16 gorgeous family hotels in Morocco

Last updated on May 20, 2026

I’m obsessed by Moroccan design, so the hotels (as always) were central to our trip – perhaps even more so than usual. From beautifully restored riads in the heart of Marrakesh, to surf lodges and mountain kasbahs, the accommodation is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself.

But finding places that genuinely work for families can be surprisingly tricky. Many of Morocco’s most stylish stays are designed primarily for couples, with tiny rooms, precious atmospheres or adults-only policies that make travelling with kids feel complicated.

I set out to find places that balanced both: hotels and guesthouses with style and personality, and where children were not only accepted, but truly welcomed.

So here are the fruits of all that research: my round-up of the most special places to stay in Morocco with kids (or without). Some are polished boutique hotels, while others feel more like staying in someone’s beautifully eccentric home. And there are some places we stayed that didn’t make the cut. Be sure to read my tips about what to watch out for when choosing family accommodation in Morocco.

Also see our guides to how to plan a family holiday in Morocco, a 14-day Morocco road trip itinerary and things to do with kids in Morocco.

Six things to consider when choosing a Morocco family hotel

Here are some important things to consider when booking a Morocco family hotel.

1. Looks can be deceiving

Looks can sometimes be deceiving in Morocco. Even standard design is often gorgeous, so you might be lured in by a beautiful looking room or pool, only to find that the overall quality doesn’t match. We checked into one place with an incredible mountain-view pool, but the room itself was so damp and musty that we changed hotels immediately. To avoid doubt, go with a first-hand recommendation.

2. Watch out for fake reviews

Fake reviews can also be an issue, so it’s worth looking carefully at guest photos and reading the lower-star reviews too. We nearly booked a stylish-looking ranch outside Marrakesh before discovering, through deeper digging, repeated concerns about animal welfare on the farm.

3. Consider the type of accommodation you want

There are seven main types of family accommodation in Morocco: riads, big resorts, boutique resorts, family guesthouses, surf houses, desert camps and self-catering apartments. There’s huge variation within each category, and the right choice will depend on your budget, travel style and priorities. But if it’s your first time in Morocco, I’d highly recommend experiencing a riad at least once. And likewise, a night in a desert camp is one of those unforgettable family bucket-list experiences.

4. Balance charm with convenience

There are lots of modern apartment complexes popping up along the coast and around Marrakesh, plus contemporary villas around Essaouira. These can be a really convenient option for families, often with pools, kitchens and playgrounds, but they tend to lack the atmosphere and sense of place you get in a riad or boutique hotel. A good compromise can be to combine both styles of stay. I’ve included some of these modern options in the Airbnb sections throughout this guide.

5. A heated pool is needed in the cooler months

It can get surprisingly chilly in Morocco, especially between November and March, so a heated pool makes a huge difference. Even in April, we found unheated pools too cold to properly enjoy.

6. Adjust your expectations

Finally, remember that Morocco is still developing in places, and infrastructure and maintenance standards don’t always match what you might be used to in places like Europe or North America. We found this to be especially true in the smaller surf towns. For example, the sewage system can sometimes be smelly, and measures such as plug covers and incense are used to help. It’s all manageable, but it’a worth thinking about what you’re comfortable with.

The best family hotels in Morocco

Special places to stay in Marrakech

Marrakesh is one of my favourite cities to visit – a sensory, chaotic and endlessly atmospheric experience. And it’s also home to some of Morocco’s most beautiful places to stay, from intimate riads hidden within the medina to palm-filled resorts on the edge of the city. Here are my favourites.

Riad Botanica

Marrakesh is full of gorgeous riads, but many are adults-only or don’t work well for families. So we felt like we’d hit the jackpot with Riad Botanica. Not only is it one of the city’s most stylish riads, but it also genuinely welcomes kids.

I fell head over heels for the place. The architecture is spectacular, arranged around a courtyard where an orange tree takes centre stage. The design blends Australian art deco with Moroccan tradition, mirroring the owners’ own cross-cultural marriage. There are beautiful details everywhere, from the carved bedheads to the bougainvillaea that perfectly complements the pink upholstery.

