Insider Tips on Where to Stay in Morocco for Your Perfect Trip

Where to Stay in Morocco… let’s be real, that can get confusing, right? When I first typed those exact words into Google, I was completely lost. Should I camp out in a riad or splash out on one of those Insta-famous desert tents? I mean, what even is a kasbah, really? It’s wild how many options Morocco throws at you. If you’re here hoping for real tips (the stuff people actually use), you’re in the right spot. I’ll help you dodge beginner mistakes and plan smart. While you’re deciding on places, start digging into Morocco travel destinations for some wild inspiration, and don’t forget to peek at Morocco hotels when you wanna see what’s up with prices or availability. This is the real talk I wish someone gave me.

Top Places to Stay in Morocco

Okay, so you (like me) want something special from your trip. Morocco’s got you covered, but let’s break it down: cities like Marrakech and Fes? They’re basically hotel wonderlands. The tricky part is knowing where to stay in Morocco to match your vibe. Old town? Extremely cool, and the riads are unreal – like walking through a tiny blue door straight into a palace. My first time was in the Medina, and let me tell you, the courtyard’s orange trees made my morning coffee taste magical. Knowing where to stay in Morocco can totally change your experience.

Skip outside town, and you’ll find luxury resorts, cozy guesthouses, and even wild eco-lodges in the Atlas Mountains (hiking plus WiFi? Yes, please). In Essaouira, you can literally wake up to salty sea air and camel grunts on the beach – weird, but you get used to it. Out in the desert, knowing where to stay in Morocco is essential if you want to book a tent and watch the sunrise turn the dunes gold. Yes, they really do that, and yes, it’s totally worth the sand in your shoes.

Oh, and a tip from my last trip: always check reviews before booking. And like, actually read them. I dodged a lizard-infested hotel in Chefchaouen thanks to some guy named Dave. Picking the right riad or guesthouse makes all the difference when deciding where to stay in Morocco.

“My riad in Marrakech was so pretty it felt like stepping into an actual dream. Breakfast on the rooftop? Yes please. If you can, stay inside the old city walls – it feels more local and safe.”

What To Pack For Morocco

Don’t be like me and forget the basics. Morocco’s weather goes from desert hot to rainy mountain cool, so think layers. Here’s what really matters:

Lightweight pants and covered shoulders (makes strolling the souks comfortable and respectful)
Extra charger/adapter – many riads have the strangest plugs
A scarf is a must, trust me, even if you’re not the “scarf person”
Good walking shoes – not kidding, your feet will thank you after those Medina mazes

If you’re planning to visit mountain towns or the Sahara, pack a warm jacket. I definitely underestimated those chilly desert nights – and spent two hours shivering like an idiot.
And don’t worry, you can always shop for cool local clothes while you’re there. You’ll blend right in, and Moroccan clothes are surprisingly comfy.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Morocco

You know those stories about travelers getting food poisoning or losing their bag on the train? Yep, that’s Morocco too. I swore I’d never need insurance, but then a wild street cat swiped my sandwich (no joke) and I ended up at the pharmacy trying to mime “food poisoning.” Do yourself a favor: grab travel insurance before landing.

Not only does it cover wild animal incidents (hello, curious monkeys), but it helps with lost luggage, missed flights, and those “oops, didn’t see that pothole” moments. Most insurance isn’t that expensive, and the peace of mind is huge. Plus, your mom will sleep better. For the real scoop, check what’s actually covered – like, read the fine print. The cheaper ones sometimes miss the details you actually care about.

How to Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Trip

Choosing where to stay in Morocco is a bit like picking the best pastry at a bakery – everything looks good, but not everything hits home. My advice? Think about what you actually want from your trip. Craving local life and home-cooked tagine? Go for a family-run riad. Want a cushy escape? Look for a spa hotel or a desert luxe camp. If you’re all about sunsets and Instagram, Essaouira’s ocean-view guesthouses will make your feed famous.

Location matters big time. Stay close to the action if you love markets and food. If you want to unwind, pick something on the city’s edge – less noise, more birds. Always double check transport, especially outside the cities. Last time I booked a “main square” hotel in Fes, it was more like “30-minute hike plus two donkey rides” from anything interesting. Google Maps can be very… optimistic.

If you get overwhelmed, pop into this Morocco travel guide for a full breakdown, or try explore Morocco luxury travel if you want something really special.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Morocco

Here’s the thing: where you stay can totally make or break your adventure, but you don’t have to get it perfect. Every city is overflowing with clever places to sleep, from fancy hotels to jaw-drop riads. My last night in Casablanca? Ended up chatting with the receptionist about soccer until 2am. Magic moments pop up when you least expect them.

If you’ve been freaking out about where to stay in Morocco, trust me – the country’s more welcoming than you think. So get bold, try a new spot in every city, and don’t be scared to ask locals for advice (they love showing off hidden gems).

Common Questions

Q: Is it safe to stay in Moroccan old towns?

Yeah, totally. Just use the same street smarts you’d use at home and keep valuables close.

Q: Are riads expensive?

Surprisingly, no. Lots are budget-friendly, especially if you book early. Some feel like five-star restaurants but are affordable.

Q: Should I book accommodation in advance?

During peak seasons, absolutely. Smaller towns or off-season, you can wing it.During peak seasons, absolutely. Smaller towns or off-season, you can wing it.

Q: How do I get around the cities?

Walking is easiest in the Medinas. Elsewhere, Moroccan transportation like trains and taxis are cheap and (mostly) reliable.

Q: Can I find accommodation if I don’t speak French or Arabic?

Yes! Tons of hosts speak English, especially in Marrakech or coastal towns.

Let’s Get You To Morocco!

So that’s my best advice for where to stay in Morocco – a little messy but 100% honest. Just go with your gut, check reviews, and don’t sweat the small stuff. For more crowd-sourced wisdom, peek at this Accommodation in Morocco : r/solotravel post and poke around this detailed discover Morocco resource too. A bit of research and you’re set. Book your dream, pack a scarf, and get lost in the magic. Morocco honestly does half the work for you – trust me, you’ll come back with stories.