Mar 5, 2024

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13 Amazing Hotels in Morocco: Luxury Riads & More

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The Modern Travel Agency

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Whitewashed, arched walls surround a lavish courtyard pool and palm garden in a Marrakech riad

Looking for the best hotels in Morocco? From La Mamounia in Marrakech to La Sultana Oualidia, we’re breaking down the top luxury hotels across Morocco’s vibrant and historic cities. 

Can’t wait to jet off? Connect with a Fora Advisor to plan and book your trip. They’ll be able to provide you with custom recommendations for a personalized Morocco itinerary, including everything from the best food in Morocco to the best opportunities for adventure. Plus, they can score you VIP perks at many of the top Morocco hotels.

13 of the best hotels in Morocco

Read on for an overview of 12 of our favorite luxury Morocco hotels, organized by destination. Of course, there are so many more properties worthy of being included. This is just a sample to kickstart your Morocco wanderlust.

Casablanca

Casablanca is the entry point for most travelers from the United States. It’s Morocco’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, with a blend of Moorish and European influences — especially the architecture, which has an Art Nouveau / Art Deco vibe. Most travelers are happy spending only a day or two in Casablanca before moving on. Here’s where to stay.

1. Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca: where to stay in Morocco to recover from jetlag

Within a chic room: a hardwood desk sits prominently before bay windows overlooking a Casablanca beach

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

Four Seasons’ Casablanca hotel is an exceptional choice if you’re looking for a stopover hotel before venturing to other destinations in Morocco. There’s a full-service spa, several reputable restaurants and a solid selection of rooms and suites.

As with most Four Seasons properties, you’ll want to make sure you’re booking a room that checks all of the boxes for your preferences, and booking with a Fora Advisor is a great way to partner with an expert who can help you choose which side of the property you want to be on (the beach, garden and landscape views all differ quite significantly). 

(Want to know all your hotel options in the area? Our guide to hotels in Casablanca, Morocco has you covered.)

Fora Perks at Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca:

  • When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

2. Royal Mansour Casablanca: a 1950s-revival project promising lavish accommodations & service

Royal Mansour’s newest property is a stunning example of the 1950s’ Art Deco movement brought into the 21st century. The attention to detail here is off the charts: staff uniforms harken back to the glamor of the 50s, as does the retro-chic guestroom decor (bright colors, modular furniture).

High-rise accommodations offer lovely views of the city — including the tower of the Hassan II Mosque — along with lavish furnishings, expansive rooms and suites (even the smallest offers 550 square feet) and excellent service. The hotel also boasts a two-floor spa, dining options helmed by Michelin-Starred chefs and immediate access to Casablanca’s Art Deco district, where you’ll find a mix of upscale and casual boutiques.

Marrakech-Safi

The region of Marrakech-Safi is filled with diverse landscapes, bustling cities and storied culture. In Marrakech proper, prepare for sensory overload. The city is a dazzling (and exciting) mix of aromas, lively souks (Moroccan street markets) and surprisingly well-preserved architecture, some of which dates back to the 11th century. Many of the best hotels in Morocco are found here, with options ranging from traditional riads to glamorous hotels and resorts.

Meanwhile, elevated experiences inspired by Morocco’s nomadic past can be found further out from the region’s urban hubs.

3. La Mamounia (Marrakech): one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Morocco

A woman enters a lavish spa in the middle of a Moroccan hammam at La Mamounia

Image courtesy of La Mamounia

Wowing legends like Charlie Chaplin and Alfred Hitchcock alongside more infamous company — like Anna Delvey — La Mamounia has long held a reputation as one of the preeminent luxury hotels in Morocco since its opening in 1929. Expect grandiose decor, lavish amenities, a nearly unparalleled sense of refinement throughout its rooms, suites and spaces built like traditional riads it’s the place to see and be seen.

La Mamounia is an exercise in discerning travel — even more so after a 2023 renovation — and it should come as no surprise that it’s widely regarded as one of the best Marrakech hotels. In fact, La Mamounia was Fora’s most-booked Moroccan hotel in 2023.

You’ll find La Mamounia only a short distance from the ruins of El Badi Palace, near the center of the city. La Mamounia’s location is hard to beat if you’re planning on exploring Marrakech, and both the medina and several notable attractions are all close by (check out our food and culture guide to Marrakech for suggestions).

