10 Top LGBTQ Hotels in Morocco

Colourful Moroccan designs, as found in many hotels, guesthouses, and other accommodations
Colourful Moroccan designs, as found in many hotels, guesthouses, and other accommodations | © Jörg Reuter / Flickr
Sarah Williams

Morocco is a marvelous destination for everyone, with cultural encounters, sightseeing galore, outdoor adventures aplenty, delicious food, great shopping, and more. Solo travelers, friends, families, and couples will all find plenty to keep them busy in Morocco. If you’re visiting as part of an LGBTQ couple, here are some of the best places to stay.

1. El Fenn, Marrakesh

Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Riad

El Fenn, Marrakech
© Quim Pagans / Flickr
If you and your significant other are seeking a luxurious stay in Marrakech, Riad El Fenn could be a winner. Popular with couples of all sexual orientations, the hotel is within an old palace building. There are 28 guestrooms, each boasting individual touches. There are many secluded spots throughout the property for privacy, as well as beautiful gardens and courtyards, a large roof terrace, a restaurant, a lounge, and three pools. Spa treatments are available too. Just a five-minute walk away from the splendid Koutoubia Mosque and the energetic Djemaa el-Fna, the property enjoys a terrific location.

2. Riad Maison Rouge, Marrakech

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

A boutique hotel located in the old heart of Marrakech, Riad Orangeraie is welcoming to all guests, regardless of sexual preferences. The French owners are liberal in their approach to life in general. The guesthouse is within a gorgeously restored historic building, and the décor and ambiance are great for a romantic getaway. The peaceful atmosphere is a brilliant respite from the hustle and bustle of the medina. There’s an open-air pool to cool down on hot days and a rooftop terrace with sun beds. Breakfast is included in the room rates and trips can be booked on site.

3. Riad l'Orangeraie, Marrakech

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

A boutique hotel located in the old heart of Marrakech, Riad Orangeraie is welcoming to all guests, regardless of sexual preferences. The French owners are liberal in their approach to life in general. The guesthouse is within a gorgeously restored historic building, and the décor and ambiance are great for a romantic getaway. The peaceful atmosphere is a brilliant respite from the hustle and bustle of the medina. There’s an open-air pool to cool down on hot days and a rooftop terrace with sun beds. Breakfast is included in the room rates and trips can be booked on site.

4. Riad Al Moussika Hotel

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

4. Riad Al Moussika Hotel
Courtesy of Riad Al Moussika Hotel / Expedia

Riad Al Moussika is another great choice for LGBTQ travelers in Marrakech. Staff members are polite, professional, and friendly. Let them know if you are celebrating a special occasion and they will likely make your stay extra special and throw in a few small surprises. The great service has resulted in several newlywed gay couples recommending the establishment. Close to the city’s highlights, the hotel is situated in the medina. The on site restaurant serves a tasty array of classic Moroccan dishes, fine French cuisine, and Italian fare. Rooms are elegant and certainly fitting for a building that was once a palace. The property has a roof terrace, a stunning courtyard, and an Andalusian-style pool.

5. Mayfez, Fes

Boutique Hotel, Hotel

LGBTQ visitors to the old imperial city of Fez might enjoy staying at Meyfez. Attitudes towards sexuality are relaxed and the hotel’s staff members are welcoming towards everyone. The historic building sits in lush gardens, and visitors can enjoy the onsite swimming pool and spa. Breakfast is provided each day, and other meals can be arranged if required. Rooms have individual touches and some have balconies. Both the Royal Palace and Boujloud Square are around a ten-minute walk from the attractive property.

6. Riad Arabesque, Fes

Hotel

Riad Arabesque, Fes
© Rob Taylor / Flickr

Step back in time at the splendid Riad Arabesque in Fez and enjoy a stay in splendor. Built towards the end of the 19th century, the property has retained many of its original features. The spacious and luxurious rooms guarantee a good night’s sleep, and you can enjoy terrific views of the surrounding areas. A great place for couples, the boutique hotel features a choice of two restaurants, a spa with a traditional hammam, a pool, a roof terrace, a garden, and private parking. The helpful staff members can assist with tour bookings.

7. Tangaro Hip Hotel and Spa

Independent Hotel, Hotel

Situated next to the coast and around a ten-minute drive from the heart of Essaouira, Auberge Tangaro is a top choice for anyone who wants a peaceful stay by the seaside. The golf course and a horse riding ranch are also close to hand. The minimalist rooms each have an open fireplace, and most open up into the garden or onto a terrace. Members of the LGBTQ community will feel comfortable and secure staying here. The hotel’s restaurant serves traditional Moroccan cuisine and you can sink your teeth into tasty dishes in the atmospheric candle-lit dining area. There’s also a bar and a reading room, and the spa and hammam are ideal for those looking to unwind and treat themselves to a little TLC.

8. Hotel Riu Tikida Beach, Agadir

Hotel

Hotel Riu Tikida Beach, Agadir
© Camping Aourir / Flickr

The large Riu Tikida Beach in Agadir is a hit with all; couples, families, and groups of friends can all enjoy a pleasant stay at the all-inclusive hotel. Whether you want plenty of activities during your time in Morocco, or whether you want to chill out and take it easy, the Riu Tikida Beach has something to suit all. Sitting next to its own stretch of private beach, the hotel has a pool and a spa for even more relaxation. Join in with the daily program of entertainment, enjoy tasty food, stroll through the gardens, book diverse trips, and more.

9. Hotel El Muniria, Tangier

Budget Hotel, Hotel

Hotel El Muniria is attached to the famous Tanger Inn, a popular gay-friendly hangout in Tangier. Once attracting a literary crowd, today it appeals to locals and visitors alike. Relaxed, budget-friendly, and comfortable, it’s a great choice for people who want a warm welcome and a sociable vibe. Stroll through the garden in the daytime and hit the bar in the evening. You’ll find Hotel El Muniria in the newer part of town.

10. Hôtel Excelsior

Bed and Breakfast

Casablanca mosque
© xiquinhosilva / Flickr

Hôtel Excelsior can be found in the heart of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Just a short distance from the stunning Hassan II Mosque, it’s ideally situated for experiencing the best of Casablanca. Breakfast is included in the daily rate, and the onsite restaurant is sure to tempt at other times of the day. All 46 rooms are comfortable and you can be assured of discreet service. Day trips out of Casablanca and massages can be arranged, and the TV lounge is a good place to mingle.

Note: Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco. It is, however, generally easier for people of the same sex to check into a room together than it is for an unmarried heterosexual couple to share a room, especially if one or both people are Muslim. All people, regardless of sexual preference, should avoid public displays of affection. While there are no openly gay establishments, some accommodations, such as those listed above, are more welcoming to members of the LGBTQ community.

While the gay scene in Morocco is very much underground, and lesbians are practically unheard of in the kingdom, it does exist. That said, if you’re looking for a local hookup you may be in for problems when it comes to finding somewhere to stay. Private apartments, rather than hotels and guesthouses, are the best bet if either person is Moroccan.

Add Morocco to your travel wish list, book a place to stay, and get ready for a vacation to remember for a long time to come. Don’t forget to check out some of the country’s LGBTQ-friendly bars in the evenings too.

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