The Best Hostels in Marrakech, Morocco

Entering this riad-style hostel is like stepping into a rainbow, with doors, walls and support beams painted in a riot of blues, pinks, reds and golds. With dorm beds on offer, it’s the perfect place for groups of friends or social travellers looking to meet people. And it’s also right in the heart of the action, a short walk from Jemaa el-Fna and the Koutoubia Mosque tower.

If visiting the Jemaa el-Fna night market is one of your priorities while in Marrakech (and it should be), you can’t get much closer than this hostel right around the corner. Tiled floors and whitewashed walls give it an authentic, traditional Moroccan feel, while a rooftop terrace lets you take in the Moroccan rays on lazy mornings. Staff offer services that go beyond the average hostel standard, including in-room safes, airport shuttles and even laundry or dry-cleaning.

If the free tea and cake don’t convince you, then the complimentary breakfasts should, with pastries, hot coffee and plenty of light Moroccan beghrir pancakes. This colourful, centrally located riad near Jemaa el-Fna keeps things simple and friendly, focussing on the things that really matter – like a comfy, sunny roof terrace lined with pillowed seating and potted plants. With just four rooms and one dorm, it’s a good pick for travelling couples.

The bohemian feel of this popular hostel in Marrakech is evident as soon as you arrive, thanks to the eclectic wall frescoes and a psychedelic colour scheme. This may take you by surprise, considering the hostel’s semi-secret location on a narrow street at the edge of the medina; it feels private and tucked away, not touristy. Friendly staff – for whom nothing is too much trouble – welcome you at check-in with a steaming glass of mint tea.

Shabby-chic is the name of the game at this inexpensive abode. A stone’s throw from the medina and diagonally opposite the Heritage Museum, this hostel in Marrakech is in a riad and features bunkbed accommodations, 24-hour reception, free wifi and shared bathrooms. A breakfast buffet is included too.

Though it’s not in the city centre, Dream is mere steps from the Saadian Tombs and the Royal Palace. Room types go from shared dorms and bathrooms to doubles with ensuite privacy, while the riad-style house also has an on-site restaurant, a rooftop deck and a 24-hour reception.

This funky and eclectic hostel is in the city centre, making it easy to get to major attractions and the main market. In addition to free wifi and a 24-hour reception desk, the hostel provides a breakfast buffet, a shared kitchen, an on-site restaurant and evening entertainment. A rooftop deck is a nice touch for sunset sips.

Practically next door to major sites such as the medina and the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens, Riad Dia is ideally located for anyone looking to tour the city centre. Perks for hostel-bookers include a pool, sun-soaked terraces, cooking classes and help with booking excursions around Morocco.

Equity Point is in the centre of the action, sitting in the winding alleyways just minutes from Jemaa el-Fnaa. The riad-style hostel is one of the tallest buildings in the medina, has a spacious, square pool, and offers rooms from dorms to doubles. Because of the building’s height and location, you’ll get some of the best sunset views in the city from the rooftop.

On the north end of the medina, Rodamon is a lovely little riad with a swimming pool, private rooms and dorms (including female-only dorms). There’s no curfew at this hostel, and there’s 24-hour reception, free wifi and a stunningly white rooftop deck.

Boho 27 lives up to the bohemian moniker with rustic digs and minimalist decor. With only four rooms, it’s a small spot that sleeps up to 26, and there are bike rentals, an on-site restaurant and a decent international breakfast buffet. There’s no pool, but the staff will help you plan an excursion in or outside the city.

Outside the city centre, Kasbah Red Castle sits between the Royal Palace and the Saadian Tombs – both a short walk away. This colourful spot has a lovely garden, a terrace and room types that range from dorms to doubles. The on-site restaurant serves savoury Moroccan fare and an ample breakfast buffet. The wifi is free, and the staff is friendly.