Where to Stay in Marrakech: Best Areas for Riads, Hotels and Families
For a first visit, stay in a riad inside the Marrakech medina, ideally between Jemaa el-Fnaa and the Bahia Palace or near Bab Doukkala, so you can walk to the main sights. Choose Gueliz for modern restaurants and easy taxis, Hivernage for large resort hotels and nightlife, and the Palmeraie or the Atlas foothills for space, pools and quiet.
Marrakech neighbourhoods at a glance
| Area | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medina | First-timers, couples, culture | Walk to monuments and souks; authentic riads | Narrow lanes, cars cannot reach most doors, can be noisy |
| Kasbah | Quieter medina stay | Close to Saadian Tombs and El Badi; calmer | 15–20 minutes' walk to the souks |
| Gueliz | Business travellers, longer stays | Modern cafés, shops, easy taxis, near Majorelle | Less atmosphere; 25 minutes' walk to the medina |
| Hivernage | Resort hotels, nightlife | Big pools, spas, wide streets | Pricier; feels international rather than Moroccan |
| Palmeraie | Families, relaxation | Gardens, villas, large pools, quiet | Need a car or taxi for every outing |
| Atlas foothills / Ouirgane | Nature lovers, slow travel | Mountain air, hiking, Berber villages | About an hour from the city |
Staying in the medina: the classic riad experience
A riad is a traditional house built around an inner courtyard or garden, with rooms opening onto galleries and, usually, a roof terrace. Most riads in the medina have between three and fifteen rooms, which makes the stay personal: breakfast on the terrace, mint tea on arrival and staff who can book taxis, guides and excursions.
The medina is large, so location within it matters. The area between Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace and the Mellah puts you close to the palaces and the main square. The Mouassine and Bab Doukkala areas are central but slightly calmer, and close to the souks and Le Jardin Secret. Riads near Riad Zitoun el-Jdid and Riad Zitoun el-Kedim streets are easy to find, which helps on your first night.
Tips for choosing a riad
- Ask how far the nearest point accessible by taxi is; porters with carts often bring luggage the last few hundred metres.
- Check whether the riad has a plunge pool or heating if you travel in summer or winter.
- Read recent reviews about noise: rooms around the courtyard carry sound.
- Ask the riad to send someone to meet you at the taxi drop-off point on arrival.
Gueliz and Hivernage: the modern city
Gueliz, built during the French protectorate, is Marrakech's modern centre, with avenues, galleries, international restaurants and supermarkets. It suits travellers who prefer standard hotels and apartments, longer stays or easy access to the train station. Hivernage, between Gueliz and the medina, is home to large hotels with pools and spas, plus bars and clubs. Both areas are a short taxi ride from Jemaa el-Fnaa.
The Palmeraie and the Atlas foothills
The Palmeraie, a palm grove north of the city, is dotted with villas and resort hotels set in gardens. It is popular with families who want space and a large pool, and it is the starting point of activities such as a quad bike and camel ride in the Palmeraie. Further out, the Atlas foothills offer guesthouses and eco-lodges in the valleys of Ourika, Asni and Ouirgane, about an hour from Marrakech, where the air is cooler and the pace slower.
Where to stay in Marrakech by type of traveller
- First visit, 2–4 nights: a riad in the medina. See our 3-day Marrakech itinerary to plan your days.
- Families with young children: a hotel with a pool in Hivernage or the Palmeraie, or a riad with a pool and family suites.
- Budget travellers: guesthouses and simple riads in the medina offer the best value.
- Hikers and nature lovers: one or two nights in the Atlas foothills after the city, combined with a day in Imlil and the Three Valleys.
- Desert travellers: if you leave on a 3-day Sahara desert tour, choose a medina riad: our pickups start early in the morning and drivers know where to meet you.
Practical tips
- Most tours, including ours, include free pickup from hotels and riads in Marrakech; give the exact address and the nearest landmark when booking.
- Petit taxis are cheap within the city; agree the fare before you get in at night.
- Book early for Easter, Christmas and New Year, when the best riads fill up weeks in advance.
- For first-hand safety advice, read is Morocco safe for tourists.
To compare districts on a map, the Wikipedia article on Marrakesh has a good overview of the city's layout and history. For sights in each area, see our Marrakech travel guide.
Book it with a local operator
- Marrakech: Medina Guided Walking Tour with Bahia Palace & Souks — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- Marrakech: Palmeraie Quad Bike Tour & Camel Ride with Mint Tea — from €30 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride, Dinner & Show at Camp — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- What Is a Riad? Staying in a Traditional Moroccan House
- Is Marrakech Worth Visiting? An Honest Look at the Pros and Cons
- Marrakech at Night: 12 Things to Do After Dark
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Marrakech for the first time?
The medina, in a riad near Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace or Mouassine. You can walk to the main sights and experience the atmosphere of the old city day and night.
Is it better to stay in a riad or a hotel in Marrakech?
A riad offers a more intimate and traditional experience in the medina; a hotel in Gueliz, Hivernage or the Palmeraie offers bigger pools, more facilities and easier car access. Many travellers combine both.
Is Gueliz or the medina better?
The medina is better for sightseeing and atmosphere; Gueliz is better for modern restaurants, shopping, longer stays and easy taxi access. They are about 10 minutes apart by taxi.
Do tours pick you up from riads in the medina?
Yes. Our tours include pickup from hotels and riads in Marrakech. Because cars cannot enter most medina lanes, the driver meets you at the nearest accessible point, which we confirm by WhatsApp.
Main photo: Arnaud 25, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
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