8 Best Hotels in El Jadida: Historic Riads + Modern Beach Resorts
Looking for the best hotels in El Jadida? Explore this curated collection of beautiful places to stay in El Jadida, including highly-rated riads in Cite Portugaise and luxury resorts overlooking the sands of Mazagan Bay.
Located approximately 100 kilometres south of Casablanca, El Jadida is a bit of an undiscovered gem (in my opinion at least). Most notably, it’s home to a 16th-century citadel built by the Portuguese, making it a “must” for history buffs.
While this UNESCO World Heritage Site (Cité Portugaise) still lies at the heart of the city, El Jadida has evolved into an important economic hub along a sun-drenched strip of Moroccan coastline. It can easily be visited as a day trip from Casablanca, although I’d recommend spending a little longer and staying overnight.
If you’re thinking about visiting El Jadida as part of your Morocco itinerary, there are plenty of wonderful places to stay. These include everything from luxury beach resorts to traditional riads and budget-friendly dars.
In this article, I’ll share 8 of the best hotels in El Jadida, with something for all budgets. Aside from staying in the heart of all the action (within the Cité Portugaise itself), you can enjoy a classic beachside vacation overlooking Mazagan Bay.
To learn more about visiting El Jadida, including the best things to see and do, check out my Essential Travel Guide to El Jadida.
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BEST HOTELS IN EL JADIDA
Don’t have time to read the whole article? These are my top recommendations for the best hotels in El Jadida:
Riad Dar El Malaika
Best romantic riad in El Jadida for couples
Hotel L’Iglesia
Best hotel in El Jadida for history buffs
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
Best resort in El Jadida for golfers
Riad Soleil d’Orient
Best riad hotel in El Jadida
Tucked away in the historic old town of El Jadida lies Riad Soleil d’Orient. Stepping through its doors, you’re immediately transported into an enchanting world, one that’s a welcome respite from the energy of the surrounding city.
The property features seven themed rooms arranged around a central courtyard, which is shaded by a canopy of fruit trees.
In the evening, you can dine alfresco in the picturesque patio or enjoy Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in the elegant dining room. For those seeking a moment of quiet contemplation, there’s an oriental-inspired living room and an Amazigh-style lounge with a crackling fireplace.
Be sure to visit the rooftop terrace, which boasts shaded sitting areas and loungers bathed in Moroccan sunshine.
“What a lovely place! A true oasis in El Jadida.” – Emilia (read more reviews here)
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
Best hotel in El Jadida for golfers
Sprawling across 250 hectares, this Moorish-inspired resort overlooks a long stretch of sand to the northeast of El Jadida. It’s ideal if you’re after a big resort experience, with multiple pools and nine restaurants serving up globally inspired cuisine.
When you’re not exploring the Cité Portugaise, you can spend your days at the luxury spa or experience a traditional hammam. For golf aficionados, the resort’s course, designed by Gary Player, provides the perfect setting to practice your swing. The ocean views from the greens are spectacular!
The stylish guest rooms at this highly-rated El Jadida resort are outfitted with French balconies, well-stocked minibars and complimentary Wi-Fi. Coupled with the complimentary airport transfers, I think stays at Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort are as hassle-free as a holiday can get.
“Lovely place for a relaxing break away.” – Ann (read more reviews here)
Riad Dar El Malaika
Best romantic riad in El Jadida for couples
If you’re searching for a luxury hotel in El Jadida that oozes romance, Riad Dar El Malaika is the answer. As you pass through the beautifully carved wooden doors, you’ll find yourself immersed in a setting reminiscent of “One Thousand and One Arabian Nights”. This is Moroccan hospitality at its finest.
Located on the edge of the Cité Portugaise, this stunning El Jadida riad boasts gorgeous gardens. It really does provide a peaceful retreat from the lively medina outside.
On the upper floor, you’ll find five beautifully appointed suites. Each is uniquely adorned with carefully chosen furnishings and art pieces. In addition to the elegant marble floors, the spacious bathrooms feature deep-soaking tubs and rainfall showers.
Dining is a magical experience in the candlelit courtyard, making Riad Dar El Malaika one of the best hotels in El Jadida for couples.
“The staff were exemplary. The room was very romantic. The breakfast was the best one we had in Morocco.” – John (read more reviews here)
Dar Ettaki
Best budget hotel in El Jadida
Centred around a whitewashed courtyard, Dar Ettaki is a recently renovated hotel in El Jadida, located right in the heart of the Cité Portugaise. It features just a handful of rooms and suites. All are colourfully decorated and offer access to a shared lounge and kitchen.
Each morning, continental breakfasts are served, featuring local specialties, fresh pastries and juices. It’s served in a communal setting that encourages mingling and conversation with fellow travellers. This is the perfect place to stay in El Jadida if you’re flying solo!
