Where to Stay in Morocco in 2023 | Best Areas & Hotels

Are you looking for trendy, cosmopolitan cities and a mix of contemporary North African culture and medieval heritage? Then you might want to visit Morocco, a country that successfully blends the best from North Africa and Europe.

Filled with beautiful natural landscapes and dazzling oriental architecture alongside colonial-era buildings testifying to its troubled past, Morocco is a true North African jewel, with its rich history dating back thousands of years.

Read on to find out more about where to stay when you visit this picturesque destination — let us be your guide!

The 4 Best Parts of Morocco

1. Rabat: One of the four imperial cities in Morocco — and the current Royal residence — Rabat is perfect for people who want to get to know this country’s royal history better.
2. Casablanca: Best for people who want to experience Morocco’s cosmopolitan charm. Ideal for architecture enthusiasts, business travelers, culture and art buffs, urban explorers, or anyone who loves shopping.
3. Marrakesh: An exotic city filled with colorful houses, narrow old town alleys, splendid palaces, and adventurous sights around the Atlas Mountains, it’s best for people who want a little bit of everything in their travels!
4. Fes: Hailed as the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, Fes is perfect for people seeking the more transcendent side of this fantastic country.

Where to Stay in Morocco: Best Areas & Hotels

Morocco offers many tourist spots and accommodation options. From modern metropolises and cultural centers to historic cities, mountain towns, and resorts, there’s something for everybody.

Price-wise, Morocco welcomes all types of travelers, be it luxury seekers or backpackers. All the cities on our list have tons of accommodation options varying in price, from super cheap to absurdly expensive and everything in between.

The same goes for food and restaurants. In Morocco, there’s no way you’ll stay hungry, regardless of your budget.

1. Rabat

Rabat is the capital of Morocco, and it’s a city with a long history. This city’s story starts with the Phoenicians in the first millennium BC, continues with the Arab and Berber tribes in the 10th century, and culminates with the French colonial rule at the beginning of the 20th century and the independence of Morocco in 1956.

Needless to say, Rabat has seen a lot. So, it’s unsurprising that, although urbanized, the city’s past still resonates through its streets and unique landmarks.

Among its most notable attractions is the gorgeous Kasbah of the Udayas, a city within a city and medieval stronghold with winding, narrow lanes and blue-and-white painted buildings inside its walls.

Its waterfront location offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bou Regreg River. Underneath the ascending fortress, you’ll encounter Rabat Beach, the city’s main beach, where you can relax, sunbathe, stroll, or even dip in the ocean.

Not far from the Kasbah, you’ll also see other imposing walls. This time, they belong to Chellah, a medieval fortified Muslim necropolis from the time of the Marinid Sultanate, now turned into a garden and place for tourists.

At the Chellah, you can also find Roman ruins and even older evidence of Phoenician presence. But Rabat is not all necropolises and kasbahs — it’s also a modern, lively capital with lots going on every day in every corner of the city.

In downtown Rabat, you can find countless places to go out and have fun, such as Upstairs, a superb pub to have a fun night out, have a couple of drinks with friends, and listen to live music.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Rabat in early fall, you’ll probably catch Jazz au Chellah, a fantastic jazz and world music festival held annually.

Overall, Rabat is a great city for first-time visitors to Morocco, blending cultural sublimities, imposing architecture, peaceful gardens, long stretches of beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

Things to Do

• The Hassan Tower is an impressive minaret from the 12th century, located next to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the final resting place of the late King and other royal family members. It’s worth visiting if you want to explore a magnificent example of Morocco’s medieval royal architecture.
• The Royal Palace of Rabat is a testament to Morocco’s rich royal history. While you can’t enter the Royal Palace, seeing the grand gates and impressive architecture from the outside is definitely a memorable sight.
• Relax in the peaceful Andalusian Gardens, adorned with fountains, palm trees, and colorful flowers, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Museum Mohammed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art is the perfect place to delve into the contemporary art scene of Morocco.
• You can visit Oudayas Museum to learn more about Moroccan history and culture.
• Hunt for unique souvenirs and handicrafts in the traditional markets (souks) of Rabat, where you can find everything from handmade textiles to exquisite jewelry.

Where to Eat

• Sufra Restaurant is near the beautiful Nouzhat Hassan Garden. It’s a lovely Moroccan restaurant serving local dishes with fresh ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Yamal Acham is a Syrian restaurant, a popular local spot that serves excellent Middle Eastern food. Its specialty is vegetarian dishes.
• Pause Gourmet might be on the expensive side, but it’s living proof that healthy food can also be extremely delicious.
• Restaurant Abtal Alcham is a popular spot in the city center that serves fresh North African and Middle Eastern dishes for a very affordable price.

