Which Hotel to Stay in Marrakech?
I still remember my first arrival in Marrakech, suitcase in hand and mind racing with excitement. The city's vibrant sounds and colours swept me in, and I knew choosing where to stay would shape my entire experience. Over several trips I've come to see that each neighborhood—Gueliz, Hivernage, Medina, Palmeraie, Kasbah—carries its own personality. In this guide I’ll walk you through where to stay, how to choose your hotel, transport tips, and other important travel considerations, as if I were telling a friend my own travel story.
Table of Contents
- Where to Stay: Gueliz, Hivernage, Medina, Palmeraie, Kasbah
- How to Choose Your Hotel
- How to Get to Your Accommodation
- Other Important Tips for Travellers
1. Where to Stay
Gueliz (New City)
Gueliz felt like modern Morocco’s heartbeat when I first set foot there. Wide boulevards, cafés serving excellent cappuccinos, boutique shopping and galleries bring a European‑Moroccan vibe to life. As locals say, it's the cosmopolitan side of Marrakech . I loved evening walks along Avenue Mohammed V, popping into the Yves Saint Laurent Museum or Jardin Majorelle. Booking a hotel or Airbnb here is easy and ideal if you're modern comfort‑oriented, especially with small pools and good Wi‑Fi .
Advantages: modern amenities, shopping, easy access to train station, safe and walkable. Downsides: not the historic experience, hotel pools often small or shaded, fewer traditional riads .
Hivernage
Just south of Gueliz lies Hivernage—a neighborhood of refined luxury with spa‑heavy hotels, rooftop pools and nightlife. The first time I stayed here, my hotel terrace gave me a view over floodlit palms and nightlife below. Located just minutes by foot or taxi from the Medina and Gueliz, it strikes a nice balance of convenience and tranquility. Notable hotels here include La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, El Fenn and Dar Rhizlane—each offering high‑end comfort and elevated experiences.
Advantages: high luxury, world‑class spas, fine dining, elegant nightlife. Downsides: higher prices, less of historic vibe, may feel distant from souk energy for some travellers .
Medina (Old City)
Staying in the Medina felt like stepping into a story. The labyrinthine alleys whisper centuries of history and wrap you around daily Moroccan life—from Jemaa el‑Fna square to hidden riads with courtyard pools. It's dreamy but chaotic; I got lost multiple times (delightfully), and learned to trust rooftop cafés to orient myself . Charming riads like El Fenn, Riad La Sultana, Riad Kniza and Riad Dar One became memories of personalized hospitality and stunning décor .
Advantages: immersion, authentic architecture, walking access to souks and monuments. Downsides: narrow streets can be noisy/confusing, not ideal if mobility is limited or if it's your first time navigating the medina lanes .
Palmeraie (Palm Grove Suburbs)
I once spent three nights in Palmeraie during a digital detox. The palms, pools and silence felt like another dimension. Located about 10‑15 minutes from city centre, the Palmeraie is a green oasis of villas and resorts, many with golf, spa and adventure activities like quad biking or camel rides.
Advantages: peace, space, nature, resort comfort. Downsides: further from downtown, needs taxis for sightseeing, pricier, less walking around charm .
Kasbah (Southern Medina District)
Though part of the old medina, the Kasbah district offers a quieter, more tranquil medina experience. Surrounded by old palace walls, the Kasbah includes Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace and the Royal Palace gates—all walkable from many riads . You’ll find more earthy, adobe‑walled riads here, steeped in tradition but quieter than the central souk maze.
Advantages: close to history sites, more peaceful medina, atmospheric. Downsides: less tourist bustle, fewer upscale amenities, similar navigation challenges as the Medina.
2. How to Choose Your Hotel
Choosing the right hotel in Marrakech can feel overwhelming—here’s how I approached it:
- Search on Booking.com (or similar): filter by neighbourhood, star rating, and price. Check total cancellation policies and amenities like pool, airport transfers, hammam services.
- Read reviews carefully: I always look at recent guest comments: are rooms clean, is location indeed walkable, how is noise, are service and breakfast adequate?
