Choosing Your Morocco Accommodation: 8 Best Reasons Riads Are Truly Special
So, you’ve booked your ticket to Morocco. YAY! Get ready for spice-filled souks, stunning mountains, endless mint tea, and maybe one too many camel selfies. But here’s the thing nobody tells you until it’s too late: choosing your Morocco accommodation is a big deal.
Pick the right place, and your trip will feel like magic. Pick the wrong one, and, well… you might end up regretting it when the “cozy budget riad” you booked turns out to have a mattress thinner than your flip-flops. (Been there. Zero stars. Would not recommend.)
Don’t worry, though — I’ve got your back. Let’s break down the options, from fairytale raids to stargazing in the desert.
Why Choosing Your Morocco Accommodation Actually Matters
You might be thinking, “Eh, it’s just a bed, right?” Wrong, my friend. In Morocco, where you stay totally changes how you experience the country.
Stay in a riad, and you’ll feel like royalty surrounded by mosaics and fountains. Stay in a guesthouse, and you’ll probably end up sipping mint tea with your host’s family. Stay in the desert, and suddenly you’re watching shooting stars instead of Netflix.
So yeah — choosing your Morocco accommodation is about way more than just sleep. It’s about the vibes, the experience, and the memories you take home.
Types of Places to Stay
Alright, let’s get into the fun stuff — what’s actually out there.
Riads: Morocco’s Secret Palaces
Ever seen those dreamy Moroccan courtyards on Instagram with fountains and lanterns everywhere? Yep, those are riads. On the outside, they look like plain walls in the middle of a medina, but step inside and BAM — fairytale vibes.
They’re cozy, full of character, and often come with a rooftop terrace where breakfast magically appears every morning. Just be prepared to get lost trying to find them (medinas are like giant mazes).
Pros: Stunning, authentic, Instagram gold.
Cons: Not always modern, hard to find, occasional street noise.
Guesthouses: Stay With Locals
Guesthouses are basically like staying with a Moroccan family. They’re super welcoming, often in smaller towns or villages, and the food? Oh man, the food is next-level. Homemade tajine, couscous, and bread so fresh it puts your local bakery to shame.
Pros: Affordable, authentic, delicious meals, friendly hosts.
Cons: Simple, sometimes shared bathrooms, less private.
Desert Camps: Sleep Under the Stars
This is the bucket list one. Picture yourself riding a camel into the sunset, sitting by a campfire in the Sahara, and then falling asleep under more stars than you’ve ever seen in your life.
You can go basic (mattress + sand = simple life) or bougie with glamping tents that have real beds, private bathrooms, and gourmet meals.
Pros: Magical, unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime vibes.
Cons: Not great if you hate sand or unreliable WiFi.
Hotels: Keep It Simple
Sometimes you just want a normal hotel with a hot shower and WiFi that actually works. Morocco has plenty of hotels, from budget-friendly to five-star luxury.
Pros: Comfortable, predictable, easy to book.
Cons: Less charm than a riad or guesthouse.
Beach Resorts: Sun + Mint Tea
Morocco’s coast doesn’t get enough love. Places like Essaouira and Agadir have some amazing resorts. Think surfing, fresh seafood, and lazy afternoons by the pool.
Pros: Relaxing, family-friendly, all-in-one vibe.
Cons: Less cultural, sometimes crowded.
How to Nail Choosing Your Morocco Accommodation
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Picking your place isn’t just about budget — it’s about your vibe.
Choosing Your Morocco Accommodation on Any Budget
- Backpacker budget (€20–€60/night): Hostels, basic riads, or guesthouses. Great if you’d rather save your money for souk shopping.
- Mid-range (€60–€100/night): Boutique riads and small hotels. This is the sweet spot — comfort + character.
- Luxury (€100+): Fancy riads, luxury hotels, desert glamping. Basically, you’ll feel like royalty.
Picking the Right Location
- In the medina: Stay here if you want to be in the heart of the chaos. It’s fun, but also noisy and confusing.
- Outside the medina: Quieter, modern, and easier to reach. But less “authentic Morocco.”
- On the coast: Chill beach vibes, seafood, and sunsets.
- In the mountains/desert: Adventure, nature, and serious “wow” moments.
Pro Tips for Choosing Your Morocco Accommodation
Learn from my mistakes, okay?
- Book early in spring and fall — that’s peak season.
- Message places directly — sometimes they’ll give you better prices or free mint tea (which is priceless, honestly).
- Check recent reviews (not the ones from three years ago).
- Bring earplugs. Medinas are charming, but also loud.
- Learn a few phrases like “Salam Alaikum.” Locals love it.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Morocco Accommodation
Here’s the truth: no matter where you stay, Morocco will blow your mind. But if you take a little time to think about what you want — authentic vibes, comfort, adventure, or pure relaxation — you’ll pick a spot that makes your trip unforgettable.
So whether you’re sipping mint tea in a riad, laughing with locals in a guesthouse, or watching the Sahara sky light up with stars, remember this: choosing your Morocco accommodation wisely is the secret to an epic trip.
Now go book that stay already. Morocco’s waiting — and trust me, it’s gonna be amazing.
