For environmentally-conscious travellers, Marrakech offers a remarkable selection of eco-friendly hotels and eco-lodges that help to reduce the environmental impact of your stay. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in my accommodation choices as the negative impacts of travel become more apparent and I try to seek out properties that are doing their bit to lessen their footprint.
Embracing the city's cultural essence, many Marrakech riads incorporate traditional architectural elements that preserve the local heritage while eliminating the need to build new hotels from scratch. The designs often include open-air spaces, internal gardens and patios that reduce the reliance on air conditioning during Marrakech’s sweltering summer.
But it’s not just through design that makes Marrakech hotels sustainable but the implementation of practices to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes everything from eliminating single-use plastics to composting organic produce and reducing water usage.
Read on to discover 7 of the best sustainable hotels in Marrakech, all of which receive rave reviews for their commitment to hospitality and the environment.
For more Marrakech travel inspiration, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech, which details things to do, transport logistics and the best time to visit.
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BEST SUSTAINABLE HOTELS IN MARRAKECH
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top sustainable Marrakech hotel recommendations:
Best sustainable hotel in Marrakech with a Michelin-star restaurant
Best sustainable hotel in Marrakech with a hammam
Best sustainable hotel in Marrakech for a budget stay
Riad Kaiss $$$
Best sustainable hotel in Marrakech for a luxury stay
Occupying a 16th-century building once home to Sultan Moulay Yacoub, Riad Kaiss is a sustainable Marrakech riad in the heart of all the action. It was created by the famous French architect, Christian Ferre, and is now decked out with all the 5-star amenities you’d expect of a luxury stay. In addition to an inviting swimming pool and a rooftop terrace, there's a full-service spa offering massages with organic argan oil.
Sustainable practices at Riad Kaiss
At Riad Kaiss, organic and locally sourced products are used wherever possible, not only to reduce the property’s environmental footprint but also to support social initiatives. Almost all of its breakfast offerings are made from scratch (including delicious jams, breads and pastries), reducing the need for packaging and allowing the riad to focus on organic foodstuffs.
“This riad was exceptional— the property was absolutely beautiful and well-kept, and the staff could not have been kinder or more accommodating.” - Marian (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable hotels in Marrakech
Lanterns illuminate the inner courtyard of Riad Kaiss in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best sustainable hotel in Marrakech with a garden
Offering a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, Les Jardins de la Medina is beautifully decorated with wooden furnishings and linen fabrics. Most of its luxuriously appointed rooms open out onto plant-filled patios while the gorgeous swimming pool and wellness spa add to its high-end facilities.
Sustainable practices at Les Jardins de la Medina
As one of Marrakech’s best sustainable hotels, Les Jardins de la Medina does everything from composting organic materials to monitoring energy consumption and providing bicycles for guests to explore the city without emissions. Water dispensers have been installed throughout the hotel, with guests encouraged to use reusable bottles rather than single-use plastic ones.
“Loved the beautiful peaceful gardens to come back to after walking around the Medina. Lots of shady spots, and tortoises walking around the ground.” - Quinn (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly hotels in Marrakech
A beautifully decorated room at Les Jardins de la Medina in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
La Sultana $$$$
Best sustainable hotel in Marrakech with a hammam
With its palm tree-lined pool and traditional Moroccan hammam, La Sultana is a stunning property within Marrakech’s UNESCO-listed historic centre. Each of its rooms and suites is intricately decorated, with some boasting their own balcony or terrace. For the ultimate pampering session, book into La Sultana’s spa for a massage, facial or body treatment.
Sustainable practices at La Sultana
Sustainability at La Sultana starts with its design, which significantly reduces the need for air-conditioning. The thick walls combined with open-air spaces ensure that air naturally circulates throughout the property. While Moroccan cuisine is often meat-heavy, the hotel offers plenty of plant-based dishes using organic produce grown on the property. Rather than being thrown away, food waste is composted at a local farm.
