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Marrakech, Morocco’s southern capital, lies three hours south of Casablanca by train. At the base of the Atlas mountains, the exotic red walled city, with its compelling blend of old and new, has been everything from an oasis for desert traders and a hippie hangout to a jet-setting holiday destination.
For the bustling markets, beautiful architecture, mosques and palaces, all wrapped in a strong North African atmosphere.
The medina is home to upscale riad hotels with rooms overlooking central courtyards and rooftop terraces affording views of the sights—expect rates over $350 nightly. Larger chain hotels with standard western comforts like swimming pools and fitness centers tend to cluster in the Ville Nouvelle. Budget travelers will find plenty of wallet-friendly guesthouses for less than $80 per night in the narrow streets around the Djemaa al-Fna in the medina.
Hivernage Hotel and Spa
Western comforts—satellite TV, internet access, an outdoor pool, spa, and 85 spacious rooms—await at this...
Riad W
This contemporary take on riad accommodations is perfect for travelers who want to stay in the medina, but could do without...
Hotel Gallia
This attractive and comfortable family-run place sits on a quiet backstreet near the Djemaa el-Fna in the medina. Most of the...
Hotel Sherazade
For value, style and location, you can’t beat this budget medina pick. The hotel’s 25 rooms (request one with a...
Riad Farnatchi
Converted from five riads, this nine-suite boutique hotel is the apex of Moroccan luxury. Enjoy modern comforts like iPod...
Riad Meriem
Sleep like a sultan in this uber-stylish riad created by Manhattan designer Thomas Hays. The contrast between Riad...
Hivernage Hotel and Spa
Western comforts—satellite TV, internet access, an outdoor pool, spa, and 85 spacious rooms—await at this...
Riad W
This contemporary take on riad accommodations is perfect for travelers who want to stay in the medina, but could do without...
Hotel Gallia
This attractive and comfortable family-run place sits on a quiet backstreet near the Djemaa el-Fna in the medina. Most of the...
Hotel Sherazade
For value, style and location, you can’t beat this budget medina pick. The hotel’s 25 rooms (request one with a...
Riad Farnatchi
Converted from five riads, this nine-suite boutique hotel is the apex of Moroccan luxury. Enjoy modern comforts like iPod...
Riad Meriem
Sleep like a sultan in this uber-stylish riad created by Manhattan designer Thomas Hays. The contrast between Riad...
Riad Farnatchi
Converted from five riads, this nine-suite boutique hotel is the apex of Moroccan luxury. Enjoy modern comforts like iPod...
Riad Meriem
Sleep like a sultan in this uber-stylish riad created by Manhattan designer Thomas Hays. The contrast between Riad...
For cheap dinners with the most atmosphere in Marrakech, sidle up to one of the food stalls at the Djemaa el-Fna, where your couscous or harira soup is presented with plenty of theater from the jovial chefs and the action-packed square. Restaurant dining in Marrakech is equally inspiring, though you’ll pay more for the pleasure.
Café les Negotiants
Wicker chairs on a wide sidewalk terrace on the Ville Nouvelle’s main thoroughfare channel France. The crowds enjoy the...
Café-Restaurant Argana
One of a handful of cafes fronting the Djemaa el-Fna, Argana is great for budget tajine or couscous and happening medina...
Dar Marjana
Specialties from Marrakech and Fez are served in sumptuous riad surrounds, with belly-dancing and traditional live music...
Le Tobsil
Expect rose petals and an intimate courtyard illuminated by atmospheric lanterns at this romantic restaurant. The exquisite...
La Jacaranda
Très francais all the way (and one of Marrakech’s best restaurants), this buttoned-up bistro in the Ville...
Le Tanjia
Tables on the rooftop terrace have been the most coveted seats in the house since this atmospheric café opened in April...
Café les Negotiants
Wicker chairs on a wide sidewalk terrace on the Ville Nouvelle’s main thoroughfare channel France. The crowds enjoy the...
Café-Restaurant Argana
One of a handful of cafes fronting the Djemaa el-Fna, Argana is great for budget tajine or couscous and happening medina...
Dar Marjana
Specialties from Marrakech and Fez are served in sumptuous riad surrounds, with belly-dancing and traditional live music...
Le Tobsil
Expect rose petals and an intimate courtyard illuminated by atmospheric lanterns at this romantic restaurant. The exquisite...
La Jacaranda
Très francais all the way (and one of Marrakech’s best restaurants), this buttoned-up bistro in the Ville...
Le Tanjia
Tables on the rooftop terrace have been the most coveted seats in the house since this atmospheric café opened in April...