The Open Road Travel

Marrakech, the fourth largest city in Morocco, is a vibrant, colourful destination, with a rich history spanning back almost a thousand years. Finding the best areas to stay in Marrakech is a challenging task, but one that will have a great impact on the success of your trip.

The former capital city has developed quickly within the last century and has become a well-known tourist destination like no other, with something to appeal to everyone. So, if you want to ensure you choose the best place to stay in Marrakech, I highly suggest reading on.

Marrakech is often seen as the culture and tourism capital of Morocco and was even once named Africa’s Capital of Culture. With its bustling, narrow streets, traditional restaurants, and museums, you will find different cultural experiences in every direction you turn.

The enchanting, Moroccan city is home to a wide array of beautiful gardens, palaces, mosques, and Islamic architecture. Marrakech is a must-visit destination and with plenty to do and see, and the city is guaranteed to have something for everyone.

Today I’d like to show you some of the best areas to stay in Marrakech, along with a little bit of information on this lively city. This will help ensure that you’ll have everything you need to start planning your unforgettable trip.

Morocco has a relatively dry climate, and the weather is warm all year round. For this reason, the best times to visit Marrakech are in the spring (March to May) or the autumn (mid-September to November) as temperatures are a little cooler than in the height of the summer.

Temperatures during these months are consistently pleasant without getting terribly hot, so activities like sightseeing will be a great deal easier.

At first, it may feel a little overwhelming when trying to decide on the best area to spend your trip, as Marrakech has a vastly different culture than that of the west.

Where you choose to stay depends on what you want out of your trip, and as the city has so much to offer, it can be difficult to figure out where you would benefit most from staying.

In this article, I am going to introduce to you a few areas that should cover most of the main criteria, to help you select the area that best suits you.

If an energetic nightlife scene is at the top of your list of priorities, then the modern district of Hivernage is the place to stay.

Bursting with dance clubs, cocktail bars, and other forms of entertainment, such as casinos and theatres, Hivernage is one of the hippest neighbourhoods in Marrakech. The area comes alive at night and so I believe it is the best area to stay in Marrakech for nightlife.

Hivernage is also known for its high-class hotels and sophisticated restaurants, so if you want to stay in luxury, this is a good location to start considering.

If you are keen on doing a bit of shopping whilst visiting Marrakech, in Hivernage you will discover stylish stores and shopping malls, where you can peruse to your heart’s content.

For an added bit of extravagance, why not visit the western corner of Hivernage, where you will find world-famous designer boutiques such as Louis Vuitton.

Whilst the option for luxury is here, don’t let it put you off if you’re working with a slightly tighter budget. While not as abundant, those who are particularly set on staying here will be able to find deals on cheaper hotels if you look hard enough.

Positioned between the Marrakech Train Station and the Marrakech Menara Airport, Hivernage is also a great location for anyone going on a shorter trip or for those that like to be close to transport links.

Stay in Hivernage if:

• Nightlife is important to you
• · The cultural aspect of Marrakech is not the main interest to you
• · You want to stay in a luxury hotel
• · You want to be near transport links
  

My recommendation for accommodation in this area would be the fantastic Savoy Le Grand Hotel Marrakech.

Located only 4 kilometres from Marrakech Menara Airport, this high-end hotel features multiple bars and restaurants, a tranquil spa, two outdoor pools, a gym, and even a BBQ.

The hotel has free Wi-Fi throughout, and the luxurious modern rooms contain flat-screen TVs, and furnished balconies or terraces. There is also a hairdresser's and gift shop at the Savoy Le Grand.

Pamper yourself at the hotel’s spa where services include facials, body scrubs, and other body treatments, or just unwind in the sauna or hot tub.

Chrifia is a small neighbourhood to the south of the city centre. Further out from the main hub of the city, this area is the ideal spot for those who want to steer clear of the crowds of tourists.

It’s also near to the Marrakech Menara airport and other transport links, and is only a short trip from most of the city's notable attractions.

Chrifia is also the perfect area for families visiting Marrakech, especially those with children. The peaceful neighbourhood boasts several activities for kids of all ages, including the large waterpark, Oasiria. Alternatively, let off some steam at the nearby Laser Games Marrakech.

Additionally, there is plenty of attractions for adults to enjoy in Chrifia and locally-based excursion companies can assist you in planning visits to surrounding valleys and deserts.

If you’re more interested in seeing the natural beauty of the surrounding land of Marrakech than the bustling city itself, Chrifia may be the location for you.

Last but not least, for tourists that enjoy a spot of golf, this neighbourhood is perfect.

To the south of the area is the Argan golf resort, a large golf course with stunning views of the magnificent Atlas Mountains. There’s also the smaller Atlas Golf course to the north, which is more suitable for anyone who wants to stay closer to the city.

Stay In Chrifia If:

• You are travelling with children
• You want to be slightly further from the city centre
• You want easy access to the surrounding land of Marrakech
• You want adventurous or active entertainment
• You enjoy golf

For anyone looking to book a hotel for a family, I would suggest considering Oasis Lodges. It lies right next to the Oasiria water park and is located conveniently close to the Marrakech Menara airport.

A charming collection of individual villas, Oasis Lodges combines the privacy of your own villa with the services of a sophisticated hotel.

