Top 10 Hotels in Morocco

My top ten picks of best hotels in Morocco reflect my personal taste for smaller, traditional hotels that aren't too expensive. Many of the best hotels in Morocco are Riads (traditional Moroccan homes) that have been converted into small hotels. I have chosen hotels from a variety of places in Morocco since most visitors will travel to several towns in a single vacation.

Rates are subject to change and should be used as a guide only.

Ryad Mabrouka (Fez) -1

The Ryad Mabrouka is situated in the heart of the Medina (old town) in Fez, one of Morocco's beautiful medieval walled cities. Traditionally restored, the Ryad is a masterpiece of Moroccan tile work. There are 8 rooms, a small swimming pool and lovely garden with wonderful views of the bustling Medina from several terraces. The food is also excellent.

Rates: From USD 100 per room per night.

La Maison Arabe is a luxury Ryad in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. Famous for its restaurant it also offers 17 rooms overlooking two courtyards and a beautiful hammam (traditional Moroccan sauna). You can catch hourly shuttles to the hotel's cooking school (20 minutes away) with swimming pool and gardens.

Rates: From USD 160 per room per night.

Riad Kniza is situated in the heart of Marrakech's Medina just a few minutes walk from the Djemma el Fna (the main square). This small, romantic, beautifully furnished traditional Riad has 7 rooms, two lounges, a courtyard and several patios. The owner is an antique dealer and extremely knowledgeable about Marrakech. The Riad Kniza comes very highly recommended with glowing reviews from all who stay here.

Rates: From USD 195 per room per night.

Dar Baibou and Casa Hassan (Chefchaouen) -4

Casa Hassan and Dar Baibou are situated in the heart of the Rif Mountains in the town of Chefchaouen. The owner has restored both these traditional Andalusian homes with great care. Each bedroom is unique and decorated using local crafts. There's a courtyard and roof top terrace where you can enjoy spectacular mountain views. An excellent restaurant and hammam (traditional Moroccan sauna) make this a perfect place for a romantic vacation.

Rates: From USD 70 per room per night.

Madada Mogador (Essaouira) -5

The hotel Madada Mogador is spacious, stylish and very tastefully decorated in a nouveau-Moroccan style. The ocean views from the roof top terrace are exquisite since the hotel is built right behind the town's ramparts. The Madada Mogador has 6 rooms and an excellent restaurant.

Rates: From USD 120 per room per night.

Affordable, beautiful and ideal as a starting point for desert trips. The Hotel Kasbah Xaluca Maadid has 48 rooms with en suite bathrooms. Each room has AC but there is no TV. There's a swimming pool, hammam, bar and 2 restaurants. The building is made of mud using traditional methods and blends in beautifully with the desert landscape.

Rates: From USD 50 per room per night.

The Kasbah du Toubkal is a magnificent mountain retreat spectacularly situated in the heart of the High Atlas. Near the foot of Jbel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, the Kasbah offers dormitory style rooms, suites and independent villas to suit all budgets. The roof-top terrace of this old fort offers splendid panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains.

Rates: From USD 150 per room per night (USD 50 for a dorm bed).

Riad al Madina (Essaouira) -8

The Riad al Madina is a lovely traditional Moroccan Riad that's not expensive yet still authentic. Situated close 

to the beach the Riad has 25 rooms and 10 suites. There's a nice restaurant, bar and double fireplace where meals are served.

Rates: From USD 47 per room per night.

Palais Didi is still owned by the same family who built this traditional Riad in the 17th century. Moroccan craftsmanship at its finest is found in all 11 rooms. There's a large patio with a fountain and a great terrace with restaurant and swimming pool, overlooking the Royal golf course (playable at night).

Rates: From USD 140 per room per night.

Finding the Riad Fes in the heart of the Medina is a challenge but once inside you'll never want to leave. The Riad Fes has 17 palatial rooms and suites all filled with antique furniture and fabrics, walls are tiled and ceilings carved. There's a roof terrace from which you can view the maze of the Medina stretched below. There is also a small swimming pool, a rooftop jacuzzi and gym.

Rates: From USD 110 per room per night.