The family room is ideal for a family of four, with a separate bunk room for the kids. Our boys loved the games, the pool, and the indulgent breakfasts on the rooftop.

It’s also in a surprisingly peaceful pocket of the medina, close to stylish restaurants, boutiques, spas and yoga studios. Bacha Coffee is only a short walk away, and the shopping around here feels calmer and less hectic than near the main square.

If you want a stylish stay and the full medina experience with kids, I don’t think you can do much better than this.

They also do cool interior design retreats at the hotel, run the designer behind Riad Botanica.

Check prices and availability.

Lodge K

Just 15 minutes from the medina, Lodge K is a good option if you want your Marrakesh trip to be a mix of culture and pure relaxation. You can spend the day in the chaos of the souks, then retreat back to a palm grove oasis that feels more Bali than Morocco.

There are plenty of big resorts in the Palmeraie, but we wanted somewhere smaller and more boutique. We chose Lodge K for its aesthetics, and it was even more beautiful in real life.

The resort is made up of six suites modelled on traditional Berber tents, arranged around lush tropical gardens. The tent exteriors are romantic and atmospheric, but inside, you still get proper walls and huge, luxurious bathrooms.

The pool is the standout feature, with a palm-filled island in the middle and loungers all around. It made me feel like I was back in Bali.

While the hotel could easily work as a romantic retreat, there were several families staying when we visited, enough for us to feel completely comfortable with kids in tow. That said, if you want lots of entertainment and a lively atmosphere, you’d probably prefer a bigger resort (we like Barcelo Palmeriae for that).

One downside is that the pool isn’t heated, so it can feel fresh on cooler days. And while the dinner menu looked high-end, there wasn’t much choice for us as vegetarians.

I’d recommend combining a stay at Lodge K with at least a couple of nights in a riad so you still get the full medina experience.

Check prices and availability.

Riad Bahia Burgos

If you’d like to experience staying in a Marrakesh riad with kids, without worrying about disturbing other guests, a good solution is to hire your own.

I found this riad on Airbnb and was instantly drawn in by its Moroccan-boho style and heated plunge pool, which is surprisingly rare in Morocco. It turned out to be one of the most quietly luxurious places we stayed.

The four-bedroom riad sleeps up to nine guests and comes with a rooftop bar, games room, kitchen, courtyard lounge and a lovely housekeeper who makes breakfast each morning.

The plunge pool is more for relaxing than swimming, but our kids absolutely loved having it to themselves and being free to make noise without constant shushing.

It’s in a quiet residential part of the medina, close to one of our favourite family-friendly restaurants, Il Limoni. The main square is around a 15-minute walk away.

If style, privacy and space are your priorities, this is a beautiful way to experience medina life with kids.

Check prices and availability.

Berber Lodge

Around 40 minutes outside Marrakesh, Berber Lodge is a stylish, peaceful option. Designed to resemble a traditional Berber village, it’s made from earthy materials like adobe, stone and eucalyptus wood, blending beautifully into the surrounding olive groves.

The style is rustic but refined, with vintage Moroccan pieces, natural textures and an understated elegance that makes the whole place feel effortlessly calm. Days revolve around lounging by the pool, long lunches and slow evenings beneath the trees.

While it’s more grown-up in feel than some family hotels, children are welcome in the larger lodges, and it could work well for families who enjoy nature, design and quieter travel experiences. It’s a beautiful antidote to the sensory overload of Marrakesh.

Check prices and availability.

Airbnbs in Marrakech

If you’re keen on being able to self-cater, an Airbnb stay like Bahia Burgos is a good call. Other recommended Marrakech Airbnbs include this eco wood bungalow nestled in an olive grove and this terracotta riad in the heart of the Medina district. You can see all my favourite Marrakesh Airbnbs here.

All-inclusives in Marrakech

Normally, all-inclusive resorts aren’t really my thing. I tend to prefer smaller places with more personality and a stronger sense of place. But in Marrakesh, they can make a lot of sense for families, especially if you want to balance the intensity of the medina with some proper downtime.

