Photo by Raúl Mermans García on Unsplash, Photo by Charlotte Mary Rose on Unsplash, Photo by Matthew Stephenson on Unsplash, Photo by Zacharie on Unsplash, Photo by Abdou Faiz on Unsplash
A trip to Morocco has long been on my bucket list. I’ve been to Tenerife and Lanzorote, Canary Islands, of which there are 7, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro, a few times and enjoyed the North African climate in the winter months but never made it a little further east to North Africa.
The draw of the exotic, east meets west at first tantalised me in tales by John Lennon of quiet rockstar rebellion and The Rolling Stones, of the hashish in the dessert imagery amidst coiled colourful shisha, ornate mosaic, the tapestries of life woven into carpets and rugs, and the promise of warm waters and never ending sunsets. North African architecture has always appealed to me, where the constant hum of air conditioning is absent replaced by the whistle of crickets and every ancient building centres around open air courtyards and cool brickwork in shades of terracotta. These images have always held allure. I was reminded of my wish to visit when Marrakech was comically included in The Absolutely Fabulous episode "Morocco," which aired as part of Series 2 in 1994. Good lord that long ago, hilarious and memorable in equal measure. I’ve heard friends share stories of the magnificent shopping and frenetic souqs that exist within a maze of ancient alleys, easy to get lost in, where that prices start high and the bargaining is ferocious.
When I read in 2023 Jasper Conran had purchased and converted the home of Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Berges, Villa Mabrouka, meaning House of Luck into a 12 suite boutique hotel in Tangiers and then later discovered the Jardin Majorelle had been opened by the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts and Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech. A Museum by Berge to remember and preserve for Marrakech, YSL’s long attachment to the city, it finally caused me to look deeper into the options of where best to stay and begin my plan to visit. Here’s what I found out based on what I am looking for which is proximity to the water, spa facilities, peace and quiet, great food, and beautiful authentic vibrant colourful interiors. I have listed them from expensive to best value properties. Between January and March if you avoid major festivals and Eid celebrations the prices are the best value throughout the year. This is not a recommendation, it’s my shortlist. I hope it helps you plan your next adventure to Morocco. For anyone who doesn’t have the layout of the country, Tangiers is top left on the coast with a short boat ride to Gibraltar on main land Spain. Çasablanca is about 2 hours South down the coast by car and then Marrakech is 3 hours drive inland south east. I am contemplating the drive myself.
10 best places to stay in Marrakech and Tangier for art, interiors, peace, ocean and food
Rates note: The nightly prices below are indicative estimates for stays in January–March 2026, based on recent published low‑season tariffs and typical trends. Best to check with the hotels directly for live pricing, offers and inclusions.
1) Royal Mansour Marrakech – Marrakech
- Why go: The ultimate Moroccan craft showcase. Each private riad is a jewel box of zellige, carved cedar and tadelakt; dining and service are world‑class.
- Property type: Grand palace hotel (private‑riad resort).
- Spa: Yes – vast, destination spa with hammams, pool and specialist treatments.
- Ocean proximity: Inland; approx. 2.5–3 hours’ drive to the Atlantic at Essaouira.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £1,700–£3,200.
2) Amanjena – Marrakech (Palmeraie)
- Why go: Tranquil, sand‑pink pavilions and mirror‑like pools inspired by Moorish geometry; discreet service, serene dining.
- Property type: Luxury resort.
- Spa: Yes – Aman Spa with hammam, yoga and treatments.
- Ocean proximity: Inland; around 3 hours’ drive to the Atlantic.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £1,050–£2,000.
3) The Oberoi, Marrakech – Marrakech (Palmeraie)
- Why go: Grand arches, faultless gardens and high‑gloss interiors; calm, spacious villas and refined Moroccan/Indian cuisine.
- Property type: Luxury resort (villas and suites).
- Spa: Yes – comprehensive spa with hammam and indoor pool.
- Ocean proximity: Inland; approx. 3 hours’ drive to the Atlantic.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £850–£1,600.