Fora Perks at La Mamounia:

  • $100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

4. Royal Mansour Marrakech: a ritzy riad that seamlessly blends in with the Marrakech medina

a couch and two chairs in an opulent courtyard filled with plants, curved arches, and intricate tile work

Images courtesy of Royal Mansour Marrakech

As opposed to Royal Mansour Casablanca, the brand’s Marrakech location can be thought of more as a riad with the amenities of a hotel.The property checks a lot of boxes: it’s centrally located and has a lot of space (13 acres, in fact); this is a rare combination for hotels in Marrakech. 

The design here is intended to mirror the Marrakech medina, with the concept being a “medina within a medina.” Royal Mansour is beautiful, and the extensive grounds and limited occupancy ensure guests feel a sense of exclusivity. The property is also located in a spot that’s convenient for visiting Marrakech’s most notable sites. The hotel is located only minutes from the medina, and barely a couple of blocks from the Koutoubia mosque, a gorgeous example of 12th-century architecture.

It’s worth noting that Royal Mansour has an additional property coming soon to Tamuda Bay.

Fora Perks at Royal Mansour Marrakech:

  • $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

(Looking for more things to visit in Marrakech? See our guide.)

5. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech: a family-favorite hotel in Morocco

The riad-style grounds of Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, with opulent pool areas and gardens between clay buildings

Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

If you know and love the Four Seasons, the Marrakech property is a great bet for you: classy rooms and decor, refined onsite restaurants, premier service — the works. 

At the same time, exploration beyond the resort is highly encouraged (and facilitated)...and if you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth noting that Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is one of the most family-friendly hotels in Morocco (BTW: read our family-friendly guide to Marrakech). The onsite kids’ club is top-tier, so parents can feel free to venture beyond the resort’s grounds (or, just to the spa) without stressing about the littles. And Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is still only a short drive from many of the city’s coolest spots. Unsurprisingly, Four Seasons Resort Marrakech was among our top-booked hotels in Morocco last year.

(Need more intel on Four Seasons Resort Marrakech? Wondering what to do with 5 days in Marrakech? Read our guides.)

Fora Perks at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech:

  • When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.

6. Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech: a gorgeous resort set on a 50-acre garden oasis

An ornately decorated common space belonging to a suite at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

Image courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech

A common theme among Marrakech hotels: you have to choose between beautiful rooms, covetable views and great common areas. At Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, you can have your cake and eat it, too. 

Manicured gardens and quiet courtyards surround elegant villas and suites enhanced by the property’s “enjoy the sun” concept, which emphasizes natural lighting. At night, this Morocco hotel comes to life with live music and entertainment, but not to the point where weary travelers can’t retire peacefully to their rooms.

Style-wise, Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech melds the brand’s classic, Hong Kong-inspired aesthetic with local designs for an overall theme that’s as unique as it is chic.

Fora Perks at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech:

  • $100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade whenever possible.

7. Riad Sakkan (Marrakech): an artful choice in the heart of the city

A view of the Atlas mountains from the Medina of Marrakech, with a prominent tower featured in the center

Found just outside the Marrakech medina, Riad Sakkan may be the ideal choice for travelers seeking a stay at a boutique property. 

Riad Sakkan offers a bold and stylish take on traditional Moroccan riads, with a theme self-described as “laidback luxury.” The riad is built around two quiet courtyards — one filled with fountains and the other with a heated pool — and only features a dozen suites. While all are individually designed, there’s a common emphasis on artful contemporary design with overt references to traditional Moroccan design. 

Striking tilework and hand-carved wooden fixtures mingle with trendy furnishings and decor. On the rooftop, there’s an intimate lounge area complete with a restaurant and tapas bar.

Fora Perks at Riad Sakkan:

  • €20 hotel / resort credit, welcome treat, upgrade & extended check-out whenever possible.

8. Caravan by Habitas Agafay: a throwback to the nomadic lifestyle of centuries past

From the inside of a Caravan by Habitas Agafay tent, a view of an outside patio area with the Agafay desert in the background

Image courtesy of Caravan by Habitas Agafay

An experience as much as it is an (awesome) place to stay, Caravan by Habitas consists of a nomad-like settlement set in the semi-remote Agafay Desert. Instead of hotel rooms, guests get to choose from an array of lavishly decorated tents and small lodges. However, consider Caravan by Habitas a step above “glamping” — the vibe is rustic, but far from casual (this is very much a luxury “hotel”).