Most of the bigger resorts are in the Palmeraie, a palm-filled area on the edge of the city where large hotels have space for pools, gardens and kids’ facilities. They’re especially appealing if you’re travelling in hotter months or with younger children who need slower days between sightseeing.

That said, not all all-inclusives are created equal, and emphasise different things. There are some gorgeous, but eye-wateringly expensive options like Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa and Amanjena. We tried the mid-range Barcelo Palmeraie and Kenzi Agdal Medina. I preferred Barcelo as it felt more polished and peaceful, whereas Kenzi Agdal had a big focus on entertainment, which was a bit too much for me (but would be perfect for others). That said, the kids adored the water slides at Kenzi Agdal, and it was fun for a night.

I would also have liked to try Oasis Lodges, which is conveniently located next to Marrakesh’s most aesthetic waterpark (we didn’t see the hotel, but loved the water park). The problem with Oasis Lodges is that it’s comparatively pretty expensive at over £500 per night.

Special places to stay in Agafay

Just outside Marrakesh, Agafay offers an easy taste of desert life without the long journey to the Sahara. The landscape is rocky rather than sandy, but the dramatic scenery, star-filled skies and luxury camps still make it feel wonderfully escapist, and a perfect option if you don’t want to make the long trek to the Sahara.

Orion Domes

One of our most memorable nights in Morocco was at Orion Domes desert camp, where we slept in geodesic domes beneath a sky full of stars with the Atlas Mountains rising in the distance.

It’s a hotel that’s a whole experience, not just a place to stay. We rode camels through the desert, feasted on local food, danced to Moroccan music and watched a fire show that completely blew the kids’ minds.

There are countless desert camps in Agafay with a similar formula, but we loved Orion Domes for its style and genuinely family-friendly atmosphere. Most guests had children with them, and the staff were wonderfully welcoming. The boys were especially thrilled to help feed the baby goats.

Check prices and availability.

Other special stays in Agafay

Other family-friendly desert camps that come highly recommended include BE Agafay, Scarabeo Camp and Inara Camp.

Special stays in the Atlas Mountains

A stay in the Atlas Mountains is a chance to experience a quieter, more traditional side of Morocco. Staying here is a lot about basking in the scenery and going for mountain hikes – and there are some great places to stay while doing so.

Kasbah Toubkal

Perched high in the Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Toubkal is one of Morocco’s most iconic places to stay. Steve and I went there pre-kids and it was one of the most memorable stays we’ve ever had.

The kasbah sits above the village of Imlil with extraordinary mountain views in every direction. Getting there involves a short walk or mule ride from the road, which only adds to the sense of adventure.

Days here are all about slowing down: mountain walks, mint tea on the terraces, village visits and cosy evenings by the fire.

We didn’t go with kids, but families are very much encouraged, and it’s perfect if you want a more luxurious stay in the mountains.

Check prices and availability.

Berber Family Lodge

On the flip side, if you’d like a more low-key mountain experience, Berber Family Lodge is a beautiful option.

Run by a local family, the lodge has a warm, homely atmosphere and gives kids a chance to experience a completely different side of Morocco. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the experience is much more about hospitality and setting than polished luxury. What makes it special is the feeling of being welcomed into mountain life rather than simply staying in a hotel.

Faye Bohay captured some beautiful footage there – the view is incredible!

Check prices and availability.

Special places to stay in Essaouira

With its walkable medina, breezy Atlantic coastline and thriving creative scene, Essaouira is one of the easiest and most enjoyable places to visit with kids, especially if you want a slower pace than Marrakesh. And it has some of the country’s most relaxing and stylish stays.

Baousalla

This was one of the places I was most excited about staying in Morocco, and it managed to exceed my expectations. It’s one of those rare places where I couldn’t put my camera down and where the kids felt instantly at ease too.

Over the last 25 years, owner Dominique has transformed what was once empty land into a stylish retreat of eight suites surrounded by eucalyptus trees and beautifully manicured gardens. The whole place is filled with personality and impeccable style.

The design mixes traditional architecture with original artworks and individual flair. We loved the cosy lounge with its sunken fireplace seating, and the garden’s many aesthetic nooks.

