Where to Stay in Marrakech: The Most Beautiful Riads & Hotels (Personally Tested)
Marrakech is one of those rare destinations where you can stay somewhere truly beautiful, no matter what your budget is. I’ve travelled all over the world and, through my work as a travel creator, I’ve been very fortunate enough to stay in some of the most luxurious hotels on the planet. Yet time and time again, it’s the accommodation in Marrakech that leaves the biggest impression on me.
Part of what makes staying in Marrakech so special is the opportunity to experience a riad. Traditionally, a riad is a Moroccan house built around a central courtyard, often featuring a pool or fountain at its heart. Hidden behind unassuming walls, these properties are designed to create a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
These riads, which nowadays mostly operate as boutique hotels, are filled with intricate tilework, carved wooden details, lush gardens, and rooftop terraces, while the warm Moroccan hospitality makes every stay feel incredibly personal.
Of course, Marrakech isn’t just famous for its riads. The city is also home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, from sprawling palace-style resorts to iconic five-star properties that redefine luxury.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Marrakech, I’ve rounded up the most beautiful riads and hotels I’ve personally stayed in. Whether you’re looking for an affordable boutique riad in the heart of the medina or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury escape, these are the Marrakech hotels I think are totally worth checking into.
Planning your itinerary too? Don't miss my guide to the best things to do in Marrakech, featuring rooftop restaurants, hot air balloon rides, cooking classes, souks and hidden gems across the city.
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Where to Stay in Marrakech: My Personal Picks
at a glance
Riad Botanica
When I first entered Riad Botanica, I was immediately enveloped by the sweet scent of the large, blossoming orange tree growing next to the pool. Oranges are the focal point of this riad, where guests are served freshly sliced oranges with a dusting of cinnamon (so tasty!), along with Moroccan mint tea and delicious savoury snacks on your arrival.
The origins of Riad Botanica begin with a love story between the Australian/Moroccan husband-and-wife team who have worked together to design the riad, fusing Moroccan Art Deco details with Australia’s Florence Broadhurst intricate prints and wallpaper, which adorn the walls throughout.
I loved meeting the owner, Angela and hearing a familiar Aussie accent. I could immediately tell just how passionate she was about bringing Riad Botanica to life and creating an exceptional experience for her guests.
This riad has an intimate feel with five beautifully curated deluxe guest rooms, each uniquely designed. I really felt like I was a relative visiting family; you instantly feel at home.
I spent most of my stay soaking up the sun on the rooftop, relaxing on the sun loungers, and mingling with other guests at the rooftop bar.
Rooms start from £135/night with breakfast included in the rate. Riad Botanica is less than a 15-minute walk from popular sites such as Ben Youssef Mederesa and Le Jardin Secret, as well as lots of must-visit restaurants, cafes & bars nearby.
El Fenn
If you’re looking for a hotel that perfectly captures Marrakech’s artistic soul, El Fenn is it.
Originally created by Vanessa Branson, the property is a beautifully curated collection of riads filled with punchy colours, local artworks and a distinct character and charm found in every room.
I stayed in one of the rooms in the newer riad section, which featured its own private rooftop terrace complete with sun loungers.
The interiors were everything you’d expect from El Fenn – bold, vibrant, full of warm Moroccan tones and custom details like flooring made from large hand-stitched pieces of camel leather.
The standout feature for me was undoubtedly the oversized circular bathtub, which was heavenly to sink into each evening. Even the smallest touches felt thoughtfully considered, from the handcrafted leather slippers waiting beside the bed to the carefully chosen artwork throughout the room.
The hotel’s rooftop is one of the most iconic in Marrakech, with a swimming pool, floating lanterns and panoramic views across the city.
While most guests seemed to spend their afternoons sunbathing around the main rooftop pool, I found myself gravitating towards the quieter courtyard pools tucked away below, which offered plenty of shade from the Moroccan sun.
One of the highlights of staying at El Fenn was being able to enjoy the sunset from the famous rooftop bar. I’d visited for drinks on a previous trip to Marrakech and remembered just how magical the atmosphere was as the city began to glow in the evening light. This time, however, I only had a short stroll back to my room once the sun had disappeared behind the rooftops.
Lunch on the rooftop was equally memorable. Surrounded by colourful lanterns and walls decorated with eclectic ceramic plates, we enjoyed a generous Moroccan feast of salads along with grilled lamb and prawns. The meal ended with an incredibly rich dark chocolate mousse topped with crunchy salted caramel pieces that were devilishly rich.
What I love most about El Fenn is that there’s always another beautiful corner to discover.
