Accommodation
Accommodation in Morocco: From Luxury Hotels to Traditional Riads
Upon arrival in Morocco, travelers are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation options. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, charming riads, budget-friendly hostels, or even adventurous stays in camping sites and desert bivouacs, Morocco offers something for every style and budget — all wrapped in the country’s signature atmosphere of hospitality, well-being, and warmth.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION IN MOROCCO
-Riads in Morocco: Traditional Homes Turned Boutique Hotels
Riads are among the most enchanting types of accommodation in Morocco. Originally built as elegant residences for the country’s wealthiest families, many have now been lovingly restored and converted into boutique hotels that let travelers experience authentic Moroccan living.
The word riad comes from the Arabic “ryad,” meaning garden. These houses are built around a central courtyard or garden, often with a fountain, and feature an open roof that allows sunlight and fresh air to flow naturally into the home.
Unique Design and Atmosphere
Natural Cooling & Privacy: Ground floor rooms rarely have exterior windows, while upper floors have only small ones. This design helps regulate temperature and creates privacy.
Airy Courtyards: Despite few outward windows, riads feel open and spacious thanks to their courtyards, high ceilings, and indoor balconies overlooking the garden.
Ornate Moroccan Décor: Expect intricate zellige tilework, carved wood details, and richly decorated bathrooms, giving each riad a unique character.
Price and Accessibility
Riads vary widely in quality and price, from luxury boutique stays with pools and spas to budget-friendly guesthouses. Surprisingly, many are quite affordable compared to hotels of similar standard.
Where to Find Riads
Riads are located inside the medinas (old city walls) of historic cities such as Marrakech, Fez, and Meknes. You won’t find them in the middle of the Atlas Mountains or the desert — they’re typically a city experience, often before or after an adventure in Morocco’s wilder landscapes. After nights of trekking or desert camping, a riad offers the perfect balance of comfort and authenticity.
-What is a Dar in Morocco?
A dar is very similar to a riad, but typically smaller and simpler in design. While riads often have three or four storeysand numerous rooms built around a spacious courtyard, dars usually have only one or two floors with far fewer rooms. Their courtyards are also more modest, often without the elaborate fountains or gardens found in riads.
Because of their smaller size, dars feel more intimate and homely, making them a great choice for travelers looking for quieter accommodation. Unlike riads, which are common in inland medina cities like Marrakech or Fez, dars are more often found in coastal cities such as Tangier and Casablanca.
✨ Staying in a dar is a wonderful way to experience authentic Moroccan hospitality in a cozy, affordable setting — perfect if you prefer something less grand but equally traditional compared to a riad.
-Mountain Refuges in Morocco
For any intrepid hiker, mountain huts (refuges) are an essential part of trekking in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Located at higher elevations, they cater to climbers attempting the region’s toughest peaks, offering simple but vital shelter.
Refuges on Mount Toubkal
If you’re climbing Mount Toubkal (4,167 m), North Africa’s highest summit, you’ll find two refuges at 3,207 m altitude:
Neltner Refuge (Club Alpin Français Toubkal Refuge): Built by French alpinists in the 1930s and expanded since.
Mouflons Refuge: A newer, privately owned refuge located right beside Neltner.
Both offer nearly identical facilities and atmosphere, so most trekkers stay wherever there’s space.
What to Expect in a Mountain Refuge
Staying in a refuge is not a five-star experience — but it’s part of the adventure. Here’s what you can expect:
Dormitory-Style Sleeping: Rooms typically hold 12–27 beds. Bring a sleeping bag and liner; blankets are provided for cold nights. Earplugs are a must if you’re sensitive to snoring.
Seasonal Crowds: In summer, refuges are packed, while in winter they’re far quieter.
Basic Facilities: Toilets include a mix of WCs and squat toilets; showers are shared, and hot water isn’t guaranteed.
Limited Power: Electricity runs only a few evening hours for charging phones and cameras before lights out. No WiFi is available.
Hearty Food: Meals are simple but filling — expect steaming tagines, pasta, and warm drinks, perfect after a day on the trails.
Atmosphere: Cozy common rooms with fireplaces make it easy to meet hikers from around the world and swap stories before summit day.
-Berber Desert Camps in Morocco
If you’re heading into the Sahara Desert, a night in a Berber desert camp is an unforgettable experience. The Berbers — North Africa’s indigenous people — have long traditions of nomadism and desert survival, and staying in one of their camps lets you glimpse this rich culture firsthand.
What to Expect in a Berber Camp
Berber camps combine authentic tradition with modern comfort. You’ll typically sleep in large tents made from canvas or woven goat and camel hair, just as nomads have for centuries. Inside, however, you’ll often find proper beds, soft rugs, and sometimes even air-conditioning. Many camps also offer flushing toilets and showers, making the stay far more comfortable than you might imagine.
Meals are served around open campfires, with guests sitting on colorful rugs beneath the desert sky. Expect traditional Moroccan cuisine — steaming tagines, fresh bread, and mint tea — prepared by local hosts.
The Desert Experience
What makes a Berber desert camp truly special is the atmosphere of the Sahara itself. Watching the dunes shift from gold to pink at sunrise and sunset, then gazing at a sky full of stars unspoiled by light pollution, is nothing short of magical.