Families are genuinely welcomed here. At least half the guests had kids when we stayed, and our boys loved the heated pool, trampoline and chickens. In summer, there’s even an outdoor cinema built into the garden like a tiny amphitheatre.

The food is another highlight, served from a convivial open kitchen where guests are welcome to cook too. The staff were brilliant at adapting meals for our kids, and I appreciated the daily cocktail hour.

Set between Essaouira and the beaches of Sidi Kaouki, it’s perfectly placed for exploring, but also the kind of hotel where you could happily spend entire days doing very little.

Check prices and availability.

La Mouette et les Dromadaires

Right on the beach at Sidi Kaouki, La Mouette et les Dromadaires is one of the area’s most stylish stays, and a popular restaurant as well as a guesthouse. On Sundays, they often hold family events, complete with crafts and a kids’ menu, plus live music and a more grown-up vibe as the night goes on. These events are open to non-guests too.

We didn’t stay here, but loved the family event and the hotel’s beachy, bohemian style. It’s a lovely place to come for long lunches, sunset drinks and slow, salty days.

Check prices and availability.

Mama Lova

Mama Lova is one of the most stylish places to stay in Essaouira, combining the intimacy of a riad with the feel of a beautifully curated boutique hotel.

Tucked inside the medina, the design blends Moroccan craftsmanship with a softer, more contemporary aesthetic: earthy tones, vintage pieces, textured walls and plenty of thoughtful details throughout.

While most of the rooms are doubles, there’s also a family suite, sleeping up to 5.

It’s a good option for families who want to stay in the heart of Essaouira without sacrificing style. And the medina here is far calmer and easier with kids than Marrakesh, with little traffic and a much slower pace.

Check prices and availability.

Jardin des Douars

Jardin des Douars is one of Essaouira’s most Insta-famous family hotels, and one that strikes a lovely balance between boutique hotel and easy family resort.

The sprawling gardens are a huge part of the appeal, filled with palms, olive trees and hidden corners that make the whole place feel calm and spacious. There are two pools, including one specifically for families. And the whole atmosphere feels polished yet relaxed, which is surprisingly hard to find.

While it’s a lovely option, I’d still pick Baousalla for somewhere with more personality and intimate charm.

Check prices and availability.

Jardins de Villa Maroc

Jardins de Villa Maroc is another hotel you’ll have likely seen on Instagram with its stylish conical huts set amid landscaped gardens of olive trees and cacti.

The style is understated, blending traditional Moroccan touches with a relaxed, slightly bohemian feel. While families are welcome, it only has one dedicated family room, sleeping 4. There are others that sleep a maximum of three people, so still okay for smaller families.

Check prices and availability.

Airbnbs in Essaouira

Essaouira has a huge amount of gorgeous Airbnbs, often with private pools and sometimes even a chef. A few favourites include this cute private riad and this guesthouse with private pool and trampoline. You can see my full guide to Essaouira Airbnbs here.

Special places to stay on the coast in Morocco

Morocco’s Atlantic coast has a completely different energy to the cities inland. Surf towns like Taghazout, Tamraght and Imsouane have a laidback, cool vibe, whereas Agadir is the country’s classic package holiday resort. All along the coast are special places to stay, from surf houses to remote guesthouses on wild beaches. See my full guide to Taghazout and Tamraght.

Haven

I stumbled across this place by accident and changed our plans to fit it in as I could tell it was something special. And I was right!

Haven is exactly the kind of place I love: the result of someone’s passion, filled with the personality that shaped it. It feels like staying in the maximalist home of an eccentric collector, layered with art, books and curiosities, but still beautifully curated and calm.

Salvador, the owner, is a natural host with endless stories from his many lives. He was effortlessly brilliant with our kids, who quickly counted him as a friend. Spending time with him was one of the highlights of our stay.

The setting is spectacular on a quiet stretch of coast between Imsouane and Essaouira. Unlike some neighbouring beaches, this one feels wild and unspoiled, bordered only by the tiny village of Tafedna. We had an ocean view from bed and I could happily have stared at it for hours.

While there are waves to surf and local adventures nearby, this is mostly a place to slow down and reset. Spend your days by the pool, walking the dunes, and soaking up the stylish surroundings.

