9 Best Kasbah Hotels and Riads in Merzouga

Planning a Sahara Desert adventure in Morocco? Discover 9 of the best kasbah hotels and riads in Merzouga, the gateway to Erg Chebbi.

Most people visit Morocco’s Erg Chebbi dunes as part of a Sahara Desert tour, departing from either Marrakech or Fes. These usually include all transportation, logistics and a night at a desert camp, with just a brief stop in Merzouga to board a camel for a sunset trek through the dunes.

But if you’re travelling to the Sahara independently and you don’t want to stay at a desert camp (or you just like to do things a little differently), there are lots of incredible hotels in Merzouga where you can base yourself.

Most offer wonderful views across the Erg Chebbi dunes from their rooftop terraces. Many also come with welcome amenities that include air-conditioning and swimming pools. Take note if you’re visiting the Sahara in the summertime!

Many of the best hotels in Merzouga are inspired by the traditional earthen design of kasbahs or arranged around a central courtyard, as is typical of riad hotels.

This means you’re not only getting comfortable (often luxurious) accommodation on the edge of the Sahara Desert. But you’re also getting a bit of an architectural experience too.

Contrary to what you might think, staying at a hotel in Merzouga doesn’t mean you miss out on the desert experience. A full range of excursions are available. These include camel treks, quad-biking excursions and 4×4 tours, as well as village visits and tours to seasonal lakes (ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts). 

Most of these can be arranged once you arrive. This is great if you’re someone who doesn’t like to plan everything ahead of time.

And if you do want to spend a night at a desert camp, most Merzouga hotels have sister camps. They can seamlessly arrange this for you at short notice. 

That being said, if you’re travelling to the Sahara during its busiest months (April/May and September/October), it’s wise to book ahead as capacity is limited.

In this article, I’ll share 9 of the best kasbah hotels and riads in Merzouga to help you plan your desert adventure. Aside from budget and family-friendly options, I’ve included some luxury stays that exude desert romance. 

You’ll find more information about planning a Sahara Desert experience in my detailed guide here. Alternatively, you can discover the difference between the dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga here.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!

Desert Villa Boutique Hotel

Best luxury boutique hotel in Merzouga

Inspired by a kasbah, this luxurious Merzouga hotel is stunning, to say the least. If boasts a riad-like fountain courtyard topped by a glass atrium.

The Desert Villa Boutique Hotel is managed by two brothers who do everything possible to ensure an unforgettable experience for guests. The roomy accommodations are elegantly adorned with tiled bathrooms and carved wooden ceilings that I could gaze at for hours.

When you’re not out exploring the desert or taking part in a cooking class, you can unwind by the sparkling pool. In the late afternoon, you can watch the sunset over the dunes from the rooftop terrace.

The breakfasts and dinners served at the Desert Villa Boutique Hotel are both plentiful and delicious.

“This place is absolutely stunning — a true oasis in the desert!.” – Svetlana (read more reviews here)

Dar Morocco

Best high-end hotel in Merzouga

Offering incredible views across the Erg Chebbi dunes is this highly-rated kasbah hotel. It’s located in Ksar Tanamouste, a small village just south of Merzouga.

Dar Morocco features 12 modern rooms (twins, doubles, triples and quadruples). All are decorated with tadelakt, zellige tiles and gorgeous copper lamps. 

Dominating the spacious terrace is a large swimming pool, fringed by sun loungers where you can relax in between desert excursions. The restaurant here is also exceptional. It serves not only breakfasts and dinners but also lunches that draw on both Arab and Amazigh influences. 

Aside from camel treks at sunrise and sunset, you can join quad biking and 4×4 tours. Alternatively, you can visit a nomadic family and enjoy a picnic in the desert. Overnighting at a desert camp in the dunes can also be arranged. 

“Dar Morocco was one of the highlights of our trip. The location was incredible, offering great access to the desert.” – Khatib (read more reviews here)

Kasbah Mohayut

Best affordable kasbah hotel in Merzouga

Nestled in the foothills of the Erg Chebbi dunes is this highly-rated kasbah hotel. It boasts an enviable setting on the edge of Hassilabied, a village just north of Merzouga.

Kasbah Mohayut features spacious yet affordable rooms for all travellers – solo adventurers, couples and groups of friends. Additionally, there’s a quadruple room that’s ideal for families. 

Camel treks, quad-biking adventures and 4×4 tours can be arranged onsite, as well as tours to seasonal lakes and the fossil beds of Erfoud.

Awaiting your return is the property’s wonderful swimming pool, which is watched over by a blue camel sculpture. There are several terraces where you can enjoy stargazing at night, plus a restaurant serving traditional Amazigh cuisine. 

