Of course, it’s a cliché, but there really is nowhere quite like Marrakech. Perched at a historic crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Arab world, the city’s cultural mix is as intricate and dazzling as the spice pyramids stacked in its maze-like souks. Whether you’re wandering through the dusty brick corridors of its mosques and palaces, sipping gunpowder mint tea, or simply browsing the souk stalls for a pair of colorful leather babouches, the city delivers a sensory overload like no other.
Yet there’s a deeper reason why generations of stylish travelers have been drawn to Marrakech, seeking its unique blend of glamour and grit. Think of the unforgettable images: the Rolling Stones drifting through the streets in sharp tailoring, or Talitha Getty on her riad rooftop in a breezy caftan, a richly patterned jacket, and harem pants. There’s the wonder of Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle, with its cacti and exotic plants against a sea of cobalt blue, and the journey through fashion history in the adjoining museum. More recent generations of fashion glitterati, from Jean-Paul Gaultier to John Galliano, continue to flock here for inspiration, their collections often echoing the city’s distinctive aesthetic.
Marrakech’s dizzying array of world-class hotels also plays a major part in its appeal. From legendary spots like La Mamounia to playfully designed riads like El Fenn and Jasper Conran’s L’Hotel, to buzzy newcomers like the Nobu Marrakech with its lively rooftop bar and pool, the options are spectacular.
Here is Vogue’s selection of the very best hotels in Marrakech—from intimate, homely stays in the heart of the medina to tranquil estates on the city’s fringes, owned by global brands and offering every imaginable luxury.
Amanjena
Arriving at Amanjena is an experience in itself. You’re whisked through the city’s dusty outskirts in a private transfer, ushered through its monumental gates, and quickly welcomed with a hot towel and Moroccan tea. But the most dramatic moment is the backdrop: a grand courtyard first glimpsed through a rose-pink Moorish arch, revealing a breathtakingly expansive pond lit by flaming torches at dusk. Storks graze in the corners under palm fronds, and songbirds chirp around you. If paradise on earth exists, Amanjena comes remarkably close.
The resort consists of 34 “pavilions” and “maisons” (there are no mere rooms or suites here). Each private enclave features its own pool, a colonnaded area with a fireplace for evening relaxation, and interiors adorned with Berber rugs and glittering Venetian-style domes. You can take a long soak in a green marble bathtub beneath one of these domes. The food is excellent: for lunch, you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas overlooking the undulating green hills of a neighboring golf course, with the Atlas Mountains in the distance, or simply lounge by the pool with a salad. Evenings offer a candlelit traditional Moroccan restaurant with gentle live music, or the top-notch sushi restaurant, Nama, where you can savor smoky tuna tataki and yellowtail usuzukuri—the fish is shipped in fresh from Essaouira every morning.
As with all Aman properties, the service at Amanjena is impeccable. By the second day, the staff has already noted your routine and shares details among themselves, bringing you a poolside iced coffee without you even having to ask.The coffee arrives just as you’re about to ask for it, and your dinner table is kept waiting by the fireplace, just as you left it the evening before. The spa is second to none, offering everything from traditional hammam rituals to yoga and private tennis lessons. I arrived with plans to use the shuttle into the city center to explore the medina, but after 48 hours, I realized I hadn’t left the grounds. When everything is this heavenly, why would you?
Amenities: 2 swimming pools, free airport shuttle, spa, bar, 4 on-site restaurants
Address: Route de Ouarzazate, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
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### Royal Mansour
The dramatic entryways to the Royal Mansour, set within the walls of the imperial city, make it clear you’re entering a different kind of Moroccan paradise. It’s just steps from the bustling medina, yet contained within an enormous garden oasis behind imposing bronze gates that make you feel worlds away. This feeling deepens after check-in, when you’re whisked from the intricate splendor of the courtyard lobby through winding pedestrian streets to your own private riad.
You might think you’re wandering through a historic village. In fact, the entire complex was commissioned by King Mohammed VI, built in three years by 1,200 master artisans, and opened in 2010. It’s an unparalleled showcase of contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship, though the opulent decor and meticulous detail feel like a step back in time. Inside your riad—with its incredibly plush beds, mosaic fireplaces, and private roof deck—you’ll feel a little like royalty yourself.
Once you’re ready to explore the hotel’s winding alleyways, you might discover the recently refurbished spa complex. At 27,000 square feet and adorned with breathtaking gleaming white traceries, it’s undoubtedly the city’s best. Or you might find an opening in the gardens leading to the enormous pool, lined with private cabanas. Unsurprisingly, the dining options are wonderfully varied, from Moroccan fine dining at La Grande Table Marocaine to superb Venetian cuisine at Sesamo, courtesy of the Alajmo brothers. The calamari “cappuccino”—just order it—is out of this world.
Peek over the rooftops of your private village, and you’ll spot the city beyond. You might also glimpse the Royal Mansour’s crown jewel: the palatial “grand riad” that has hosted the world’s glitziest A-listers for over a decade. Naturally, the discreet staff wouldn’t reveal names, but it’s easy to see why this is the ultimate celebrity favorite in Marrakech—you’re in the heart of the action yet enjoy complete privacy.
Amenities: Swimming pool, free airport shuttle, spa, bar, 4 on-site restaurants, gardens
Address: Rue Abou Abbas El Sebti, 40000, Morocco
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### El Fenn
For a truly design-forward yet decidedly luxurious stay, make a beeline for El Fenn. Founded in 2004 by Vanessa Branson—sister of Richard and an entrepreneur in her own right—the hotel has expanded over the decades into what is arguably the city’s most personality-packed retreat, right on the edge of the medina. It’s a jet-set magnet, especially for those in art and fashion circles, but El Fenn wears its status lightly, emphasizing bohemian comfort over flashiness.
Let’s start with the impossibly photogenic decor—where else would one begin? El Fenn’s riotous kaleidoscope of color feels soothing rather than abrasive, and every individually designed room is packed with character.The rooms are filled with delightful, eye-catching details. Mine had a roll-top copper bathtub, hand-stitched camel leather floors, an outdoor shower, and a roaring fireplace for when the desert evenings turn cool. You’re right in the heart of the action here, but with everything El Fenn offers within its bougainvillea-filled courtyards—three pools, a spa, a yoga deck, countless nooks for reading, and a world-class boutique selling everything from glassware to locally made slippers—there’s not always a reason to leave.
The food is superb, too. Lunch features a selection of five seasonal Moroccan salads, all fresh and mouthwatering. In the evening, you can enjoy feather-light ravioli with Atlas mountain mushrooms or perfectly grilled local fish with spices—and, of course, a cocktail or two from the marble-clad bar. Sitting on a colorful banquette under the rooftop canopies, with the call to prayer drifting by and the city lights glittering in the distance, it’s a unique slice of Moroccan magic.
Amenities: 3 swimming pools, spa, café, bar, rooftop restaurant, boutique
Address: Derb Moulay Abdullah Ben Hezzian, 2, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
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### Selman Marrakech
While many grand estate hotels on the city’s outskirts are run by international luxury groups, the Selman is both independent and Moroccan-owned—and it proudly embraces local culture. Here, you’ll experience the full Marrakech palace fantasy. After being whisked through the imposing gates, you’ll pass through magnificent courtyards separated by velvet curtains and lit by Murano chandeliers, then out to a terrace overlooking the resort’s sparkling centerpiece: an 80-meter pool lined with Guatemalan marble, framing unparalleled views of the Atlas Mountains. (And yes, you’ll be served a pot of Moroccan mint tea at check-in.)
Beyond the luxurious trappings, the hotel has plenty of soul. Interiors were overseen by famed French architect Jacques Garcia, creating an opulent yet inviting atmosphere with roaring fireplaces in winter and live Andalusian folk music most evenings. The hotel’s unique offerings reflect the personalities of its owners, the Bennani Smires family. One of the siblings who runs the hotel has a deep passion for Arabian thoroughbred horses, so the property features its own glamorous stables—with earthy red walls and glittering tin lanterns—housing 16 horses for guests to admire. You can visit in the morning to watch them being groomed, enjoy a show during the epic Sunday brunch, or even book an equine therapy session at the spa.
The spa is truly a wonder. As one of only six Chenot Spas worldwide—pioneered in northern Italy 50 years ago—its one- to six-day “journeys” will appeal to serious wellness seekers. You can also enjoy traditional hammam rituals, massages, and facials in spectacular surroundings, whether in the lavishly decorated indoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms, or by the tranquil pair of outdoor pools (one warm, one cool) under swaying palms. The hotel’s beauty lies in its strong sense of place. On my final night, I was invited to a private dinner in the stables, where—between platters of traditional Moroccan salads, tagines, and grilled meats—we were treated to a parade of some of the magnificent horses.Some of the most beautiful horses I’ve ever seen. (Seriously, those braids!) It’s the kind of magic you can only create when the people in charge are Marrakishi through and through.
Amenities: Multiple on-site restaurants and bars, spa, stables, kids’ club, two swimming pools
Address: HXFH+5QC, Km5 Route d’Amizmiz, Marrakech 40160, Morocco
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### L’Hotel Marrakech
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a home away from home, then L’Hotel Marrakech is for you. Located at the end of winding alleyways, the entrance to this 18th-century palace is a discreet wooden door with a buzzer. A quick ring brings a cheerful, attentive staff member who ushers you inside. You’ll be led through corridors to an idyllic inner courtyard filled with swaying palms and orange trees, then invited to sit on a sumptuous white ottoman couch for a breezy check-in. There’s no formal reception or paperwork—it feels like visiting the stylish holiday home of a good friend.
L’Hotel’s design is second-to-none. First opened in 2016 with just five rooms, this bijou property is the brainchild of British fashion and homewares guru Jasper Conran, for whom Morocco has become a second home. (Conran recently opened a new hotel, Villa Mabrouka, in Tangiers.) The decor is a case study in laid-back glamour: 1930s Art Deco touches blend with traditional Moroccan wooden furniture and rugs, while canopied four-poster beds sit alongside artworks from Conran’s own collection, including a striking portrait of an Indian maharajah.
Of course, a luxurious homestay needs fabulous home cooking, and the chefs here more than deliver. At dusk, the drawing room becomes a relaxed dining area serving Moroccan cuisine with an artful twist, from crisp fish pastillas to a rich beef and quince tagine. For lunch, waiters will happily bring a kaleidoscopic array of salads to the roof terrace. If you want to explore the city, it’s just steps away, as the hotel sits in the heart of the authentic Bab Doukkala neighborhood. The final masterstroke? A 10-meter-long saltwater pool—a rarity in this part of town—perfect for cooling off after a hot day exploring Marrakech. L’Hotel may be small, but it has it all.
Amenities: Saltwater swimming pool, on-site restaurant, rooftop terrace
Address: 41 Derb Lahcen ou Ali, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
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### The Oberoi Marrakech
If you’re looking for full, five-star palatial grandeur, The Oberoi Marrakech delivers in spades. It’s the only Moroccan property from the Indian luxury hotel group known for its impeccable service. Designed as an homage to the 16th-century Medresa Ben Youssef college—one of the city’s architectural landmarks—the resort reveals itself slowly. You’ll first walk through a dramatic outdoor plaza with a sweeping square pond, past the enormous pastel pink central building, then through airy corridors lavished with zellij tiles and a courtyard lit by blazing flames. Beyond, epic vistas unfold across 28 acres of gardens stretching toward the Atlas Mountains.
Despite its colossal scale, the place doesn’t feel cold. Credit goes to the service, which lives up to the Oberoi reputation. Your local butler whisks you away in a golf buggy to one of the villas sprawled across the property, most of which feature private pools and are also designed for ultimate privacy and comfort.Adorned with exquisite examples of delicate Moroccan craftsmanship, the decor is elegant without being overwhelming. Your first instinct will be to explore the grounds. You might visit the sprawling spa complex on its own island, wander through fragrant citrus and olive groves, or say hello to the two resident donkeys, Sugar and Brownie. Be sure to also make time for a swim in the 30-meter pool—it’s the perfect refreshment after a morning exploring the dusty alleyways of the souks.
The food is also exceptional, starting with an impressive breakfast spread at the Tamint restaurant. Alongside pastries, fruits, and cheeses in the grand central hall, you can order Moroccan shakshuka or Indian dosa à la carte. In the evening, the same restaurant offers a crowd-pleasing menu of Mediterranean classics, where you can enjoy sweeping mountain views while dining on dishes like spider crab tartare or clay-baked sea bass with a local citrus beurre blanc.
The true culinary highlight, however, is Rivayat. Overseen by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, this restaurant honors the hotel’s Indian roots with a superb tasting menu of elevated street food, best enjoyed in the atmospheric, candlelit central courtyard. The Oberoi delivers theatrical Moroccan splendor at its peak, yet it remains full of character.
Amenities: Gardens, free airport shuttle, 3 on-site restaurants, bar, spa, swimming pool
Address: Tribu R’hamna – Fraction Touhina, Marrakech, Marrakech Tansift Elhouz, 40000
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### Jnane Rumi
Tucked away on a narrow, unassuming street in Marrakech’s Palmeraie district—a vast palm oasis on the city’s northeastern edge—lies Jnane Rumi, the newest jewel in the city’s hotel scene. Step through the gates, and a sense of calm immediately settles in. At the heart of the property is an Andalusian-style villa with a terracotta exterior that glows dusty pink in the Moroccan sun. The lush ten-acre garden features centuries-old olive trees and a resident rescue donkey named Zwina roaming freely. Then there’s the Instagram-worthy green-tiled pool, bordered by elegant sun loungers and shaded by swaying palms and cacti.
