Guide to Marrakech: Where to Stay in Marrakech? For a first-time visit, I would almost always recommend a riad in or near the Medina, because you get the souk, rooftop terraces, restaurants, and the city's atmosphere right outside your door. If you prefer more tranquility, Gueliz, Hivernage, or Agafay are better choices.
Where to stay in Marrakech for the first time?
For me, one of the best things about Marrakech is staying close to the old city. Not necessarily in the busiest part, but close enough that you can step out in the morning, drink coffee on a rooftop terrace, and feel the city wake up.
My best advice is to choose based on your desired pace. If you want the full Marrakech experience, stay in a riad in the Medina. If you prefer more space, larger hotels, and easy taxi access, look towards Gueliz or Hivernage. If you want to completely retreat, the Agafay desert is ideal for one or two nights.
The Medina: the best area for the classic Marrakech experience
The Medina is the old city, where the souk, alleys, crafts, colors, and many small riads are located. This is where Marrakech feels most intense and most vibrant.
I especially recommend the Medina if you want to be close to Place des Epices, the souk, rooftop restaurants, and small shops. From here, it's easy to go out during the day, take a break at the riad, and go out again in the evening.
The disadvantage is that the Medina can be difficult to navigate. Many riads are hidden in small alleys, so it's a good idea to choose a place with clear arrival instructions and the option for pickup at a taxi drop-off point.
Riad Marrakech: why I choose a riad over a hotel
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house built around an inner courtyard. Many now function as small boutique hotels with a few rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a more personal atmosphere than a large hotel.
I often choose a riad because it provides a calm base amidst all the intensity. You can step from the sounds and scents of the souk behind a heavy door — and suddenly find yourself in a quiet courtyard with tiles, plants, crafts, and soft light.
It's also the type of place where you truly see Moroccan interior design in action: zellige tiles, carved wood, textiles, lanterns, and ceramics. This atmosphere is a big part of the inspiration I bring home when I hand-pick products for Casa W.
My riad recommendations in Marrakech
Riad Bliss Marrakech is where I have stayed myself, and it has a very good location in relation to both the Medina, Place des Epices, and many of the restaurants I often recommend. It's a good base if you want to be able to walk to many places.
Riad BE Marrakech I have tried to book several times, but without success. It looks absolutely fantastic and is a good example of the type of riad you need to book well in advance because there are few rooms and high demand.
Riad 42 Marrakech has been recommended to me, but I have not yet stayed there myself. It's worth looking into if you want to find a smaller place with a personal atmosphere.
Riad Atay I stayed at in autumn 2024. It was a wonderful place, but a bit difficult to find. This is very typical of Marrakech: some of the best places are hidden behind completely anonymous doors.
El Fenn: luxury near the Medina
Just outside the Medina itself is El Fenn Marrakech, a luxury hotel with a rooftop restaurant, bar, boutique, and spa. It's a more expensive place to stay, but also one of those places that truly offers something special.
I haven't stayed there myself yet, but I have visited their rooftop bar and restaurant several times. Watching the sun set over the rooftops of the Medina with a drink in hand is one of the most beautiful experiences in Marrakech.
If you don't want to stay at El Fenn, you can still book a table or stop by for a drink. It's a great way to experience the place without spending your entire travel budget there.
Gueliz and Hivernage: when you want a quieter stay
Gueliz is the newer part of Marrakech. Here you'll find wider roads, modern cafes, shops, galleries, and hotels with easier taxi access. It's a good choice if you prefer a bit more structure and less chaos around you.
Hivernage is more hotel-oriented and quiet. It's suitable if you are traveling with someone who wants a pool, spa, larger rooms, and classic hotel comfort.
My advice is to choose Gueliz or Hivernage if you have already experienced the Medina — or if you know you want to be able to retreat from the city's intensity.
Agafay: a break from the city
Agafay is located outside Marrakech and offers a completely different experience than the Medina. Here, it's more about peace, views, desert atmosphere, and slower days.
I wouldn't choose Agafay as a base for the entire trip if it's your first time visiting Marrakech. But one or two nights after a few days in the Medina can be a really nice combination.
BE Marrakech has also opened a sister location in Agafay, BE Agafay, which might be worth checking out if you love their aesthetic and want to combine the city with more tranquility.
How to choose the right place to stay in Marrakech
| Area | Best for | Choose it if |
|---|---|---|
| Medina | First visit, souk, riads, and atmosphere | You want to be close to everything |
| Gueliz | Cafes, shops, and easier transport | You want more peace and clarity |
| Hivernage | Luxury hotels, pool, and comfort | You want a hotel experience over a riad |
| Agafay | Desert atmosphere and a break from the city | You want to combine Marrakech with tranquility |
My practical tips before you book
- Book well in advance, especially if you want to stay in a small riad with few rooms.
- Ask the riad where the taxi can drop you off. Many cars cannot drive directly to the door in the Medina.
- Don't just choose based on pictures. Read reviews about location, noise, and service.
- Pack light if you are staying deep inside the Medina. Narrow alleys and suitcases are not always the best combination.
- Consider combining two areas: a couple of nights in the Medina and a night in Agafay or a quieter hotel.
Bring the Marrakech vibe home
One of the things I love most about Marrakech is the way materials are used. Ceramics on the table, layered textiles, warm lamps, tranquil courtyards, and small details that tell their own story.
That atmosphere is also a big part of Casa W. We hand-pick unique products from Morocco and India — items with texture, patina, and craftsmanship that can bring the same warm tranquility to your home.
If you want to create some of that ambiance at home, you can see our selection of Tamegroute ceramics, Moroccan ceramics, and lamps and lighting.
You can also read my guide on where to eat in Marrakech if you are planning the entire trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Marrakech?
The Medina is the best area if it's your first trip to Marrakech and you want to experience the souk, riads, rooftop terraces, and the old city up close. Gueliz and Hivernage are better if you want a quieter stay.
Is it better to stay in a riad or a hotel in Marrakech?
A riad offers the most atmospheric and local experience, especially in the Medina. A hotel is better if you prefer larger rooms, a pool, easy taxi access, and more classic comfort.
Is the Medina a good place to stay?
Yes, the Medina is a good place to stay if you want to be close to the experiences. However, choose a riad with good reviews and clear arrival instructions, as some places can be difficult to find.
How many nights should you stay in Marrakech?
Three to four nights is sufficient for most people. This gives you time for the Medina, the souk, restaurants, gardens, and perhaps a small excursion to Agafay or the Atlas Mountains.
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