Whether it’s a peaceful courtyard where cats nap on the sofas, a resident tortoise slowly munching on lettuce leaves, or one of the countless terraces and lounges scattered throughout the property, the entire hotel feels like an explosion of art, culture and creativity. It’s easily one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever stayed in.
Riad Sakkan
If your idea of the perfect Marrakech stay combines beautiful design, a central location and boutique luxury, then Riad Sakkan should be at the top of your list.
Located in the trendy Mouassine district of the medina, this stylish riad is less than a 10-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, as well as popular attractions such as Ben Youssef Mederesa and Le Jardin Secret.
Despite being so close to the action, the moment you step inside, you’ll find yourself in a peaceful oasis centred around a stunning open-air courtyard pool. Better yet, it’s heated – something that’s surprisingly rare amongst Marrakech riads, where many pools can feel a little too refreshing during the cooler months.
Riad Sakkan has just 12 individually designed rooms, each thoughtfully curated with contemporary Moroccan style.
During my stay, I checked into the spacious Master Suite, which featured a large four-poster bed dressed in Egyptian cotton linens, a freestanding bathtub, a separate rainfall shower, a cosy fireplace and a collection of artwork and furniture that looked as though it belonged in the pages of Vogue Living.
One of the things I loved most about Riad Sakkan was the attention to detail. Guests are treated to complimentary bottled water, luxury Botanika bath products, bathrobes, fast Wi-Fi, and daily homemade cakes and cookies served at teatime. It’s these little touches that make the riad feel particularly special.
Up on the rooftop, you’ll find a vibey bar and restaurant, along with plenty of loungers and quiet corners to unwind after a day exploring the souks.
Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served on the rooftop terrace, making for a lovely start to the day in the Marrakech sunshine.
Beyond the beautiful rooms, Riad Sakkan also offers a library, an impressive art collection, an aviary, a hammam and massage treatments, as well as yoga and cooking workshops for guests looking to immerse themselves further in Moroccan culture.
Riad Sakkan offers exceptional value for money and is one of my favourite boutique stays in Marrakech. If, like me, you’re a sucker for beautiful interiors, thoughtful design and laid-back luxury, you’ll absolutely love it here.
IZZA
Recently awarded a Michelin Key, IZZA is one of the most unique places I’ve stayed in Marrakech.
Hidden within the medina, the boutique property describes itself as a “House of Friends” – a collection of interconnected historic homes brought together to create a creative sanctuary where art, design, culture and hospitality collide.
From the moment I arrived, I forgot I was checking into a hotel. Instead, it felt like I had stepped into a beautifully curated art gallery.
Contemporary artworks fill the communal spaces, courtyards and guest rooms, while every corner has been thoughtfully designed to encourage guests to slow down, connect and soak up the atmosphere. In fact, the property houses more than 300 contemporary and digital artworks, making it one of the most distinctive spaces in the city.
The riad features just 14 individually designed rooms spread across three tranquil courtyards. Each room is named after an icon of Morocco’s counter-culture past, and no two are alike.
During my stay, I checked into “Jack” (named after the American novelist, Jack Kerouac), which felt cosy yet surprisingly spacious thanks to clever design details, built-in wall niches and plenty of hidden storage.
One of my favourite things about IZZA was simply wandering through the property. The three courtyards each have their own personality, while the main heated swimming pool stretches an impressive 10 metres long – large enough to do proper laps, which is quite unusual for a riad.
There’s also a smaller plunge pool that’s perfect for cooling off after a day exploring the medina.
Breakfast was another highlight. Served on the rooftop terrace and included in the room rate, it features beautifully presented à la carte dishes rather than the standard buffet you’ll find elsewhere.
I was particularly delighted to discover that I could order an iced matcha, something that’s surprisingly difficult to find in Marrakech. Back in the room, a tray of cakes and fresh fruit was replenished daily, adding another thoughtful touch to the experience.
The rooftop is also home to Noujoum, IZZA‘s restaurant, which centres around seasonal Moroccan ingredients with a Mediterranean influence.
During my visit, standout dishes included the whole grilled sea bass stuffed with couscous, the crab salad and the salt-baked beetroot. Combined with the rooftop setting overlooking Marrakech, it’s worth booking a table even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
If you’re planning to visit Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, IZZA is particularly well-positioned, sitting closer to these attractions than many riads located deeper within the medina.
Riad BE
If you’ve followed me on Instagram for any length of time, chances are you’ve already seen Riad BE.
It’s one of the most photographed and recognisable riads in the city, and after finally staying here myself, I can confirm it’s even more beautiful in person than it looks online.