Originally the home of architect Charles Boccara, the estate has been thoughtfully reimagined by Dutch art lawyer Gert-Jan van den Bergh and his sculptor wife, Corinne, as a sanctuary for design-savvy travelers. Its 12 accommodations—seven suites, four garden pavilions, and a private annex with its own pool and garden—playfully blend artisanal Moroccan craft with contemporary North African art, curated by artistic director Samy Snoussi. You’ll find striking frescoes by Roberto Ruspoli, tapestries by Louis Barthélemy, and an array of vintage Berber rugs and traditional Moroccan ceramics.
The food is simple but well executed, featuring a rotating menu of tagines served at candlelit tables by the pool each evening. Jnane Rumi aims to make you feel like you’re staying at a friend’s home—a very stylish friend—and it has achieved that atmosphere beautifully less than a year after opening. For the ultimate design experience, book the suite with the nine-meter-high vaulted bathroom, featuring an enormous marble tub sunken into the floor—it’s the most dramatic place to bathe in all of Marrakech.
Amenities: Swimming pool, restaurant, bar, hammam, concierge, shuttle to the Medina
Address: Rue Asasoussane Mejjat 2, Nakhil Nord Palmeraie, Marrakech
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### Mandarin Oriental Marrakech
Arriving at the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech, the first thing that strikes you is…What will truly make your jaw drop is the scale. In a city where many hotels could claim to be the biggest and boldest, the sheer size of this complex—which opened in 2015 as a sleeker, more contemporary alternative to the city’s classic grande dame hotels—is a spectacle in itself. Walking through the glass-walled central atrium and out onto the expansive veranda, the landscaped gardens, pools, and olive groves seem to stretch to the horizon, framing a picture-perfect view of the Atlas Mountains, their lightly snow-dusted peaks mingling with soft layers of cloud.
While the layout and some subtle architectural details nod to Moroccan traditions, the overall emphasis here is firmly on the new. This is especially true in one of its 54 villas, which could easily claim to be the city’s most luxurious setup. Push through the impressive wooden doors, and you’ll find your own private paradise: a swimming pool and jacuzzi, outdoor lounging areas, king-size beds dressed in crisp white linens, and a vast bathroom and dressing area with a private hammam. With all the high-tech amenities you’d expect from a recently built hotel of this caliber, you could happily order room service on your digital tablet and never leave.
But then you’d miss the sprawling Andalusian-inspired spa and cutting-edge fitness center—the morning yoga classes surrounded by lush, fragrant gardens are a must—or the wonderfully varied dining options, including a Chinese restaurant from the team behind Hakkasan, serving top-tier dim sum and wok-fried spiny lobster. (After all, there’s only so much tagine you can eat in Morocco.) And while it’s about a 15-minute drive from the medina, a free shuttle runs all day, whisking guests to and from the city center. It truly offers the best of both worlds.
If you were to list the world’s most legendary hotels, La Mamounia would easily be near the top. A veritable institution, this sprawling estate just inside the city’s imperial walls was established in 1923 and has hosted a staggering roster of celebrity guests over the decades—everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Mick Jagger has slept here, and Winston Churchill once called it “one of the best I’ve ever used.” Quite the endorsement.
Yet La Mamounia has never rested on its laurels. While it retains its old-world charm—with interiors that are a visual feast of dazzling, sunlit tile-covered courtyards and moodier, intimate spaces where lacquered wood shimmers in candlelight—a complete refurbishment in 2020 has given it a new lease on life. Not only has the gorgeous decor been gently refreshed for the 21st century, but its already impressive restaurants and amenities have expanded further: there are two new restaurants serving Italian and pan-Asian cuisine, overseen by the legendary French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Meanwhile, the famous Churchill Bar, which feels like a step back into Marrakech’s mid-century heyday, has been transformed into an intimate setting for champagne and caviar.
The range of things to do within La Mamounia’s walls is nearly unmatched: there’s an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, a breathtakingly opulent spa, a cinema, and the astonishing Le Marocain restaurant, housed in its own riad within the hotel grounds. But what gives it its unique magic is the hospitality: every one of the hotel’s roughly 600 staff members is as attentive as can be.La Mamounia manages to make its colossal scale feel surprisingly intimate, and it quickly becomes clear why it remains one of the world’s most prestigious hotels.
Struggling to choose between a riad in the heart of the action or a sprawling resort on the outskirts? La Sultana offers the best of both. Centrally located in the old Medina near historic sites like the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace, it still feels like a serene retreat. This is thanks in large part to its enormous rooftop terrace—the largest in the area—which connects five artfully joined riads and features lush gardens, plunge pools, dining areas, and even an outdoor kitchen for cooking classes.
The attention to detail is as impressive as the scale. Every surface is adorned with dazzling craftsmanship: hand-carved wooden doors, marble staircases, vaulted ceilings, and intricate zellij tiling, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a vast jewel box. The service is equally thoughtful; upon arrival, porters in red cloaks and fez caps whisked away our bags, and we checked in over mint tea in a leafy seating area overlooking the city. While the communal spaces are exotically opulent, the bedrooms are cozy sanctuaries with soothing crimson and purple walls and plush king-sized beds—perfect for resting after a day in the souks.
For relaxation, there’s a stylish brick-lined indoor pool, lit up at night and surrounded by tables for enjoying French-Moroccan cuisine, plus one of the city’s best spas, a marble paradise blending Roman and North African wellness traditions. But the true highlight is the rooftop—whether you’re curling up with a book or enjoying a drink as the sun sets over the medina. Be sure to have lunch at La Table du Souk, the charming top-floor restaurant with incredible views of the Saadian Tombs. Its menu of seasonal salads, seafood platters, and grilled lobster is decadent yet effortless—much like La Sultana itself.
The newest addition to Marrakech’s hotel scene, the Nobu Hotel Marrakech, does things differently. Located in the Hivernage district, it’s just a 15-minute walk from the medina but has a more cosmopolitan vibe, surrounded by trendy nightclubs and popular spots like Comptoir Darna. Architecturally, it avoids overtly traditional Moroccan motifs. Instead, it features a striking exterior with sleek curves and a latticed design.Steel guides your eye up to the hotel’s crown jewel: the rooftop bar, restaurant, and pool. A quick elevator ride brings you to one of the city’s most spectacular views from a 360-degree deck, where you can sip cocktails, enjoy a casual dinner like seafood linguine or grilled octopus, or simply relax by the pool. (It’s a good reminder that Marrakech is also a brilliant winter getaway for those seeking sun.) Naturally, as a Nobu property, the hotel features the brand’s signature restaurant on the ground floor, serving classics like miso black cod, new-style sashimi, and rock shrimp tempura in a setting that reflects the distinctive Nobu aesthetic—think dark Japanese wood slats and moody downlighting.
The rooms are sleek and spacious, equipped with five-star amenities and subtle nods to local design. Below, an expansive spa complex awaits with an indoor pool, hammams adorned with jewel-like mosaics, and treatments blending Japanese and Moroccan wellness traditions. The hotel’s opening party earlier this year drew a younger, more cosmopolitan international crowd than you might find at the city’s classic grand hotels—a vibe that remained when I visited a month later. So if you’re looking for luxury but still want to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, Nobu Marrakech is hard to beat.
Amenities: Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, rooftop terrace, fitness center, two bars, on-site restaurant
Address: Av. Echouhada et Rue du Temple Hivernage, Marrakech, 40000, Morocco
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about discovering the top hotels in Marrakech
General Beginner Questions
1 Whats the difference between a riad and a resort in Marrakech
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard often smaller more intimate and located in the historic Medina A resort is a larger modern property often with expansive grounds multiple pools and extensive amenities typically found in areas like the Palmeraie or Hivernage
2 Which area is best to stay in for firsttime visitors
For an authentic immersive experience the Medina puts you in the heart of the souks and main sights For more space luxury and relaxation the Palmeraie offers resortstyle tranquility though its a short drive from the center
3 What is the average price range for a top hotel in Marrakech
It varies widely A beautiful midrange riad might cost 100250 per night Luxury palacestyle resorts and 5star riads typically range from 300 to over 1000 per night especially for suites
4 Is it better to book a hotel with a pool
Absolutely A pool is a major asset in Marrakech where daytime temperatures can be very high It provides a essential place to cool off and relax after exploring
5 Do these top hotels arrange airport transfers
Yes nearly all reputable hotels offer paid airport transfer services It is highly recommended to book this in advance as it avoids hassle with taxis and ensures a smooth arrival especially for riads in the carfree Medina where youll be met and escorted
Advanced Practical Questions
6 What are the hidden costs I should watch out for
Be aware of City Tax charges for premium spa treatments or certain activities minibar prices and sometimes fees for early checkinlate checkout Always confirm whats included in your rate
7 How do I choose between a cozy riad and a grand resort
Consider your trip goals Choose a