Choosing where to stay in Marrakech isn't just about choosing a hotel. It's about choosing a neighborhood, an atmosphere, a noise level, the way you'll experience the city on a daily basis. Two travelers can sleep 2 km apart and have completely different experiences.
Summary: Where to sleep in Marrakech
- Where to sleep in Marrakech
- The best places to stay in Marrakech
- Sleeping in Marrakech's Medina
- Guéliz
- Wintering
- Palmeraie & large villas
- Agdal & surroundings
- Where to sleep in Marrakech according to your travel profile
- Riads or hotels in Marrakech: which to choose?
- Practical tips and budget accommodation in Marrakech
- FAQ : Where to sleep in Marrakech in 2026?
We love Marrakech, but we also know that the medina can be noisy, that some hotels are very out of the way, that cabs don't always have the same fares day and night. This is an independent guide, based on experience and common sense, not on commissions.
So, we're going to review the best places to sleep in Marrakech, the types of accommodation (riad, hotel, villa, apartment-hotel), realistic budgets in 2026, and above all where to sleep in Marrakech according to your profile: couple, family, group of friends, low budget or very comfortable stay. And to complete your trip planning, you can keep the following information on hand this guide on what to visit in Marrakech.
How to choose where to sleep in Marrakech (3 simple criteria)
Your travel style
Before asking yourself where to stay in Marrakech, start with your travel style. It makes all the difference.
- Couple You're looking for charm, privacy, a nice room and, if possible, a terrace or rooftop for a drink at the end of the day. A riad in Marrakech's medina or a chic hotel in l'Hivernage is often a good match.
- Group of friends The most important thing is to give priority to atmosphere, separate rooms and easy access for going out in the evening. An apartment-hotel in Guéliz, a hotel in Hivernage or a villa in the Palmeraie may well do the trick.
- Family A riad is a place where you'll find all you need: a swimming pool, family rooms, space, a quiet environment and, if possible, easy access (for strollers, tired children, etc.). The big hotels in Agdal, some of the resorts in the Palmeraie and the apartment-hotels in Guéliz are often more suitable than a small riad at the end of a busy alley.
- Digital nomad / teleworking Good Wi-Fi, cafés, coworking spaces and restaurants within walking distance. Guéliz works very well for this, and sometimes some riads in the medina too, but be sure to check the connection.
- Short stopover (2-3 nights) The objective is to waste as little time as possible on travel. In this case, the best place to stay in Marrakech will often be in the medina (if you can accept the lively atmosphere) or in Hivernage / Guéliz, which are well connected by cab.
- Long stay (one week or more) You can afford to be a little further away, for example a villa in the Palmeraie or on the road to Ourika, as long as you accept cabs or rental cars.
Your budget per night
In 2026, the accommodation budget in Marrakech remains attractive overall, but prices fluctuate according to season, district and standing. The idea here is not to give fixed prices, but to give you a rough idea of where you stand:
- Small budget Youth hostels, simple riads, small hotels in Guéliz or the medina. Ideal for backpackers and those who prefer to keep their budget for activities, hammams and restaurants.
- Comfort budget The majority of travelers are located here. Good riad in the medina, 3-4* hotel with swimming pool, well-located apartment-hotel. You can indulge yourself without falling into absolute luxury.
- Luxury & palaces These include the grand hotels of the Hivernage, iconic addresses and top-of-the-range villas in the Palmeraie. You pay for the setting, the service, the pools, the spas, sometimes a “resort” level of comfort.
For a couple, a realistic “comfort” budget often corresponds to a good riad or a pleasant hotel in a good location. For families, you need to factor in the cost of larger rooms, or even connecting rooms.
Your need for ambiance
It's the criterion most often overlooked, but in Marrakech, it's perhaps the most important. Ask yourself: what do you want when you wake up and go home in the evening? Silence, neighborhood life, nightlife?
- Rather quiet In the Palmeraie, certain Agdal resorts or villas on the outskirts. You'll sleep well and enjoy the pools and gardens, but you'll have to rely on cabs or cars.