Cultural immersion is a huge part of the resort. From wellness treatments and meals to special events — like morning tea ceremonies and camelback excursions through rocky dunes — everything here is crafted with an eye on Moroccan tradition. 

The in-the-middle-of-nowhere location offers literally stellar views of the night sky and unhindered views of the Atlas Mountains, which jut out of an otherwise barren landscape. And yet, Caravan by Habitas is only around 45 minutes from Marrakech.

Fora Perks at Caravan by Habitas Agafay:

  • Complimentary air & concierge services.

9. Dar Ahlam (Skoura): a traditional kasbah, ideal for desert-bound travelers 

Manicured desert vegetation and trees conceal a Moroccan castle, the Dar Ahlam hotel

Image courtesy of Dar Ahlam

Another departure from the glamorous hotels in Morocco that we’ve covered so far, Dar Ahlam is a kasbah, a castle-like property found in Skoura, on the edge of the Moroccan desert. In the best way, staying here feels like opening a window into Morocco’s cultured past. And while the resort bears the appearance of a historical site, the accommodations and amenities are majestic. 

Daryn Schwartz, a member of Fora X, says, "After relaxing for a night or two, you can set out to Dar Ahlam's desert camp, situated in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, you're greeted with traditional Moroccan tea before you set out on the rippling dunes. A romantic aperitif awaits you at dusk, followed by a candlelit meal under the stars. After a relaxing night in your luxury tent you can watch the sunrise while on a camel ride accompanied by a nomad."

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Meals, for example, incorporate ingredients from local gardens and souks, and are extravagantly prepared and served. No two are the same, offering an authentic and theatrical experience fit for the culture enthusiast and foodie alike. 

Dar Ahlam is a great starting point for desert-bound adventures. To name a few: you can traverse the dunes on camelback, enjoy a chauffeured 4x4 through picturesque valleys or tour the ancient ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Fora Perks at Dar Ahlam:

  • Complimentary massage, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast

The southern stretch of Morocco’s Atlantic coast is sparsely populated (at least compared to the major cities), but rich in adventure and relaxation. Many of the hotels here focus on experiences that emphasize the country’s natural beauty: paddleboarding through quaint lagoons, surfing rough swells, off-roading through desert valleys, enjoying local hammam treatments…

10. Fairmont Taghazout Bay: a beachside retreat away from the hustle & bustle of Morocco’s major cities

Semi-open-air room at Fairmont Taghazout Bay with the calm waters of the Atlantic visible through bay doors and windows

Image courtesy of Fairmont Taghazout Bay

Fairmont Taghazout Bay pampers guests while offering unimpeded access to some of the country’s most scenic beaches. 

This Morocco hotel boasts a variety of onsite excitement and relaxation, including sandboarding, boxing classes and a surf club on the adrenaline-pumping side of the spectrum, as well as yoga classes and a full-service spa to refresh and unwind. The latter provides both Western and traditional Moroccan treatments. 

As for the hotel itself, the decor has a contemporary style infused with traditional Moroccan influences. Guests can choose from expansive guest rooms, suites or ocean-view villas.

Fora Perks at Fairmont Taghazout Bay:

  • Hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

(Not sure what else to do while you’re visiting? Our 5-day Morocco itinerary has ideas.)

11. La Sultana Oualidia: a beautiful luxury hotel on Morocco’s central Atlantic coast 

A private terrace with elaborate bed setting and patio leading to an infinity pool that looks out over the Oualidia lagoon

Image courtesy of La Sultana Oualidia

About halfway between Casablanca and Essaouira, Morocco, La Sultana Oualidia is a boutique hotel housed in a historic, beachfront Morrocan estate. There are only a handful of (lavishly decorated) rooms, which, coupled with the hotel’s relatively remote location, makes for an especially low-key stay far from the bustle of the urban choices mentioned above.

The property is perched over the serene Oualidia Lagoon, where guests can enjoy horseback riding along the shoreline, paddleboarding and more. La Sultana Oualidia also makes an appearance in our guide to the most luxurious surfing destinations around the world. Beginners can hit the waves of the lagoon during high tide while experienced surfers can take to the strong currents of the Atlantic.

Fora Perks at La Sultana Oualidia

  • Complimentary welcome gift, complimentary Royal Hammam treatment, upgrade & extended check-out whenever possible. 

Fes

Fes is Morocco’s cultural capital and a must-stop destination for travelers seeking to experience the country at its most authentic. The best accommodations here favor the traditional riad style, with Riad Fes and Palais AMANI being easy favorites.

