Top hotels in Morocco

The ‘Grand Old Lady of Marrakech’, La Mamounia is the most iconic hotel in town, where everyone from Winston Churchill to the Rolling Stones have stayed. Having recently undergone a lavish restoration, she is back and better than ever. All rooms have a view of the magnificent gardens and Atlas Mountains. There are three elegant restaurants – Le Marocain, L’Italien and Le Français – as well as the legendary Churchill Bar, an award-winning spa, and a casino.

Minutes from Jemaa el Fna is one of the most stylish riads in the medina. Riad W is the height of simplicity with a fashionable and modern feel – stripped-back wooden doors and exposed brickwork, carefully placed antiques and stylish pieces of furniture. The rooms are cosy, there is a little plunge pool in the courtyard and the roof terrace is a lovely place to unwind and have breakfast or lunch.

It’s all about attention to detail at this incredibly stylish riad. Clean white rooms are punctuated only by one-off pieces – an antique, a lantern, a vintage carpet or contemporary piece of furniture; it’s the exact opposite of heavy oriental design, yet cleverly inspired by Africa and Morocco. The staff are welcoming and discreet, and the food is excellent. 

Opposite the Royal Palace, there was once a wealthy merchant’s house… Today, that house has been transformed by architect Charles Boccara into one of the most opulent hotels in town. With carved stucco archways and elegant bedrooms with roaring fires and four-poster beds, you can imagine you’re living the life of a Moroccan sultan (or sultana). The hotel arranges excursions, cookery and photography courses and a ‘foodie harvest season’, involving olive pressing, picnicking and visits to the spice souks. 

Don’t be put off by the scruffy alleyways you have to negotiate to get here. This is a blissfully peaceful little riad decorated with refreshing subtlety – whitewashed walls, simple fabrics, gentle colours. Two courtyards are shaded by a huge orange tree and banana plants and there is a secluded roof terrace with a cushion-filled Berber tent. The nine charming rooms are situated around the courtyards, there is a decorative pool, and dinner can be arranged on request. 

The co-owner of Riad Noir d'Ivoire is a designer and her hotel is the height of elegant, understated luxury. This is a mind-blowing yet subtle place: beautiful antiques placed artfully, a white sofa against a carved wooden door, a candlelit lantern in an alcove, soaring columns, jazz on the piano and linen billowing on the roof terrace. There are nine magnificent suites, two courtyards, a pool, library and gym. Winner of the Traveller's Choice Award 2011.

Built by King Mohammed VI to celebrate the very best in Moroccan design and craftsmanship, this is one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Accommodation is in one of 53 private riads, each with their own plunge pool. The two restaurants - French and Moroccan - are supervised by three-starred Michelin chef, Yanick Alléno; the spa has Sisley, Chanel and Dr Hauschka products; the bar has walls of rose gold and the library a star-gazing telescope.

In the heart of the prestigious Dar el Bacha quarter of the medina, this hip boutique riad evokes all the splendour of traditional Moroccan design and architecture, but with perfectly judged modern twists. The four suites are super romantic, there is a bookshop, a spa with hammam, as well as the services of a yoga teacher and masseuse. The roof terrace, one of the highest in the medina, has exceptional views.

Conveniently located in the centre of town, with all the amenities of a modern five-star hotel, indlucing a squash court. Even if you are not staying here, come for a drink in the "Casablanca" bar, inspired, of course, by the film.

Like other members in the Moussafir chain, this hotel is within spitting distance of the railway station. SImply furnished, but clean with good bathrooms and excellent service. Good value. Booking recommended.

A stunning and excellent-value riad with seven gorgeous bedrooms, a sitting room with open fire and a roof terrace with chill-out area and views over to the Rif Mountains. Welcoming hosts and delicious Moroccan food.

A large, old-fashioned Spanish parador with pool (open in summer only), restaurant, bar and sweeping views over the town and mountains. Located in the heart of the medina, just off the main square.

Nineteenth-century palace with beautiful gardens and views of Fez. Excellent Moroccan food in El Fassia restaurant, as well as a good French restaurant for those tired of tagines. Stay here if you possibly can. It is well worth spending extra for a room with a medina view.

Stunningly decorated boutique riad hotel in Seffarine, the oldest part of Fez el Bali. Six charming rooms and the possibility of renting the riad in its entirety.

Fantastically located, this 1950s stalwart remains a good option in the heart of the Ville Nouvelle. Large, but basic rooms and a decent bar (sometimes with piano player) overlooking the garden, outdoor pool and bay in the distance.

One of the most magical places to stay in the city. Situated on the Old Mountain, this idyllic colonial villa - built by Times journalist Walter Harris and the last summer residence of the Glaoui family - is a nostalgic, and luxurious, step back in time to the golden era of Tangier.