Where to Stay in Marrakesh: Beautiful Riads, Best Areas, & My Experience

I went from never having visited Marrakesh to suddenly navigating its maze of a Medina, spending weeks in upscale Guéliz, and sleeping in centuries-old riads—more than a few times.

Safe to say, I’ve learned a lot lately about Morocco’s chaotic ‘Red City.’

From my experiences staying in different areas of Marrakesh, I’ve come to discover what makes each neighborhood unique (and worth your while).

Some areas of Marrakesh are sensory overload, while others retain a quiet, more local feel.

Whether you’re looking for riads in the walled Old Town with dreamy tiled courtyards and free rooftop breakfasts, or apart-hotels in more tucked-away and upscale Guéliz, this guide maps out the best neighborhoods and places to stay in each.

In this post, I’ll share my experience from my multiple stays in Marrakesh, plus some good-to-know tips for how to find the best accommodation that suits your budget and itinerary.

Where I’ve Stayed in Marrakesh (& What I’d Recommend)

Solo Female Stay in the Medina

For women, traveling to Marrakesh alone can feel daunting. That’s why I recommend staying in a central location and accommodation that caters to other solo female travelers and digital nomads.

During my ten-day solo trip in Marrakesh, I stayed at Outsite.

Outsite is a popular coliving hotel brand offering unique stays for digital nomads, solo travelers, and remote entrepreneurs around the world.

Whether you work remotely or not, this Outsite location in the heart of Marrakesh makes for an ideal stay. It has all the comforts and decor of a traditional Moroccan riad, plus the on-site support and security.

During my time here, I met a lot of other solo female travelers and was so close to Marrakesh’s best souks, gardens, and rooftop cafes.

Digital Nomad Stay in Gueliz

For digital nomads who want an extended stay that’s not a coliving like Outsite, look at places in Guéliz.

Despite being Marrakesh’s upscale neighborhood, accommodation here is actually a bit more affordable than in the Medina.

We based ourselves in Gueliz on three (I think?) separate occasions to simplify our life between working and exploring. It’s less chaotic than the souks of the Medina, and we still managed to find plenty of cafes to enjoy and work from.

Riad Stays in the Medina

We’ve also visited Marrakesh with friends on multiple occasions, and had a great time discovering and showing them the parts of the Red City we’ve come to know well.

We stayed at the beautiful Riad Villa Almeria, and twice in Airbnb accommodations.

Below are my recommendations for AREAS to stay in and then RIADS.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Marrakesh

1. Medina (Old Town) — Best for First-Time Visitors

For the ultimate culturally immersive stay, I highly recommend you stay in a traditional Moroccan riad or dar inside the Medina—Morocco’s walled Old Town.

This way, you’ll be within walking distance to Marrakesh’s plazas, food, souks, and history.

The difference between a riad and a dar is that a riad will always have an inner courtyard or garden of some sort—tilework, fountains, citrus trees—whereas a dar typically will not. Dars are more locally run Moroccan guesthouses, while most riads have been converted into lodging for international tourism.

Marrakesh’s Medina has hundreds and hundreds of riads and dars—so, yes, it can be very difficult to find one that is both beautiful, authentic, and in a good part of town.

But note — the Medina is bigger than most expect and stretches far north to south.

These are the top four neighborhoods (derbs) I’d recommend you stay within Marrakesh’s Medina:

• Kasbah: Located on the southern side of the Medina, nearby to the Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace. It’s quieter and more residential, and where I stayed my first time in Marrakesh.
• Mouassine: Central area known for stylish riads, close to souks and Le Jardin Secret. This area is more chaotic but you’ll be closer to the north and south sides of the Medina. I stayed here solo on my third visit to Marrakesh!
• Bab Doukkala: Northwestern edge, close to Majorelle Garden and Gueliz. Offers a more authentic, local experience than the central souk neighborhoods.
• Mellah (Jewish Quarter): Southeastern area, also quieter than the central souks, with landmarks like the Lazama Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery. Close to Bahia Palace and Tinsmiths Square, which is an underrated spot.

We stayed twice at the beautiful, tucked-away Riad Almeria located just south of the Mellah neighborhood. This lovely little riad made for the perfect stay for a first-time visitor!

We also cycled through this neighborhood on our Pikala City Bike Tour and got to try sweets from the local bakery! It’s a bit of a walk to reach the northern side of the Medina, but it allows you to cross the souks and explore more on foot.

