9 Amazing Kasbah Hotels and Riads in Merzouga for a Unique Sahara Desert Experience
- Malika
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Most people visit Morocco's Erg Chebbi dunes as part of a Sahara Desert tour, departing from either Marrakech or Fes. These include all transportation, logistics and a night at a desert camp, with just a brief stop in Merzouga to board a camel for a sunset trek through the dunes.
But if you’re travelling to the Sahara independently, don’t want to stay at a desert camp or just like to do things a little differently, there are lots of incredible hotels in Merzouga where you can base yourself. Most offer wonderful views across the Erg Chebbi dunes from their rooftop terraces and many come with welcome amenities that include air-conditioning and swimming pools (take note if you're visiting Morocco in the summertime!)
Many of the best hotels in Merzouga are inspired by the traditional earthen design of kasbahs or arranged around a central courtyard, as is typical of riad hotels. This means you’re not only getting comfortable (often luxurious) accommodation on the edge of the Sahara Desert, but a bit of an architectural experience too.
Contrary to what you might think, staying at a hotel in Merzouga doesn’t mean you miss out on the desert experience, with a full range of excursions available. These include camel treks, quad-biking excursions and 4x4 tours, as well as village visits and tours to seasonal lakes (ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts).
And if you do want to spend a night at a desert camp, most Merzouga hotels have sister camps and can seamlessly arrange this for you at short notice.
In this article, I’ll share 9 of the best kasbah hotels and riads in Merzouga to help you plan your desert adventure. Aside from budget and family-friendly options, I’ve included some luxury stays that exude desert romance.
You'll find more information about planning a Sahara Desert experience in my detailed guide here or you can discover the difference between the dunes of Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga here.
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BEST KASBAH HOTELS AND RIADS IN MERZOUGA
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top recommendations for the best kasbah hotels and riads in Merzouga:
Best luxury riad in Merzouga
Best hotel in Merzouga promoting responsible tourism
Best affordable kasbah hotel in Merzouga
Best luxury boutique hotel in Merzouga
Inspired by a kasbah, this luxurious Merzouga hotel is stunning, to say the least, with a riad-like fountain courtyard topped by a glass atrium. It's managed by two brothers who do everything possible to ensure an unforgettable experience for guests. The roomy accommodations are elegantly adorned with tiled bathrooms and carved wooden ceilings that I could gaze at for hours.
When you're not out exploring the desert or taking part in a cooking class, you can unwind by the sparkling pool or watch the sunset over the dunes from the rooftop terrace. The breakfasts and dinners served at the Desert Villa Boutique Hotel are both plentiful and delicious.
"This place is absolutely stunning — a true oasis in the desert!.” - Svetlana (read more reviews here)
Best kasbah hotels in Merzouga
Best high-end hotel in Merzouga
Offering incredible views across the Erg Chebbi dunes, this highly-rated kasbah hotel is located in Ksar Tanamouste, a small village just south of Merzouga. It features 12 modern rooms (twins, doubles, triples and quadruples), all of which are decorated with tadelakt, zellige tiles and gorgeous copper lamps.
Dominating the spacious terrace is a large swimming pool, fringed by sun loungers where you can relax in between desert excursions. The restaurant here is also exceptional, serving not only breakfasts and dinners but also lunches that draw on both Arab and Amazigh influences.
Aside from camel treks at sunrise and sunset, you can join quad biking and 4x4 tours or visit a nomadic family and enjoy a picnic in the desert. Overnighting at a desert camp in the dunes can also be arranged.
“Dar Morocco was one of the highlights of our trip. The location was incredible, offering great access to the desert.” - Khatib (read more reviews here)
Best kasbah hotels in Merzouga
Best affordable kasbah hotel in Merzouga
Nestled in the foothills of Merzouga’s towering dunes, this highly-rated kasbah hotel boasts an enviable setting on the edge of Hassilabied, a village just north of Merzouga. It features spacious yet affordable rooms for all travellers - solo adventurers, couples and groups of friends - as well as a quadruple room that’s ideal for families.
Camel treks, quad-biking adventures and 4x4 tours can be arranged onsite, as well as tours to seasonal lakes and the fossil beds of Erfoud. Awaiting your return in the property’s wonderful swimming pool, which is watched over by a blue camel sculpture. There are several terraces where you can enjoy stargazing at night, plus a restaurant serving traditional Amazigh cuisine.
“The best thing about this hotel is how close it is to the desert - you can just walk into the desert easily and there are gorgeous views from the terrace.” - Zuzana (read more reviews here)
Best riad hotels in Merzouga
Best mid-range riad in Merzouga
If you want the opulence of a riad on the edge of the desert, then this kasbah-inspired hotel ticks all the right boxes. Its tiled suites are undeniably spacious and with pops of colour - there are doubles, twins and triples available. Each is named after (and inspired by) a different Moroccan destination, including Casablanca, Meknes and Essaouira.