4) La Mamounia – Marrakech (Medina edge)
- Why go: An Art Deco icon reimagined; glamorous bars, top‑tier restaurants and epic gardens for peaceful strolls.
- Property type: Landmark grand hotel.
- Spa: Yes – one of the city’s best, with hammam and pools.
- Ocean proximity: Inland; approx. 2.5–3 hours to the Atlantic.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £750–£1,300.
5) Villa Mabrouka – Tangier (Kasbah) - this the place that appeals to me the most.
- Why go: Jasper Conran’s coastal gem in lush clifftop gardens; Yves Saint Laurent heritage, exquisite taste, sea‑breeze tranquillity and elegant menus.
- Property type: Design‑led boutique hotel (historic villa).
- Spa: No large spa; typically offers treatment rooms/therapists by arrangement.
- Ocean proximity: Sea views over the Strait; c. 15–20 minutes’ walk to the city beach; short drive to Cap Spartel and Atlantic coves.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £620–£1,050.
6) El Fenn – Marrakech (Medina) [often miswritten “Le Fenn”] I’ll probably end up here, it looks absolutely beautiful, much more affordable and there’s a spa. The sacrifice, the ocean.
- Why go: Playful contemporary art and bold colour palettes across a sprawling riad; buzzy rooftop for sunset suppers.
- Property type: Large boutique riad.
- Spa: Yes – boutique spa with hammam and treatments.
- Ocean proximity: Inland; approx. 2.5–3 hours to the Atlantic.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £380–£820.
7) L’Hôtel Marrakech – Marrakech (Medina)
- Why go: Jasper Conran’s five‑suite love letter to Moroccan craftsmanship; candlelit dinners and quiet courtyards for pure calm.
- Property type: Intimate boutique riad (only a handful of suites).
- Spa: No full spa; massages/hammam can be arranged nearby.
- Ocean proximity: Inland; approx. 3 hours to the Atlantic.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £330–£580.
8) Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier – Tangier (hills above the city)
- Why go: Restored palace wrapped in forested calm; polished restaurants, big‑ticket spa and panoramic terraces.
- Property type: Large luxury hotel/resort.
- Spa: Yes – expansive Fairmont spa with hammam, indoor/outdoor pools.
- Ocean proximity: 10–15 minutes’ drive to beaches and the Corniche; easy access to Cap Spartel/Atlantic.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £300–£560.
9) Nord Pinus Tanger – Tangier (Kasbah)
- Why go: Romantic, antiques‑filled townhouse with knockout Strait views; intimate dining heavy on market‑fresh seafood.
- Property type: Boutique guesthouse/hotel.
- Spa: No dedicated spa; partner hammams and therapists can be arranged.
- Ocean proximity: Clifftop above the port; c. 10–15 minutes’ walk to the city beach; short drive to Atlantic beaches.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £180–£320.
10) The Riad (Hotel Riad) – Tangier (Medina)
- Why go: A calm, design‑aware riad tucked in the old town; friendly service and easy access to cafés and galleries.
- Property type: Small boutique riad hotel.
- Spa: No; staff can arrange hammams/massages nearby.
- Ocean proximity: About 10–15 minutes’ walk to the seafront and marina.
- Estimated Jan–Mar 2026 nightly rate: £110–£200.
How to choose quickly
- For a splurge on craft and privacy: Royal Mansour or The Oberoi.
- For serene design energy with great food: Amanjena, La Mamounia or Villa Mabrouka.
- For art‑forward boutique charm: El Fenn or L’Hôtel Marrakech.
- For ocean air and full wellness facilities: Fairmont Tazi Palace.
- For characterful, good‑value Tangier stays with sea views: Nord Pinus Tanger or The Riad.
Practical tips
- Low season in both cities is excellent for peace and value; weekends, festivals and events can push rates up.
- Many riads are intimate; book early for specific rooms/suites.
- Expect local city taxes payable on arrival. Check whether breakfast, spa access and transfers are included in your rate.