The best place to take it all in on a Morocco holiday is to stay at one of Morocco’s Best Boutique Hotels or styish romantic retreats. Our Insiders Travel Guide offers a snapshot of some of the best places to stay on a Morocco vacation. Boutique Hotels and Riads in Morocco are known for their elaborate courtyard gardens and intimate spaces. Lush with leafy green flora, dry tolerant plants and colorful fauna, Morocco’s boutique hotels are filled abound with rose petals and orange trees perfectly arranged and candy to the eyes. Each boutqiue riad and hotel differs with some having extraordinary Andalusian or Moorish, Spanish Architecture, hand carved marble fountains, elaborarate decor and traditional Moroccan tilework fit for a King or Queen. Morocco’s boutique hotels offer a wide range of design options for travelers ranging from very traditional to hip, chic modern and ultra contemporary.
Travelers to Morocco are guaranteed an Arabian Nights sensibility and to be taken back in time during their stay at a boutique hotel. Morocco’s boutique riads and hotels are where elegance is matched with Moroccan hospitality at its best. Morocco is the land of mint tea, sugary pastries and tajines, where the glorious Atlas Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for travelers visiting on a honeymoon, family adventure or private travel experience.
Our Insiders Guide to Morocco’s Best Boutique Hotels and Riads offers a hand curated selection of places to stay. Our impressive list of Marrakech Riads, Fes Riads, Chefchaouen, Essaouira Riads, High Atlas luxury guest houses and the Great Southern Desert Camps are perfect for a sunset cocktail, a Moroccan meal and down time when visiting Morocco.
Insiders Guide: Morocco’s Best Riads and Boutique Hotels, Where to Stay:
Where to Stay in Marrakech:
Riad Kniza is one of Marrakech’s most prized Riads and offers a captivating experience for travelers. Owned by a family of Moroccans for over 2 centuries this restored Riad boasts traditional décor with elegant Moroccan fabrics, Moorish architecture, open courtyards, a library, drawing room, a dipping pool and magnificently arranged rooftop terrace. From a warm welcome of mint tea and Moroccan pastries to rose petals and fresh flowers poignantly placed. Well attended by celebrities such as Bill Gates and Garry Kasparov, this unpretentious luxury Riad is the place to stay. Property Amenities: Hammam, Massage, Restaurant, Dipping Pool, Laundry Service, Wifi. We suggest dining on their rooftop terrace at least once.
La Maison Arabe is Marrakech’s first restaurants and original Riads is a leading boutique hotel with the essence of traditional Morocco meets old world Italy. La Maison Arabe has endured the test of time. This traditional boutique riad is ideally situated in the Marrakech medina. It offers a combination of stylish and intimate luxury with hotel amenities. La Maison Arabe has old world architecture and a romantic interior making it one of Morocco’s most sought out places to stay. Each room is uniquely decorated with antiques and ancient artwork, Moroccan carpets and a combination of local and imported fabrics. There is an elegant Piano Bar on site that sets the tone for a late afternoon or early evening aperitif. Property Amenities: Spa, Gym, Swimming Pool, Laundry Service, Wifi, Cooking Class. Try their luxurious massage or cooking class with a Dada Chef.
Riad Idra is an elegant Moroccan, riad located in the Dar El Bacha region of the Marrakech medina. Riad Idra is a luxurious cocoon shielded from the commotion of the ochre city and a well-hidden jewel. A contemporary house full of light and jewel-like decor it offers an outlet to the world of sight and sound for a magical stay. Property Amenities: Spa/Traditional Hammam, Rooftop terrace Wifi.
Where to Stay in Rabat:
Villa Mandarine is a boutique garden hotel nestled in the heart of an orange grove on three hectares of land. Villa Mandarine perfectly marries comfort and hospitality. The property and garden filled with bougainvillea, succulents and other plantation offers a peaceful hideaway that is close proximity of Rabat’s city center. Property Amenities: Spa, Gym, Swimming Pool, Gardens, Fireplaces, Shaded terraces, Billard Room, Laundry Service, Wifi
Riad Kalaa is a boutique riad dating from the Almoravide dynasty that was built by the Ermir Ben Tachfine on the banks for the Bouregreg river. This well appointed charming Riad in Rabats historic district is just steps away from the ocean. Property Amenities: Dipping pool, Spa, Fireplaces, Shaded terraces, Laundry Service, Wifi
Riad L’Alcazar is a luxury boutique Riad with designer décor and grand elegance. This well appointed Riad is the perfect place to overnight during a visit to Rabat. With wonderful roof terrace and views of the medina charm awaits you. Property Amenities: Hammam, Terraces, Wifi
Where to Stay in Fes:
Riad Fes is a Relais & Chateaux Property and the premiere luxury boutique hotel with class and authenticity in the heart of the historic medina in Fes. This charming, now sprawling Riad has been restored with impeccability and combines traditional Spanish Moorish architecture with Modern touches. The decor has been designed with inspiration of a serene atmosphere reminiscent of Arabian Nights by the owner who is an architect. A stay at Riad Fes will allow you to travel back in time and enjoy the splendor of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility. The garden offers moments of freshness under the shade of orange, lemon and bay trees. Property Amenities: Swimming Pool, Terraces & Panoramic Garden, Traditional Hammam/ Spa, Gourmet Restaurant, Wine bar, Wifi and Laundry services.
