Best Historical Hotels in Morocco

With just seven suites, each uniquely furnished, this riad feels intimate and exclusive. Its French owners display a range of antiques and artwork throughout, depicting their African travels. The building itself had a former life as a harem in the 17th century, with a traditional marble fountain at its centre and a terrace on the roof. Now it has a restaurant, hammam, spa, lounge and library. Some of the bedrooms include sunken stone baths and secluded private terraces. Karawan Riad is ideal for a grown-up getaway – children under 12 are not permitted to stay – with its elegant and refined atmosphere.

This majestic property by Fairmont was originally built in the 1920s as a residence for the King’s advisor and has been restored and transformed into a luxurious hotel. Located on the stunning Moroccan Riviera, the hotel offers 133 rooms, suites and penthouses, each of which provides incomparable views and unparalleled luxury. All of the accommodations come with traditional Moroccan decor, featuring handcrafted Mousharabieh, Tadelakt and Zellige artwork from local artisans, as well as finely crafted textiles. There are seven different places to eat and drink in this palatial hotel, including Persian food at Parisa and seafood at Mediterranean Crudo. Curated experiences help guests to develop a deeper understanding of the region and you can book hammam rituals (among other therapies) in the spa or chill out by the pool which overlooks the city.

The Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr offers an exquisite blend of history, modern luxury, and oceanfront beauty. Ideally situated on the Atlantic coastline, just minutes from the historic Kasbah, Medina, and key business districts, the hotel is also easily accessible, being 30 minutes from Rabat-Salé Airport and 90 minutes from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, with high-speed train links connecting to Casablanca and Tangier. Housed within the restored Kasr Al Bahr, an 18th-century palace originally built for Sultan Moulay Slimane, this five-hectare site includes eleven buildings, merging five new constructions with six historic structures to create a unique balance of tradition and chic modernity. Guests can choose from 200 spacious rooms and suites, many featuring balconies or terraces with stunning ocean views, while the lavish Sultan’s Riad – a three-bedroom suite with its own terrace and infinity pool – offers the pinnacle of luxury. The hotel’s dining scene is diverse, boasting seven venues, including signature restaurants such as Brasserie Marie for French cuisine, Verdello for Mediterranean and Italian fare, and Flamme for all-day dining with Moroccan touches. Guests can also enjoy the Noora Lobby Lounge for afternoon tea, Bar Atlantique for cocktails, and the intimate Laila Lounge for live entertainment. For relaxation, the hotel features The Spa at Four Seasons with ocean-view treatment rooms, a traditional hammam, and both indoor and outdoor pools set within lush gardens. Additional facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, yoga terrace, and a kids club offering creative activities for younger guests, making it an ideal destination for both leisure and business travellers.

Celebrating its centenary in 2023, the Mamounia is a timeless and truly palatial property. Celebrating Moroccan craftsmanship, along with gleaming modern design, the hotel offers rooms, suites and riads. The facilities are exceptional; a games room has a pool table, pinball machines and table football, while the private cinema offers movie screenings and a Grand Casino provides 140 slot machines and 20 table games for those fancying a flutter. There are multiple tea rooms, bars, restaurants (L’Italien par Jean-Georges, Le Pavillon de la Piscine, L’Asiatique par Jean-Georges and Le Marocain), a wine cellar and eight hectares of awe-inspiring gardens.

A luxurious romantic hideaway within a walled medina of Marrakech, La Sultana is moments away from the royal palaces, museums and souks of this magical city. This is a small, luxury hotel that knows how to spoil its guests, especially in the spa. From almonds to dates, prickly pears to Damask roses, the alchemist-like therapists make the most of Morocco’s natural treasures. There’s a Jacuzzi, two hammams and a sauna here too – not to mention candlelit pools. Each of La Sultana’s evocatively named Riad houses retains its own identity but shares attention to outstanding craftsmanship that is a celebration of Moroccan artisan creativity. Think intricately carved cedar wood ceilings and beams, ornamental plasterwork, striking tiles and extravagant lamps – but without the pastiche or cliché of themed interiors.