Fun fact: Fes sports one of the world’s largest car-free urban hubs, the Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

12. Riad Fes - Relais & Châteaux: stylistically, one of the very best hotels in Morocco

Tiled columns and archways surround an opulent courtyard filled with lavish decor and furnishings at Riad Fes, one of the top hotels in Morocco

Image courtesy of Riad Fes - Relais & Châteaux

Of all the hotels in Morocco — or riads, to be more precise — that our Fora Advisors stayed at during our recent FAM trip, Riad Fes stood out as a clear favorite. Charming yet decidedly elevated, Riad Fes presents a unique blend of Andalusian and Moroccan design elements to create a dreamy vibe and atmosphere for its guests. 

All the rooms are individually designed, and separated into five different houses connected by a main home with a decadent pool (the largest in the medina).

Pro tip: book the spa in advance. It’s always full.

For travelers seeking a contemporary alternative, Riad Fes’ sister property Hotel Sahrai is a solid choice.

Curious about Riad Fes and Hotel Sahrai? Ask a Fora Advisor for the lowdown on both. We can break down all the differences — rates, style, amenities, restaurant menus… — so you can best choose the Morocco hotel that fits your travel preferences.

Fora Perks at Riad Fes:

  • VIP welcome, breakfast daily.

Fora Perks at Hotel Sahrai:

  • $50 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

(BTW: exploring landmarks like the Medina of Fes is one of our favorite things to do in Morocco.)

13. Palais AMANI, Fes: one of the best hotels in Morocco for local immersion

Striking Moroccan decor fills a lavish, if homey suite at Palais AMANI, Fes

Image courtesy of Palais AMANI, Fes

Imagine wandering through the souks of Fes to gather your own ingredients for a rooftop cooking class taught by a reputable local chef. That’s just one of the incredible experiences to be had at Palais AMANI, an exciting alternative to Riad Fes that trades the former’s striking design elements for a wealth of authentic and culturally immersive experiences. That’s not to say Palais AMANI isn’t beautiful or Riad Fes isn’t adventurous, it’s simply not their main allures, respectively.

Despite technically being the largest riad in the Fes medina, Palais AMANI is a boutique property with just 21 rooms. Translation: guests get to enjoy some privacy while they sample the property’s many activities.

(Is Morocco safe enough to wander the souks alone? You bet — but we definitely recommend visiting with a guide so that you don’t get lost. Our article has the full lowdown if you’re curious.)

Hotels in Morocco: FAQs & tips

Have questions about Morocco hotels? Here are a few common answers.

(Or check out our Morocco travel guide for in-depth intel, like the best time to visit Morocco.)

What’s the best area to stay in Morocco?

Our guide to Morocco's best places to visit covers this in detail, and we don’t love picking favorite cities,  but for a quick overview: Marrakech is typically the most popular spot. You’ll likely fly through Casablanca, but it’s often considered more of a stopover city. Fes offers travelers a more local, immersive and traditional experience. Coastal cities like the boho-chic Essaouira or a trip to the Sahara offer a vastly different experience centered on enjoying Morocco’s natural beauty. 

We’re willing to bet that you’ll be scheming a visit back before you leave.

What are hotels called in Morocco?

A traditional Moroccan tea set, with metal kettle and ceramic sugar bowl, sitting on a wooden table

Western-style accommodations are still called hotels, but traditional accommodations in Morocco are known as riads. The latter are traditional Moroccan homes (very, very big homes) and are more like guesthouses or boutique accommodation experiences.

When should you book a Morocco hotel? How far in advance?

It depends on the season and your desired itinerary (maybe you’re planning the ultimate honeymoon in Morocco?). Booking a hotel in Morocco's more coveted destinations, like Marrakech, during the peak travel season can be difficult, so we do recommend planning in advance if you have your eyes on a specific property. But it’s worth noting that there are so many great hotel options in Morocco, so if you have flexibility in your preferences, booking closer to your travel date is totally doable.

Ready to stay at the best hotels in Morocco? Book with Fora

Can’t decide which of these Morocco hotels you’re most interested in? Connect with a Fora Advisor to get customized, one-on-one support to book and plan your trip. Plus, we have access to perks, upgrades and more at all of the top luxury hotels in Morocco. 

Not sure Morocco is the right destination for your next trip? Find more travel guides below:

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