The Most Glamorous Hotels In Marrakech For The City Break Of Dreams
With North African temperatures but a short-haul flight time (under four hours and no jet lag), the fashionista’s favourite Moroccan city is the perfect destination at any time of year – especially when you can stay at one of the best hotels in Marrakech.
Morocco's red city is one of the most stylish places to visit this year, along with Lisbon, Mykonos and Copenhagen, of course. Home to Yves Saint Laurent's iconic blue Jardin Majorelle, the UNESCO-protected medina packed with hammams and spice souks, and the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech is one of the most photogenic cities in the world.
Whether you want to check in at a traditional Marrakech riad within the medina maze or stay a little out of the city in a Palmeraie paradise, there’s a boutique retreat for you.
The dusky Djemaa el Fna square is Marrakech’s main hub, and it’s right by the entrance to the medina and its shop-lined labyrinthine streets. The city is also the gateway to the Atlas Mountains, perfect for when urban days get a little hectic. Or just stay by your palm-lined pool in the Palmeraie with a cocktail (no one’s judging).
For an unashamedly opulent, all-terracotta palace, book Selman and act like sultans – or get some interiors inspiration from Sakkan, which makes a literal art form out of eye-catching wall-hangings.
There are lots of traditional Marrakech riads in the medina, too – you’ll probably get lost trying to find your way to them, but that’s all part of the charm. We love 72 Riad Living for its lofty rooftop (with especially good views) and Riad Dar One for its modern soft furnishings and statement lighting.
Read on for our pick of the best hotels in Marrakech…
(Riad Dar One)
You’ll have serious wall-hanging envy the moment you step into this super-stylish riad in the medina, which has some of the chicest interiors in the city. Depending on what you want to stockpile, from clothing to carpets, the staff will be able to craft your dream shopping itinerary.
They’ll also organise sun loungers outside of the city for pool days away from the bustle, trips to the best hammams in the neighbourhood and reservations at all of the most in-demand restaurants. That’s if you can bear to drag yourself away from the hotel’s rooftop bar, that is…
(Courtesy of the hotel)
Formed on the foundations of a former Saadian residence, this riad is in the middle of the medina and close to the Bahia Palace. The colourful suites feature oversize artworks above the beds, high ceilings and fireplaces, and some lead out to the main garden and patio.
What’s more, you won’t have to venture far for a classic Moroccan hammam, since there’s one within the riad – which is just as well, since you won’t want to leave your sun lounger on the terracotta rooftop terrace behind for long.
(Courtesy of the hotel)
Approved by stars from Scarlett Johansson to Angelina Jolie, this luxury conversion of six merchant houses is an A-lister on the riad scene. Buried among the maze-like alleys of Marrakech’s medina, expect traditional Moroccan touches such as tadelakt plaster, tiles and marble in each of its 10 suites.
Then there’s the spa, roof terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains and possibly the best restaurant in town, Le Trou au Mur.
It’s a much-need oasis of tranquillity from the bustle of the city, but what truly sets it apart is its five-star service. Whether you want market haggling done on your behalf or a hot air balloon tour at sunrise, nothing is too much trouble for the staff. Expect to be treated like royalty, no matter if you’re an A-Lister or mere mortal.
(Hearst Owned)
For those who want to escape the bustle of the city, the Palmeraie is the part of Marrekech for you. The palm-y paradise is just 20 minutes by car from the city centre, but with all of the peace and space you need for things like mountain-biking and horse-riding. The peachy private home has two wings, with a lounge with silk sofas to keep cosy in during the cooler winter months, and a summer version, too.
In the guestrooms, expect traditional Moroccan touches such as tadelakt plaster, tiles and marble, and there’s a hammam in a pavilion next to the kitchen garden. Days are spent playing croquet or boules – or head off on horseback or up in a hot-air balloon.
(Courtesy of the hotel)
This guesthouse was once a palace, and we’re sure its esteemed residents enjoyed its location in the city (as well as its contrasting calm, evident as soon as you cross the threshold – and nowhere more so than at the pool in the patio).
Flea-market finds, from Berber carpets to Tuareg mats, ensure that the decor is authentic and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a television in the house. Groups of up to 26 can take over the entire riad, which includes a terrace for amazing sunsets overlooking the medina and the Atlas Mountains.
(Courtesy of the hotel)
Named after North Africa’s most beloved flowing robe, Les Cinqs Djellabas may not actually feature any of them (not five, in any case) – but what it lacks in garments, it makes up for with a terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountains in the distance, a heated outdoor pool and shade-supplying gardens.
