Marrakech is one of the most aesthetically perfect places I have visited in the world. Between the marble clad palaces, rooftops overlooking bustling medinas and intricate bohemian decor, it is my person heaven. Morocco had been on my bucket list for so long before this trip and I researched my tail off to find the most unique, family owned, under the radar places to stay. In no order in particular, here are the 5 most unique places to stay in Marrakech, Morocco I found during my time there and researching!

El Fenn

El Fenn is for my boujee babes who want the all inclusive experience. Conde Nast named this one of 2021’s most rebel chic hotels, and for a good reason. Read their full write up on the property here if you wanna learn more about why you should consider this as an option for your stay in Marrakech.

Riad Les Trois Palmier

This intimate escape is in El Bacha, an upscale neighborhood of the medina close to the palace. Meaning it is centrally located to just about everything we did during our stay here. Riad Les Trois Palmier is a side by side family riad purchased by a French family who wanted to escape the French hustle and bustle. They hired local artisans to help restore the 16th century home to its original glory. A historical love story to a fabulous space.

BE Marrakech

When visiting Marrakech, BE Marrakech is one of the best places to stay because not only are there two pools with the aesthetic of your dreams, they offer all sorts of experiences on site. Experiences include a cooking class, massage/hammam, tea, and more.

The staff welcomes you with mint tea (of course) and gives you the full tour. They are incredibly kind and help you find your way as a first timer. I will be staying here for future trips for sure.

Riad Bamileke

I found Riad Bamileke’s Sultan Suite (click here for the direct link) and immediately fell in love. Between the soaring ceilings and details of the hand carved wooden walls, I felt like I stepped inside a princess’s room.

The room has these beautiful windows that open to the courtyard full of banana trees and to the alleys outside which always smelled like smoking meat (YUM!). At night, it was so refreshing to wash off and then cool off under the A/C. 10/10 recommend for a budget traveler.

Riad Jardin Secret

Riad Jardin Secret is in the heart of everything and has a unique program that intrigues me. The program is an artist residency where they will rent out one of their rooms to an international or local artist in exchange for a piece of art at the end of their stay. So needless to say, the space is super inspiring to the creative soul and super cozy that you’ll never wanna leave into the hustle and bustle.

These are all riads, aka a tradition Moroccan home around a central courtyard. Since these are renovated family homes into bed and breakfast type stays, each riad is super unique. There is a stigma throughout the local staff that works at these riads of expats coming in and gentrifying. I can see both sides of the spectrum as this city is intoxicating and a tourist favorite. Six days was no where near enough time to explore everything the city has to offer including day trips to the desert.

This list only begins to scratch the surface on the number of unique, boutique hotels in Marrakech. But these are the 5 most unique places I found during my time there and researching! Which lets get real, it’s my full time job to know these things. Comment your favorite places you have stayed in Marrakech because I am always looking for someone else to one up me!