- Central, all on foot the medina. This is where you get the feel of the city, but you have to put up with the noise, the call to prayer, the scooters whizzing through the alleyways and the constant hustle and bustle.
- Festive / nightlife Hivernage and part of Guéliz are the right choice if you're looking for a place to stay in Marrakech and go out at night. Bars, clubs, rooftops, dinner shows... but also a bit of noise at the end of the evening.
- Local & modern city mix Guéliz, the new town, with its cafés, restaurants and concept stores, all within a few minutes' cab ride of the medina.
The best places to stay in Marrakech: overview
For a quick overview, the main districts where to sleep in Marrakech for a tourist stay are :
- Medina the historic heart, riads and souks.
- Guéliz The modern city, cafés, stores and local life.
- Wintering luxury hotels, chic restaurants, nightlife.
- Palmeraie Villas, large resorts, calm and greenery.
- Agdal / Ourika road / suburbs These include large hotel-clubs, shopping malls and newer, more extensive areas.
To help you compare quickly, here is a summary of the main areas to stay in Marrakech:
- Medina
Atmosphere: historical, immersive and lively.
For whom : first time in Marrakech, couples, travelers who want the riad experience.
Disadvantages : possible noise, confusing alleyways, less direct cab access. - Guéliz
Atmosphere: modern city, cafés, restaurants, local life.
For whom : long-stayers, digital nomads, low-budgeters who want practicality.
Disadvantages : less “postcard”, less exotic atmosphere than the Medina. - Wintering
Atmosphere: chic, luxury hotels, close to nightlife.
For whom : couples, comfort stays, rooftop dining and festive dinners.
Disadvantages : higher budget, less authentic than the Medina. - Palmeraie
Atmosphere: calm, green, villas and grand hotels.
For whom : families, groups, rest/pool breaks.
Disadvantages : far from the center, dependent on taxis/shuttles. - Agdal & suburbs
Atmosphere: residential, malls, large hotel complexes.
For whom : desire for big hotels with swimming pools, city/relaxation mix.
Disadvantages : less central, little Medina atmosphere on foot.
Sleeping in Marrakech's Medina: immersive, lively... and sometimes noisy
The medina is the Marrakech you imagine before you come: ochre walls, carved wooden doors, little riads hidden behind anonymous facades, calls to prayer, souks, the smell of spices and grilled meats. To sleep in the medina is to be in the heart of the city, just a few minutes' walk from Jemaa el-Fna, monuments, restaurants and most things to do.
For whom is it ideal?
- For a first time visitor to Marrakech, if you want to experience the city “from the inside”.
- For couples dreaming of a riad or hotel in Marrakech with patio, zelliges and roof terrace.
- For travellers who like to stroll, lose themselves in the narrow streets and observe local life.
Advantages and disadvantages of sleeping in the Medina
- Benefits :
- A unique atmosphere, hard to find anywhere else.
- Everything (or almost everything) is within walking distance: souks, monuments, restaurants, small cafés. For good addresses, take a look at our Marrakech restaurant guide.
- A wide choice of riads: from low-budget to top-of-the-range.
- Disadvantages :
- Noise: call to prayer early in the morning, neighborhood life, scooters in alleyways.
- Access: cars don't always go as far as the riad, so you may have to walk 3-5 minutes with your luggage.
- Orientation: for the first few days, without GPS, it's easy to get lost. That's part of the charm... or not, depending on the person.
What type of accommodation is best in the Medina (riads, guest houses, small hotels)?
In the medina, the most logical choice is a riad or guesthouse: a few rooms around a patio, sometimes a small swimming pool (more of a refreshing pool than a large one), and a rooftop terrace. The experience is intimate and often very warm.
There are also a few small hotels and boutique hotels, more akin to the classic hotel, but the neighborhood's DNA remains the riad.
For example, you will find :
- Small riads with 4-6 rooms, perfect for a guest house atmosphere.
- Larger guesthouses, sometimes with spa and restaurant.
- Palatial riads, highly decorated, with large terraces and several patios.
To compare more riads in the medina, consider using your favorite booking platform.
Guéliz: sleeping in modern Marrakech
Guéliz is the “new town” part of Marrakech: wide avenues, cafés, restaurants, boutiques, concept stores and coworking spaces. You'll meet tourists here, but mostly locals. If you're looking for a place to stay in Marrakech with a more urban feel, this is a good base.
For whom is it ideal?
- For digital nomads and those who work remotely, with good cafés and coworking spaces nearby.
- For travelers who prefer modern hotels (elevator, air-conditioning, parking) to the narrow streets of the medina.
- For those on a budget who want good value for money, even if it means taking a cab to visit the medina.
Advantages and disadvantages of sleeping in Guéliz
- Benefits :
- Restaurants, cafés, shops and services within walking distance.
- Wide choice of hotels and aparthotels, often at reasonable prices.
- Easy cab access to the medina, Hivernage and other districts.
- Disadvantages :
- Less “postcard Marrakech” charm than the medina.
- You can't really do everything on foot: for Jemaa el-Fna and the major monuments, cabs are almost compulsory.
What types of accommodation are available in Guéliz (modern hotels, appart-hotels, etc.)?
In Guéliz, you'll find :
- Modern 3-4* hotels, often with small pools or rooftops.
- Apartment-hotels, very practical for families or longer stays.
- Rental apartments, for those who want to cook or live more “like a local”.
For high-level aperitifs, have a look at this guide to the best rooftops in Marrakech.
Hivernage: luxury hotels & nightlife nearby
L'Hivernage is the district of the big hotels, chic restaurants, lounges and a good part of the nightlife of Marrakech. Palm-lined avenues, swimming pools, spas, clubs, rooftop bars... If you're looking for comfort and lively evenings, this is the place to be.
For whom is it ideal?
- For couples who want to combine a comfortable room, spa and good restaurants.
- For groups of friends who mainly want to go out at night (bars, clubs, dinner shows, rooftops).
- For those who prefer large hotels to small, hidden addresses.
Advantages and disadvantages of sleeping at l'Hivernage
- Benefits :
- Very good hotels, often with large pools, spas, restaurants, sometimes clubs or casinos.
- Immediate access to a large part of the dinner shows in Marrakech and exit locations.
- Airy neighborhood, sidewalks, wide avenues: easier to get around than the medina.
- Disadvantages :
- Higher rates on average.
- Less “authentic” and more international atmosphere.
- Noise possible at club exits, depending on hotel location.
Typical hotels and resorts in l'Hivernage
In particular, you'll find :
- Large 4-5* hotels with everything on site: pool, spa, restaurants, bars.
- A few more intimate boutique-hotels, sometimes nestled in quieter streets.
If your priority is to find a place to stay in Marrakech for a night out, l'Hivernage is clearly in the top 1-2 options.
Palmeraie & large villas: calm, nature and group breaks
The Palmeraie is a vast area of palm trees, villas and resorts just outside the city. People come here for the calm, space, gardens and large swimming pools, far from the hustle and bustle of the medina. But it's also a choice that means accepting cab journeys or rental cars.
For whom is it ideal?
- For families who want a hotel-club with swimming pools, entertainment and kids' club.
- For groups of friends renting a villa with private pool.
- For those looking for a relaxing stay (spa, rest, sun) with a few outings in town.
Advantages and disadvantages of sleeping at La Palmeraie
- Benefits :
- Calm, open spaces, gardens, “green vacation” atmosphere.
- Spacious, often beautiful villas, perfect for groups.
- Resorts with pools, activities and sometimes all-inclusive packages.
- Disadvantages :
- Distance from the center: every outing involves a cab ride.
- Some areas are very isolated, with few shops within walking distance.
- Not ideal for a very sightseeing-oriented first stay.
Villas, resorts & grand hotels: what you need to know
Before making a reservation at La Palmeraie, please check :
- The actual distance to the medina or Guéliz and average cab costs.
- Services included: shuttles, catering, breakfasts, chef or janitor for villas.
- Recent reviews, especially on pool and outdoor maintenance.
Many travelers combine a few nights in town (Medina or Hivernage) with a quiet mini-break, or even a trip to the Agafay desert - for more information, see our guide to the Agafay desert.
Agdal & surroundings: resorts, malls and outlying areas
Agdal and the outlying areas to the south of Marrakech (route de l'Ourika, route de l'Ourika prolongée, etc.) are home to numerous club hotels, large resorts, shopping centers and new complexes. The main attraction is the “pool + sun + occasional excursions” combo.
For whom is it ideal?
- For families who want a large pool, water games and entertainment.
- For groups looking for a hotel-club with everything on site.
- For those who want a “hotel vacation” with a few outings to the medina, Guéliz or the desert.
Advantages and limitations of sleeping on the outskirts of Marrakech
- Benefits :
- Wide open spaces, swimming pools, sometimes water parks and kids' clubs.
- Quieter atmosphere than the medina, larger rooms.
- Attractive package deals, especially out of high season.
- Limits :
- Dependence on cabs or shuttles to get into town.
- Less neighborhood life: we often stay within the confines of the hotel.
- Can give a very “international hotel-club” image that doesn't really reflect Marrakech.
Where to sleep in Marrakech according to your travel profile
Where to stay in Marrakech for the first time?
For a first visit, the most balanced combo is often :
- A riad in the medina for 2-3 nights, to experience the atmosphere from the inside.
- Then possibly a hotel in Hivernage or Guéliz to finish off your stay in a quieter, more comfortable setting, while still remaining close to the restaurants and rooftops.
Where to stay in Marrakech as a couple?
As a couple, it all depends on your style:
- For a romantic and typical atmosphere: a pretty riad in the medina, with terrace and breakfast on the roof.
- For a chic, festive atmosphere: a hotel in Hivernage with spa, pool and easy access to bars, clubs and dinner shows.
- For a city + relaxation mix: a few nights in the medina, then a villa or resort in the Palmeraie.
Where to stay in Marrakech with your family?
With children, logistics come first:
- Club hotels in Agdal or the surrounding area, with swimming pools, entertainment and kids' clubs.
- The Palmeraie resorts, for their space, gardens and large swimming pools.
- The apartment-hotels in Guéliz are practical for cooking, washing up and having more space.
Where to stay in Marrakech on a budget?
For a small budget, the best options are :
- Simple riads in less central areas of the medina.
- Small hotels in Guéliz or in slightly out-of-the-way areas.
- Youth hostels if you agree to share a room.
Leave a little room to enjoy the city: hammam Spa, street food, good restaurants and possibly a atmospheric evening or a trip to the Agafay desert.
Where to stay in Marrakech for a night out?
If your priority is outings :
- Wintering The number-one choice for nightlife (clubs, lounges, restaurants, dinner shows).
- Guéliz A few bars, restaurants and rooftops, with a quick cab to Hivernage or the medina.
Riads or hotels in Marrakech: which to choose?
The riad, is the quintessential Marrakech experience: small structure, traditional decor, patio, sometimes pool, rooftop terrace, home-cooked breakfast. The atmosphere is more intimate, more personalized, but also more variable from one address to the next. You'll often bump into other travellers, but in a guesthouse atmosphere.
The hotel, With a 24-hour reception, rooms of recognized standards, large swimming pools, spa, gym and a wide range of services. You'll find them at all price levels, from the small 3* to the palace.
In practice :
- Choose a riad if you want charm, authenticity and an intimate atmosphere, and if you don't mind walking through the narrow streets of the medina.
- Choose a hotel if you want services and facilities (large pool, spa, kids club), or if you're traveling with your family.
- Mix the two over a longer stay: a few nights in a riad, a few nights in a hotel or villa.
Practical advice and budget accommodation in Marrakech in 2026
Marrakech 2026 accommodation budget Rather than exact figures, consider these ranges:
- Small budget Inn or small, simple riad/hotel, ideal if you prefer activities.
- Comfort budget riad or good 3-4* hotel in a convenient neighborhood.
- Luxury palaces, large resorts, private villas, often in the Hivernage, in the Palmeraie or on the outskirts.
Seasons & price variations :
- High season: autumn and spring, school vacations, end-of-year celebrations. Prices go up and good addresses are booked up early.
- Low season: part of the summer (heat), some lows of the year. Good deals can be found.
- Bridges & long weekends: rates go up, especially at the most popular addresses.
Approximate distances & travel times (to give you an idea):
- Airport ⟶ Medina / Hivernage: about 15-20 minutes by cab depending on traffic.
- Medina ⟶ Guéliz: approx. 10-15 minutes.
- Medina ⟶ Palmeraie: 20-30 minutes depending on exact location.
- Médina ⟶ Agdal / route de l'Ourika: 15-25 minutes.
Check before you book :
- Look at the map: “near the medina” can mean a 5-minute walk or a 15-minute cab ride.
- Read recent reviews, especially on noise, cleanliness, breakfast quality and service.
- Look at travelers' photos, not just those of the establishment.
- For the medina, check whether the riad offers a transfer or accompaniment from a meeting point.
In a nutshell: where to sleep in Marrakech to suit your style
If you don't feel like reading the whole thing, here's a quick summary to help you choose where to stay in Marrakech:
- First time in Marrakech The Medina for the riad atmosphere + possibly a few nights in Guéliz or Hivernage for greater comfort.
- Couples stay A romantic riad in the Medina or a chic hotel in the Hivernage if you want to take advantage of the restaurants and rooftops.
- Family with children Large hotels or villas in the Palmeraie, Agdal or in quiet neighborhoods close to the center, with swimming pools and outdoor areas.
- Small budget Simple riads in the Medina or hotels/apart-hotels in Guéliz, more convenient for cabs and shopping.
- Feel like going out in the evening For those who prefer to sleep in the Hivernage or in certain areas of Guéliz, close to rooftops, bars and clubs.
FAQ : Where to sleep in Marrakech in 2026?
What's the best place to stay in Marrakech for a first visit?
For a first visit, the medina remains the most immersive choice. If you're afraid of the noise or bustle, you can also go halves: a few nights in the medina for atmosphere, then a few nights in Hivernage or Guéliz for comfort.
Where to sleep in Marrakech without a car?
Without a car, it's best to stay in well-connected neighborhoods: Medina, Hivernage, Guéliz. The Palmeraie and some hotels on the outskirts can be very pleasant, but you'll have to rely on cabs for every trip.
Where to stay in Marrakech on a budget?
If you're on a budget, look for small riads in the medina (off the most touristy streets), simple hotels in Guéliz and youth hostels. Try to avoid areas that are too far out of town: what you save on the room, you can quickly pay back in cabs.
Riad or hotel, which is better in Marrakech?
Neither is “better” in absolute terms. The riad is more intimate, more typical, sometimes a little more “rootsy”. Hotels are more standardized, with more facilities and services. The choice really depends on your style, budget and expectations.
Which district to avoid when staying in Marrakech?
There's no official “no-go” area, but for a first-time car-free visitor, very out-of-the-way areas (far from the medina, Guéliz and Hivernage) can be frustrating: you'll spend a lot of time in cabs. Similarly, if you're ultra-sensitive to noise, a riad in the heart of the medina can be complicated: opt for a more secluded area.
Where to stay in Marrakech to enjoy the restaurants and nightlife?
For restaurants, rooftops and nightlife, Hivernage and Guéliz are great choices. Here, you'll be close to all the hotspots, with a quick cab ride to the medina. To prepare for your evenings out, remember to our Marrakech restaurant guide, à our complete guide to dinner shows in Marrakech and this guide to the best rooftops in Marrakech.