Rabat Budget Hotels

• Riad La Porte du Bouregreg is a two-star hotel near the Plage de Salé Ville. It’s decorated in a typical Moroccan style, offering all the amenities you need for a comfy stay, including private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, TV, and air-conditioning.
• Riad Meftaha is a two-star, budget-friendly hotel in the heart of Rabat’s Medina. It’s a beautiful spot, perfect for travelers who seek a traditional Moroccan experience. It features a courtyard and a rooftop terrace with gorgeous city views.

Rabat Mid-Range Hotels

• Le Pietri Urban Hotel is a three-star hotel in the city center. This mid-range hotel offers modern, simple rooms with everything you need for a comfy stay. The place also has a restaurant that serves international cuisine and often features live music.
• Riad Marhaba is a three-star hotel also located in Rabat’s Medina, close to Beach Bouregreg. It offers comfortable rooms with beautiful traditional Moroccan décor and a lovely rooftop terrace where you can have breakfast free of charge.

Rabat Luxury Hotels

• Sofitel Rabat Jardin des Roses is a five-star hotel and one of the most luxurious accommodation options in Rabat. You’ll fall in love with its elegant rooms that seamlessly blend modern with traditional Moroccan styles. As a guest, you can use the three swimming pools, play mini-golf, or just relax at the hotel’s luxurious spa and wellness center.
• La Tour Hassan Palace is another amazing five-star hotel in a contemporary Moroccan building with a luxuriously detailed interior. As a guest, you can enjoy the hotel’s beautiful garden or take a spa day and use the hotel’s hammam and massage treatments.

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2. Casablanca

Many of you are probably familiar with the name Casablanca from the eponymous movie featuring Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart. But Casablanca is more than just a setting for the 1942 film — it’s a magnificent city that deserves all the spotlight it can get.  

First, it’s Morocco’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, one of the region’s busiest ports, and an important commercial hub. Because of this, Casablanca presents an amalgam of cultural, political, and historical influences.

It’s common to see colonial-era buildings in the center next to medieval constructions, leaving you plenty of opportunities to also admire the fantastic Mauresque architecture, a blend of Moorish and European art deco styles.

One of its most iconic landmarks, however, is the Hassan II Mosque, which also stands as one of the largest mosques in the world.

This masterpiece of Islamic architecture, finished in 1993, with its towering minaret, is a modern marvel that’s as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.  

Strolling along the loud, busy streets, you can explore another characteristic spot in Casablanca — the central market of the Habous Quarter, a bustling market, or “souk,” as they call it, where you can find anything and everything.

Despite its modern identity, Casablanca has also preserved its traditional Moroccan charm, and you can easily see this in places like the Royal Palace, the primary royal residence of the King of Morocco.

Having said all that, Casablanca truly shines when it comes to entertainment and nightlife, and it’s often the number one reason why people choose this city when visiting Morocco.

It offers an exciting array of restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as year-round festivals, such as the Casablanca Festival, which showcases contemporary music from around the globe, Jazzablanca, which is a great jazz, soul, and rock festival, and Tremplin L’Boulevard, setting the stage for domestic and international alternative artists.

Things to Do

• The Corniche is a picturesque coastal promenade where you can walk by the sea, enjoy the breeze and the beautiful views, or just stop by one of the beachside cafes or restaurants for a coffee or a snack. After dark, however, it transforms into the heart of the party in Casablanca.
• Old Medina is the old town of Casablanca, a fantastic labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with mosques, temples, traditional stores, historic homes, and charming cafés, and you can explore it to no end.
• The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is a small, exciting museum that showcases the rich history of the Jewish community in Morocco. It contains various artifacts like clothes, religious items, and documents that stand as a testament to the centuries-old Jewish presence in Morocco.
• Mohammed V Square is the central square in Casablanca. It’s the perfect spot to explore on your first day in Casablanca. It’s surrounded by French colonial buildings, including the City Hall and the City Courthouse.
• Shop in Morocco Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Africa, where you can find a wide range of local and international brands, as well as cinema and food courts.

