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Where to Stay in Ouarzazate

Where to Stay in Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate Morocco Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly options, often with dormitories and private rooms, popular with backpackers and solo travelers.

  • Guesthouses/Auberges

    Smaller, locally run establishments, providing a personal experience and traditional Moroccan décor.

  • Riads/Kasbahs

    Traditional Moroccan houses or fortified structures converted into hotels, offering an authentic ambiance.

  • Hotels

    Ranging from basic budget hotels to international chains and luxury resorts, with standard amenities.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Kasbah Hotels

    A lot of places to stay reflect traditional kasbah or fortified village styles, with mud-brick walls and intricate courtyards.

  • Desert Camps

    Traditional Berber or glamping tents for overnight stays during desert excursions, offering overnight under the stars.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Available through platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb, offering more space and self-catering facilities.

  • Homestay & Community Tourism

    Some guesthouses and community-based tours in Ouarzazate or Fint Oasis offer a family-like atmosphere.

Neighborhood Guide

Ouarzazate's different zones present different characters and proximity to attractions, influencing your stay.

City Center

Pros
  • Easy access to amenities and services.
  • Wide range of restaurants and taxis.
  • Trade and administrative hub.
  • Convenient for daily needs.
Cons
  • Noisy due to traffic and city activity.
  • Less traditional ambiance.
  • Busy environment.
  • Limited quiet spaces.

Taourirt

Pros
  • Close to Taourirt Kasbah.
  • Traditional architecture.
  • Quieter, relaxed ambiance.
  • Glimpse into older Ouarzazate.
Cons
  • Fewer modern amenities nearby.
  • Walk or short taxi ride for comprehensive shopping.
  • Limited immediate dining options.
  • More rural infrastructure.

Outskirts

Pros
  • Properties with larger rooms and grounds.
  • Swimming pools and resort amenities.
  • Good for film-related tourism.
  • Quiet, self-contained retreats.
Cons
  • Requires taxi or rental car for city access.
  • Limited local ambiance.
  • Less street life.
  • Reliance on pre-arranged tours.

Safety Considerations & Proximity

General Safety

All listed areas are generally safe. Standard precautions against petty crime apply in crowded areas.

Proximity & Noise Levels

City Center: Central to carry. Taourirt: Walking distance to Kasbah. Outskirts: Needs taxi. City center can be lively, while Taourirt and outskirts offer peaceful retreats.

Booking Strategies

Booking your accommodation effectively saves money and makes sure you get your preferred option, particularly during busy travel periods.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Oct-Apr): Book several months ahead, especially for popular riads and luxury hotels, and during holidays.
  • Shoulder Season (May, Sep): A few weeks to a month ahead secures good selection.
  • Low Season (Jun-Aug): Good deals and availability often a few days before arrival.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices are higher during high season and around major holidays; summer offers better value.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • International Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, Airbnb (IHG), Hostelworld, and Vrbo are reliable.
  • Direct Booking: Many riads and guesthouses have websites; booking directly sometimes has better rates or perks.
  • Negotiation: Slight room for negotiation on walk-in rates for smaller guesthouses in low season. Online prices are generally fixed.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary by property and platform. Check specific requirements before confirming.

Unique Stays

House Sitting
  • Explore TrustedHousesitters for unique house and pet sitting opportunities in the region.
  • This can provide a local living experience.
  • Allows for extended stays in a home environment.
  • Often includes pet care responsibilities.
Immersing In local culture
  • Consider homestays for deep cultural engagement.
  • Community-based tourism initiatives connect you with local life.
  • Support local cooperatives and traditional ways of living.
  • Inquire about family-like atmospheres in local guesthouses.

Important Reminders

Peak Seasons

Book early during October-April and major holidays.

Online vs. Direct

Compare prices; direct bookings sometimes offer better value.

Cancellation Policies

Always check policies for flexibility before finalizing your reservation.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some general recommendations for Ouarzazate, categorized by budget and travel style.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Guesthouses/Auberges 100-500 MAD/night

Ideal for budget travelers, solo adventurers, and those seeking cultural immersion.

  • Simple rooms with conventional décor.
  • Shared or private baths.
  • Breakfast often included.
  • Friendly atmosphere.
Riads/Kasbah-style Hotels 300-1500+ MAD/night

A unique ambiance, historical feel, and cultural immersion suit couples and families.

  • Traditional architecture.
  • Interior courtyard, usually with a a pool and restaurant.
  • Unique decor and peaceful common areas.
  • Good service.

Modern Hotels & Family Friendly

Modern Hotels 200-2000+ MAD/night

Offers convenience, standard amenities, and consistent service for business travelers or those wanting reliability.

  • Standard hotel accommodations.
  • Various amenities (pool, gym, restaurant).
  • Reliable service.
  • Often international chains.
Family-Friendly Options

Mid-range to luxury hotels offer family rooms, connecting rooms, pools, and child-friendly amenities.

  • Home-like atmosphere in riads.
  • Private courtyards for safe play.
  • Child-friendly services.
  • Spacious accommodations.

Top Picks for Budget & Mid-Range

  • Budget

    Auberge Basma, Dar Bladi. Clean, simple rooms, welcoming vibe.

  • Mid-range

    Le Petit Riad, Dar Chamaa. Comfortable rooms, good service, often morning meal included. Hotel Ksar Ait Ben Haddou if staying closer to Ksar.

  • Solo Traveler

    Guesthouses and hostels aid meeting others. Smaller riads offer safe, welcoming, and peaceful settings.

  • Long-Stay

    Vacation rentals via Airbnb or local agencies often offer better rates. Some some hotels have weekly/monthly discounts.

Luxury & Cultural Significance

  • Luxury

    Le Berbère Palace: Top-tier, extensive facilities, upscale dining. Dar Ahlam (near Skoura): Exclusive, secluded luxury experience.

  • Cultural Significance

    Many kasbah-style hotels recreate a historical ambiance through architecture and décor, reflecting the region's past.

  • Authentic Stays

    Smaller, local guesthouses offer a more personal connection to Moroccan culture and hospitality.

  • Local Flavors

    Properties often feature traditional Moroccan dining, allowing guests to savor local cuisine.

Accommodation Comparison at a Glance

Budget-Friendly Choices

Guesthouses/Auberges (100-250 MAD/night) are for budget travelers, offering simple rooms and a cultural experience. Modern Hotels (200-400 MAD/night) offer basic standards.

  • Simple rooms
  • Traditional decor
  • Shared or private baths
  • Breakfast sometimes included
Mid-Range to Luxury Options

Mid-range (250-800 MAD/night) includes comfortable Guesthouses/Auberges, Riads, and Hotels. Luxury (700-2000+ MAD/night) includes high-end Riads/Kasbah-style hotels and modern hotels.

  • Traditional architecture
  • Interior courtyards, pools, restaurants
  • Upscale dining and broad facilities
  • Refined service

Travel Style Alignment

Cultural Immersion

Choose Guesthouses or Riads for authentic Moroccan ambiance and local interaction.

Convenience & Service

Contemporary Hotels suit business travelers or those wanting reliable, standard amenities.

Unique Experiences

Kasbah-style hotels offer historical feel; Desert Camps for unforgettable nights under the stars.

Where to Stay in Ouarzazate. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation