The beautiful city of Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations, and with good reason. The old city, or Medina, will transport you back in time. In addition to spending your days in the Medina, however, you will be pleased to know that most of the cheap hotels in Marrakech are also in the old part of the city. They may not have all the most modern conveniences, but they will certainly be within your budget.
If you are looking for more modern hotels, the newer part of the city – known as Gueliz – may still have some relatively cheap hotels in Marrakech, though they are not apt to be as inexpensive as the hotels in the Medina. Also be on the lookout for the word “riad” or “ryad,” which indicates that an old palace has been converted into a hotel. The prices and quality of these can vary. With many budget hotels in Marrakech, some effort has been made (through paintings, furniture or other decorations) to give the properties a more traditionally Moroccan feeling. This can be an indication that the owners put some amount of care into the hotel and that guests will be well-attended. It could also mean that they are trying to create the illusion of care, so look closely at things like whether rooms are clean and whether the hot water works!
Some budget hotels to look at when you are planning a visit to Marrakech are Hotel Atlas (a two minute walk from Jemaa El Fna in the Medina), Riad der Mimouna (ten minutes on foot from Jemaa El Fna in the Medina, this entire riad is air conditioned and breakfast is included in the room rate), Riad Rahba (in the Medina right in the middle of the Souks, this riad offers free WiFi and a rooftop terrace), Riad Kalila (has a private inner courtyard and rooftop terrace, breakfast is included with the room) and Riad Zara (this beautiful riad in the Medina has a rooftop terrace and serves authentically traditional meals).