Where to Eat

• Rick’s Café is a popular restaurant and bar in downtown Casablanca inspired by the iconic film. It’s a must-visit because it will make you feel like you’re sitting by the bar with Bogart or Bergman. But it’s also worth a visit for its nostalgic atmosphere and live music, as well as the delicious Moroccan and international cuisine.
• La Sqala is a historic fortress-turned-restaurant located near the Old Medina. Here you can enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine in a beautiful garden surrounded by old city walls.
• Le Cabestan is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves Moroccan and Asian dishes. It’s an expensive restaurant with great food by the waterfront, and it has some fantastic views of the ocean.
• Dar Dada is a traditional, beautifully styled Moroccan restaurant serving Lebanese cuisine that’s more than just a place to grab a bite — the atmosphere is just sublime, and trust us when we say that aesthetes will have a hard time leaving.  

Casablanca Budget Hotels

• Hotel Central is a budget-friendly two-star hotel with comfortable rooms that have private bathrooms and Wi-Fi. The hotel is conveniently located near the city center and the Central Market. It’s a great option for travelers seeking a simple and affordable stay.
• Ibis Casa Voyageurs is a three-star hotel, part of the well-known Ibis hotel chain. This hotel provides modern, clean rooms with essential amenities like private bathrooms, TV, and Wi-Fi. Its proximity to Casa-Voyageurs train station makes it a convenient choice for travelers arriving by train or those planning to explore other parts of Morocco by train.

Casablanca Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel Les Saisons is a three-star, mid-range hotel offering comfortable rooms with modern TV and Wi-Fi. It is located near the United Nations Square and is within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. Free breakfast is included in the room price.
• Novotel Casablanca City Center is a four-star hotel with a central location and contemporary design. The rooms are modern and have everything you need for a comfy stay, as well as extras like minibars and safes. The hotel also has a fitness center and a rooftop swimming pool, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Hotel Odyssee Center is a beautiful four-star hotel in a central location, close to the Casa-Port train station. Past visitors were particularly content with the level of cleanliness of the rooms and the rich, hearty breakfast options.

Casablanca Luxury Hotels

• Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is a five-star hotel with a beachfront location overlooking the ocean and the popular city beach, Plage Lalla Meryem. You simply can’t go wrong with Casablanca’s Four Seasons, given its chic rooms, the spa and fitness center, as well as the swimming pool and the great restaurant. Nearby are the Hassan II Mosque and the Anfa Place Shopping Center.
• Hyatt Regency Casablanca is a five-star hotel nestled in the heart of the city near United Nations Square. It has luxurious, bright rooms with big windows and super comfy beds, as well as a rooftop pool, several restaurants, bars, and bistros. The rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city is definitely our favorite.

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3. Marrakesh

Marrakesh is yet another city featured in Hollywood films and shows time and time again — and with good reason. The “Red City” is magnificent with its distinct terracotta buildings that are a hallmark of its architecture.

Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is one of North Africa’s most enchanting cities. The heart of Marrakesh lies within the bustling Medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

There, labyrinthine alleys lead to busy souks filled with colorful textiles, handcrafted goods, spices, and local delicacies.

At the center of the Medina lies the Jemaa el-Fnaa, an iconic square and marketplace, where different street performers, snake charmers, and local artisans sell their goods, along with numerous food stalls, captivating the crowds all year round.

The city’s architectural wonders are best represented by the stunning Bahia Palace and the intricately designed Saadian Tombs, offering a glimpse into the riches and splendor of Moroccan royalty throughout history.

If you want a more serene retreat, visit the Majorelle Garden and marvel at its vibrant blue structures and exotic plant species.

But the magic of Marrakesh extends beyond its historic sites. This city is also home to a rich and diverse art scene with galleries, such as the House of Photography, and museums, such as the Dar Si Said Museum, which showcases local artistic products (carpets, clothes, various handicrafts) from the 11th century to the present.

The city’s diverse culinary offerings are a delight for food enthusiasts — just think of the traditional tagines and aromatic mint tea available on every corner.

Last but not least, perhaps the most important aspect of Marrakesh is its surroundings, offering opportunities for day trips and excursions.

The Atlas Mountains are the first option, but camel rides in the nearby Palm Grove (La Palmeraie) or Berber villages are yet another, more rural side of Morocco with glorious landscapes.

Read Next: Best & Worst Times to Visit Marrakech & Is Marrakech Safe to Visit in 2023?