The stunning, African-style lodges are equipped with Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, fireplace, air-conditioning, a private bathroom, and a patio with a garden view. Oasis Lodges also offer a free breakfast that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your lodge or in the restaurant.

Additionally, on-site is a fitness centre, a restaurant, and indoor and outdoor pools. Guests can relax and pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services, while the kids play in the children's playground.

The Medina is the old city of Marrakech within the ancient, pink city walls and is a hotspot of culture, history, and tradition.

Until a little over a century ago, most of Marrakech was contained within this area. In 1982 UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site, due to its cultural significance.

Being the oldest part of the city, Medina is the best area to stay if you’re interested in the history of ancient Marrakech. If you want to experience the traditional culture of Morocco, the Marrakech Medina is the place to be.

The most iconic attraction of Medina is the Jemaa el-Fna square, one of the main cultural spaces and the primary market square in Marrakech. Jemaa el-Fna square is a fascinating location to spend an afternoon.

The legendary square is a vibrant spot that is packed with street performers, food vendors, and Morocco's largest souk. Souks are traditional marketplaces or bazaars and are labyrinths of narrow alleyways, full of vendors and stalls.

Take a wander through the winding streets of this exotic marketplace where you can purchase goods and souvenirs with a distinct Moroccan flare, such as rugs, lamps, silver jewellery, and trinkets.

The shops and stalls you’ll find in this district also offer herbs, spices, and local produce.

The excitement continues after nightfall, so if you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, consider having dinner at one of the many eateries lining the square.

The street terraces of Jemaa el-Fna are a great place to sit and have a meal, as there is plenty of entertainment at all times of the day.

As the Medina is the oldest part of Marrakech, the area is also widely populated with riads. These are traditional Moroccan houses typically made of mud, brick, or clay.

Riads consist of private rooms, with shared common areas and they are often set around a central courtyard. If that’s the sort of accommodation you’re most interested in, this is a great location to consider.

Stay In Medina If:

• You love history
• You want to experience traditional Morocco
• You would like to stay in a riad
• You love browsing markets
  

Situated just a few minutes’ walk from the iconic market square, Riad Andalla boasts beautiful interiors and a roof terrace with views over the square.

This tranquil and welcoming, traditionally styled riad features uniquely decorated rooms, which each contain a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, plus all rooms have mountain or city views.

Guests can relax in the chic public lounge, which holds a cosy fireplace and plays ambient music. There is also a lovely little inside pool located in the centre of the riad, where you can take a dip in the evening after being out and about in the city.

Breakfasts are included in the room prices and are usually served on one of the patios around the fountain or on the terrace, so you can watch the world go by down in Jemaa el-Fna square.

There is one restaurant at the riad, where they offer mouth-watering Moroccan specialties such as couscous, tajine, and Moroccan salads.

East of the Medina is the neighbourhood of Kennaria. This area is another one of the older districts in Marrakech and maintains the traditional feel, but with fewer crowds than the Medina, despite being within a few minutes’ walk of the central market square.

This makes Kennaria the best area to stay in Marrakech for first time visitors.

The area is known for having a larger number of hammams, the region's traditional public bathhouses, than any other area of Marrakech. This makes it the ideal place for anyone looking to relax and unwind.

Like the Medina, Kennaria is also located near to the ancient city walls, which makes this another fantastic spot for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the traditional vibe of Marrakech.

Its streets are lined with a high number of artisanal shops, rooftop terraces, and beautiful riads. Spend the afternoon browsing the backstreets of Kennaria if you’re looking to pick up some traditional, handcrafted Moroccan wares to take home.

With cafes and restaurants in Kennaria being more affordable than in the main tourist spots of the Medina, Kennaria is perhaps the best area to stay in Marrakech on a budget.

On the subject of eating, if you’re worried about finding food to suit everyone’s preferences, Kennaria has a variety of cafés and restaurants, particularly towards the western edge of the neighbourhood.

Here you can find an abundant mix of both traditional Moroccan cuisine and more familiar western foods. If it's sweet treats you’re after, the Derb Dabachi road is home to several bakeries and patisseries.

Stay In Kennaria If:

• You want a more relaxing trip
• You want to experience a traditional hammam bathhouse
• You want to shop for traditional crafts
• You want to stay close to the old town but without crowds
• You’re travelling on a budget
  

Hotel El Kennaria offers riad style accommodation just a short walk from Jemaa El-Fna Square, making it a great base from which to explore the city.

The hotel has modest rooms, but each one is decorated with rustic décor and traditional Moroccan furnishings. Every room has a private bathroom, air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi is available throughout.

The guest rooms are set around a traditional Moroccan-style interior courtyard, where guests can relax with a glass of mint tea or chill out in the plunge pool.

There's also a restaurant, a rooftop terrace with stunning city views, plus a TV lounge and a massage room. A complimentary Moroccan breakfast is included, but throughout the day, guests can also enjoy traditional snacks served in the comfort of their own room.

Marrakech is an intoxicating city and a cultural gem. With a long history that you can experience in the modern-day and with something to offer all tastes and priorities, this city is a dream destination for many different types of travellers.

Marrakech has kept much of its culture and tradition intact despite parts of it quickly developing as a trendy spot with chic cafes, clubs, and luxury shops. It is a mixture of old and new and is a captivating city with so much to do, discover, and experience.