In the evenings, you’ll often be treated to live Berber music, drumming, dance, and storytelling, offering both entertainment and a glimpse into centuries-old cultural traditions.
- Gîte
Staying in a Gîte d’Étape in Morocco
A gîte d’étape is a traditional Berber-style mud-brick house, commonly found in the Atlas Mountains and their foothills. Once used as farm workers’ homes, many have been transformed into welcoming homestays for travelersseeking a more authentic Moroccan experience.
What to Expect in a Gîte d’Étape
When you stay in a gîte, you’ll often be welcomed as part of the family. Expect Moroccan hospitality at its finest: a glass of fresh mint tea when you arrive, warm conversations in the communal lounge, and hearty home-cooked meals such as tagines in the evenings.
Accommodation is simple but comfortable. Most gîtes provide all the basics you need, including bathrooms with hot water and electricity. Unlike mountain refuges, where you might sleep in large dormitories, gîtes usually offer double or triple rooms, making them a bit more private and cozy.
Comfort and Atmosphere
Some gîtes have modern upgrades, such as Wi-Fi and even air conditioning, especially in more developed areas. Still, what sets them apart is the chance to connect with local Berber families and other travelers in a relaxed, communal setting. Sharing food, stories, and laughter in the lounge often becomes the highlight of the stay.
✨ Staying in a gîte d’étape in Morocco is more than just accommodation — it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in mountain life, enjoy Berber hospitality, and experience the Atlas Mountains in a warm, authentic way.
-Camping in Morocco: Campsites and Campervan Stays
A campsite in Morocco is just like anywhere else in the world — an affordable way to stay close to nature. For budget travelers or those touring the country in a campervan, campsites are a practical choice. Many offer electricity hookups, showers, and basic toilet facilities, making them comfortable enough while still keeping you connected to the outdoors.
Where to Find Campsites in Morocco
You’ll find campsites across the country, from well-equipped sites near coastal towns like Agadir to more rustic, back-to-nature spots in the Atlas Mountains. For hikers, many mountain refuges also open their campsites in summer, providing a great alternative when indoor dorms are fully booked.
Why Choose Camping in Morocco?
Camping is one of the cheapest accommodations in Morocco, and it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re by the sea, in the mountains, or near desert landscapes, campsites let you experience Morocco’s natural beauty up close.
-Lodge
Lodges in Morocco: Luxury Stays Close to Nature
A lodge in Morocco offers a unique way to stay in some of the country’s most remote and breathtaking locations, from the vast Sahara Desert to the rugged Atlas Mountains. Designed to bring travelers closer to nature, lodges are often built using sustainable materials and powered by solar energy or other renewable technologies.
What to Expect in a Moroccan Lodge
Unlike large hotels, lodges are typically small and intimate, often with just four to six rooms. This creates a peaceful, exclusive atmosphere where you can truly disconnect. Despite their size, they offer a luxurious experience — think roaring fireplaces, hammam baths, and stunning views right outside your door.
Why Stay in a Lodge?
Lodges are perfect if you want a blend of comfort and adventure. They make an excellent upmarket alternative to mountain refuges, especially if you’re trekking through the High Atlas. After a long day on the trails, returning to a cosy lodge with traditional Moroccan cuisine and modern comforts is the ultimate reward.
-Kasbahs in Morocco: Historic Fortresses Turned Luxury Hotels
A Kasbah in Morocco is a fortified citadel or fortress that once served as the residence of royalty and local nobility. These striking mud-brick castles are usually built on hills or elevated ground, giving them both a commanding view and a defensive advantage. Today, many kasbahs have been beautifully restored and transformed into luxury hotels, blending history with modern comfort.
Staying in a Moroccan Kasbah
Converted kasbahs often feature lavish rooms, hammams, swimming pools, and gourmet restaurants, making them a unique alternative to traditional hotels. Beyond the luxury, you’ll experience the charm of centuries-old architecture, intricate courtyards, and panoramic views.
Where to Find Kasbahs in Morocco
While you can see kasbahs in many towns and cities, some of the most impressive are located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Staying here gives you breathtaking views of the peaks and direct access to outdoor adventures, from hiking to cultural tours of nearby Berber villages.
What Type of Accommodation in Morocco is Right for You?
Choosing the right accommodation in Morocco depends on three main factors: your destination, the season, and your budget. For example, in winter, camping in the mountains isn’t ideal — many campsites even close for the season. If you’re trekking on a budget, mountain refuges (huts) are simple but practical. For just a little more, gîtes offer added comfort and the chance to experience authentic Moroccan hospitality.
Mixing Accommodation for the Best Experience
The best way to experience Morocco is to try a mix of accommodation styles. Spend nights in a riad to enjoy traditional architecture and luxury after exploring a city’s medina. Head into the desert to sleep under the stars in a Berber camp, or unwind in a kasbah or lodge for breathtaking mountain or desert views.
Our Recommendation
Balance your trip by splitting your time between the mountains and the desert. A trek in the Atlas Mountains followed by a stay in a Sahara desert camp gives you both adventure and relaxation. And after roughing it in a mountain refuge, nothing feels better than a long, hot shower in a riad.
As the saying goes, “variety is the spice of life” — and when it comes to where to stay in Morocco, variety is exactly what makes the experience so memorable.
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