Things to Do

• Ibn Youssef School is a 16th-century college building with a prayer hall and beautiful courtyards with decorative tiles and carved wood. It’s an exemplary piece of Moroccan architecture, and you should visit it if you want to know more about this architectural style.
• Marrakesh is famous for its tanneries, so if you’re interested in this timeless leathercraft tradition, you should book a guided tour and visit the traditional tanneries of the city. It’s truly an incredible experience — the colorful dye pits and the distinct smell of leather are bound to stay with you long after you return home.
• Another tradition in Marrakesh is indulging in the traditional Moroccan hammams. If you want a super-relaxing and rejuvenating experience, visit one of Marrakesh’s bathhouses, like Les Bains de Marrakech Morocco, Les Bains d` Azahara, and Les Bains D’Orient. Most offer traditional steam baths, scrubbing rituals, massages, and much more.
• We’d be remiss if we didn’t emphasize the outdoor activities you can participate in. Opt for an overnight tour in the Agafay Desert; trek the Atlas Mountains; visit a Berber village — the choice is yours.

Where to Eat

• Le Jardin Restaurant Marrakech Medina is a traditional Moroccan restaurant in a beautiful 16th-century building. Its jade-green tiled floors, filled with cozy tables and greenery, alongside the breezy, open-air space, make up for a beautiful relaxed atmosphere that will take you far away from the present moment. Oh, and the food? Superb!
• Chez Brahim Restaurant is a popular traditional Moroccan restaurant where you can eat amazing tagine accompanied by live music for a very affordable price.
• La Cantine des Gazelles is a quirky, pink-colored Moroccan restaurant in the heart of Marrakesh. It’s an affordable, trendy place that serves great food in a lively, vibrant, and colorful atmosphere.
• La Pergola Jazz Bar is a rooftop bar and restaurant with live music gigs. It’s an amazing place. It’s hip and modern, and it features great music and superb food in the heart of Marrakesh. What more could you want?

Marrakesh Budget Hotels

• Hotel Atlas is a one-star hotel in an excellent location in the Medina district in Marrakesh, super close to the Jemaa El-Fna Square. It offers comfy rooms with shared bathrooms and a balcony, as well as a patio for guests. It’s a very affordable stay offering superb accommodation conditions for the price.
• Riad Dar Attika is a charming two-star hotel that will make you feel like a true local — starting from the wonderful Morrocan architecture to the great service. It has comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with beautiful views. It’s a great option for travelers looking for an authentic Moroccan experience at an affordable price.

Marrakesh Mid-Range Hotels

• Riad Tizou is a three-star hotel nestled in Marrakesh’s Medina. This mid-range riad boasts a mix of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, offering pleasant, beige-toned rooms with beautiful, natural-style bathrooms, great service, and a hearty breakfast included in the price.
• Riad Jomana is a three-star hotel near Le Jardin Secret, a 19th-century botanical garden. It’s a lovely, quiet, and cozy hotel that’s friendly on your budget. You’ll find spacious rooms with comfy beds and private bathrooms, as well as a rooftop terrace for sunbathing. The hotel also offers complimentary breakfast.

Marrakesh Luxury Hotels

• Royal Mansour Marrakech is a super luxurious five-star hotel. The hotel has three pools, a spa and fitness center, beautiful marbled bathrooms, and personalized butler service. The Royal Mansour is a sanctuary of luxury and refinement, but that’s also reflected in its price.
• Four Seasons Resort Marrakech is a five-star luxury resort with tasteful rooms, lush gardens, multiple swimming pools, a spa, and three restaurants that serve Andalusian, Moroccan, and South Italian cuisine. This hotel provides a peaceful retreat in opulence just minutes away from the bustling Medina.

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4. Fes

Fes is considered the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. It’s a city that can effortlessly bring you back in time with its enchanting architecture and labyrinthine streets of the old Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Situated in the inner, northern part of the country, Fes is one of the oldest and most well-preserved imperial cities, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rich past.

Fes is home to the University of Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest university in Morocco and one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world, dating back to the 9th century.

The city also has a spiritual significance for Morrocoans and people worldwide, evident in the numerous city mosques and religious sites. One example is the Bou Inania Madrasa, an architectural gem from 1355 in the Marinid architecture style, featuring stunning tilework, Arabic calligraphy, and woodcarvings.

The tanneries of Fes are another iconic attraction. We mentioned them when we talked about Marrakesh, but in Fes, they’re also a cultural legacy that continues to this day.

These traditional leather-making techniques have been passed down through generations, and the great thing is that now you, as a traveler, can witness these age-old processes of dyeing leather.

You can also go through the city’s leather shops looking for an authentic piece of clothing or a leather item to carry home. Chouara Tannery is one of the biggest and oldest in the old Medina, so don’t miss out on it!

But Fes’s story doesn’t end here. The city is filled with amazing eateries — if you’re looking for tagine made with local ingredients, hearty couscous, and delicious, mouth-watering baklava, this is where you’ll find all of that in its most authentic form.