The welcoming hosts at Dar Ettaki go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay, assisting with parking arrangements and helping guests find the hotel on arrival. From the picturesque terrace, there are impressive views across the city!
“Stunning riad and an authentically Moroccan experience.” – Harriet (read more reviews here)
Hotel L’Iglesia
Best hotel in El Jadida for history buffs
Occupying a 19th-century Portuguese church, this historic El Jadida hotel stands out due to its distinctive architecture. I just love the ambiance here!
Each of the 14 uniquely designed rooms features furnishings sourced from antique shops throughout Morocco. It really is a vintage-lover’s dream. Eight of the suites are situated in the original convent while five are located in the annex that once served as the American consulate.
Additionally, there’s a rooftop terrace overlooking the ramparts with stunning ocean views. It’s here that breakfasts are served. In the evening, you can dine on authentic Moroccan cuisine at the on-site restaurant before ending the night with a cocktail from the bar.
“Exquisite interior of a former Portuguese church dating from the 1700s.” – Rafal (read more reviews here)
Dar Al Manar
Best guest house near El Jadida
Dar Al Manar is a charming guest house around five minutes’ drive from El Jadida and a great choice for those with a rental car. It’s situated amidst the gorgeous scenery of the Doukkala countryside and is equally convenient for exploring Azemmour, which is just 10 kilometres away.
Each of the guest rooms at Dar Al Manar is named after a destination in Morocco’s north, such as Rabat, Fes and Tangier. Owners Fatima and Pascal have crafted what really is a haven, surrounded by a one-and-a-half-hectare garden brimming with olive trees, mimosas and laurels.
Mornings at this highly-rated El Jadida guest house begin with a traditional Moroccan breakfast. Lunch and dinner can also be ordered à la carte (all meals feature fresh vegetables from the garden).
A five-minute drive from the property is Plage Haouzia where you can swim, surf or ride horses along the beach.
“Perfect getaway not too far from the big city.” – Sofia (read more reviews here)
Looking to rent a car in Casablanca to reach El Jadida? Discover everything you need to know about renting a car in Casablanca here.
MIA Mazagan Bay
Best modern hotel in El Jadida
MIA Mazagan Bay elevates the standard hotel experience and is definitely one of the best places to stay in El Jadida. This four-star establishment blends contemporary design with an artistic flair. I love the images of Moroccan coastal scenes that adorn the walls.
Ideally situated along the corniche, MIA Mazagan Bay is within walking distance of El Jadida’s main attractions. The Cité Portugaise is 30 minutes on foot.
Each of the 90 rooms and suites features a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. There are options for business professionals, couples and families seeking an affordable hotel in El Jadida. Enjoy a restful night on the premium bedding and wake up rejuvenated, ready to indulge in the breakfast buffet and enjoy a swim in the pool.
After a day of sightseeing, you can head to one of the restaurants or cafes just a short walk away.
“Exceptionally clean and beautiful hotel…Exceptionally clean and beautiful hotel.” – Monika (read more reviews here)
A Casa da Mare
Best El Jadida hotel in Cité Portugaise
Tucked away in the Cité Portugaise, this beautifully restored El Jadida riad offers an authentic Moroccan stay. It features colourful stained glass windows and gorgeous lanterns throughout the interior, as well as cosy lounge areas and a really eclectic vibe.
The rooms at A Casa da Mare are impeccably clean and come complete with ensuite bathrooms. Meanwhile, the included breakfast will ensure you’re fuelled up for a day of sightseeing.
Step outside the front door and you’re in the heart of all the action. Everything is within walking distance of A Casa da Mare.
A highlight of staying at this budget-friendly El Jadida riad is the stunning rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views across the city’s core. It’s a great place for admiring the historic architecture of the medina and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean beyond.
“Beautiful, cozy and peaceful casa in Cite Portugaise.” – Jacylene (read more reviews here)
Tips for selecting a hotel in El Jadida
When finding the best hotels in El Jadida, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you have an experience that lives up to (or exceeds) your expectations.
First, think about the type of accommodation that suits your needs and preferences. Is that a luxurious beach resort overlooking Mazagan Bay or a traditional riad in the historic Cité Portugaise?
Top tip:
El Jadida’s surrounding beaches can get incredibly busy in the summer months. So be sure to book your accommodation early if you plan on visiting during this period.
Staying in the Cité Portugaise itself will put you in the heart of the action, surrounded by the old city walls and historic buildings. On the other hand, El Jadida’s best beach hotels offer an experience that’s more about relaxation and provide easy access to a wealth of water activities.
Other factors to weigh include the hotel’s amenities (spas, pools and hammams are just some of the things that come to mind), as well as the onsite dining options or proximity to restaurants.
Before booking a hotel in El Jadida, I’d recommend reading previous guest reviews to get a better idea of what you can expect and decide if the property is right for you.
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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.