The ultimate home from home in Marrakech, the five-star Riad Farnatchi is a lovingly converted collection of private houses located in the heart of the oldest part of the Medina. International hoteliers Jonathan and James Wix have created a characterful, luxurious hideaway where ten exquisitely decorated bedroom suites sit alongside five-star service and facilities. Staff outnumber guests, service is slick and discreet, and the new spa in the hotel is worth booking in for. Riad Farnatchi will feel more like your home for a stay in the city than a hotel.

30 bedrooms at this Relais and Chateaux property, including a private Riad suite with its own swimming pool and patio. Villa des Orangers is a place to immerse in the finest of local culture. Take mint tea on the patio surrounded by plants and nightcaps in the cigar cellar; enjoy locally inspired treatments at the Nuxe beauty salon; get a taste of the terroir at the restaurant, with food by Chef Abdelilah Ighiri; and cool off in the rooftop pool (one of three swimming pools in the hotel) as you gaze across to the Koutoubia and Atlas mountains.

Situated in the heart of Fez, this family-run property features 21 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, each showcasing intricate zellige tilework and plush furnishings. Guests can indulge in a variety of experiences, including culinary classes at the Fez Cooking School, traditional hammam treatments at Les Bains Amani, and immersive cultural activities such as calligraphy and henna workshops. Dining at Palais Amani is a gastronomic delight, with a menu that highlights local ingredients and traditional Moroccan cuisine. The lush gardens, rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and personalised service ensure a serene and memorable stay.

This luxury retreat has the unmistakable touch of master craftsmen everywhere with ornate patios, gloriously spacious rooms, silk sofas and classy embroidered curtains all working together to create a magical experience. With rooms decked out in the finest Moroccan artwork, gossamer curtains, cedarwood screens and marble bathrooms, you will be left feeling you’re in the lap of luxury while staying at the Riad. The courtyard is a delightful place to dine in true Moroccan style as the evening descends. Try the sumptuous multiple-course evening spread while being serenaded by the haunting music of the desert. Situated in one of the Medina’s main gates, the Riad is ideally located to get the most out of Marrakech.

Riad Tarabel is an intimate ten-key, exquisitely designed hideaway in Dar El Bacha, the most refined quarter of Marrakech’s medina. Five interconnecting riads form a serene private mansion with courtyards, a ground-floor pool and rooftop plunge pool, a discreet hammam and spa, and private dining. It suits travellers who want the old city’s spirit with calm, considered luxury.

IZZA, the most recent luxury hotel to open in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. The property is a tribute to the late American socialite designer Bill Willis and presents fourteen exquisitely designed rooms (one with a feature alternate tread/witches’ staircase and kitchenette) which are set across seven interconnecting riads. A labyrinth of corridors leads to serene courtyards and plunge pools, a tranquil tearoom, a relaxing wellness spa, a composed library, and a rooftop terrace and restaurant presenting stunning views across the city. Owned by tech company Neon Adventures, IZZA integrates classic Marrakech aesthetics with contemporary art, thanks to its 300+ artwork collection costing £5 million. The hotel is a splendid fusion of contrasts; offering a blend of solitude and social spaces, vintage and modern furnishings, and a focus on local traditions and digital innovation, IZZA stands as a captivating retreat for those looking to explore the magic of Marrakech while enjoying exclusive events, cultural connections, and rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul – all bookings also include a complimentary 45 spa or hammam treatment.

Owned by Australian and Moroccan couple Angela and Mohamed Mellak, Riad Botanica is a labour of love and a fusion of cultures. Having undergone meticulous renovations from the ground up, the historic 10th-century Riad is now a space that ignites the senses with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and Australian style. Complete with a rooftop terrace, courtyard, and pool, and defined by its iconic Moroccan and Australian art deco design, Riad Botanica can be hired exclusively for up to twelve guests, or the five spacious suites can be booked individually, making it the perfect place to retreat from the city buzz of Marrakech and soak up Moroccan hospitality and culture. Having opened in early 2023, Riad Botanica is nestled in the back streets of the historic Medina: Bab Doukkala is a coveted location in this busy city close to all the attractions and nestled behind the walled Medina. Riad Botanica is an oasis away from the bustle for which Marrakech is renowned. Being a car-free space, the Medina is an oasis amongst the bustling city, with Riad Botanica one of its hidden gems.