The best hotels in Chefchaouen

This small riad sits inside the old medina, a short walk from Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Rooms are basic but clean, with traditional blue-and-white tile work that fits the surroundings perfectly. The rooftop terrace has good views over the medina rooftops at sunrise. Breakfast is simple but included and served in a cheerful courtyard. A solid no-frills base for exploring the blue city on a tight budget.

Hotel Gernika is one of the oldest guesthouses in Chefchaouen, sitting right on the edge of the medina near the main square. The rooms are modest and some are small, but they are kept tidy and the staff are genuinely helpful. The location means you are steps from the best photo spots in the blue alleyways. Wi-Fi is reliable enough for working, which is rare at this price point. A dependable budget pick in an expensive tourist destination.

Riad Cherifa occupies a restored traditional house tucked into one of the quieter lanes of the medina, away from the main tourist foot traffic. The interior courtyard with its fountain is a genuine retreat after a day of walking. Rooms are decorated with handwoven textiles and locally made ceramics. Staff are attentive without being intrusive, and they will happily arrange guided hikes up to the Spanish mosque. The evening meals served on the rooftop are worth booking in advance.

Hotel Parador occupies a historic building at the entrance to the medina, directly facing the kasbah and Plaza Uta el-Hammam. The views from the front rooms over the square are the main selling point and worth paying extra for. Interiors are traditional Moroccan in style, with carved plasterwork and mosaic floors throughout the common areas. Service can be inconsistent depending on the time of year, but the location compensates for most shortcomings. Arrive early to secure a front-facing room.

Casa Perleta is a small boutique guesthouse in the upper part of the medina, where the streets are steeper and quieter. Each room is individually decorated with antique furniture and hand-painted details unique to each space. The roof terrace looks directly toward the Rif Mountains and gets excellent afternoon light. Breakfasts are generous, featuring local honey, msemen flatbread, and fresh orange juice. Couples especially appreciate the calm atmosphere here compared to the busier lower medina.

Dar Echchaouen sits near Bab Souk, one of the main gateways into the old city, making it easy to come and go without getting lost in the maze of alleys. The courtyard pool is small but a genuine luxury in the summer heat. Rooms feature exposed stone walls and hand-knotted Berber rugs sourced from the surrounding Rif region. The hammam on site is well maintained and bookable by the hour for guests. It fills up quickly in spring and early autumn, so reservations well in advance are essential.

Hotel Tingis sits in the newer part of Chefchaouen, just outside the medina walls, making it easier to access by car than most options in the old town. Rooms are larger and more modern than typical riads, with proper desks and faster internet connections. The restaurant serves both Moroccan and international dishes, which is convenient for guests not wanting to navigate the medina every evening. It is a ten-minute walk to the central square, so you still have easy access to the blue streets. Better suited to travelers on business or those with heavy luggage.

Lina Ryad and Spa is consistently the highest-rated property in Chefchaouen on major booking platforms, and it earns that reputation consistently. The spa includes a full hammam, steam room, and massage treatment rooms that use locally produced argan and cedar products. Rooms are spacious by medina standards, with high ceilings and double-glazed windows that block out the call to prayer at dawn if needed. The cooking class offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings is one of the best ways to spend a morning in the city. Service throughout is professional and personalized.

Dar Talismano is positioned near Ras El Maa, the natural spring at the eastern edge of the medina where locals do laundry and children play in the stream. The house has been restored to a high standard while keeping original Andalusian architectural features intact. Each of the seven rooms has its own character, with the suite on the top floor offering a private terrace and unobstructed mountain views. The in-house chef prepares dinners on request using produce sourced from the weekly market. This is the most refined small hotel in the city and worth every dirham.

Riad Hicham occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion in the Andalusian quarter of the medina, a short uphill walk from the main plaza. The property has only eight rooms, keeping the atmosphere intimate and calm throughout the stay. Hand-painted Zellige tilework lines the courtyard, and a heated plunge pool operates year-round. The owner personally arranges private guided treks to Talassemtane National Park for guests who request it ahead of time. Rates include a full Moroccan breakfast and afternoon mint tea service in the salon.