Living in Morocco - Riad versus Hotel Accommodation
Marrakech, the vibrant city in Morocco, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to cater to every traveller's preference. From traditional riads in the Medina to modern hotels in the Nouvelle Ville and luxurious resorts in the Palmeraie, here's a breakdown of the best hotels in each category.
Riads (Traditional Moroccan Guesthouses in the Medina)
For those seeking an authentic, charming, and boutique experience in the old city, riads are the perfect choice. These traditional mansions, built around central courtyards, offer an intimate and luxurious stay.
- Riad Dar Anika: Known for its serene atmosphere near the Medina’s edge, rooftop terrace with Atlas Mountain views, traditional cuisine, and warm hospitality, making it ideal for exploring Marrakech’s historic sites.
- Riad Andallaspa: Highly rated on TripAdvisor for exquisite traditional style and spa services.
- Riad La Maison Arabe: Famous luxury riad with excellent service and a central Medina location, perfect for cultural travelers.
- Riad Sybil Boutique Hotel: A luxury riad with a spa & wellness center, seasonal pool, and garden.
Riads generally offer mid to high-end pricing but are known for their intimate luxury and authentic Moroccan ambiance.
Nouvelle Ville Hotels (Modern Hotels in the New City)
For those seeking contemporary comforts, business travelers, or those seeking modern amenities, the Nouvelle Ville hotels are the ideal choice.
- Mövenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech: A 5-star hotel with modern facilities, pools, spa, and close to city attractions.
- Swiss Continental Hôtel: A luxurious option with well-appointed rooms, pools, and fitness center.
- Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa: High-end hotel with excellent service, ideal for travelers seeking refined luxury in a modern setting.
- Pestana CR7 Marrakech: A trendy 4-star hotel with a pool, fitness center, garden, and restaurant, catering to younger or lifestyle-seeking guests.
These hotels suit travellers looking for international hotel standards with easy access to shopping and dining in the Ville Nouvelle.
Palmeraie Resorts (Luxury Resorts in the Palmeraie Oasis area)
For those seeking secluded luxury, nature, and expansive resort facilities, the Palmeraie resorts are the perfect choice.
- La Mamounia: The iconic and highly acclaimed luxury resort, known for stunning gardens, exceptional service, and historical legacy.
- Royal Mansour Marrakech: Ultra-luxury resort with lavish riads, pools, and proximity to city landmarks, blending traditional Moroccan architecture with modern luxury.
These resorts offer a tranquil experience surrounded by palm groves with extensive amenities, suited for luxury travelers or honeymooners.
Budget Overview:
| Category | Example Hotel(s) | Approximate Range | Experience | |-------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------| | Riads | Riad Dar Anika, La Maison Arabe | Mid to high ($60-$250+) | Authentic, boutique | | Nouvelle Ville | Mövenpick, Sofitel, Pestana CR7 | Mid to luxury ($80-$300+) | Modern, convenient | | Palmeraie Resorts | La Mamounia, Royal Mansour | Luxury ($300-$1000+) | Opulent, resort-style |
In summary: - Choose Riads for a traditional, intimate Moroccan experience with local charm. - Opt for Nouvelle Ville hotels if you prefer modern comfort and accessibility. - Select Palmeraie resorts for luxury, privacy, and expansive natural settings.
All options cover a wide range of budgets and experiences, from budget-friendly boutique riads to ultra-luxury resorts like La Mamounia, ensuring a suitable stay for every traveller’s preference in Marrakech.
Hotels in the Palmerie area are large and grandly decorated with themes like Arabian Nights. Hotels in the Nouvelle Ville can serve alcohol, something that is often a struggle to find in the Medina. Riads in Marrakech often contain examples of Moorish architecture and Marrakeshi craftsmanship. Hotels in the Nouvelle Ville tend to have more space to offer pools, bars, hammams, and restaurants. Prices for hotels in the Palmerie area vary greatly, with examples ranging from £40 to £450 per night. The Nouvelle Ville is around a twenty to thirty minute walk from the Djemma el Fna (heart of the old town). A double room at a basic riad can start at around £25 a night, while high-end places can cost up to £300. The Ryad Mogador Menara in the Nouvelle Ville offers a hammam service. The Palmerie area is an exclusive oasis outside Marrakech with thousands of date palms, golf courses, and luxury hammams. The Nouvelle Ville is filled with wide boulevards, pretty little gardens, shopping malls, boutiques, and luxury stores. Marrakech's Nouvelle Ville is a tidy neighborhood added by the French colonial government between 1912 and 1956.
- A traveler seeking tranquility and authenticity in modern surrounds might find the home-and-garden style of a riad appealing, offering an intimate yet luxurious stay with traditional Moroccan charm.
- For travelers looking for contemporary comforts, a hotel in the Nouvelle Ville offers modern amenities, easy access to shopping and dining, and the added benefit of serving alcohol, which can be a challenge to find in the Medina.
- If a traveler is interested in nature, seclusion, and expansive resort facilities, a resort in the Palmeraie area could be the perfect choice, providing a tranquil experience surrounded by palm groves with extensive amenities and luxury service.
In addition, travelers should keep in mind that hotels in the Palmeraie area are large and grandly decorated, while those in the Nouvelle Ville tend to have more space to offer pools, bars, hammams, and restaurants. Prices for hotels in the Palmeraie area vary greatly, while the Nouvelle Ville offers a range from budget-friendly options to high-end luxurious stays. Finally, the Ryad Mogador Menara in the Nouvelle Ville offers a hammam service, and Marrakech's Nouvelle Ville is a tidy neighborhood filled with wide boulevards, pretty little gardens, shopping malls, boutiques, and luxury stores.
