Rabat city skyline, including the Grand Theatre and Bou Regreg River
(Blog updated October 2026)
Rabat, Morocco’s capital, is surprisingly clean, green, and ‘zwin’ (beautiful in Arabic). Several direct flights now link Rabat to Europe, and new luxury international hotels are putting it on the global travel map. 2026 marked the long-awaited opening of the Grand Theatre and Mohammed VI Tower, and a year of literary events lined up for its year as "UNESCO’s World Book Capital”.
Is Rabat worth visiting?
I say yes! It’s my favourite Moroccan city, the perfect blend of historic sites and modern touches. I love visiting the ancient Medina, Kasbah des Oudayas, and other sites without the crowds and overwhelm I often experience in other Moroccan cities. Read my ‘Favourite things to do in Rabat’ for more inspiration.
This article covers where to stay in Rabat across a range of budgets; rest assured, you'll find the finest Moroccan hospitality, regardless of the price.
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Where to stay in Rabat (by neighbourhood)
For first-time visitors to Rabat, the Medina is a great base, as you can walk to the Kasbah, the city beach, and everywhere within the Medina. Rabat also has a modern, safe tramway system and a well-functioning taxi service. Read on for a comprehensive overview of each neighbourhood, along with some suggested places to stay in Rabat.
Why stay in Rabat’s ancient medina;
Easy walking distance to the Kasbah des Oudayas and the Andalusian Gardens
Close to the city’s main beach, popular and safe for surfing and swimming
Pedestrianised oceanfront promenade perfect for morning or sunset walks
Experience local life with a stay in traditional riads and guesthouses
Quiet cobbled alleyways and streets perfect for pottering
Parking nearby, but no need for a car as there is a lot within walking distance
Where to stay in Rabat Medina;
Dar Shaan
Room rates from GBP100 per night
Dar Shaan, Rabat Medina
This was one of the first places I stayed in Rabat; I loved it, stayed again, and still love it- perfect for first-timers or anyone looking for a city break. A beautifully converted traditional riad with contemporary touches, including a rooftop pool and sun loungers. Light, elegant, and spacious rooms with bold art popping against white walls. It sits on a quiet, pedestrianised street in the Medina, with parking and taxi drop-offs nearby. Friendly staff arrange everything, including local guides, dinner reservations, and airport transfers. Considering where to stay in Rabat? Dar Shaan is a personal favourite for anyone looking for an intimate hotel, with an atmospheric, stylish restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. Perfect for evenings when you want to chill in the riad and enjoy a home-cooked tagine. There’s also a hammam spa on site!
Check availability and pricing for Dar Shaan here.
Riad Kalaa
Room rates from GBP120 per night
Riad Kalaa, Rabat
Riad Kalaa 1 is near Dar Shaan and is also close to the Medina and Kasbah des Oudayas. It’s part of the Rabat Riads collection (there is also a Riad Kalaa 2, and four other riads in the collection). I visited Riad Kalaa 1 for dinner; it’s gorgeous, and the food is amazing. Tables are set in the courtyard of an historic 19th-century building with intricate plasterwork and arches, perfect for candlelit dinners. The four rooms and seven suites feature distinct decor, including tilework, tadelakt bathrooms, rich textures, ambient lighting, and cosy touches. It also offers a hammam, a rooftop pool with sun loungers, and super friendly, professional staff. A great option if you’re looking for a central, charming place to stay in Rabat Medina..
Check availability and pricing for Riad Kalaa 1 here.
Euphoriad
Room rates from GBP230 per night
Suite at Euphoriad, Rabat
The former Pacha’s residence has been completely redesigned and modernised by architect and decorator Chafiq Kabbaj. It’s now one of the most popular places to stay in Rabat. A charming boutique hotel with eight rooms and suites in a great location in the Medina. It beautifully balances the house’s historic character with elegant modern touches, including a rooftop infinity pool, a marble hammam spa, and refined dining.
Check availability and pricing for Euphoriad here.
Riad Narjiss
Room rates from GBP80 per night
Riad Narjiss entrance door, and seating area outside room
I stayed here in Summer 2026. We wanted a central riad that would work well for a family - we were five in total, and booked three of their five lovely rooms (soon to be increased to seven rooms). Riad Narjiss was a great base for our stay in Rabat. A simple, authentic riad with original tiles and features. Great location in the Medina, and we could easily walk to the beach, restaurants, and nearby shops on Rue du Consuls. It’s a family-owned and run riad, and Zouhair and his family were on hand to help with anything that came up, from his Mum’s sewing (adjusting trouser length) to making local reservations and coordinating taxi pick-ups. The price is very accessible, and it shows in a few small things (i.e., marked mirrors, noisy air con). The basics were great: a hot shower, clean, fresh linen, a comfy bed, and incredibly kind and warm owners. There is no pool, but it’s close to the beach. There’s a large rooftop; we didn’t use it in August- too hot- and it needed some attention and upgraded furniture to be comfortable. We enjoyed breakfast in the courtyard every morning: omelette, fresh Moroccan pancakes, yoghurt, coffee and mint tea. Back at the riad, it felt like home for tea and relaxing. Dinner in-house was also offered.
Check availability and pricing for Riad Narjiss here.