“It was a wonderful experience, especially staying in a hotel that was so unique to Marrakesh.” - Mayur (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable hotels in Marrakech
Peeking through curtains to the hotel pool at La Sultana Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Royal Mansour $$$$
Best sustainable hotel in Marrakech with a Michelin-star restaurant
One of the best luxury hotels in Marrakech, the Royal Mansour offers the ultimate in opulence and privacy. It was designed by King Mohammed VI and built by some of the country’s leading artisans, with the zellij mosaics particularly impressive. Sumptuous textiles decorate each of its 53 rooms while the Michelin-star restaurant serves up exceptional cuisine.
Sustainable practices at the Royal Mansour
The Royal Mansour prioritises environmental waste management by actively recycling and composting a significant portion of the hotel's waste. This eco-friendly Marrakech hotel diligently monitors water consumption and implements water-saving technologies in its swimming pools. To conserve energy, LED lights are extensively used throughout the hotel complex and motion sensors are employed.
“It was an amazing experience to stay at this spectacular property. The hotel is elegant without being over the top. The ambiance is fantastic and completely relaxing.” - Wilson (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly hotels in Marrakech
An opulent lounge at the Royal Mansour - one of the top luxury hotels in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Riad Nelia $$
Best sustainable boutique hotel in Marrakech
Situated in the heart of the medina, this boutique Marrakech hotel exudes simplicity and elegance. The rooms at Riad Nelia may be compact, but they are adorned with exquisite soft furnishings and stunning Moorish arches. Aside from its mosaic pool, this eco-friendly riad in Marrakech features a luxurious marble hammam and a rooftop terrace offering breathtaking sunset views.
Sustainable practices at the Riad Nelia
Riad Nelia actively avoids the use of single-use plastics, such as water bottles, straws and plastic bottled toiletries. In addition to its efforts to reduce plastic waste, this sustainable riad in Marrakech has implemented water-efficient toilets and showers in all of its rooms, and LED lights with motion sensors have been installed throughout the hotel to minimise energy consumption. The hotel also takes into consideration the well-being of the local community, allocating a portion of its profits towards community projects.
“One of my favourite places in the world…The experience in Riad Nelia was literally amazing.” - Giulia (read more reviews here)
Best sustainable riads in Marrakech
Breakfast served on the terrace at Riad Nelia in Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best sustainable ecolodge near Marrakech
Nestled within the Ouirgane Valley of Toubkal National Park, this Marrakech eco-lodge is just over an hour’s drive from the city centre. It offers a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the medina while providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature on guided treks and camel safaris. The Ouirgane Ecolodge features enchanting rooms decorated in a traditional Amazigh style, plus a sparkling swimming pool, a hammam and a large vegetable garden.
Sustainable practices at the Ouirgane Ecolodge
As one of Morocco’s best ecolodges, the Ouirgane Ecolodge has long incorporated sustainable practices into its everyday activities. In addition to renewable energy technologies, intelligent irrigation systems have been implemented to minimise water usage while non-toxic and chemical-free cleaning and bathroom products are used. Throughout the construction process, traditional architectural techniques and natural materials were used to seamlessly blend the building with its natural surroundings.
“Stunning property surrounded by greenery and mountain views.” - Fløris (read more reviews here)
Best ecolodge near Marrakech
Snowcapped peaks back the Ouirgane Ecolodge near Marrakech (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Riad Tizwa $$
Best sustainable hotel in Marrakech for a budget stay
Conveniently located within the medina, Riad Tizwa is a beautifully decorated property just 10 minutes’ walk from Djemaâ El Fna Square. It boasts a rooftop terrace with sun beds and a traditional hammam, as well as a central patio where you can retreat during the heat of the day. Not only is Riad Tizwa an eco-friendly Marrakech hotel but one of the more affordable sustainable options.
Sustainable practices at Riad Tizwa:
Since opening its doors in 2006, Riad Tizwa has implemented the 3 Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. This eco-friendly Marrakech riad has adopted water and energy-reducing practices, and uses natural cleaning products wherever possible.
“Such a surprising hideaway, once you're through the door, you're in the middle of a beautiful courtyard with traditional furnishings, so peaceful and comfortable. Definitely recommend!” - Mary (read more reviews here)
No matter what your budget, there's a sustainable hotel in Marrakech with your name on it. You can choose to stay in the heart of the medina, escape to the mountainous surroundings or indulge in the lap of luxury - the choice is yours!
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.