Morocco Travel: Best Luxury Hotels & Riads in Marrakech

It's been a while since I was in Marrakech, but it's quite often that I think about going back. Every time I do, I inevitably start looking up luxury hotels in Marrakech and get a shortlist of the best places to stay before getting distracted by a crawling baby heading for a dangerous object, or I just feel a little uncertain about staying in luxury accommodation in Marrakech - because what's the point with kids? - despite it being one of my favourite cities and I know deep down that nowadays staying in luxury hotels with small children is really totally okay and actually kind of okay.

Marrakech's Best Luxury Hotels, Riads, and more!

Anyway, I thought I'd put my research of the best luxury hotels and riads in Marrakech to good use in this post. Again, like these posts sharing the best luxury hotels in Phuket, the best family-friendly resorts for luxury holidays in Maldives and then some more kid-friendly luxury resorts all the world over, I have asked travel blogger friends to share their real-life reviews of these luxury Marrakech riads, hotels, resorts and more. This means you really get a personal insight into what makes these Marrakech luxury hotels so special. I've separated the list into the best luxury riads in Marrakech, the best hotels and resorts, and also a few luxury Marrakech holiday villas. All of the accommodation listed is considered 5-star, or at the very least an exceptional 4-star, and don't be put off by the luxury tag - many of these you can stay in for under $100 if you pick the right time of year and are lucky enough to find a deal, so do click through to find out the best available prices!

And if you are looking for more tips for general travel around Morocco, I recommend this post by Melissa which has a full Morocco itinerary and is a great resource, especially if you're a solo female traveller.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links for the hotels featured in this list. Clicking on a link doesn't cost you anything and often, I include the links to the cheapest possible prices and deals. Thanks for understanding this is how I keep this blog online and the lights on at home!

The Best Luxury Hotels in Marrakech

The Selman

Even though I've read the many fantastic hotel reviews below, and even though I know that Marrakech really is a hub of luxury hotels and elegant riads, I still want to appear bold and say that The Selman is the MOST luxurious hotel in Marrakech. It certainly exceeded all my expectations, and made it very hard for me to stay in a hotel again, just because of how beautiful and elaborate it is. This is made all the more astonishing (in a brilliant way) when in many ways The Selman is actually just a glorified stables for some very expensive and beautiful horses... Let me explain.

Designed by famous French architect, Jacques Garcia - and believe me every room, corridor and public space is dripping in exceptionally thought out style - The Selman is home to the hotel owner's collection of thorough-bred Arabian horses. The stables are open for you to visit and you will occasionally also see them being trained on the fields that surround the hotel's 80-metre long swimming pool (yes, really). Also on site is a kid's club housed in a mini palace of its own, an award-winning spa, and three restaurants.

The Selman is one of those hotels where it's not just hard to leave the hotel to go and explore near or far, it's actually a bit painful. While we did do one excursion into the Medina of Marrakech (a short 15-20 minute taxi drive), all the time we were thinking about lying in one of the four-poster beds by the pool, or indulging in another hammam spa, or about the cocktails we could be enjoying with a view of the horses, or the pool, or just from our beautiful room's balcony. It's just one of those hotels that gets everything right, and where no request is too much, so yes, I do still feel that The Selman is Marrakech's best five-star hotel, but I will encourage you to read on and make up your own mind, as many of these other luxury hotels in Marrakech sounds equally dreamy...

Read my full review of The Selman here, and find the best available rates on Booking or Tripadvisor.

La Mamounia by Rai from Rai of Light

This classic, beautifully maintained property located in the heart of the imperial city offers traditional Moroccan hospitality in a regal setting. Built on a former royal estate dating from the 12th century, the lavish La Mamounia hotel hasn’t lost any of its royal appeal. I felt this from the moment I entered the gates and continued until my departure. What’s special is that the opulent setting is matched with smiles and offers of assistance throughout the stay.

The bedrooms are designed in a rich Moroccan style with plenty of local details extending into the bathroom. Outside, many acres of lush gardens offer a welcome relief from the chaos that’s just beyond the hotel gates. There are numerous options for good food in the city, but it’s worth enjoying a traditional meal at the in-house restaurant at least once.

Only a few minutes walk from the hotel is the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa market square and the landmark Koutoubia Mosque, making for an easy excursion in Marrakech. If world-class accommodation, unmatched hospitality, and luxury in the middle of the city is what you’re after, La Mamounia is your best bet.

See more photos and find the best available rates for La Mamounia on Tripadvisor or on Hotels.com. 

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Le Meridien N’Fis by Steve from WanderlustingK

I stayed at the Le Meridien N’Fis in Marrakech for four nights and found it to be an incredible experience. The hotel is well deserving of its 5-star luxury rating. The entire hotel experience from the concierge, food, pool, rooms make staying here to be a memorable experience.

The Le Meridien N’Fis is located in the new city of Menara. It is 1.8 kilometers to the old city and its famous Jemaa el-Fna Medina. It can be reached by bus or by an inexpensive cab. Directly opposite the hotel is the modern Menara Mall with excellent restaurants and stores that can be well relief from the exciting old city. The train station is only 1.7 kilometers and the airport is only 3 kilometers from the hotel. It is also just under a mile away from the exquisite Le Jardin de la Menera. It is a very convenient location for sightseeing!

The hotel has its own gardens and pool on their property. There was even food at the pool with excellent service. Also, I still remember the exceptional breakfast with tables of crepes, omelettes, fruits, hummus and other menu items. The servers were polite and professional . An example how the restaurant staff excelled is on the last day, I had an very early train. The Manager allowed us to select breakfast items before the official opening time so that we would not leave hungry. The concierge made the stay to be relaxed. I was trying to book a tour for two days and unsuccessful. When I mentioned this problem, they volunteered to help. After a full day in the old city, they had reached the tour operator and made the arrangement s for the next day. I was very grateful. I would definitely stay here again on any return trip to Marrakesh.

See more photos and find the best available rates for Le Meridien N'Fis on Tripadvisor or on Booking. 

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Royal Mansour by Laura from The Travelling Stomach

The Royal Mansour, once featured on BBC’s Amazing Hotels, is the ultimate in luxury accommodation. Instead of rooms guests are treated to their very own private riad set over three floors complete with a private patio and a personal butler. Some of the grander rooms even come with their own swimming pool and a hammam!

Built by King Mohammed VI no expense has been spared and the attention to detail both inside the individual riads and throughout the property is evident. Gorgeous tiling adorns the walls and floors and opulent fabrics furnish the interiors with exquisite one-off pieces dotted around Royal Mansour. Although guests may not see the many staff as they move about the vast grounds through a maze of secret tunnels there is always at least 10 staff assigned to each riad ensuring any mess is tidied up and the exotic fruit bowl is always fully stocked.

Foodies have the choice of not one but three amazing restaurants. Newly opened Le Jardin offers poolside delights overseen by Michelin star chef Yannick Alleno whereas La Grande Table Marocaine offers exquisite modern takes on Moroccan cuisine. For a mid-afternoon treat you can’t go wrong with a spot of afternoon tea taken the English, French or Moroccan way, perched on a balcony overlooking the mosque! If there ever is a need to leave this heavenly hotel, bustling Jemaa el-Fna square, the blue hued Jardin Majorelle and the picturesque Bahia Palace are within a ten minute taxi ride. Head to the Medina and get lost within the maze of streets knowing that a slice of paradise is waiting for you back at Royal Mansour.

See more photos and find the best available rates for the Royal Mansour on Tripadvisor or on Booking

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Lodge K Hotel & Spa by Diana Becevello of Diana's Healthy Living

If you are looking for a private oasis, away from the hustle and sometimes madness of Marrakech then staying at the Lodge K Hotel and Spa will be your ideal stay. This hidden gem is behind a secluded fortress wall with a heavy wooden gate. If you were driving by, you would never know it was there. As the gate opens and you enter the driveway lined with palm trees, coconut, and olive trees, you will truly feel like you have stepped into your own private oasis. Lodge K is made up of five lodges and three suites situated amongst the greenery.

Each lodge is decorated in a different theme such as the African Lodge, Art Deco, Egyptian, and the Masters Lodge. Each suite is decorated to match the room theme that will transport you to another place. The restaurant does not have any set hours. All meals are prepared on-demand at all hours of the day. All meals are prepared traditionally with fresh, local ingredients. They also offer an assortment of Moroccan wine and beer that is only available at the resorts. Lodge K is located a short 22 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from the Medina.

Lodge K offers personalized transportation to help you get around Marrakech. We loved ending the day in this secret hideaway. It is a unique luxury experience that will make the visit memorable. It is completely secluded that you will feel like you are in your own private compound with unique accommodations and amazing hospitality.

See more photos and find the best available rates for the Lodge K Hotel and Spa on Tripadvisor or on Booking

Follow more of Diana's travels on Instagram.

Barcelo Palmeraie Marrakech by Derek Hartman from Robe Trotting

Last December, my partner and I joined four friends for a winter long weekend getaway in Marrakech. During our 3 days in Marrakech, we stayed at the Barcelo Palmeraie, a wonderful, all-inclusive resort in the Palmeraie district. This trip was a fantastic break to relax in luxury and get some celebrity treatment while we explored a new region of the world. There are so many reasons why we selected this resort for our winter trip, and we all left happy.

Check-in was easy with the attentive staff. We were given a welcome drink as our bags were delivered to our rooms. Upon check-in we were made aware of the options for all-inclusive. We were most excited that we were able to decline the all-inclusive level for days when we did not plan to make use of the food and drink inclusions. Those days we paid per transaction for meals and drinks. After we were given an overview of the grounds, amenities and spa service options we were driven to our room via golf cart. The well-appointed room was suite style with a balcony that provided a scenic view of the High Atlas Mountains.

The gardens surrounding the rooms were well-landscaped and paths linked the grounds. A short walk from the room was one of two pools. One was adults only and heated, so we made the most use of this pool. There was also a bar and snack options available that were included with the all-inclusive package. We also made use of the fitness center and enjoyed a massage at the spa. Additional inclusions were a business center, meeting rooms, nearby golfing and horseback riding as well as organized sports. Overall, the level of service and treatment at Barcelo Palmeraie was exquisite. I would highly recommend the resort and hope to return one day myself.

See more photos and find the best available rates for Barcelo Palmeraie on Tripadvisor or on Booking

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Les Jardins de la Medina by Lee Nelson from Travel Scribes

It was our first time in Morocco, a trip fraught with difficulties around last-minute flights, frantic hotel bookings and visa wrangling that left us exhausted. So it was with trepidation that we lugged our suitcases through the bustling medina, arriving at a slightly nondescript wooden doorway with an understated yet elegant plaque: Les Jardins de la Medina. However, once we walked through those heavy wooden doors, we were transported into an oasis fit for royalty.

Les Jardins de la Medina is a boutique hotel boasting thirty six rooms set in the heart of the medina in Marrakech. It is one of the more affordable 5 star options in the city yet packs a punch for it’s budget: huge, well-appointed suites, a beautiful swimming pool and a poolside restaurant that offers fantastic cuisine. Upon arrival at the hotel you find yourself treated like a loyal customer with what feels like a very personal touch, unlike larger chain hotels. Ushered into a comfy armchair by the pool, you’re given delicious welcome drinks and a platter piled high with local delicacies like dates, almost bursting out of their juicy skins and dried apricots that leave a tang on your lips.

We particularly also liked the tour of the hotel. You are taken around the grounds to see the small little nooks – comfy hammocks strung between the trees, rooftop Bedouin tents flapping in the breeze, small little hideaways to curl up with a book. While on the tour you’re asked to smell a few different scents and, upon choosing (we chose orange blossom), all the toiletries in your room including fragrant room spray are replaced with your aroma of choice.

The property also offers a small spa where we enjoyed fantastic hammam treatments, far better than some of the larger spas in the city. Like many places in the medina, Les Jardins de la Medina is close to many key Marrakech sights. It’s in the charming Kasbah area which means its about 15 minutes to the souks and to the imitable Jemma el Fna square.

Read more reviews, find traveller photos and find the best available rates for Les Jardins de la Medina on Tripadvisor or on Booking

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La Maison Arabe by Heather Cole from Conversant Traveller

La Maison Arabe is one of the most opulent yet comfortable places to stay in Marrakech. Located just 5 minutes away from Jemaa el-Fna, the hotel, which is one of the oldest in the city, is tucked away down a little alley, so you really do feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the main square. We loved the traditional Moroccan décor inside, and the fact that the staff treated us like long lost friends rather than strangers. The rooms and suites are incredible too. Each is unique, and even the smaller rooms feel grand enough for royalty.

Exploring the city is super easy from La Maison Arabe's location, and all of the main attractions are less than 30 minutes away on foot. Yet if you don’t want to go too far, we recommend their cooking classes, a fun and tasty way to spend your time. There are two classes, the ‘express’ one takes place just around the corner from the hotel, whilst the half day course is at their country retreat, just a 10-minute free shuttle ride out of the city. We’ve done both and heartily recommend them. There’s an enormous pool at the country club too, which is perfect for cooling down on hot afternoons after your sightseeing.

La Maison Arabe isn’t just one of our favourite hotels, it’s also one of the best restaurants in Marrakech. Established in 1946 it was the first ever restaurant to cater for tourists in the city, and had many famous patrons, from Sir Winston Churchill to the Aga Khan. If you want to dine here, make sure you make a reservation well in advance for one of the coveted tables beside the pool. It doesn’t get much more romantic than this!

See more photos and find the best available rates for La Maison Arabe on Tripadvisor (where it has a 5/5 rating) or on Booking

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The Best Luxury Riads in Marrakech

Le Riad Monceau by Kurosh Hashemi of RoadGoat

Le Riad Monceau is a luxury 10-room boutique hotel located close to the famous Jemaa el-Fna market square in the Medina of in Marrakesh. Not only is it equipped with a large, attractive indoor pool, it also has a hammam spa. The hotel offers all the usual luxury facilities including free high speed internet, airport transportation, a rooftop terrace, concierge, and free breakfast. The architecture of the hotel is beautiful in general. It’s covered with intricate mosaics, has indoor palm trees arranged around the lit pool, and sports high arches and ceilings. This central area is also perfect for pictures and Instagram postings since the second floor overlooks the entire pool for that exotic shot

As you enter your bedroom, you’ll be greeted with a huge room with giant windows and aesthetic rose petals scattered on your bed. The rooms also have flat screen TVs, and some come with a fireplace. The sink basins are golden and also adorned with petals around it. The luxuries differ based on the type of room you reserve.

The Le Riad Monceau also offers you a renowned gourmet restaurant that serves you the best of authentic gourmet Moroccan food. They also offer daily cooking workshops if you are interested in learning from top gourmet chefs. Definitely don’t miss out on the dining here, as the dining area boasts exquisite architecture, chandeliers, and perfectly arranged silverware. It can be especially perfect for that romantic dinner setting! If you prefer, you can also grab a drink at the rooftop cocktail jazz bar. The service and staff here are top notch and attentive, so you can dine, relax, and enjoy the sunset view.

As well as being close to Jemaa el-Fna for shopping and exploring, you can also take a stroll to the nearby 19th century palace, Palacio da Bahia. The palace is very grand with mosaic tiles, high vaulted ceilings, and detailed rooms. I would definitely recommend visiting the Palacio da Bahia if you stay at Le Riad Monceau as it's a great place to learn some local history and snap those jaw-dropping photos.