Gorgeous Riads in the Medina to Bookmark

Riad Ksar Fawz & Spa — A former palace with a courtyard pool, spa, and rooftop views. Located in the Kasbah (southern Medina).

Riad Kasbah & Spa — Located near the Saadian Tombs with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountains.

Riad Chez Henriette — I love the colorful, bohemian feel of this riad. Located centrally and perfect for creative travelers wanting something a little quirky but typical, too.

Riad Roca — If Tulum meets Marrakesh, it would be this riad. Roca is near Bahia Palace and is the earthy-design lovers’ retreat from the chaotic streets.

Riad Albaraka — Just a 5-minute walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, this traditional riad offers good value for budget travelers who want to stay in the heart of the Medina.

-> Another absolutely beautiful design-forward riad you may love (and recognize from socials) is the Riad BE. This riad is stunning, admittedly. And, apparently, it lives up to the hype!

2. Gueliz (Marrakesh’s Modern ‘New City’)

Affluent cafés, steakhouses, shopping malls, wide avenues—this is what you can expect when stepping from Marrakesh’s Old Town (Medina) into the ‘New City’.

This part of Marrakesh is where many foreign expats live. You’ll also find the Yves-Saint Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle nearby here!

Gueliz also makes for a good base for digital nomads who want more of the conveniences of a modern city: fitness gyms, cafes with WiFi, lots of restaurants, apartment-style Airbnbs, etc.

Note: While many other blogs will include the larger neighborhoods of Hivernage and Palmeraie as good places to stay, I don’t. They’re too far from the main action and arguably have no added value for a first-time visitor. As always, I include places I recommend and would stay myself, and I simply wouldn’t stay in a luxury resort with Western comforts that has zero to little cultural immersion.

What to Know Before You Book a Stay in Marrakesh

Islamic Call to Prayer

Expect to hear the call to prayer (adhan) from nearby mosques echoing across the rooftops. The call to prayer is 5x daily and is usually recited by a muezzin at dawn and throughout the day.

The first prayer, called Fajr, will take place before sunrise (can be around 5:00–6:00 AM), which throws a lot of first-timers in Morocco off. You get used to it, though!

Riads in the Medina are also in the heart of the chaos, so you can expect street sounds, early morning birdsong, or the occasional rooftop cat drama (it’s actually terrifying to hear cats fight–poor kitties!!).

All that said, pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper!

Riad Etiquette

Since riads are typical Moroccan guesthouses, it’s important not to treat them like a standard hotel. Don’t expect TV, room service, or soundproof rooms.

These houses are OLD, and the doors, shutters, and faucets can creak or leak.

Most riads have been renovated, but they still retain their characteristic charm and heritage and should be treated with respect.

On that note, since riads are not your copy-paste hotels, each room will vary in design and style!

Room/Riad Amenities

That said, Morocco has extreme temperature fluctuations between its hot summers and chilly winters.

Meaning, beware that not all riads are equipped with strong A/C or heating, and hot water can be limited. Always confirm in advance if heating/cooling is available in your room, and read recent reviews!

Where to Book your Stay

You can book via Booking.com, Airbnb, or direct through the riad’s website.

Booking.com is the most common and offers perks like Genius discounts and easy cancellation, which is why I use it for all my bookings in Morocco and abroad. However, direct bookings may include added perks (like airport pickup), so it’s worth comparing.

Airbnbs in the Medina are often listed by riads, too, so be careful in how it’s priced and presented. Always double-check location and reviews to avoid surprises.

Final Thoughts: Where I’d Stay in Marrakesh Again

If I were to visit Marrakesh again, I’d probably choose a smaller, quieter riad on the north or south edges of the Medina—close enough to dive into the action, but just far enough to escape the chaos when needed.

I would probably skip the pool again, since my previous visits were over winter, and it was too cold to enjoy. 😅

Staying slightly outside the main souks makes a big difference in rest and sleep quality, too!

Plus, getting around on foot is half the fun. You can freely (and safely) wander through the alleyways and find lesser-known plazas and cafes—unlike in Gueliz, where you’ll often need a taxi (and traffic can be a nightmare).

For a beautiful first-time experience in Marrakesh, any of the curated riads above will bring you closer to the culture while offering a comfortable and memorable stay.

Drop your questions in the comments, and don’t miss my 10-day Morocco itinerary to help start planning your epic trip!