Top 7 Areas to Stay in Marrakech: A Traveler’s Guide
Wondering about the best areas to stay in Marrakech? This guide will give you a ton of details about 7 areas to help you make your decision for your visit.
Welcome to Marrakech, a city that is such a standout in Morocco that it is often mistaken as the capital of Morocco.
(Psst! That’s Rabat.)
In addition to easy access to the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and the Atlantic Coast, Marrakech has sooo many unique areas to stay. That’s the good news. The challenging part is finding the best part of the city for you to stay during your visit.
And that’s what this Guide is all about!
I’m helping you make the right decision on the best areas to stay in Marrakech, depending on what kind of traveling you’re doing, who you’re traveling with, and which factors you want to prioritize for your stay.
My Top Recommendation…
| Short on time? I have a personal favorite for Marrakech that always works for my family and me: the Kasbah. This neighborhood provides a complete immersion into Moroccan culture while also being a short walk from the bustling Jemaa El Fna square and the Medina’s souks (markets). So you can dive in when you want and take a step back when you need a bit of a calmer atmosphere. It’s quieter than Medina—especially when you stay in one of its peaceful riads. To me that makes it the top pick for the best areas to stay in Marrakech. |
So, let’s get started with your all-in-one guide to the where to stay in Marrakech!
The Medina
If you know the city, you would’ve guessed the first neighborhood on our list of areas to stay in Marrakech. Basically, the stuff of Moroccan dreams: the Medina. This is the sometimes overwhelming but always intoxicating walled city of Marrakech. Essentially, the Medina is a giant UNESCO World Heritage Site behind the city walls, filled with vibrant markets (called souks), historic buildings, amazing attractions, and bustling streets. Whether you’re a history buff or a culture fanatic, you’ll find something here.
The heart of the Medina is a perfect place to stay if you’d like to catch a glimpse of the bygone times. It’s also suitable if you are short on time since the town is pedestrianized and is easy to walk around. Also, most of the city’s main attractions are concentrated in this area.
However, many of Morocco’s locals call this city home — and it’s also one of the most touristy destinations. So, you can expect it to be a busy city. (It’s a different story when you’re inside a riad, though; that’s one peaceful experience (especially the central courtyard!). Also, because the city is car-free, you want to consider if you, or anyone you’re traveling with, has mobility issues.
Medina is the Best Pick if…
- It’s your first time in Marrakech
- You don’t have a car
- You don’t mind a busy environment
Where to Stay in Medina
Central House is a guesthouse/hostel situated in the heart of Marrakech. Its rooms feature traditional Moroccan decor. This hostel provides amazing value and is known for its cleanliness and friendly staff.
Riad Arbre Bleu. This is a stylish riad that serves continental breakfast and additional Moroccan meals on demand. They’ve got multilingual staff. And this one’s a great pick if you’re on a budget.
Hotel Palais Dar Is Aissa. My luxury seeker travelers, this is for you. With its outdoor pool, garden, and rooms with private terraces, this hotel guarantees lavishness.
By the way, are you looking for an itinerary for your time in Marrakech? Check out my 2 day Marrakech itinerary.
The Kasbah
If staying in the heart of Medina is a little too noisy for your liking, consider Kasbah. This is a large walled district in the southern part of the Medina that was once the citadel. Most people say the Kasbah area is quieter than Jemaa el Fna Square (despite being just a 15-minute walk away from it). This is partly true because it’s still home to exquisite attractions like the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Bab Agnaou.
Think of it like this: there may still be noise, but the experience is more authentic in this step-back-in-time corner of the walled old city. Plus, the Kasbah is a great place to enjoy soaring views of the Atlas Mountains.
Kasbah is the Best Pick if…
- You’ve been to Marrakech before
- You want to enjoy the everyday life of Marrakechis
- You love history
- You’re on a budget
Where to Stay in Kasbah
Kasbah Red Castle Hostel. The rooms in this budget-friendly pick are quite basic. (No extra snazzy beds, you know). But you’ll be well-located near the main square, plus, the free Wi-Fi and daily breakfast will give you a decent experience.