And when it comes to entertainment, we should mention that Fes is also home to a wonderful festival in June — the annual Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, where you’ll get to enjoy concerts, discussions, and collaborative performances of Muslim and Christian devotional music.

Things to Do

• The Jnan Sbil Gardens is a beautiful, serene green space near the iconic Bab Bou Jeloud gate. Take some time off to visit both and enjoy the views of the gate and the picturesque gardens.
• The Marinid Tombs used to be a royal necropolis for the Marinid dynasty, rulers of Morocco from the 13th to the 15th centuries. Nowadays, they stand on a hill as proud reminders of Morocco’s past; the spot is also a great lookout point over Fes’ streets.
• The Jewish Quarter (Mellah) is another thing to explore in Fes. You can visit the Jewish cemetery and the beautifully restored Danan Synagogue, which dates back to the 17th century. Very near is the Synagogue Al Fassiyine, another beautiful synagogue with many Morrocan-style influences.
• Take a day trip to the wonderful nearby town of Meknes and the archeological site Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses Roman ruins. The town of Meknes is another place that is a symbol of Morroco’s imperial past, with its gorgeous Bab Mansour gate containing grand arches and a mosaic tiling, the Royal Stables (Heri es-Souani), and the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes the capital city in the 17th century.
• Visit Talâa Kbira, the main street in the old Medina part of the city, with many open-air markets.

Where to Eat

• Chez Hakim is a small restaurant near the Bab Boujloud gate that serves delicious local food. The portions are generous, the prices are very affordable, the service is great, and the atmosphere is even better — tucked into a side alley, you’ll feel like you’re one of the locals.
• Nagham Restaurant & Cafe is a cute Morrocan restaurant styled in typical Morrocan style. A place recommended by locals, with fresh, mouth-watering food and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The Ruined Garden is a charming place — a Morrocan restaurant with a beautiful garden and great food. It’s not the cheapest place in Fes, but it’s definitely worth a visit. You’ll absolutely love the atmosphere and the setting, and we’re sure you’ll want to come back.
• Le Tarbouche is a restaurant near the Fes’ tanneries. It’s a small place that serves amazing Morrocan food — and also some international dishes — for very affordable prices. You’ll love the friendly atmosphere and the artsy setting.

Fes Budget Hotels

• Riad Tayba is a beautiful, budget-friendly, three-star hotel in downtown Fes. Travelers are particularly enamored by the oriental-style rooms with private bathrooms, the wonderful service, and the nice breakfast included in the room price.
• Riad Dar Omar is a three-star hotel in the Fes El Bali district. It’s a great place for budget-conscious travelers, offering all the basic amenities you need for a comfy stay — a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The rooms are in the charming Morrocan style. There’s also breakfast included in the room price.

Fes Mid-Range Hotels

• Riad La Cle de Fes is a three-star hotel offering stylish rooms and a peaceful courtyard for relaxation. It’s a short walk from the Medina and other historic sites. Guests particularly like the rooftop terrace and the friendly service.
• Riad Fes Maya Suite & Spa is a four-star hotel nestled in Fes’ Medina. Rooms have a luxurious feel to them, and the hotel is a delightful place to stay in because it’ll make you feel like a Morrocan king or queen. There is a spa and wellness center with traditional hammam treatments that you can use as a guest and a beautiful rooftop terrace to have breakfast.

Fes Luxury Hotels

• Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux is a luxury five-star hotel made in the Morrocan style with rich interiors. The rooms are spacious and beautiful. Every room has a bathtub in front of a fireplace where you can take long baths in the evenings. There’s also an outdoor pool and a great hotel restaurant where guests can savor Moroccan and international cuisine.
• Hotel Sahrai is a super-luxurious five-star hotel on a hilltop overlooking the city. Guests absolutely love the vast outdoor rooftop pool with great views of Fes. The hotel has a splendid design, modern and stylish rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a spa and wellness center.

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Over to You — Book Your Trip Today!

🏆 Best for First Timers	Rabat
🎉 Best for Nightlife	Casablanca
⛰️ Best for Outdoor Experience	Marrakesh
🏹 Best for Cultural Experience	Fes

Morocco is a country rich in historical, cultural, and natural treasures. Accommodation-wise, it has a lot of options and caters to any traveler’s budget — from those seeking ultra-budget-friendly lodgings to those opting for super-luxurious ones and anything in between.

Choosing which city to stay in depends on what type of adventure you’re going after. That’s why here we’ve decided to include cities catering to varied tastes.

Rest assured, Morocco’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage ensure a unique and memorable stay, no matter where you choose to rest!