Tucked away within the medina, Riad BE feels like a whimsical maze of colourful courtyards, intricate decorative details and peaceful corners designed for slowing down.
Every turn reveals another picture-perfect scene, whether it’s a tranquil pool reflecting the sunlight, vibrant textiles draped across a lounge area or one of the many beautifully styled communal spaces that have made the riad so famous on social media.
Despite its popularity, what really stood out to me was the atmosphere. The staff are genuinely some of the warmest I’ve encountered in Marrakech and have a wonderful way of making guests feel less like customers and more like part of the family.
The location is ideal for exploring the city. Situated within the medina, it’s around a 15-minute walk from attractions such as Ben Youssef Mederesa and Le Jardin Secret, while plenty of great cafés, restaurants and rooftop bars can be found nearby.
One of the things I love most about Riad BE is the value for money. Rooms start from around £100 per night, including breakfast, making it one of the most affordable stays on this list without compromising on style or character.
For families or groups travelling together, there’s also the option to book The Douria, the riad’s private three-bedroom house, complete with its own kitchen, dining area, lounge and rooftop terrace.
Even if you can’t secure a room during your trip, I still recommend visiting. The riad welcomes non-resident guests for lunch, dinner and spa treatments, and the food is excellent.
There’s also a yoga studio on-site, making it a lovely place to spend a relaxing afternoon away from the bustle of the souks.
Royal Mansour
If money were no object and I could recommend just one hotel in Marrakech for a truly unforgettable stay, it would be Royal Mansour.
Commissioned by King Mohammed VI, this extraordinary property was created to showcase the very best of Moroccan craftsmanship and hospitality.
I’d visited Royal Mansour for lunch on previous trips to Marrakech, but nothing could have prepared me for what it was like to actually stay there. From the moment I arrived and was welcomed with traditional mint tea in the grand courtyard, I felt like royalty.
What makes Royal Mansour so unique is that there are no hotel rooms. Instead, every guest stays in their own private riad. There are 53 riads, all surrounded by gorgeous gardens and courtyards.
The layout of the property was designed to resemble a “medina within a medina”, and it really does feel like you’re walking within the walls of an ancient Moroccan city.
My riad spanned three floors and featured a rooftop terrace complete with sun loungers and a private plunge pool.
The ground floor centred around a beautiful courtyard and living space, while upstairs was an elegant bedroom, and one of the most beautiful bathrooms I’ve ever seen, complete with a deep marble bathtub positioned in front of intricately detailed windows that flooded the room with natural light.
One of the most remarkable aspects of staying here is the service. Hidden passageways run behind every riad, allowing staff to access the property discreetly without ever interrupting guests.
Whether I requested another Diet Coke, extra towels or a fan (because I can’t sleep without the sound of one), everything seemed to appear as if by magic. It genuinely felt like an army of invisible elves working behind the scenes to make every moment seamless.
I rarely struggle to leave a hotel room, but at Royal Mansour, I actually found myself not wanting to sleep at all because I wanted to experience as much of the property as possible.
The hotel is a destination in itself. There are two spectacular swimming pools, including a stunning indoor pool housed beneath an arched glass ceiling within the spa complex.
Speaking of the spa, it’s quite possibly the most beautiful spa I’ve ever visited. The iconic white latticework atrium rises several storeys high, creating one of the most breathtaking interiors in Marrakech. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth booking a treatment simply to experience the space.
The dining is equally exceptional, with four signature restaurants to choose from. At La Grande Brasserie, the rich slow-cooked lamb shoulder was unforgettable, as was the upside-down soufflé! As a final touch, freshly baked madeleines arrived at the table after our plates had been cleared.
The Italian restaurant, Sesamo, was another highlight. Expect far more than traditional pasta dishes. The tasting menus are creative, playful and beautifully presented.
One standout course resembled a cappuccino but was actually a squid ink and potato cream soup, while the perfectly cooked lobster served with wild rocket sauce was equally memorable. We finished with both the tiramisu and pistachio dessert because I simply couldn’t choose between them. Set around a tranquil pool with water gently bubbling in the background, it’s one of the most romantic dining settings in Marrakech.
Royal Mansour isn’t just one of the most beautiful places to stay in Marrakech; it’s one of the most extraordinary hotels I’ve experienced anywhere in the world.
Google Map of Marrakech
Here’s a Google map of Marrakech with all the best hotels & riads pinned so you can easily see how close they are to all the main attractions.

















