As with all of Merzouga’s best hotels, Riad Jouba can organise camel treks, quad-biking excursions and 4x4 tours, as well as nights at desert camps and village visits. The onsite restaurant serves up some of the best meals in the town - the breakfast here is exceptional!
“A magnificent riad with an exceptional location at the edge of the desert.” - Jacopo (read more reviews here)
Best apartment hotels in Merzouga
Best mid-range kasabah hotel in Merzouga
Perched on a hill overlooking the dunes, this mid-range hotel in Merzouga is run by the welcoming Ait Bahadou brothers. It boasts vibrantly decorated rooms that include twins, doubles and triples, as well as a quadruple and a family room for those travelling with kids.
Aside from the spacious swimming pool, which offers a welcome respite in the hot, summer months, there’s an onsite restaurant that offers authetnic Moroccan dishes. If you want to experience a night in the desert, arrangements can be made effortlessly at the property’s sister camp - Azalay Luxury Camp.
“It was amazing, the view was breathtaking and the food was delicious.” - Lise (read more reviews here)
Best kasbah hotels in Merzouga
Best luxury riad in Merzouga
Boasting breathtaking views of the dunes, Riad Chebbi is one of the most luxurious riads in Merzouga and located just a short drive south of the town. It offers exquisitely decorated rooms and suites that are perfect for couples, friends and solo travellers, with ultra-comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms.
Quad-biking and buggy tours can be arranged at this high-end Merzouga hotel, together with camel treks and 4x4 excursions. Riad Chebbi also partners with a luxury desert camp nearby if you want an overnight experience.
Aside from its welcoming swimming pool, there’s a sophisticated dining room where meals are served. The rooftop terrace, complete with shaded loungers, is the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
“If you are not staying in the tents this is the best place to be in Merzouga.” - Shiyas (read more reviews here)
Best hotels in Merzouga
Best hotel in Merzouga for cyclists
Set around an expansive courtyard with an oval-shaped pool, this budget-friendly Merzouga riad occupies the family property of Ali Yakoubi. It features 11 beautifully appointed rooms that include doubles, twins and triples, as well as quadruple and quintuple rooms for families or groups wanting to stay together. Breakfasts are included in the rates and additional meals can be provided on request.
A range of desert excursions can be arranged onsite, including camel treks, quad-biking tours and 4x4 excursions. Ali and his team can also facilitate overnight desert stays at one of their sister camps, not to mention customised mountain biking tours (they'll have your luggage transferred to your next destination).
"A great little hotel right by the dunes with a pool and nice breakfast.” - Andrew (read more reviews here)
Best holiday apartments in Merzouga
Best self-catering hotel in Merzouga
If you read reviews about this family-friendly hotel near Merzouga, everyone mentions the incredible welcome and hospitality of the staff. It’s located right in the heart of Hassilabiad (a village just north of Merzouga) and boasts clean and comfortable apartments complete with kitchens for self-catering.
All of the apartments come with two bedrooms, plus a sofa bed in the lounge room if you have additional kids. There’s a spacious rooftop terrace complete with a swimming pool where you can splash around in between desert excursions, such as 4x4 tours, quad-biking and camel treks.
If you don’t feel like preparing your own meals, there’s also a restaurant at the Hassilabiad Apart Hotel - the breakfast is really good!
“This family-run gem, right in the heart of the Sahara, turned out to be everything we hoped for— clean, tastefully decorated, and full of warmth thanks to its incredibly friendly and welcoming staff.” - Elaine (read more reviews here)
Best hotels in Merzouga
Best hotel in Merzouga promoting responsible tourism
Owned and operated by the Seggaoui brothers, this welcoming family guesthouse is tucked away in Hassilabiad at the base of the Erg Chebbi dunes. It receives rave reviews from everyone who stays here for its hospitality, design and delicious food, as well as its commitment to fair and responsible tourism.
Set around a central pool, Maison Merzouga is a riad-inspired property featuring 10 air-conditioned rooms. These include doubles, triples and suites, all beautifully decorated with Amazigh textiles and traditional lamps. When you’re not out camel trekking, visiting local villages or on a sunset jeep tour, you can feast on traditional meals prepared by the women of the family.
“Absolutely gorgeous property. Very clean pool. Beautiful, spacious & air conditioned room. Delicious big breakfast. The perfect place to rest & recuperate after big adventures to the dunes.” - Derrick (read more reviews here)