- Study room types & photos: watch for whether your room faces an interior courtyard or street, whether windows open, how high the ceilings are—especially in riads where traditional architecture matters.
- Consider services: airport pickup, free breakfast, spa/hammam availability, English‑speaking staff—this made a big difference for me on late arrivals.
- Location matters: I use Maps.me or Google Maps to see how far the hotel is from Jemaa el‑Fna or major attractions—walking distance versus needing taxis.
- Timing: if you travel spring or fall (peak months), I recommend booking 4–6 months ahead for best rates and cancellation flexibility .
One user on Reddit wisely suggested: if it’s your first trip, start exploring the old Medina before booking a riad deep in it—to avoid confusion among narrow alleys. Booking in Gueliz first can give you a calm start, then you can transition to a riad later if you wish .
3. How to Get to Your Accommodation
From Marrakech Airport (RAK)
There are multiple transport options:
- Airport taxi: fixed fare to city centre (around 150–200 MAD). Handy if you're heading to Gueliz or Hivernage.
- Pre‑booked hotel transfer: many hotels offer this – worth it if arriving late or carrying heavy bags.
- Uber/Careem or local ride‑hail: cheaper but supply can be spotty at night.
Getting Around the City
- Petit taxis: small, cheap cabs. Negotiate if the meter is off; they’re plentiful in all districts.
- Walking: great in Medina and Kasbah areas; Gueliz is walkable but needs longer legs; Palmeraie requires taxis.
- Car hire: usually unnecessary unless exploring beyond Marrakech; parking is difficult in the Medina .
Day Trips & Excursions
Ask your hotel or riad to help book excursions like Atlas Mountains, desert camps, or day trips—they often offer trustworthy guides or arrange transport securely.
4. Other Important Tips for Travellers
When to Visit
I found spring (Mar‑May) and autumn (Sept‑Nov) to be ideal—warm days, cool evenings, fewer crowds. Summer can be extremely hot and winters may surprise with chilly nights—plan accordingly .
Safety & Practical Advice
- Neighborhoods like Gueliz and Hivernage are generally safe, especially for women travellers, with good security and well‑lit streets .
- In the Medina and Kasbah, pick hotels with clear directions and know your main entrances—bring a map app as landmarks like mosques help orientation.
- Be cautious of street vendors and persistent touts; stay polite and firm.
What I Learned from Staying in Different Neighborhoods
I once began in Gueliz for ease and coffee culture, then moved into a riad in the Medina mid‑trip—that allowed me to acclimate gradually. Another stay in Hivernage surprised me with world‑class spa treatments, and my resort escape in Palmeraie offered me unrivalled peace after days at the souks.
Budget Considerations
- Gueliz and Medina have good mid‑range and budget riads; expect €25–90/night and nicer options up to €200+ .
- Luxury districts like Hivernage and Palmeraie easily start at €200–500+ per night if you're after spa, fine‑dining, or large private villas.
Cultural Tips & Local Etiquette
- Dress modestly, especially in traditional areas.
- Learn a few Arabic or French phrases—“Salam aleikum” (hello), “Shukran” (thank you)—locals appreciate the effort.
- Always haggle politely in souks; prices can double for tourists if you're not careful.
Conclusion
Every traveller’s ideal corner of Marrakech is different. If you’re seeking modern comfort and convenience—Gueliz is likely your best fit. If indulgence, spas and glamour are your goals—Hivernage shines. For cultural immersion, historic architecture and sensory overload, the Medina or Kasbah are magic. And when you want to unwind with space and green vistas, Palmeraie awaits.
Choose your neighbourhood based on the vibe you want. Use booking and reviews to pick a hotel that meets your needs. And don’t stress too much—whether your stay is in a vibrant riad or serene resort, Marrakech has a way of enchanting visitors.
Feel free to ask if you want hotel suggestions based on your travel style—I’m happy to share picks from El Fenn to Jnane Rumi to La Mamounia depending on what you’re dreaming of. Enjoy planning, and shukran for joining me on this virtual walk through Marrakech!