Where to stay in Rabat 2024
Rabat city skyline, including the Grand Theatre and Bou Regreg River
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, is surprisingly clean and green. It is also home to reportedly the world’s largest music festival, Mawazine.
The city perfectly blends beautifully presented historic sites, such as the UNESCO-protected Kasbah des Oudayas, alongside a progressive and vibrant city. The stunning Mausoleum of Mohamed V monument, Hassan Tower, and Rabat Medina meet with epic architectural feats, namely the Grand Theatre and Mohamed VI Tower, which are now coming to fruition.
Its tree-lined boulevards, sprawling leafy parks, and immaculately manicured grass verges make it a city fit for a King - Mohammed VI’s principal residence, the Royal Palace, aka Dar Al-Makhzen, is at the city's heart.
With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Bou Regreg River flowing along another, the city's ocean air and water elements give it freshness, tranquillity, and space.
Is Rabat worth visiting? I say yes! A stay in Rabat offers a fascinating insight into how Morocco modernises and accommodates other cultural influences. I love visiting the ancient Medina, Kasbah des Oudayas, and other sites without the crowds and overwhelm experienced in some Moroccan cities.
This article discusses where to stay in Rabat. There is something for all types of travellers, accommodating a range of budgets, and the finest Moroccan hospitality is assured, regardless of the price paid.
Where is Rabat, and how to get there?
Rabat is well-connected to the rest of Morocco via rail and road, and to Europe via short flight, or an hour ferry ride from Spain to Tangier. Rabat has a small airport offering flights to Paris and London, and other European cities. Or, an easy one-hour drive or train ride from Casablanca, two hours on the TGV to Tangier, and 3.5 hours on the train to Marrakech.
Where to stay in Rabat
The city is divided into several ‘quartiers’ or neighbourhoods. If you are a first-time visitor to Rabat, the Medina is a great place to base yourself as you can walk to all the main sights and the city beach. Also worth mentioning is Rabat has a modern and safe tramway and a taxi system that works well in the city. Read on for a comprehensive overview of each neighbourhood and some suggested hotels.
Experience life in Rabat’s ancient medina;
Easy walking distance to the Kasbah des Oudayas, Andalusian Gardens
Close to the city’s main beach which is popular for surfing and swimming
Pedestrianised oceanfront promenade perfect for morning or sunset walks
It’s a local area mixed in with traditional riads and guesthouses
Quiet cobbled alleyways and streets perfect for pottering
Parking nearby, but no need for a car as lots within walking distance
Where to stay in Rabat Medina;
This was one of the first places I stayed - and loved. A beautiful, traditional riad with contemporary touches. Light, elegant and spacious rooms with bold art popping against white walls. It is on a quiet pedestrianised street in the Medina, with parking nearby. Friendly staff can arrange everything. There is rooftop pool, hammam and lovely atmospheric restaurant for breakfast and dinner.
Part of the Rabat Riads collection, there are four other riads in the collection. Riad Kalaa has four rooms and seven suites, each with different decor, plenty of texture, ambient lighting, and cosy touches. The wow factor is their ornate traditional riad courtyard for candlelit dinners—a hammam, rooftop pool with sun loungers, and professional staff.
This stunning apartment is close to Dar Shaan, also, on Instagram as Medina el Fok. It offers two double beds, a stylish, well-equipped kitchen, a shower room, a high-ceilinged spacious sitting room area with plenty of chill-out chairs, and a wood-burning stove. The wow factor is the 360 views from their roof terraces, perfect for sunset drinks, dinner and or morning yoga!
For leafy streets and gardens in the Embassy District
Mixture of Embassies, luxury residences, tree-lined streets, this is one of the cities’ quietest and smartest suburbs
Hotels have space for gardens and larger swimming pools
Off-street, secure parking available
Close to Hay Riad for dining, shopping and nightlife
Near Dar es Salaam golf course
Hotels in Rabat’s Embassy District;
A family-owned former home has been lovingly converted into a luxury villa. Charming rooms and suites include their Two-bedroom Mandarin Villa Suite, which is ideal for families travelling together. Gardens are brimming with flowers and orange trees. Good-sized swimming pool, fitness room, colourful art, and an in-house restaurant.
A luxury boutique hotel with twenty-seven rooms, ten suites, and a private villa, it has a design concept with bold colours, glass, and modern touches throughout. Hotel facilities include a 25-metre outdoor pool, restaurants, spa, well-equipped gym, and gardens.
For river and city panoramas
On the Salé side of the river is Salé Marina, home to several hotels, restaurants, cafés and residences
Amazing panoramic views of Rabat city skyline, which is a short drive or tram ride away
Also accessible via 10 minute river boat crossing
Hotels on the river;
This is for those who like all-out luxury and five-star service. 247 rooms, suites and private residences. A resort with all the trimmings, plush interiors, stylish restaurants, and lavish marble finishings. Indulgent wellness spa and fitness centre.
Immerse yourself in Agdal and Hay Riad’s urban vibe
Immerse yourself in the cities’ urban vibe. A mix of Art Deco architecture, French colonial influences, and glass tower malls and office blocks.
Marvel at Rabat Ville train station
Close to contemporary museums, art galleries, cafés, modern shopping malls and nightlife
Place Mahaj Riad is within walking distance. On weekdays, expect to see suited city workers strolling into glass office suites. In the evening, tapas bars, sushi, and pizzerias come to life with post-work vibes.
Hotels in Agdal and Hay Riad;
Whether you are in the area for one night or one month, these fully secure, serviced and stylish apartments have everything you need to experience life in the city like a local.
With 117 rooms, this is one of the larger urban hotels in Rabat. It has a fresh, dynamic vibe. Onomo Hotels has proud African roots and is the largest African hotel group, with 22 hotels in 13 African countries. It is in a great location next door to the Rabat Ville train station. Their rooftop bar and restaurant is one of the city’s highest.
The hotel’s modern style reflects the innovative, urban suburb in which it resides. It has an indoor pool, and great city views.
Coming soon: Four Seasons Kasr Bahr in the art deco Ocean district, right across from the Atlantic Ocean. The Four Seasons will bring a touch of luxury to this undiscovered, up-and-coming district!
Thank you for reading. I hope this has given you an interesting overview of where to stay in Rabat. It is a beautiful city, worth visiting for a few days if you feel like travelling to Morocco. If you have any edits, additions, or feedback, I would love to hear from you via the Contact Form. Stay tuned for a What to do in Rabat article coming soon.