Riad al Nubala. Here, you can relax on the sun terrace and enjoy plenty of in-room activities. A delicious breakfast (including pancakes and local specialties) is on their menu. And the staff is amazing!
Riad Le Saddien. This one’s for luxury lovers. Unique Moroccan decor, a large sundeck, and stunning views of Koutotubia Mosque are what to expect. Not to forget the exceptionally clean rooms.
Jemaa El Fna
For folks looking to be in the center of action in Marrakech, look no further than the famous Djemaa El Fna square, the most important part of Medina. This is because it has sat in the heart of Marrakech for years and attracts plenty of tourists. During your stay, you can expect to grab street food from a local vendor, enjoy views of Koutoubia Mosque from a local rooftop, and see snake charmers and belly dancers come out into the square at night. The heat of the day is quite the only time when you won’t see people outside!
Just a heads-up, though: be prepared to get lost. The maze-like streets can be confusing and there’s a distinct lack of signage and landmarks in the area. You should also be ready to deal with a lot of chaos; the streets are packed with people and there are pushy vendors everywhere. (You may want to learn how to say “no thank you” in the Moroccan dialect: la shokran. Or perhaps take the opportunity to bargain and snag some super affordable items 😉).
Jemaa El Fna is the Best Pick if…
- You’re in to experience the action of Marrakech
- You don’t mind crowds
- You’re looking for affordable accommodation
Where to Stay in Jemaa El Fna
Les Jardins Mandaline. You’ll LOVE this riad in Marrakech. It features a stunning Moroccan-style building, a sun deck with loungers, and a pool. Also, don’t miss the fresh pastries served on the roof terrace. Mhm!
Riad Karmala. This is a luxurious option—a bright, white riad that is well-located near the Marrakech Museum. The rooms are exquisitely decorated and have fireplaces. The top-tier rooms also have private terraces.
Hivernage
If you’re seeking pure luxury, this is your stop. Hivernage is a high-end neighborhood that is home to some of the best five-star resorts in the city. So if you plan on choosing accommodation like Es Saadi or Four Seasons, Hivernage is where you’ll be staying.
This neighborhood is located less than a 10-minute drive away from the famous Jemaa el-Fna square. The streets here are nice and wide with proper sidewalks. In addition to beautiful private gardens, you’ll also find some of the best clubs in Marrakech.
However, Hivernage doesn’t have super amazing restaurants or local stores. So, there won’t be much to do when outdoors — except if you’re in to explore the Menara Mall. The perk is, however, that you can stay in high-end accommodations that offer shuttle services to the more exciting parts of the city.
Hivernage is the Best Pick if…
- You’re willing to spend on a luxurious accommodation
- You’re okay with traveling to visit touristy spots
- You don’t want to get lost in narrow streets 😅
Where to Stay in Hivernage
AppartHotel Atrani. Rooms in this mid-range hotel are large and clean. There’s also a kitchenette and a balcony. You can purchase a daily breakfast and cook up your own meals. Or skip it entirely and grab a brunch in the city instead.
Four Seasons. You probably already know — Four Seasons is the epitome of luxury. Rooms are well-fitted with a balcony and stunning views. Plus, you can have a delicious breakfast buffet before using on-site tennis courts, a spa, a hot tub, two swimming pools, etc.
Agdal
Traveling on a budget? Agdal, set right near Kasbah, is where to head. This residential area gives you a local feel, so you won’t be compromising on the Marrakech experience, all while saving bucks staying in its budget-friendly traditional hotels and guesthouses. Agdal is well-connected to public transportation, so you can easily explore the city, too.
As an added bonus, Agdal is pretty close to the Agafay desert, where everyone goes on camel safaris. While the city has recently undergone quite some development, it’s still not a touristy spot, so you don’t have to worry about crowds.