Find more photos and reviews, and check out the best available rates for Le Riad Monceau on Tripadvisor or on Booking. 

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Riad Dar Alfarah by Rachel Silverwood from Earth's Magical Places

Riad Dar Alfarah can be found in a quiet corner of Marrakech’s Medina, and for me the location couldn’t be better! It’s tucked away in the maze of ancient streets that surround the magnificent and colossal El Badi Palace. There’s an authenticity to this area that more popular parts of the medina, such as those near Jemaa el-Fnaa square, seem to lack. This makes it the perfect place to stay if you want to get a true taste of Marrakech, like we did during our one week stay in Morocco.

The area is fantastic, but the Riad itself is even better! Like most Riads in Marrakech, Riad Dar Alfarah is beautifully decorated, but extra touches and fine details make the decor all the more special! However, I was particularly impressed with the size of the rooms. For such an old building in the classic Moroccan style, they’re spacious and have been renovated to include ample windows. Booking a suite on the top floor while also ensure you get your own private terrace, which is the perfect place to relax and take in the Moroccan Sunshine.

This said, the main selling point of the Riad is the staff! Everybody was friendly, polite and always very helpful. A prime example of this is the breakfast, where dishes just keep on coming, and the staff are more than happy to make anything you request. Overall, despite being officially only 4*, Riad Dar Alfarah gives a five star service, in the best possible location…. What’s not to love?

See more photos and reviews, and find the best available rates (often under $100 per night) for Riad Dar Alfarah on Tripadvisor or on Booking

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Riad Joya by David Murray from The Whole World is a Playground

Tucked away in a quiet corner in the centre of the Medina of Marrakesh is the beautiful luxury riad, Riad Joya. We were lucky enough to stay here during our time in Marrakesh and highly recommend it to anyone seeking to stay in a boutique riad.

On arrival into Marrakesh, the Riad staff will meet you at your taxi at one of the main gates to the Medina and whisk you and your luggage through the craziness to the tranquil oasis of Riad Roya. From the second you arrive at the riad it’s easy to feel right at home in the tranquil surroundings. The relaxed décor and interior courtyard, with its water feature, make the riad extremely peaceful and the traditional Morrocan lighting make the entire space very relaxing. Like most riads, all the rooms are facing onto the internal courtyard and offer spacious modern Moroccan décor. The rooms are luxurious and we loved the peaceful ambience while relaxing in our room.

Riad Joya is perfectly located for exploring Marrakesh. The famous Jemaa El Fnaa market square is a short 5-minute walk from Riad Joya and all the other major Marrakesh sights are less than a 20-minute walk. There are a host of cafes and restaurants perfect for relaxing with a mint tea or enjoying a delicious traditional tagine meal. The highlight of Riad Joya is definitely the roof terrace. We ate a delicious traditional breakfast on the roof each morning taking in the incredible views of the Medina with the Atlas mountains on the horizon.

See more reviews, and find the best available rates for Riad Joya on Tripadvisor or on Booking

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The Best Luxury Villas in Marrakech

Did you know that before Amsterdam and before I had babies, my partner and I spent three months in Marrakech? It was wonderful. We stayed in a luxury villa on the outskirts of the city and soaked up the winter sunshine during the day while eating local foods at night. Staying in a villa is a great way to really relax, enjoy some privacy, and experience a different kind of luxury in Marrakech, so that's why I've decided to include these two options alongside the best Marrakech riads and hotels.

Luxury Airbnb in Marrakech

This is the villa we lived during our stay in Marrakech. We were there for maybe around six weeks in total. It was late winter (February and March) and we had spent the first part of the year snowboarding around the Nordics so we were keen to find a warmer place to defrost and catch up on some work. Marrakech was our chosen destination, and with this being 2013 (!) Airbnb was still a relatively new concept and so we got extremely fortunate to find a very new listing for a luxury villa around 10km outside of Marrakech city.

