Riads
Riads range from family-run guesthouses to palace hotels (La Mamounia and Royal Mansour in Marrakech are the famous extremes). The good ones include breakfast on the terrace and staff who arrange everything.
Downsides: medina locations mean stairs, no car access, and sometimes noise. Check whether the riad has air conditioning and how far the taxi drop-off is.
Hotels
International chains cluster in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Agadir (Four Seasons, Sofitel, Fairmont). Moroccan chains like Kenzi and Atlas Hospitality are solid mid-range.
In the desert, the choice is between simple auberges and luxury desert camps at Merzouga: the camps vary enormously in comfort, so book through a reputable operator.
Booking tips
Book medina riads well ahead for spring and for festival weeks (Fes in June, Essaouira in June, Marrakech film festival in December).
Many riads offer better rates direct than through platforms, and include airport pickup. Confirm the pickup: medina addresses defeat taxi drivers too.
