following in the footsteps of its sister hotel, Maison Brummell Majorelle, this reimagined 19th-century riad is anything but antiquated with rose-hued rooms, hand-poured terrazzo floors, artisan furnishings and contemporary paintings adorning the walls. The atmosphere is hip but homey; guests are invited to spend sun-dappled days lounging beside the rooftop pool, curled up with a book in one of the courtyard’s alcoves, or rolling up to the open kitchen where locally inspired dishes can be whipped up on demand.
Best room for novelty The Deluxe Medina rooms have indoor-outdoor living areas, fireplaces and courtyard views. One even has a sunken bath tub carved into a platform behind the bed.
Design details Just like Barbie’s dreamhouse, Brummell is an ode to pink in all its hues,
Something to eat The dining space here is more of a convivial, open-kitchen affair, serving salads, pastillas, and sorbet made using Marrakech’s Koulchi Pop lollies, by day; and kefta kebabs, lemon-infused chicken tagine, and hearty harira soup, by night.
See the sights Just an eight-minute walk from the hotel, the palatial Dar El Bacha is a must for art enthusiasts and history buffs. Inside, the Museum of Confluences showcases beautifully restored zellige tile work and dazzling, carved, cedar-wood ceilings.
FOR ALL-OUT LUXURY
La Mamounia
La Mamounia has played host to its fair share of luminaries, from Gwyneth Paltrow and Andy Warhol to the Reagans and Winston Churchill (whose namesake suite pays tribute to his fondness of the hotel), so lovers of life’s finer things will find themselves in excellent company. Set in lavish royal gardens, this regal stay has every indulgence you could dream of: multiple restaurants cooking up dishes from all over the world, 20 acres of perfectly pruned gardens, a zellige-tiled spa, tennis courts, tea room, library… It even has an ice-cream parlour.
Most extravagant room Splurge on a stay in one of the hotel’s exclusive riads. This includes transfers by a chauffeured Jaguar, round-the-clock butler service, and a private pool for the ultimate VIP experience.
Design details Chandeliers! Marble! Velvet! There’s nothing like unfettered opulence to dust off life’s proverbial cobwebs. Luckily, La Mamounia has it all.
Something to eat Across the hotel’s multiple eateries, guests can savour cuisines from all corners of the globe; so let us narrow it down for you. Go for the dim-sum baskets at L’Asiatique, a freshly made pizza at L’Italien, and the chef’s signature scallops (marinated in confit lemon, with aubergine in argan oil) at Le Marocain,
See the sights Close to your new home sits an iconic duo: the Koutoubia Mosque — the city’s largest, and arguably most famous — landmark, and Jemaa El-Fna, a vibrant square full of food stalls and street performers.
FOR FINE DINING
Amanjena
There’s dinner, and then there’s dinner at luxury outpost Amanjena’s restaurant, where every sitting is a multi-sensory experience. Romance is summoned through a petal-strewn fountain, and pristine white tablecloths lit by enough candles to cause a national wax shortage. The menu celebrates Moroccan and Italian culinary traditions, with aromatic lamb tagines and fluffy couscous, alongside oil-drizzled caprese and gnocchi cacio e pepe — all accompanied by local musical ensemble, Trio Andalou, who use oud guitars and darbouka hand drums to create an enchanting dining soundtrack.
Best room for foodies The Pavilion Piscine is a villa-style dwelling with everything you need for sleeping off your carb-induced stupor: a huge bed, wood-burning fireplace, and a private pool should you need to revive yourself.
Design details There is a pleasing visual symmetry at work throughout the resort; archways are framed by sweeping drapes, lines of palms are mirrored in the glassy surface of a central basin and tall pillars cast dramatic shadows on the floor. It’s all bewitchingly cinematic.
Something to eat With such stellar dining options you won’t want to leave the resort. We recommend the creamy smoked-pumpkin soup for starters, followed by the indulgent saffron risotto.
See the sights If you can be tempted away from Amanjena’s mesmerising grounds, have the concierge arrange a hike into the Atlas Mountains for lunch with a local family.
Nobu Marrakech
They say variety is the spice of life, and that’s certainly true at Nobu’s Marrakech outpost, where a quartet of eateries are on hand to satisfy every craving. The Nikkei cuisine which secured Nobu’s fame is served at the hotel’s namesake restaurant. Just next door, the bar and lounge make fine spots for light bites and cocktails, while the rooftop garden is the place to be for Mediterranean-inspired brunches with 360-degree views of the city below. And, for evenings when you just can’t choose, opt for dinner at the lobby lounge, where an international menu has something to suit every mood.