Palais Amani is a fourteen bedroomed opulent Riad in Fes that offers refined dining with magnficent views. This Art Deco influence riad with a melange of traditional and contemporary decor has a wonderful Moroccan salon, a library, rooftop bar, extensive terraces, a traditional hammam and spa and all of this close to the Golden triangle in the ancient medina in Fez. Property Amenities: Moroccan Salons, Terraces, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Traditional Moroccan Hammam, Garden, Wifi and Laundry services.
Dar Roumana, House of the Pomegranate, is one of the leading traditional boutique riads in the Fes. Framed by lush olive groves and the ancient ruins of the medina walls, Dar Roumana offers a richness and comfort typical of a traditional Fassi guesthouse. Relax with a book and a glass of Moroccan mint tea on the spacious sun-drenched roof terrace with a spectacular view of the entire medina and Atlas Mountains. After dinner prepared by their Cordon Bleu chef, retire to the library for a fire-side game of chess or choose a movie from our video and DVD collection. Each of Dar Roumana’s suites contains the work of local artisans: original mosaic tile floors, intricate carved plaster, rich cedar ceilings and doors, and hand-crafted furnishings. Property Amenities: Terraces & Panoramic Garden, Gourmet Moroccan and International cuisine, Laundry Services, Wifi
Karawan Riad is a sophisticated, luxury, boutique hotel of seven, chic suites that are set within a glorious 17th century home. Harmony is key at this magnificent courtyard property where the combination of texture, motif and artifacts create unique hand curated interiors. All seven suites have king sized beds, exquisite bed linens and writing desks. Trickling fountains are surrounded by flora and fauna for cozy dinners that of local Fassi cuisine offered up by Chef Outhmane’s and Chef Mahmoud. This boutique riad has the amenities of a hotel and design that sings the name of Architectural Digest. Property Amenities: Rooftop Terrace, Restaurant, Wifi
Where to Stay in Skoura:
Les Jardins Des Skoura is unassuming converted farmhouse nestled in the Skoura palmeraie, not far from the High Atlas Mountains. Blissfully off the beaten track, Les Jardins Des Skoura is an oasis of stylish accommodation. It is set in huge gardens crammed with sunflowers, vines, and apricot, olive, and pomegranate trees. The Berber Chef offers a wonderful dining experience with farm to table cuisine using the organic ingredients made with olive oil produced on the Skoura palmerie. A must when considering a stay in Morocco’s Great South. Property Amenities: Swimming pool, Panoramic garden views of Skoura Palmeraie, Wifi
L’Ma Lodge is a boutique, chic guest house in the heart of the Skoura palmeraie owned by Vanessa and Xavier. It is named after from the Arabic word for water. A true Oasis in this verdant, green region, L’Ma Lodge is a hidden jewel perfect for honeymooners and those searching for an intimate stay in Skoura. Created from a traditionally built adobe house, complete with kasbahs, the main lodge is surrounded by an outdoor garden and glorious palms along with fruit trees and flowering plants. Meals combine Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine with local Berber speciality dishes. Property Amenities: Heated swimming pool, Restaurant, Fireplace, Wifi
Where to Stay in Essaouira:
L’Heure Bleue Palais is a luxury boutique hotel that is built into the medina walls of the coastal town of Essaouira. An oasis of calm in laid-back Essaouira it serves as the ideal place to stay for those interested in luxury hotels. Dripping with heavy carvings, fabrics, lamps and wooden-shuttered windows, rooms are cavernous, and luxurious. Owned, by Andre Azult, the Jewish Secretary of the King, L’Heure Bleue is also ordtained with the hand carved Star of David which is configured richly across the entrance salon. Property Amenities: Spa Services, Traditional Hammam, Swimming Pool , Cinema Room, Rooftop Terrace, Bar, Gourmet Restaurant, Laundry Services, Wifi
Villa De L’O is a former almond storage depot is one of Essaouira’s most charming luxury boutique hotels. Hidden behind the medina walls and just across from the Portugese ramparts, this 18th century elegantly furnished traditional boutique riad offers colonial style elegance. Villa De L’O is decorated with Moroccan and European antiques. It has a wonderful French salon, caged birds that chirp, elaborate bathing areas in each room with sweeping views of the Atlantic from the roof terrace. Tea service on arrival with pastries is a must along with sunset cocktails with a sea view. The roof overlooks ramparts, souks and the Essaouira beach. Property Amenities: Rooftop Terrace, Restaurant, Laundry Services, Wifi
Where to Stay in the Sahara Desert:
Travel Exploration offers a Private Sahara Desert Luxury Camp that is well situated southeast of the village of Merzouga in the heart of the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Located just one-hour drive from the city of Erfoud, this Luxury Desert camp is in the heart of the impressive sand dunes, away from the areas visited by tourists. The luxury tented camp consists of large bedroom tents and a big restaurant tent. The bedroom tents offer hotel room comfort and can comfortably accommodate a queen size bed, a spacious double bed, or three wide single beds. En suite facilities are comprised of a private washing area within each luxury tent. The restaurant tent has five tables, and offers traditional meals prepared by our chef, and served by candlelight with local Moroccan wines.