“The best thing about this hotel is how close it is to the desert – you can just walk into the desert easily and there are gorgeous views from the terrace.” – Zuzana (read more reviews here)

Riad Jouba

Best mid-range riad in Merzouga

If you want the opulence of a riad on the edge of the desert, then this kasbah-inspired hotel ticks all the right boxes. Its tiled suites are undeniably spacious and with pops of colour.

There are doubles, twins and triples available. Each is named after (and inspired by) a different Moroccan destination, including Casablanca, Meknes and Essaouira. 

As with all of the best kasbah hotels and riads in Merzouga, Riad Jouba can organise a range of excursions. Camel treks, quad-biking and 4×4 tours are available, as well as nights at desert camps and village visits.

The onsite restaurant serves up some of the best meals in the town – the breakfast here is exceptional!

“A magnificent riad with an exceptional location at the edge of the desert.” – Jacopo (read more reviews here)

Kasbah Azalay

Best mid-range kasabah hotel in Merzouga

Perched on a hill overlooking the dunes, this mid-range hotel in Merzouga is run by the welcoming Ait Bahadou brothers. It boasts vibrantly decorated rooms that include twins, doubles and triples. There’s also a quadruple and a family room for those travelling with kids. 

Aside from the spacious swimming pool, which offers a welcome respite in the hot, summer months, there’s an onsite restaurant serving authentic Moroccan dishes.

If you want to experience a night in the desert, arrangements can easily be made at the property’s sister camp – Azalay Luxury Camp. 

“It was amazing, the view was breathtaking and the food was delicious.” – Lise (read more reviews here)

Riad Chebbi

Best luxury riad in Merzouga

Boasting breathtaking views of the dunes, Riad Chebbi is one of the most luxurious riads in Merzouga. It’s located just a short drive south of the town.

At the riad, you’ll find exquisitely decorated rooms and suites that are perfect for couples, friends and solo travellers. They all come with ultra-comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms. 

Quad-biking and buggy tours can be arranged at this high-end Merzouga hotel, together with camel treks and 4×4 excursions. Riad Chebbi also partners with a luxury desert camp nearby if you want an overnight experience. 

Aside from its welcoming swimming pool, there’s a sophisticated dining room where meals are served. The rooftop terrace, complete with shaded loungers, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.

“If you are not staying in the tents, this is the best place to be in Merzouga.” – Shiyas (read more reviews here)

Hotel Riad Ali

Best hotel in Merzouga for cyclists

Set around an expansive courtyard with an oval-shaped pool, this budget-friendly Merzouga riad occupies the family property of Ali Yakoubi. It features 11 beautifully appointed rooms that include doubles, twins and triples. There are also quadruple and quintuple rooms for families or groups wanting to stay together.

Breakfasts are included in the rates and additional meals can be provided on request. 

Desert excursions can be arranged onsite, including camel treks, quad-biking tours and 4×4 excursions. Ali and his team can also facilitate overnight desert stays at one of their sister camps, not to mention customised mountain biking tours (they’ll have your luggage transferred to your next destination). 

“A great little hotel right by the dunes with a pool and nice breakfast.” – Andrew (read more reviews here)

Hassilabiad Appart Hotel

Best self-catering hotel in Merzouga

If you read reviews about this family-friendly hotel near Merzouga, everyone mentions the incredible welcome and hospitality of the staff. It’s located right in the heart of Hassilabiad (a village just north of Merzouga) and boasts clean and comfortable apartments complete with kitchens for self-catering. 

All of the apartments come with two bedrooms, plus a sofa bed in the lounge room if you have additional kids. There’s a spacious rooftop terrace complete with a swimming pool where you can splash around in between desert excursions.

Everything from 4×4 tours to quad-biking and camel treks can be arranged onsite.

If you don’t feel like preparing your own meals, there’s also a restaurant at the Hassilabiad Apart Hotel. The breakfast is really good!

“This family-run gem, right in the heart of the Sahara, turned out to be everything we hoped for— clean, tastefully decorated, and full of warmth thanks to its incredibly friendly and welcoming staff.” – Elaine (read more reviews here)

Maison Merzouga Guest House

Best hotel in Merzouga promoting responsible tourism

Owned and operated by the Seggaoui brothers is this welcoming family guesthouse. It’s tucked away in Hassilabiad at the base of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Maison Merzouga receives rave reviews from everyone who stays here for its hospitality, design and delicious food. Not to mention its commitment to fair and responsible tourism.

Set around a central pool, Maison Merzouga is a riad-inspired property featuring 10 air-conditioned rooms. These include doubles, triples and suites, all beautifully decorated with Amazigh textiles and traditional lamps.

When you’re not out camel trekking, visiting local villages or on a sunset jeep tour, you can feast on traditional meals prepared by the women of the family. 

“Absolutely gorgeous property. Very clean pool. Beautiful, spacious & air conditioned room. Delicious big breakfast. The perfect place to rest & recuperate after big adventures to the dunes.” – Derrick (read more reviews here)

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.