Best room for foodies The two-bedroom Nobu Suite, with its private dining room and bar, allows you to enjoy all of the hotel’s culinary creations in your pyjamas.
Design details The hotel group’s signature Japanese aesthetic continues to reign, with a minimalist, ’greige’ palette complimented by dark wood and sleek furnishings, and embellished with Moroccan motifs and international artworks.
Something to eat Opt for the restaurant’s time-honoured favourites: rock-shrimp tempura, yellowtail sashimi and black-cod miso
See the sights The well-to-do Hivernage district and neighbouring Gueliz showcase the city’s progressive side with independent galleries and bougie boutiques. Once you’ve ticked off the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle, check out the city’s lesser-known culture hits: MACMA (the Museum of Moroccan Art and Culture), contemporary gallery Comptoir des Mines and independent exhibition space Loft
FOR PALMERAIE PEACE AND QUIET
Les Deux Tours
Cradled within three hectares of Andalusian gardens, Les Deux Tours lies among the verdant groves of Marrakech’s Palmeraie area, a vast sweep of palm-studded greenery just eight kilometers outside of the city, but world’s away in terms of calm. Tartari-ceilinged villas are filled with original details and antique Moroccan furnishings, and the grounds have everything you need for unwinding. While away days hopping from the hammam to the pool — with stops in the bar along the way, of course.
Best room for sound slumber Catch some zzz’s in the Junior Suite, which has a freestanding tub (to relax the muscles), a fireplace (to get the room nice and toasty) and black-out curtains (for an undisturbed eight-hour snooze).
Design details The whole resort has been crafted using local building materials, making the bejmat tiles, stone fireplaces and carved ceilings feel all the more authentic.
Something to eat The five-course tasting menu at Moroccan-French Salammbô (named after the Flaubert novel) is full of elegant eats but if you’re going à la carte, we recommend the locally caught sea bass stuffed with shrimp, vermicelli, and green olives.
See the sights If looking up at a clear blue sky from your poolside lounger doesn’t cut it, have the hotel organise a horseback excursion through the picturesque Palmeraie surrounds.
FOR A KILLER POOL
The Oberoi Marrakech
The Oberoi Marrakech does not do things by halves. This sultan-befitting sanctuary is a riot of unfettered opulence with its mashrabiya latticework, hand-painted zellige tiles and palatial courtyards. You won’t be surprised, then, that the hotel’s superlative streak extends to its pools (yes, plural). The first you’ll encounter in the spa, where light spills in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. But the H20 headliner here is the rectangle-cut topaz of a main pool set in the grounds, flanked by palms, sunloungers and regal arches.
For a splashing-good suite Book the Deluxe Villa. Virginia Woolf knew a woman needs a room of her own — we’re adding: she also needs a pool. Here, you can have both.
Design details A smaller version of Marrakech’s opulent Ben Youssef Medersa has been recreated in the zellige-lined courtyard of the Oberoi — no mean feat. Rooms within are equally impressive, with artisan-sculpted panels and tasteful gold-hued furnishings.
Something to eat Overseen by Michelin-star-awarded chef Rohit Ghai, Rivayat reflects the hotel group’s Indian roots with its menu of tandoori dishes and curries. The set menu allows you to sample a little bit of everything, but if we were pushed to choose just one dish, we’d go for the kaali daal.
See the sights The hotel’s setting is quite remote, which makes it perfect for hot-air-balloon rides. Buckle up!
L’Hôtel Marrakech
Jasper Conran’s 19th-century riad is much like his womenswear classic with a focus on bold colours and quality materials. But it’s outside where the British designer has excelled himself by squeezing a 10-metre lap pool in the hotel’s bougainvillea-flanked courtyard — a real rarity for dinky Medina riads. The heated pool is surrounded by lush, leafy trees and a handful of loungers, making it a fine spot to flop-and-drop after a day at the souks.
For a splashing-good suite Book ground-floor room, Zagora, for the best proximity to the pool. Better still, book the entire riad so you can have it all to yourself.
Design details Muslin-draped four-poster beds are dressed in Egyptian cotton and surrounded by vibrant Berber-style furnishings and artwork, some from Conran’s own collection. We love the privacy curtains rooms with balconies are outfitted with too.
Something to eat The menu here changes with the season, but you can expect dishes like slow-cooked chicken tagines, fish pastillas and olive-sprinkled salads.
See the sights Set in a former bus station, Dada is a gallery-bookshop-bar-restaurant designed by architect Anne Favier.
Now see the best of the rest in the Red City, and discover our top tips for how to spend 48 hours in Marrakech