The Best Places to Stay in Marrakech
In the coming fortnight we will be launching our new Marrakech City Guide, however we want to give you a sneak preview of some of our favourite riads, hotels and royal estates in Marrakech right now.
Marrakech is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in Africa. The Medina, Marrakech’s ancient city, offers a wildly exotic, rustic and energetic local scene intermixed with luxurious hideaways; La Palmeraie provides isolated tranquility within the confines of its luxurious estates; whereas in Gueliz, you’ll discover Marrakech’s modernised ‘new town’. This is a city where you can experience a taste of everything, so prepare yourself for an exciting journey.
WHERE TO STAY
Marrakech’s accommodation scene spans from luxurious 5-star hotels and royal estates to intimate, charming local riads (small Moroccan guest houses) located in the heart of Marrakech’s ancient city.
Luxury Hotels Marrakech’s opulent grande-dame, La Mamounia, is one of the most exclusive and glamourous hotels in the world. Owned by Morocco's royal family, La Mamounia recently underwent a luxurious refurbishment by legendary French designer, Jacques Garcia. For a more intimate experience, La Villa des Orangers is a beautiful garden oasis which blends stylish New Moroccan interiors with original 1930s architecture. Located 15 minutes out of Marrakech in La Palmeraie, the Ksar Char-Bagh estate is the epitome of minimalist contemporary Moroccan luxury, drawing inspiration from 14th century Andalucian architecture to create a tranquil sanctuary with a colourful aromatic garden and outdoor swimming pool.
Riads If you want to experience a more authentic sense of the city's local people, homestyle cuisine, traditional architecture and interior design, then we highly recommend staying at a local Moroccan riad while you’re in Marrakech. Riad El Mezouar is one of the best value boutique riads in town, with elegant, traditional interiors and a peaceful atmosphere despite its location in the buzzing, lively northern Medina district. Riad El Fenn is one of the most stylish riads in Marrakech (owned by Richard Branson’s sister, Vanessa) with chic New Moroccan interiors, lovely leafy courtyards and a rooftop terrace with 360° Medina views. Riad Al Moussika offers a riad experience rich in history and tradition, and features nightly live Moroccan music performances. Other more contemporary riad options include the Riad 72, the Riad Maison MK and the Riad Assakina.
Local Escapes Only one hour's drive from Marrakech, escape to the remote heights of Morocco’s dramatic Atlas Mountains (the highest mountain range in Africa) to the peaceful Bab Ourika hotel for stunning views (expect an exciting drive on winding local roads to get there). For a more unique Marrakech experience, head to the isolated desert eco-resort, La Pause, tucked away in a hidden desert oasis to experience a rough-luxe version of life as a Moroccan Berber village-dweller. The luxurious Amanjena resort on the outskirts of Marrakech is also an alluring sanctuary to rest and relax, boasting one of the most beautiful spas in Marrakech.
