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Where to Stay in Marrakesh

Where to Stay in Marrakesh

Marrakesh Marrakesh-safi, Morocco Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

  • Hostels:

    Budget-friendly, located in the Medina or Gueliz, offering dormitory-style and private rooms. Popular among solo travelers.

  • Riads:

    Traditional Moroccan houses with an interior courtyard. They go from affordable to ultra-luxury, mostly found in the Medina.

  • Boutique Hotels:

    Smaller, stylish hotels blending local charm and modern comforts, found in both the Medina and Gueliz.

  • International Chain Hotels:

    4-5 star hotels mainly in Gueliz and Hivernage, with modern amenities and international service standards.

Specialized Options

  • Apart-hotels:

    Serviced apartments with kitchenettes, good for extended stays or families.

  • Guesthouses (Maisons d'hôtes):

    Family-run establishments offering a personal touch and homely atmosphere, similar to riads.

  • Homestay Opportunities:

    Less formalized in the city, experiences in surrounding Berber villages part of cultural tours. TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.

  • Camping:

    Campsites on city outskirts, and arid camps for day trips.

Neighborhood Guide

Marrakech offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Medina Old City

Benefits
  • Immersive cultural experience
  • Proximity to the main sights
  • Authentic traditional architecture
Challenges
  • Noisy and intricate to navigate
  • Limited vehicle access
  • Walking through busy alleyways

Gueliz New City

Benefits
  • Less difficult to navigate
  • Modern amenities and vehicle access
  • Quieter than the Medina, good for shopping
Challenges
  • Lacks traditional charm
  • Further from main historical sites
  • More European feel

Hivernage

Benefits
  • Quiet and elegant, resort-like
  • Modern amenities and large pools
  • Suitable for relaxation and premium travelers
Challenges
  • Further from Medina attractions
  • Less "Moroccan" atmosphere
  • Mainly luxury focused

Additional Neighborhood Insights

Proximity & Transportation:

Medina: Walkable to most sites, limited taxi. Gueliz: Good taxi/bus access, near train station. Hivernage: Taxis or buses needed.

Noise Levels & Ambiance:

Medina: Can be very noisy, especially around Jemaa el-Fna. Gueliz: Lively but less intense. Hivernage: Generally quiet and tranquil.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices secure desired lodging and potentially save money.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (March-May, September-November): Book 3-6 months in advance.
  • Shoulder Season (December-February): Book 1-3 months in advance.
  • Low Season (June-August): Book 1 month or less in advance.

Trusted Booking Platforms

Booking Considerations

Deposit and Cancellation Policies:
  • Policies vary by property and platform.
  • Always check details before booking.
  • Many properties, especially riads, take a deposit.
Seasonal Price Fluctuations:
  • Prices peak during spring, autumn, and major holidays.
  • Lowest prices occur in summer months.

Practical Tips

Negotiation Customs:

Slight negotiation on walk-in rates is achievable for small guesthouses, specifically in low season. Less common for hotels.

Direct vs. Platform Booking:

Many riads have their own websites for direct bookings, sometimes with special offers.

Last-Minute Deals:

More likely to find last-minute deals in the off-season (summer).

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some top picks for various budgets and travel styles.

Top Picks for Budget Levels

Budget-Friendly:

For travelers on a budget.

  • Riad Layla Rouge
  • Equity Point Hostel Marrakech
  • Riad Jennah Rouge
Mid-Range:

Comfort and good value.

  • Riad Kniza
  • Riad El Fenn (upper mid-range)
  • Riad Dar Anika

Family-Friendly Options

Riads & Hotels:

Options with ample space and amenities.

  • Riads with multiple rooms/suites and courtyards.
  • Hotels in Hivernage/Gueliz (e.g., Four Seasons, Mövenpick).
Vacation Rentals:

More space and self-catering facilities.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels:

    For social interaction (e.g., Equity Point, Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge).

  • Smaller Riads:

    Welcoming options in well-located Medina areas.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Apartment Rentals:

    Consider renting an apartment or vacation rental in Gueliz or Hivernage.

  • Serviced Apartments:

    These offer convenience for long-term visits.

  • House/Pet Sitting:

    For immersive, long-term options, explore TrustedHousesitters.

Exceptional Stays

Cultural & Historical Significance:

Many luxury riads (e.g., El Fenn, Kniza) are beautifully restored historic homes. La Mamounia is a historic palace hotel with a rich past.

Luxury Properties:

Top-tier resorts with world-class amenities.

  • La Mamounia
  • Royal Mansour Marrakech
  • Mandarin Oriental Marrakech

Specialized Accommodation Needs

Accessible Accommodation:

A limited number of hotels, especially newer ones in Gueliz/Hivernage, offer accessible rooms. Confirm specifics when booking.

Pet-Friendly Options:

Some international chain hotels and a few riads permit pets. Always check individual property policies and any associated fees.

Eco-Friendly Stays:

A growing number of riads and hotels focus on sustainable practices. Seek out establishments with recognized eco-certifications or explicit sustainability statements.

Where to Stay in Marrakesh. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation