Where to Stay in Morocco: Riads, Hotels and Desert Camps

Choosing where to stay in Morocco is about more than finding a comfortable bed. The right accommodation can shape your entire journey: waking up inside a historic medina, relaxing beside a hotel pool after exploring Marrakech, or spending a night beneath the stars in the Sahara Desert.

But with traditional riads, modern hotels, guesthouses and desert camps to choose from, how do you know which is right for your trip?

The answer depends on your route, budget, travel style and the experiences you want to remember. A riad may be perfect for exploring an imperial city on foot, while a hotel can offer practical comforts on a busy travel day. In the Sahara, a desert camp turns accommodation into part of the adventure itself.

In this guide, we explain the differences, what to expect and how to make the right choice when deciding where to stay in Morocco.

At a Glance: Which Type of Accommodation Is Right for You?

You do not need to choose just one style. For many travellers, the best Morocco itinerary combines different accommodation types, with each one suited to a different part of the journey.

1. Staying in a Moroccan Riad: Authenticity and Atmosphere

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house arranged around an interior courtyard or garden. Many feature decorative tiles, carved plaster, traditional woodwork, fountains and rooftop terraces.

Riads are particularly associated with historic medinas, including those of Marrakech and Fes. Staying in one can bring you closer to the character of the old city, where narrow streets, markets, historic buildings and everyday local life are often just outside the door.

What should you expect from a riad?

Many riads have a relatively small number of rooms and shared spaces arranged around a courtyard. Breakfast may be included, and some properties offer home-style Moroccan meals, rooftop dining or help arranging local experiences.

However, riads vary considerably. Some are simple and affordable, while others offer boutique luxury, elaborate interiors and premium services. Air conditioning, heating, lifts, room size and accessibility also differ from property to property.

One important detail is access. Some riads are located on narrow pedestrian streets where vehicles cannot reach the entrance directly. You may need to walk the final stretch with your luggage.

Before booking, check the exact location, whether staff can help with luggage, and how far the entrance is from the nearest vehicle-accessible point.

Who should choose a riad?

A riad is an excellent option for:

2. Staying in a Hotel: Convenience, Facilities and Flexibility

Hotels in Morocco range from budget-friendly city properties to international chains, boutique hotels, resorts and luxury establishments. They can be particularly convenient when you need easy access to roads, transport connections or facilities for relaxing between sightseeing days.

What should you expect from a hotel?

Depending on the property and price category, hotels may offer reception services, lifts, restaurants, private parking, air conditioning, room service, swimming pools or fitness facilities.

Not every hotel includes all these amenities, and standards vary. Always check the individual property's facilities, room descriptions and recent reviews before booking.

Hotels can also simplify the logistics of a road trip. Some have straightforward vehicle access, making them practical for travellers moving between cities or joining a private tour.

Who should choose a hotel?

Hotels can be a good fit for:

A centrally located hotel may save time and transport costs, while a more remote property may suit travellers who value space and tranquillity.

3. Staying in a Sahara Desert Camp: An Experience Beyond the Room

A night in the Sahara can become one of the most memorable parts of a Morocco trip. Instead of returning to a city after sunset, you stay near the dunes and experience the desert as the light fades and the sky grows darker.

Many travellers visit the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, where desert excursions can combine scenic drives, camel rides, sunset viewpoints and an overnight camp.

The experience varies by camp and package, so it is worth understanding what is included before booking.

What is a desert camp like?

Desert camps range from simple traditional setups to more comfortable luxury camps. Depending on the property, accommodation may include furnished tents, proper beds, private or shared bathrooms, meals and common areas.

Some camps offer private bathrooms, hot water, electricity and heating. These facilities are not identical across all properties, so confirm the exact arrangements for the camp included in your itinerary.

Winter deserves particular attention. Days can be sunny, but temperatures in the desert may fall sharply after sunset. If heating is important to you, ask about the specific accommodation and what heating is provided.

At Morocco Together, we select accommodation and desert camps with heating. The exact room facilities and arrangements should still be confirmed for your chosen itinerary.

What happens during a night in the desert?

A typical experience may include travelling to the dunes, watching the sunset, enjoying dinner at camp and spending the evening beneath the stars. Some camps organise traditional music or drumming, while other experiences are quieter.

Activities and schedules vary, so check what your selected package includes. Camel rides, transfers, meals and other experiences should not be assumed to be included unless confirmed.

The appeal is not only the tent. It is the chance to experience the changing desert landscape, enjoy an evening away from the city and wake up surrounded by open dunes.

Who should choose a desert camp?

A desert camp is ideal for:

Explore our Morocco tours to see how a Sahara experience might fit into your trip.

4. How Much Does Accommodation in Morocco Cost?

The cost of accommodation depends on the destination, season, room type, facilities and level of service. A simple guesthouse, a boutique riad and a luxury desert camp can offer very different experiences at very different prices.

Rather than assuming one type is always cheaper, compare the full cost of each option.

Look beyond the nightly rate

A cheaper room is not always the most economical choice. A property far from the medina may require extra transport, while a desert package may include transfers and meals that would otherwise cost extra.

When comparing accommodation, check:

For a private multi-day itinerary, it can also help to plan accommodation and transport together. This makes it easier to understand the overall budget instead of comparing room prices in isolation.