The Palmeraie hotel has 10 luxurious lodges throughout its grounds. Unsurprisingly, since it was created by the owner of the city’s finest rooftop restaurant Le Foundouk, the food is as good as you’d expect – and you can enjoy some music by the pool with a sundowner first.
(Courtesy of the hotel)
The exterior may be traditional Marrakchi riad, but inside it’s a much more modern affair, thanks to stylish striped soft furnishings, smooth plaster walls and statement lighting. You’ll find the riad at the end of an alleyway in the Jewish quarter within the medina, steps from Djemaa el Fna square.
If you’re coming to Marrakech for the hammams, you’ll be pleased to know that the riad’s staff have helpfully partnered with the best local spas to send you on your way for a good scrubbing. The patio has a pool to help cool you down during the stifling summers and, in winter, guests can enjoy the still-sunny terrace (plus its view of the medina and mountains).
(Courtesy of the hotel)
Fans of terracotta will just love Selman, a princely palace crafted almost exclusively in everyone’s favourite dusky colour (even down to the decking around the pool). Designed by the superstar architect Jacques Garcia, the hotel is home to a Henri Chenot spa, a vast palm-lined pool and an elaborately tiled indoor pool.
The restaurant is almost absurdly opulent (the ceiling is dripping, literally, in chandeliers) – and the regal lobby has purple chairs, decorative columns, huge vases of flowers and even more chandeliers. There’s even a stud farm, ready for the regular equine events.
(Courtesy of Booking.com)
Iconic for all the right reasons (four-poster beds in the gardens, anyone?), Les Deux Tours in the Palmeraie is one of the city’s original hotel heroes. The aforementioned gardens span three acres – it will take you a while to enjoy all that this hotel has to offer (two restaurants, a hammam and various places to drink, for a start).
The traditional villas all have original features, from antique Moroccan furnishings to fireplaces, tartari ceilings and bejmat tiles; some even have hand-carved wooden frescoes above the bed. The city may be calling, but we know where we’d rather be (on one of those alfresco iron beds, obviously).
(Courtesy of the hotel)
This boutique retreat is on the diminutive side even for a riad (there are just five rooms), but that just means you’re more likely to have the plunge pool and traditional Moroccan salon (officially a bhou) to yourself. The former has shade helpfully provided by palms and banana trees. The suites include a split-level one with its own patio and a fountain – and you can thank the Italian owners for the Carrara marble sinks in the bathrooms.
The riad’s neighbourhood is officially one of the most sought-after in the city – the king’s second palace is here for a reason. You’ll be able to reach Djemaa el Fna within a five-minute walk.
(Courtesy of Booking.com)
Marrakech has lots of luxurious riads, but one of the most unabashedly opulent hotels in the city is the Oberoi outpost, a little away from the action on a vast estate east of the centre. The grounds are dotted with ancient olive groves and citrus trees, water features and courtyards, with a perfect vantage point out across to the snow-tipped Atlas Mountains.
Inside, the palatial interiors feature oversize chandeliers, high ceilings, carved columns and frescoes. There are a handful of restaurants to choose from – enjoy local cuisine at Siniman or Mediterranean dishes at Tamimt.
Technically a 45-minute drive from downtown Marrakech, but worth it for the enlightenment that awaits, Caravan by Habitas Agafay is a spiritual stay that was inspired by the Burning Man festival in Nevada. The group, which has outposts in Namibia and Mexico, among other places, is also influenced by nomadic cultures and traditions, with hotels that take glamping to new levels. It’s the perfect destination for adventurous travellers seeking something a little different.
The 50-acre camp has 20 canvas tents, two pools, a horse and camel stable, an outdoor cinema, a yoga and wellness centre, and a restaurant (there are no miniature gas stoves to worry about here). You’ll also be able to meet your fellow guests at the signature Habitas agora, or community-gathering space.
Anyone coming to Marrakech to shop will enjoy staying at this riad in the medina, with minimal distance to cover to drop your bags off. After you’ve got lost in the labyrinth during the day, the rooftop will be calling – it’s one of the highest in the medina, which means some of the best views (for both sunsets and stargazing).
And if you’d prefer your own private rooftop space, book one of the junior suites with not only a terrace, but a hot tub out there, too.
(Courtesy of the hotel)From the best hotels in Marrakech for couples, to boutique, couples' and cool Marrakech riads, here's where to stay in Morocco's red city.