Is it worth staying in a riad in Morocco?

Yes, in the medina cities of Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen — a riad is a restored courtyard house run as a small guesthouse, and staying in one is part of the experience. Pick a hotel instead if you need a pool, a lift, family rooms or parking.

What is the difference between a riad and a hotel?

Scale and location. Riads are small guesthouses, usually six to ten rooms, inside the car-free old city; hotels are larger, in the new town, with parking and full facilities but little local character.

Should I sleep in the Sahara desert in Morocco?

Yes — at least one night at a Merzouga desert camp is a highlight for most visitors, with a camel trek in, a communal dinner, drumming around a fire and exceptional stargazing. Add a second night if you want a full, unhurried day in the dunes.

Where to Stay in Morocco: Riads, Hotels & Desert Camps Explained

September 9, 2026 · 3 min read

In the medina cities — Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen — stay in a riad, a restored courtyard house run as a small guesthouse of six to ten rooms. Choose a modern hotel when you need a pool, a lift, connecting family rooms or on-site parking. Along the desert route you stay in kasbah hotels, and for a night or two, a Sahara tented camp.

What is a riad?

A riad is a traditional Moroccan townhouse built inward around a planted courtyard or a small pool, with the rooms opening onto the courtyard and a terrace on the roof. Most riads today operate as boutique guesthouses inside the old medina — intimate, quiet behind thick walls, usually beautifully tiled, with breakfast served on the terrace.

Riad or hotel — which should I choose?

Choose a riad for character, a medina location and personal service; choose a hotel for facilities and convenience. Riads sit inside car-free medinas, so you walk the final few minutes with your luggage while the riad sends a porter. Hotels in the new town have parking, lifts, gyms and larger pools, but none of the atmosphere.

Where should I stay in Marrakech?

First-time visitors usually take a riad in the medina, within walking distance of Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks. The Hivernage and Gueliz districts in the new town hold the big hotels, rooftop restaurants and easier taxi access if you prefer that style. Our things to do in Marrakech guide covers the layout.

Where should I stay in Fes?

In a riad inside Fes el-Bali, the old medina, so you can step in and out of the maze on foot. Fes riads are often grander — and cheaper — than their Marrakech equivalents. See our complete guide to Fes.

What is a kasbah hotel?

On the road south — around Ait Ben Haddou, Skoura, and the Dades and Todra gorges — many hotels are built in, or styled after, a kasbah: the fortified earthen architecture of the region, with thick pisé walls, palm-shaded gardens and pools set against the cliffs. They are a highlight of the drive rather than just a place to sleep.

What is a Sahara desert camp like?

A cluster of walk-in tents on or beside the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, reached by camel or 4x4. Standard camps have shared facilities and simple beds; private or "luxury" camps add en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, proper beds and rugs. Dinner is a communal tagine, followed by drumming around a fire and some of the clearest stargazing you will see. One night suits most travellers; two if you want an unhurried day in the dunes. Our Merzouga desert guide has the detail.

How much does accommodation cost?

A hostel dorm bed is €10–18, a room in a good riad €45–100 with breakfast, a luxury riad or kasbah €150–500, and a private desert camp is normally bundled into a tour price. See our Morocco trip cost breakdown.

Do I need to book accommodation in advance?

For spring and autumn travel, yes — the best riads and camps are small and fill months ahead. On a private tour it is arranged for you, and a good operator holds relationships with specific riads and camps along the route. To have your stays booked as part of an itinerary, contact us or browse our tours.