It's the holiday house of a French woman who splits her time between New York and Paris and then has family holidays in this beautiful purpose built villa set in several acres of olive groves. It's very secluded, has a swimming pool and plenty of green space, a roof terrace (with views of the Atlas Mountains), and beautifully put together bedrooms, bathrooms and living areas. Once we arrived we learned that there was a wonderfully sweet housekeeper to make the yummiest Moroccan food upon request, and there was also a groundskeeper on site for security (which never seemed an issue to be honest!) and to look after the variety of animals that call the grounds home. (Back then in 2013 it was two dogs, a cat (plus her wild kittens who never came close to us), a peacock and some beautiful white doves - it may be different now!) 

While the weather wasn't warm enough for swimming or sunbathing, the sun shone on us during our wonderful time in Marrakech. We worked hard during the day (I wrote most of my first book there!) and we relaxed in front of an open fire in the evening while enjoy delicious tagines Samira had cooked for us. And repeat.

I was delighted to see that the villa is still available on Airbnb although I suspect due to its popularity and consistently good reviews it's a little more expensive that what we paid, but really, if you're looking for a luxury holiday house in Marrakech, you have to send Katrine a message to find out if it's available. You won't regret it!

Read my full review of this beautiful luxury Marrakech villa here and check out more reviews and rates for this Marrakech luxury villa on Airbnb.

Dar Moucha Villa by Louisa from Africa Wanderlust

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life in an oasis of your own, the Dar Moucha Villa is the place to be. Words fail me as I attempt to describe the beauty of this modern villa. This peaceful villa is only a few kilometers outside the city, so you're still close enough to all the action but far enough to take in the exquisiteness of your surroundings.

The Villa Dar Moucha features six bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms with high ceilings that draw in sunlight and facilitate the smooth flow of fresh air. You will be surrounded by orange trees and an organic vegetable patch - that I’m yet to see in another property. And the lush gardens surround the perimeter of the breathtaking, supersized pool. And let's not forget the pool island!

Although large enough to accommodate 12 guests, you can escape to the hammam and fire pit for some alone time for much-needed R&R (rest and relaxation). As with most modern properties, the Dar Moucha is fully equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and even an exercise room.

And if you decide to explore the beauty of Marrakech outside the property, grab a bite at your all-included breakfast then head out on a day filled with Horseback riding, camel tours, hot air balloon rides, and the nearby Marrakech Resort. And for some more excitement, check out Atlas Mountain to check off skiing from your bucket list, and Ryads Al Maaden Medina for golfing. Complete with four king-size beds and two master bedrooms each with ensuite bathrooms, the Dar Moucha is the perfect villa for vacationing couples and family retreats

Check out more reviews, stunning photos and the best prices for Dar Moucha Villa on Airbnb.

Follow Louisa's blog which focuses on Africa travel on Pinterest.

*****

You can find more tried and tested luxury hotel reviews at the links below:

Best Luxury Hotels in Phuket, Thailand

Best Luxury Resorts for Families Around the World

Best Family-Friendly Luxury Resorts in the Maldives

Best Babymoon Destinations All Over the World

Best Amsterdam Hotels for All Budgets

Best Amsterdam City Centre Hotels

Best Places to Stay in Barcelona

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Frances M. Thompson

Londoner turned wanderer, Frankie is an author, freelance writer and blogger. Currently based in Amsterdam, Frankie was nomadic for two years before starting a family with her Australian partner. Frankie is the author of three short story collections, and is a freelance writer for travel and creative brands. In 2017, she launched WriteNOW Cards, affirmation cards for writers that help build a productive and positive writing practice. When not writing contemporary fiction, Frankie shops for vintage clothes, dances to 70s disco music and chases her two young sons around Amsterdam.
Find Frankie on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Google+.

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