Marrakech is the city of medinas and minarets, souks and snake charmers within day trip distance of the Atlas Mountains. While it is not even in the top three largest Moroccan cities, Marrakech is nevertheless one of the most famous cities in Morocco, and one of the most visited by international tourists. The city has just under one million residents, and there is something for everyone in the “Red City.” Choosing where to stay in Marrakech will be an important decision in your travel planning. Whether you prefer a traditional Moroccan riad, or more modern Marrakech hotels, we can recommend the right Marrakech districts for you.

We will cover off all types of Marrakech accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Marrakech hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Marrakech, the best Marrakech hotels, best places in Marrakech to visit, the best places to stay in Marrakech, hotels near Marrakech attractions and many more.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience.  Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Medina – Where to stay in Marrakech for tourists

At the heart of Marrakech is the Medina, the 1000 year old UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the old city of Marrakech, and all visitors to Marrakech will end up at the Medina at some point during their visit. In the middle of the Medina is the famous Bahia Palace, a 19th century with 150 rooms that are open to the public as a museum. Some of the best riads in Marrakech can be found in the Medina, and there are over 500 to choose from in the Medina! A broad selection of Marrakech hotels,and easy access to some of the most popular destinations in the city make the Medina the best area to stay in Marrakech, especially for first-time visitors, or those short on time.

Best places to stay in Medina

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Medina:
Kasbah Red Castle Hostel
Dream Kasbah
Hostel Dream Belko
Dar Mirai

Budget Hotels in Medina:
Riad Fatouma
Les Reves De Marrakech
Arabian Riad Marrakech
Riad Dubai

Mid range Hotels in Medina:
Riad Daria
Riad Shemsi
Riad les Orangers d’Alilia Marrakech
Riad Hikaya

Family Friendly Hotels in Medina:
Riad Hayane
Les Borjs de la Kasbah
Riad Dar Karma
Arabian Riad Marrakech

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Medina:
Les Jardins de la Medina
Villa Makassar
Almaha Marrakech
Dar Les Cigognes

Bab Doukkala – Where to stay in Marrakech for first timers

Within the medina is the Marrakech district of Bab Doukkala, home of the Bab Doukkala mosque. This is a great area to stay in Marrakech, as it’s close to the medina and only 15 minutes walk from the main square in Marrakech. This area is largely residential, so in addition to having easy access to tourist attractions, you’ll also get a feel for how the locals live, with all of the usual conveniences you expect to find in a residential neighborhood, such as bakeries, cafes and hammams.

Best places to stay in Bab Doukkala

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Bab Doukkala:
Hostel Kif Kif
Riad Jennah Rouge
Riad Lakhdar
Mosaic Hostel

Budget Hotels in Bab Doukkala:
Riad Majdoulina
Riad La Rose Du Desert
Riad Tahani
Riad Jomana

Mid range Hotels in Bab Doukkala:
Riad Magda
Dar Doukkala
Riad Amra

Family Friendly Hotels in Bab Doukkala:
Riad Tizwa
Riad Abaca Badra
Riad Sofia
Riad Fleur d’Orient

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Bab Doukkala:
Dar Kandi
Riad 72
L’Hotel Marrakech
Riad Noir d’Ivoire
Palais Khum

Gueliz & Hivernage – Where to stay in Marrakech for nightlife

If you want to know where to stay in Marrakech for nightlife, these adjacent areas are the Marrakech districts for you. The area is home to a casino, several large hotels with dance clubs and roof terrace bars, plus a lively entertainment district that includes The Royal Theater. Hivernage and Gueliz are close to the city center, and public transportation is easily accessible for visiting other areas of Marrakech, which you’ll want to do during the day as there aren’t many other things to do in this area besides enjoying the nightlife and restaurants. If you are looking for luxury hotels, there are several in Hivernage, while Gueliz is where you’ll find the majority of restaurants.

Best places to stay in Gueliz & Hivernage

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Gueliz & Hivernage:
Riad Lakhdar
Riad Jennah Rouge
Hostel Waka Waka, Marrakech
Riad Massin

Budget Hotels in Gueliz & Hivernage:
Hotel Akabar
Riad Amskal
Riad Rose Meryem

Mid range Hotels in Gueliz & Hivernage:
Novotel Marrakech Hivernage Hotel
Es Saadi Marrakech Resort – Hotel
The Red House
Hotel Kenzi Farah

Family Friendly Hotels in Gueliz & Hivernage:
Hivernage Hotel & Spa
Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Lounge and Spa
Hotel Farah Marrakech
The Pearl Marrakech

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Gueliz & Hivernage:
Royal Mirage Deluxe Marrakech
Royal Mirage Marrakech
Royal Mansour Marrakech
Dar Rhizlane
Hotel Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial

Jemâa el-Fna – Where to stay in Marrakech with family

This square in Marrakech’s medina is most famous for the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in the city. At 77 meters high, the mosque is a major landmark of Marrakech, and something you can navigate to. Also within Jemâa el-Fna is a marketplace as old as the city. Just a 15 minute walk from the marketplace are the Saadian Tombs, an elaborate mausoleum of Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi, and one of the top attractions in Marrakech.

Best places to stay in Jemâa el-Fna

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Jemâa el-Fna:
Backpackers Grapevine Hostel
Kaktus Hostel
Riad Taghazout
Riad azalia

Budget Hotels in Jemâa el-Fna:
Hotel Cecil
Riad Hamza
Hotel Atlas
Hotel Ali

Mid range Hotels in Jemâa el-Fna:
Hotel & Ryad Art Place Marrakech
Riad – Hotel Marraplace
Riad Le Rubis
Riad Manissa

Family Friendly Hotels in Jemâa el-Fna:
Riad Mirage
Riad BB Marrakech
Riad Mouna

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Jemâa el-Fna:
Les Jardins de La Koutoubia
Riad Joya
El Fenn
Riad Azzar

Agdal – Where to stay in Marrakech on a budget

Centered on the Agdal Gardens, the Botanical Gardens of Marrakech, this area is the retail and commercial hub of the city. While it’s not the best area for those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a more modern urban experience. Agdal has a major shopping centre, and a multiplex movie theater. There are many international hotel chains in this area, perfect for those who travel on a budget. The racetrack that hosts the World Touring Car Championship, so hotels may book up during this big event, so plan ahead if you are visiting Marrakech during this time.

Best places to stay in Agdal

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Agdal:
Kasbah Red Castle Hostel
Dream Kasbah
Hostel Dream Belko
Dar Mirai

Budget Hotels in Agdal:
Riad Boutouil
Guest House Soir De Marrakech
Riad Si Amarra
Dar Aida

Mid range Hotels in Agdal:
Mogador Palace Agdal
Hotel Rawabi Marrakech & Spa
Adam Park Marrakech Hotel & Spa
Ryad Mogador Kasbah

Family Friendly Hotels in Agdal:
Palm Plaza Marrakech Hotel & Spa
Palm Appart Club
Les Jardins De L’Agdal Hotel & Spa

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Agdal:
Cesar Resort & Spa
Les Jardins de la Medina
Villa Jnan Atlas
Maison Mnabha

If you’d like to save it for later, please save it to Pinterest.