Choosing where to sleep shapes your Morocco trip more than almost any other decision. A courtyard riad in the medina, a beachfront resort in Agadir, a luxury tent under Saharan stars — each is a different Morocco. This guide explains the main stay types, what they really cost, and which neighbourhoods to book in every major city.
Riads: the classic Moroccan stay
A riad is a traditional townhouse built around an interior courtyard, usually tucked into the old medina. From the street you see only a plain door; inside, mosaic fountains, orange trees and a rooftop terrace with medina views. Most riads have fewer than ten rooms, include breakfast, and the owners double as informal concierges — they will arrange taxis, hammams and day trips.
Expect to pay roughly €40–80 per night for a comfortable mid-range riad, €100–200 for high-end ones with pools. Budget riads exist under €30 but check recent reviews for hot water and noise. In Marrakech and Fes, book the medina; in Chefchaouen, the blue medina's guesthouses are the whole point of going.
Hotels and resorts
Morocco's modern hotel stock is strongest on the coasts. Agadir is the package-holiday capital: big beachfront resorts with pools, buffets and animation teams, typically €60–120 per night all-inclusive in season. Casablanca and Rabat cater to business travellers — reliable four-stars around €70–110, often with better Wi-Fi than any riad. Tangier's new marina district has the country's glossiest new openings ahead of 2030.
Desert camps: a night in the Sahara
The Merzouga dunes (Erg Chebbi) are Morocco's most-booked overnight experience. Standard camps run about €50–80 per person including the camel trek in, dinner, drumming around the fire and the sunrise walk back out. Luxury camps (€120–250) add proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and gourmet dinners. Book the camp as a package from Merzouga village — and be honest about comfort: "standard" tents can be basic, and winter nights drop near freezing.
For desert camps, message the camp directly (WhatsApp is standard in Morocco) to confirm exactly what is included: transfers, meals, camel or 4x4, and whether the "luxury tent" has a private bathroom. Screenshots of the agreement prevent surprises.
Kasbahs, guesthouses and apartments
Between the big cities, family-run maisons d'hôtes and converted kasbahs (fortified manor houses) dominate — particularly on the road to the desert around Skoura, Dades and Todra. They are often the best value in the country: €30–50 for dinner, bed and breakfast with genuine hospitality. In cities, apartments suit longer stays and groups, with kitchens that make self-catering easy.
Neighbourhood guide: where to book
- Marrakech: the medina for atmosphere (riad), Gueliz or Hivernage for modern hotels and quieter nights.
- Fes: Fes el-Bali (the old medina) — nothing else comes close, but confirm your riad offers pickup; the medina's 9,000 alleys defeat map apps.
- Casablanca: the Corniche (Ain Diab) for sea views and restaurants; Maârif for shopping and nightlife.
- Rabat: the Agdal district for restaurants, or the medina-adjacent Kasbah area for character.
- Chefchaouen: inside the blue medina — the town is tiny and everything is walkable.
- Essaouira: the medina or the seafront promenade; both are a five-minute walk apart.
- Agadir: the beachfront hotel zone; the city centre itself holds little interest for tourists.
How to book smart
Compare prices across platforms before committing — the same riad can list at different rates in different places. For apartments and whole riads, Airbnb's review system is particularly useful in Morocco, where photos sometimes flatter. Always read the most recent reviews (not the overall score) for mentions of construction noise, hot water and Wi-Fi. During peak periods — Easter, Christmas and, soon, the 2030 World Cup — book refundable rates months ahead; Morocco's best small riads have under ten rooms and sell out fast.
Find your stay in Morocco
Browse riads, apartments and guesthouses across Morocco's medinas and coasts — filter by neighbourhood using the guide above.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a riad?
A riad is a traditional townhouse built around an interior courtyard, usually tucked into the old medina. From the street you see only a plain door; inside are mosaic fountains, orange trees and a rooftop terrace with medina views. Most have fewer than ten rooms and include breakfast.
How much does a riad cost per night?
Expect roughly €40–80 per night for a comfortable mid-range riad and €100–200 for high-end ones with pools. Budget riads exist under €30, but check recent reviews for hot water and noise.
How much does a night in a Sahara desert camp cost?
Standard camps run about €50–80 per person including the camel trek in, dinner, drumming around the fire and the sunrise walk out. Luxury camps (€120–250) add proper beds, en-suite bathrooms and gourmet dinners.
Should I stay in the medina or the new town?
In Marrakech and Fes, book inside the medina for atmosphere; in Chefchaouen, the blue medina's guesthouses are the whole point of going. Agadir suits beachfront resorts, while Casablanca and Rabat have reliable business hotels with better Wi-Fi than most riads.
Are desert camps warm in winter?
Not necessarily. Standard tents can be basic and winter nights in the Sahara drop near freezing — pack warm layers even if the days are mild.