Most Romantic Hotels in Marrakech

Deep in the labyrinthine streets of the medina, the Riad Ambre et Epices, like so many other riads, cannot be reached by car. Once inside the classic courtyard sanctuary, guests can relax by the fireplace or the tiny plunge pool, and be attended to by a staff dedicated to personalized hospitality. Since the riad experience is designed to resemble more of a stay in a home than a hotel, rooms lack such standard hotel amenities as mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and TVs (hospitality is what counts here), but the rooms at Riad Ambre et Epices do have luxurious bathrooms that include private hammams. Free breakfast, airport transportation, and Wi-Fi are nice perks, as is the use of a cell phone for local calls.

Originally opened as a Taj Hotel in 2013, the Sahara Palace is a 161-room luxury resort with elegantly grand Indian-Moroccan style. Prior to receiving guests, the hotel served as the film setting for the "Sex in the City 2" and fans will recognize the opulent interiors, which are saturated in bright colors and adorned with floral-patterned coffered ceilings and glittering crystal and glass chandeliers. The resort is located in the upscale La Palmeraie, a quiet enclave with the Atlas Mountains in view, 30 minutes from the bustle of Marrakech’s old city. The hotel's quiet (and sometimes deserted) atmosphere appeals to guests seeking privacy and relaxation.

An historic riad in the heart of Marrakech's picturesque Medina, Riad le Clos des Arts was once home to a family of artists and has been lovingly restored by an expat Italian couple to honor that tradition of beauty and hospitality. Each of the seven rooms -- four rooms and three suites -- has been individually decorated with traditional Moroccan tilework, rich fabrics, and both traditional and modern furniture and artwork, to guarantee upscale modern comfort. An extensive homemade breakfast -- included in the room rate -- is served on the rooftop terrace each morning, alongside a small pool and both outdoor and shaded loungers; an exceptional Moroccan dinner can be served in the courtyard salon upon request.

The lovingly restored 18th-century Riad Kniza is a luxurious 11-room hideout in the heart of Marrakech's old city. The hotel's serene atmosphere and authentic Moroccan decor attract well-seasoned travelers who prefer to explore the sites of the old city and then return to a plush, quiet retreat. The rooms are spacious with fireplaces and lots of Moorish detail and there are several courtyards and gorgeously decorated salons in which to enjoy a leisurely Moroccan meal.

This brilliantly designed three-and-a-half pearl riad adds upscale amenities to a thoroughly traditional Moroccan experience. Travelers who want to explore Marrakech on their own terms will appreciate the medina location, and the restored 18th-century building is an attraction in itself. The characteristic riad courtyard and rooftop terrace have an elegant ambience, and the Riad El Mansour adds a full-service spa and small fitness room. The rooms are equally impressive, though light sleepers may want to avoid the ground floor, especially if other guests are using the pool late at night. 

La Maison Aribe is a luxurious boutique hotel built around an interior courtyard with 12 guest rooms and 14 suites, all decorated in unique and color-saturated Moroccan style. Located in the heart of Marakech's old city, the hotel is close to the Jemaa el Fna marketplace and many other must-see sights. Other highlights include cooking classes, two restaurants, a piano bar, an intimate spa, and two pools, one on site and another at the property's country club. This is easily one of the top boutique options in Medina; the Riad Kniza and La Sultana are among the only small hotels that can compare. 

La Sultana Marrakech is a collection of five riads combined to create a 28-room luxury hotel with an intimate spa, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Marrakech, and richly decorated interiors that showcase impeccable Moroccan style and craftsmanship. The hotel is located in the southern section of the Medina, close to palaces, museums, and souks. Guest rooms and suites are unique in their decor, featuring a mélange of decorative Moroccan tile-work, carved wood doors and ceilings, and gilded bathrooms.

Designed by renowned architect Imaad Rahmouni, Sirayane Boutique Hotel & Spa is a modern marvel of 28 luxury rooms and suites spread across acres of manicured gardens in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains, 15 minutes outside of Marrakech's Medina. Guest rooms each have either a private terrace or garden, and some have private pools. Between the sprawling, lounger-lined pool and the indulgent spa with a traditional hammam, there's little tempting guests to leave the scenic grounds -- especially considering the tennis courts, jogging path, gym, two bars, and gourmet restaurant. But the hotel runs a free shuttle to and from the Medina every two hours (six times daily), so even the most independent luxury-lover can have the best of both worlds. 

A small boutique hotel in the medina, the Villa Makassar offers quiet, intimate upscale accommodations. The 10 rooms vary in decor but are sleek and modern, with beautiful Art Deco-inspired touches. The Makassar also has a spa and a fine-dining restaurant, although the whirlpool and hammam come with a fee. As with most hotels of its size in the medina, there's no fitness center, and the pool is not large enough to swim laps. Those who prefer extended poolside lounging and more standard hotel amenities may prefer to stay at the Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial, a 10-minute walk from the medina.

The eight-room boutique Dar Ayniwen Villa has the feel of a luxury guesthouse with top-notch amenities. The architecture and decor are dramatic, with spectacular museum-quality antiques in common areas and guest rooms, each of which is unique and individually-designed. The hotel sits amid acres of lushly landscaped gardens and an exotic aviary; the restaurant serves fine Moroccan cuisine in a lovely dining room or spectacular winter tent. The romance factor is high (as are the prices). This is a special location with a one-of-a-kind Moroccan feel.

This charming, family-run riad hidden among the Marrakech Medina's winding streets has just six individually decorated rooms, a breezy central courtyard with a small plunge pool, and a rooftop with a Berber tent, all of which offer serene respite from the bustle outside. The decor at this mid-range property is a bit more colorful that some other Medina riads, with a homemade feel to it, but it's hostess Sara's personalized touch that makes the hotel a haven in the city. A free homemade breakfast is served each morning, and lunch and dinner -- made from fresh ingredients sourced daily -- can be ordered in advance to be served in the courtyard or on the rooftop. Wi-Fi is free.