Where to stay in Rabat’s Embassy District
A mixture of Embassies, luxury residences, and tree-lined streets, this is one of the city’s 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
Ritz Carlton Rabat Dar es Salaam
Ritz-Carlton Dar es Salam, Rabat
The Ritz-Carlton Rabat opened in 2024, a welcome addition to the where to stay in Rabat luxury list! Set within 440 acres of forest and gardens, for golfers it’s ideally situated adjacent to the city’s Royal Golf course. The design blends elegance and Art Deco. Five restaurants offer traditional cuisine, poolside dining, alongside innovative fine-dining creations. Their 117 rooms and suites offer views of the pool or garden. Serene spa with an indoor pool, hammam, and ten treatment rooms, including one for couples. A large outdoor pool has a dedicated kids’ pool. Prices in the five-star bracket, with room rates starting at MAD 4,200 per room per night.
Check availability and pricing for Ritz-Carlton Rabat here.
Villa Mandarine
Villa Mandarine, Rabat
A family-owned former home that has been lovingly converted into a charming villa set within expansive gardens. Choose from Classic and Luxury Rooms and a handful of suites, including the Two-bedroom Mandarin Villa Suite, ideal for families travelling together. If you are looking for a quieter (and greener) place to stay in Rabat, this is a top contender. Their sprawling gardens, brimming with flowers and orange trees, create a calm atmosphere. Good-sized swimming pool, fitness room, billiards table, colourful art, and an in-house restaurant; family friends recently visited for dinner and raved about it!
Check availability and pricing for Villa Mandarine here.
Where to stay in Rabat on the Salé side of the river
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 a 10-minute riverboat crossing
Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé
Rabat views from the Fairmont Rabat-Salé
The Fairmont was the first luxury hotel to arrive in Rabat (Salé). It’s ideal for those who like five-star facilities, service, and a familiar brand. With 247 rooms, suites, and private residences, it’s a large resort with all the trimmings, plush interiors, stylish restaurants, and lavish marble finishes. Indulgent wellness spa and fitness centre. Lovely views across to the Kasbah des Oudayas, NB. They are on the Salé side of the river; Rabat is accessible by road or a short riverboat crossing.
Check availability and pricing for the Fairmont Marina Rabat-Salé here.
Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé
Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé
Room rates from GBP600 per night
Waldorf Astoria opened in 2026, within the Mohammed VI Tower. On a recent visit to Rabat, I noticed a jetty out front of the hotel reception, a fun way to arrive by boat on the river. True to the Waldorf Astoria brand, the style epitomises luxury, with five-star service and facilities. Spread across the 29th and 46th floors, the hotel offers panoramic views of Rabat and Salé from sunrise to sunset. Standout features include the spa (on the 31st and 32nd floors), with an indoor pool and six treatment rooms.
Check availability and pricing for the Waldorf Astoria Rabat-Salé here.
Where to stay in Rabat’s L’Ocean District
Four Seasons Rabat Kasr al Bahr
Four Seasons Rabat
The Four Seasons opened its third Moroccan hotel in Rabat in 2024, right on the beachfront in the upcoming L’Ocean district with direct ocean views. Former 18th-century palace buildings bring a sense of history that blends seamlessly with the Four Seasons’ discreet service and refined luxury. Spanning five hectares, it's one of Rabat's best resort hotels and an oasis in the city. If budget allows, upgrade to a room with an ocean view. Two large outdoor swimming pools and one indoor pool in their indulgent spa. Perfect for loyal Four Seasons clients and anyone seeking a gentle introduction to Morocco. International guests are well understood and catered to here.
Check rates and availability for the Four Seasons Rabat here.
Where to stay in Rabat: Agdal and Hay Riad district
Immerse yourself in the city’s urban vibe. A mix of Art Deco architecture, French colonial influences, and glass tower malls and office blocks.
Handy for 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.
ONOMO Rabat Terminus
With 117 rooms, this is one of the larger urban hotels in Rabat. I stayed in 2022 and enjoyed the location and fresh, dynamic vibe. The ONOMO hotel group has proud African roots and is the largest African hotel brand, with 22 hotels in 13 African countries. The ONOMO Rabat Terminus boasts a prime location next to the Rabat Ville train station and tram stop, and within walking distance of the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art. One of the larger places to stay in Rabat, it has a popular rooftop bar and restaurant, with stunning views of the city skyline.
Check rates and availability for ONOMO Rabat Terminus here.
FAQs
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 a short flight or an hour-long ferry ride from Spain to Tangier. Rabat has a small airport that offers flights to Paris, London, and other European cities. It’s an easy one-hour drive or train ride from Casablanca, two hours on the TGV to Tangier, and 3.5 hours on the ONCF train to Marrakech.
Is it easy to get around Rabat?
Yes, very; most places in the Medina are walkable, and the city’s reliable, user-friendly tramway links different districts. Taxis are also cheap and everywhere.
Is Rabat safe?
As a solo female traveller, I find Rabat the easiest Moroccan city to explore. Locals are friendly and too busy or uninterested in bothering you.
Do I need a guide for Rabat’s sights?
I would recommend a guide for the historic sights, a full day tour would include the highlights; Kasbah des Oudayas, Andalusian Gardens, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Hassan Tower, Chellah ruins. GetYourGuide lists several day tours; if you prefer a personal recommendation, email me!
Thank you for reading this article.
I hope this has given you a helpful overview of where to stay in Rabat. It really is a beautiful city. For further Rabat reading, check out ‘15 favourite things to do in Rabat’ and ‘Where to eat and drink in Rabat’.
If you would like help planning a trip to Morocco, contact me to arrange a travel planning call.
