Where to stay in Ouarzazate?
Hotels, Guesthouses, or Riad?
Ouarzazate, a key tourist destination in Morocco, offers over 200 beds across various accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and Kasbahs. The city presents five main types of accommodations:
- Hotel
- Guesthouse
- Kasbah
- Riad
- Homestay
- Renting Apartments
Hotels
Ouarzazate’s hotel scene has evolved since the establishment of Club Méditerranée in 1967. Notable hotels like the Berber Palace (formerly known as Le Meridien) have become prominent, although some, like Belere, closed after the 2008 crisis. Presently, the city boasts a variety of hotels, though not on the scale of larger hotel clubs found in Marrakech or Agadir.
Guesthouses
In the last two decades, the region has seen the emergence of guesthouses. With 4 to 8 rooms, these accommodations offer a more intimate setting, fostering warmer relations between tourists and hosts.
Kasbah
The architectural charm of the south-east of Morocco lies in its Kasbahs, abandoned castles now being restored by young enthusiasts. Each Kasbah’s unique structure provides a distinct experience for visitors.
Riad
Unlike the north of Morocco, Ouarzazate does not have authentic Riads. Instead, the equivalent architecture is found in Kasbahs and Ksour in the south-eastern region.
Hostels
While Ouarzazate lacks hostels, the city offers numerous affordable hotels in its center, catering to the preferences of young travelers.
Homestay
Many Ouarzazi families offer rooms on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, providing an authentic experience of Moroccan life.
Renting Apartments
For a cost-effective option, some tourists choose to rent entire apartments, often available for daily rental, maintaining standards similar to hotels.