We only stayed one night, but I’d recommend at least two. As Salvador said himself, he’s offering an experience rather than simply a place to stay.

Check prices and availability.

Paradis Plage

If you’re looking for an easy family beach holiday in Morocco, but want somewhere stylish rather than chaotic, this is the one.

Just north of Taghazout and around 40 minutes from Agadir, Paradis Plage sits on a long stretch of sand with a laid-back surfy feel that sets it apart from neighbouring resorts.

The design hits a sweet spot, with earthy tones, landscaped gardens and modern Moroccan styling without the glitzy excess of some larger resorts. It feels grown-up while still being genuinely family-friendly. Our kids especially loved the play areas and easy beach access.

Even if you’re not staying here, the beachfront restaurant is worth visiting for sundowners on the sand. That’s what we did while staying nearby in Tamraght.

The main downside is the price. Family rooms can get very expensive in peak season, and while it’s officially five-star, I don’t think the service quite feels at that level. Still, its style and location make it one of the most appealing family resorts on Morocco’s surf coast.

Check prices and availability.

Olo Surf & Nature

Olo Surf & Nature is one of Imsouane’s most stylish high-end stays, attracting an international crowd of digital nomads and creative, conscious guests. And there’s also the odd family among it all.

Overlooking Imsouane Bay, it combines stylish boho accommodation with a laid-back atmosphere that feels refined rather than backpackery. The ocean views are epic, especially from the restaurant terrace.

Surfing is naturally the big draw and you can book combined surf and accommodation packages. This is a good option if you want something more polished than the other surf houses.

Check prices and availability.

Residence Imsouane

For something in between one of the more low-key surf houses and the more luxurious places like Olo, Residence Imsouane is a good option. Families can either stay in neighbouring double rooms or go for the 4-bed dorm room. It’s one of the newer properties in town, built after part of Imsouane was demolished back in 2024.

There’s a pool (not heated), a nice common area and a rooftop terrace with ocean views. The whole place has a typically laidback vibe, but with a bit more polish than some of the more hippy surf houses.

Check prices and availability.

Domaine Limoune

Just near Agadir, Domaine Limoune is a nice alternative to the more mainstream resorts.

Set within a huge estate of olive groves and gardens, it feels more like a countryside retreat than a standard hotel. There are pools, a play area, and even an on-site zoo, housing over 100 animals from zebras to meerkats and monkeys.

The atmosphere is easy-going and kid-oriented, with the zoo drawing many families.

It may not have the design credentials of some of the more boutique stays on this list, but for a relaxed family escape with plenty to keep kids entertained, it’s a good choice.

Check prices and availability.

Surf houses

For something with more local character, consider a surf house. These often come with a more relaxed, communal atmosphere and can be a great way to meet people. It’s worth checking the vibe and latest reviews, as most lean more towards solo travellers and couples than families. We stayed at Easy Surf Morocco, which had a nice big family room and lovely staff, but we were the only people with kids. Paradise Surf also comes highly recommended.

In Imsouane, we really wanted to try Imsouane Surf Family, but the timing didn’t work out.

Family surf retreats

There are also some groups that offer specific family retreats where they hire a villa and tailor the retreat to families. These don’t have the same flexibility as the permanent surf houses, but if your dates align, this would be an ideal way to do a family surf trip. I love the look of Kin Morrow. This looks like it comes the closest to our beloved Ujusansa!

Airbnbs on the Moroccoan coast

Some of the resorts can be expensive on the coast, and the surf houses won’t be to everyone’s taste, so a good compromise is an Airbnb. There are some beautiful rentals in the surf towns and hidden in more remote spots along the coast. A few favourites include this charming apartment with private terrace in Taghazout and this cozy rental with private beach access. You can see my full guide to Morocco coast Airbnbs here.

Special places to stay in the Sahara Desert

A night in the Sahara is one of Morocco’s most iconic experiences. It isn’t easy to get to with a long 7+ hour drive from Marrakech, so we skipped it, but there are some amazing places to stay.

A few that come highly recommended are: Camp Adouina, Caravan Serai and Tiziri Camp.