5. Where to Stay in Morocco Based on Your Route

The best accommodation depends on where you are going and how you plan to travel.

Marrakech: A riad for atmosphere, a hotel for convenience

If your priority is exploring the historic medina, a riad can place you close to souks, restaurants and cultural landmarks. A hotel outside the medina may be more convenient if you want easier vehicle access, larger facilities or a resort-style environment.

Think about how you will spend your days. If you plan to walk around the old city, location may matter more than the size of the property.

For seasonal inspiration, read our guide to things to do in Marrakech in December.

Fes: Stay close to the historic medina

Fes is known for its historic medina, traditional craftsmanship and layered architectural heritage. A riad can provide an atmospheric base for exploring the old city, while a hotel may be more convenient if vehicle access or modern facilities are your priority.

If you are arriving with a driver, confirm the meeting point and the walking distance between the drop-off point and your accommodation.

The Sahara: Choose the camp as part of the experience

For travellers heading to Merzouga and Erg Chebbi, the desert camp is not simply a place to sleep. It is part of the reason for making the journey.

Compare the camp category, facilities, meals, transfers and included activities. Make sure you understand how you will reach the camp and what happens if weather or route conditions affect the planned arrangements.

If you are travelling in winter, read our guide to the Sahara Desert in winter for advice on temperatures, clothing and overnight comfort.

A multi-day road trip: Combine accommodation styles

If you are travelling from Marrakech towards the Sahara and continuing to another city, a combination of accommodation types can work particularly well.

You might spend time in a riad in Marrakech, stay in a hotel or guesthouse during a scenic road trip, and finish with an overnight desert camp. The right combination depends on your route, driving distances, available accommodation and budget.

Do not plan the trip around accommodation alone. Consider how far you will travel each day, where you want to stop and whether you will have enough time to enjoy each destination.

6. How to Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Style

Still unsure where to stay in Morocco? Start with the experience that matters most to you.

If culture and architecture are your priority

Choose a riad in or near a historic medina. Look for a location that makes exploring on foot easy, and check the access arrangements before booking.

If comfort and practical facilities matter most

Compare hotels based on the facilities you will actually use. Parking, lifts, room temperature control, restaurant access and location can be more important than a property's headline rating.

If the Sahara is a highlight of your trip

Choose a desert camp that fits your comfort expectations and confirm exactly what is included. Heating, bathroom arrangements, meals and transfers are useful questions to settle before you travel.

If you are travelling on a budget

Consider a mix of accommodation types instead of compromising on every night. You may choose a simple guesthouse in one destination, a conveniently located hotel in another and a special desert camp for the experience you most want to remember.

The goal is not to spend the least on every night. It is to allocate your budget to the places and experiences that matter most.

7. When Should You Book Accommodation in Morocco?

Popular destinations and particular properties can become busy during holidays, school breaks and peak travel periods. Desert camps and smaller riads may also have fewer rooms than larger hotels.

If you have fixed travel dates or want a specific type of accommodation, planning early gives you more options. This is especially helpful when coordinating a private vehicle, guides and overnight stays across several destinations.

Before confirming, make sure your accommodation dates match your route and arrival times. A room reservation alone does not solve the logistics of reaching a remote camp or travelling between cities.

If you are unsure how to combine destinations, start with your arrival and departure dates, the places you want to visit and your preferred accommodation style. You can then build a route that balances travel time, comfort and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to stay in a riad or a hotel in Morocco?

Neither is always better. Riads are often a good choice for atmosphere and proximity to historic medinas, while hotels may offer more facilities and easier vehicle access. The best option depends on your destination, travel style and practical needs.

Are desert camps in Morocco comfortable?

Comfort levels vary. Some camps offer furnished tents, private bathrooms, hot water and heating, while others provide simpler facilities. Check the specific camp and package before booking, especially if you are travelling in winter.

Do desert camps in Morocco have heating?

Some camps provide heating, but facilities differ between properties. Morocco Together selects desert camps and accommodation with heating for its trips. Confirm the specific arrangements for your itinerary, including the facilities available in your tent.

How many nights should I spend in a desert camp?

For many travellers, one overnight stay provides a taste of the Sahara. If your schedule allows, additional time can make the journey more relaxed and give you more opportunities to enjoy the desert. The best duration depends on your route and total trip length.

Is staying inside a medina practical with luggage?

It can be, but some medina streets are pedestrian-only or too narrow for vehicles. Ask your accommodation about the nearest drop-off point, walking distance and luggage assistance before booking.

Should I book accommodation separately or as part of a tour?

Booking separately gives you more direct control over individual properties. Planning accommodation alongside a private tour can make route logistics easier, particularly when your itinerary includes several stops and a remote desert camp. Compare what is included before deciding.

Find the Right Places to Stay for Your Morocco Journey

The best answer to “where to stay in Morocco” is the one that fits your route, your budget and the experiences you want to take home.

A traditional riad can bring you closer to the character of Marrakech or Fes. A hotel can make a busy travel day more convenient. A Sahara desert camp can turn one night into a highlight of your trip.

You do not have to work out every detail alone. Tell us which places you want to visit, when you are travelling and what kind of accommodation you prefer. Morocco Together can help you explore suitable options and plan a route that makes sense for your journey.

Ready to plan your Morocco trip?

Explore our available tours, email hello@moroccotogether.com, or contact us on WhatsApp.

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