Our go-to guide to Marrakech hotels

I came to live in Marrakech to train for the toughest race on earth: the Marathon des Sables, an ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert. I meant to stay and train for three months, run my race, and leave. Ten years later, I’m still here, fully seduced by the city’s charms. In that time, I have seen Marrakech’s hotel offerings explode and there are now hundreds to choose from. The choice is fantastic but can also be overwhelming, so here are some suggestions to help you navigate.

La Mamounia is the queen of Marrakech hotels and just celebrated its 100th birthday. It’s where Hollywood and rock royalty come to stay and history is everywhere. (Be sure to have a drink in the Churchill Bar, where he and Roosevelt met at the height of World War ll.) The hotel’s buildings are magnificent with huge, sweeping rooms tiled in intricate mosaic and soaring decorated ceilings. There are also lots of light-filled areas to relax, the hotel’s brunch is a local favorite (even non-guests can, and should, snag a table), and the pool is one of the best in the city.

Room scene: What makes these rooms so special is that many of them contain priceless antique furniture and art. If you’re looking to splurge, there are exceptional suites and whole riads on offer. The Al Mamoun, for example, is filled with baroque chandeliers and fine statues; and if you have your own riad, you can experience what life was like for the Moroccan nobility. Book a garden view to enjoy the smell of jasmine and the sound of birdsong. The cherry on top: Each bathroom is like a mini spa with baths big enough to swim in.

Restaurant report: There are four main restaurants: L’Asiatique, L’Italien, Le Marocain, and the Pool Pavilion. Many of the ingredients served here are grown in La Mamounia’s extensive gardens. You can’t go wrong with any option but, for me, the Southeast Asian fusion dishes from Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten at L’Asiatique are unrivaled.

Don’t miss: French pastries by Pierre Hermé for afternoon tea and a tour of the gardens with Zitouni, La Mamounia’s famous donkey.

Who should go: History buffs, celebs, luxury lovers, and anyone celebrating a special occasion.

Riads are the typical family houses found in Marrakech where all the rooms are arranged around a central courtyard. They’re designed to be an oasis of cool and calm amid the frenetic life of the medina. Angsana has brought together six of them just off one of the best shopping streets in town, where visitors feel like they’re staying in a beautiful Moroccan home. The riads are all separate but share facilities, including an intimate Banyan Tree spa.

Room scene: Each riad has its own vibe, so choose according to your mood. My favorites are Tiwalin for its seclusion and Riad Si Said for its décor, which dates from the 18th century. The central open space has a magnificent zellij (traditional Moroccan tilework) water fountain and palm trees grow right up to the top floors. The rooms are typically long and slim with high ceilings and windows opening out onto the courtyard, while the bathrooms are spacious with great water pressure.

Restaurant report: Meals can be served either in your riad’s courtyard or the hotel’s main riad. The food is all locally sourced and the menu is full of Moroccan classics. The lamb tangia—slow-braised meat in a clay pot—is particularly good.

Don’t miss: The hammam—particularly the steam bath and the black soap scrub, which leaves your skin like silk.

Who should go: Spa lovers and couples looking for romance.

Riad El Fenn is at the heart of Marrakech’s art scene. Located in one of the busiest parts of the medina, you’ll step into a riot of color, plants, and creativity. The young and the beautiful come to share their latest projects and the atmosphere is buzzy and exciting. Even better: Artwork is displayed on almost every wall.

Room scene: All the rooms have a wow factor. Room 19 was where Madonna stayed and has a boudoir feel, thanks to a pink velvet sofa and a shower that you could fit 20 people into. Consider Room 21, too, which sports a leather floor and gold and black décor.

Restaurant report: The Colonnades restaurant in the main courtyard is private for guests but the rooftop is where you want to be. The food is a mix of Moroccan and international fare and there are lots of vegetarian and vegan options—the artichokes are fantastic.

Don’t miss: The sunset view from the rooftop bar over the Koutoubia Mosque. It’s epic, and the signature hibiscus cocktail is the perfect accompaniment.

Who should go: Creatives, art lovers, and fashionistas.

Marrakech is a brilliant city to visit for families. In Morocco, family is central to life and children join in everything. It’s true—you'll be welcomed everywhere and your kids will be fussed over (in a good way). Perfect for families, Marrakech’s Four Seasons is set among magnificent gardens and boasts an excellent pool. It has a kids club, a young adult center, and babysitting facilities so the adults can get some time to relax, too. You will want to spend quite a lot of your time outdoors here, as kids can run around freely.

Room report: There is a wide variety of rooms to choose from, all of which are immaculately outfitted. You'll have every amenity you could hope for—luxury toiletries, a tea and coffee station, bathrobes and slippers, and a mending kit. Rooms look out over the garden or the pool and you can’t go wrong with either option.

Restaurant report: There are three main restaurants, but a special mention needs to go out to Inara. It offers a fusion of Middle Eastern and African flavors, mixing Moroccan, Lebanese, and Turkish cuisines.

Don’t miss: The Family Dinner Experience in the Agafay desert is a really fun evening trip for you and the kids. Just 45 minutes from Marrakech, you can enjoy some desert hospitality with camels and Berber drummers.

Who should go: Families and harassed parents who need some downtime.

Riad Linda is a small hotel located just a five-minute walk away from Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s central square. It’s light and airy, providing an immediate haven of calm after the bustle of the markets. All rooms look onto the central space and there is a sunny rooftop where you can go to enjoy meals or even a spot of yoga. The location is perfect for exploring, and the prices are reasonable. The staff is extremely helpful and caring, making it a particularly good place for solo women travelers.

Room report: Each room is characterized by an antique Moroccan robe hanging on the walls, doubling as art. The rooms are all ensuite and the beds are comfortable. The largest room is the Douria, which has a private sitting room at one end.

Restaurant report: Meals are served either in the central courtyard or on the roof and the breakfast is hearty (don’t miss the freshly-squeezed orange juice). Lunch and dinner are made at request—the owners are vegetarian so there are lots of veggie-centric options.

Don’t miss: Order the baked fish and salad platter served on the rooftop. You’re welcome.

Who should go: Budget-conscious travelers and solo travelers.

Most of the hotels in this list are in or around the old city but Le Caspien is bang in the middle of the French Quarter, Gueliz. This is where you’ll find a host of great bars, restaurants, and cafes, as well as designer shopping. The hotel is well-appointed and international with plenty of pretty Moroccan details. It’s a good place to lay your head if you want to go out and enjoy Marrakech’s nightlife.

Room report: The rooms are immaculate with everything you’ll need to set up a home away from home—plus, they’re super quiet when the balcony doors are closed. The beds are firm and the linen is good quality with plenty of towels. Extra blankets are in the closet for the winter nights—it does get cold.

Restaurant report: There are two restaurants and a Sky Bar where you can go to get the party started. There’s a solid choice of food from a varied international and Moroccan menu. The breakfast is particularly good—try the amlou spread (argan oil, almonds, and honey) on your msimn (freshly-baked, flaky pancakes).

Don’t miss: This hotel is all about the location. Check out the cool cafes and bars in the area. Ask reception for their hot tips—my recs are Blue Ribbon, Mama Afrika, and L’Blassa.

Who should go: Party people, foodies, and people who want a mix of French/Arab culture.