Agdal is the Best Pick if…
- You want to save money
- Crowds are not your thing
- You want a feel of the Marrakech experience
Where to Stay in Agdal
Kenzi Club Agdal. This is an all-inclusive hotel; you’ll especially love the swimming pools and water slides. Kenzi offers over 300 rooms — including both family rooms and suites. Don’t miss the massages at its fully-staffed spa.
Jnane Leila. Explore an unusual and original place on your way to the Ourika Valley, Jnane Leila, a 4-star guest house built in the style of a Berber village. It uses traditional materials that give it elegance.
Albakech House. This lovely British-owned Moroccan home offers seven different room types for guests. The hotel is close to the city center. And, simultaneously, far enough away that the evenings and mornings are quiet. The rooms are spacious, and the hotel has dining and spa options available.
Gueliz
The young, hip, and progressive will find their home away from home in Gueliz. It’s a very new and modern neighborhood (quite the opposite of Marrakech Medina). This area was created by the French in the 1900s (they really focused on creating wide, long streets!). So, you can expect it to be more Westernized than the rest of the city. In fact, the residents of the area are also European expats and young locals looking for a change.
This neighborhood can get busy, but it’s relatively easier to find a quiet retreat here. The nightlife is fantastic, so it’s great for folks seeking a fun night out. Plus, Gueliz is close to the Marrakech train station, and you’re less likely to get lost here.
Gueliz is the Best Pick if…
- You’re looking to experience high-end stores, modern art galleries, international restaurants, stylish cafes, etc.
- You are a solo female traveler (you can expect a lot less unwanted male attention)
- You don’t have a strict budget
- You’re staying in Marrakech for an extended period
Where to Stay in Gueliz
Hotel Almas. If you’re on a tight budget, you can rest easy at Hotel Almas, featuring contemporary convenience with Moroccan accents. A buffet breakfast and terrace with views of the outdoors is what to expect.
Hotel Le Caspien. This is located along a quiet street in Gueliz. Here, the balconies overlook the outdoor pool. Breakfast is included as a part of your stay.
2Ciels Boutique Hotel. This luxury hotel will spoil you every second of the day! From the gourmet breakfast to the bathrobes in private rooms and private bathrooms to the amazing staff, you’ll have a fantastic experience. So much that you won’t want to leave 😉 Additionally, you can expect an on-site pool, a restaurant, and an outdoor terrace.
Palmeraie
A “get away from it all” experience can be availed at Palmeraie, which is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of trees. This is not technically a neighborhood in Marrakech but can be considered a palm oasis outside the city. While it may not be the best destination to stay for weeks on end, visitors love to lodge here for a night or two to experience Palmeraie’s serenity.
Along with the tranquility come upscale resorts and exclusive private villas. These may lack the authentic Moroccan feel, but some of them do offer shuttle services to activities within the city.
Palmeraie is the Best Pick if…
- You seek an intimate escape
- You’re after some peace and quiet for a night or two
- You want to know what a few nights in the desert would feel like
Where to Stay in Palmeraie
Riad La Perla Bianca. This riad is surrounded by palm trees and zen. It is a traditional property that has recently been renovated with air-conditioned rooms and private kitchens.
Villa Al Assala Palmeraie. Relax in isolation here with ten junior suites built amidst a traditional Moroccan garden. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool where you can enjoy a relaxing day in the sunshine.
Final Words on the Best Areas to Stay in Marrakech
And, that wraps up our list on best area to stay Marrakech! One thing is for sure: Marrakech has a little something in store for every type of traveler — and by understanding the various different neighborhoods, you can pick just the right spot for your stay. There’s also so much to do in this city; check out our post on the 5-day Morocco itinerary for a trip that you’ll reminisce about forever 🤍
👉While you’re in Marrakech, think about taking a trip out to the beach. Here’s my guide to the best beaches near Marrakech.