Staying in a riad in Tangier is much more than just a night in a hotel. It means stepping through an unassuming doorway at the bend of a medina alleyway and discovering, behind thick walls, a quiet courtyard, weathered zellige tiles, and a terrace that suddenly opens onto the Strait of Gibraltar. Tangier has long been a city of writers, spies, and artists, and its riads still capture that spirit: tastefully restored homes with just a handful of rooms, and the feeling of being a guest in someone’s home rather than staying at a hotel. But not all accommodations are created equal: there are the riads in the Kasbah with sea views, those in the heart of the medina—more authentic but sometimes difficult to access with luggage—and the grand houses converted into luxury boutique hotels.
In this article, we’ve selected the best riads in Tangier for you, highlighting what makes each one unique and which type of traveler it’s best suited for.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Riads in Tangier: What You Need to Know Before Booking
There is a wide selection of riads in Tangier, most of which are concentrated in the medina and the Kasbah. There you’ll find small, family-run guesthouses as well as historic mansions that have been tastefully restored, some featuring a patio, a panoramic terrace, or a hammam. But the quality here varies greatly: behind a beautiful facade and a few flattering photos, you may sometimes find dark, poorly soundproofed rooms or subpar maintenance. That’s precisely why we go there in person: the places we’re presenting here, we’ve seen with our own eyes, visited, and even tested—including their strengths and any potential limitations. There are two things you should check on your own before booking: the exact location—some places are only accessible on foot, through a maze of narrow streets—and the amenities that really matter for your stay.
1. Riad Dar Saba Hotel – Saba’s House (5 stars)
Our review
Head to the legendary Kasbah, where this exceptional riad won us over with a unique concept: each room is dedicated to an artist who has shaped Tangier’s cosmopolitan history. Ours paid homage to Antoni Gaudí—colorful mosaics and organic shapes, a true nod to Park Güell. The tone is set right from the lobby, where a library of antique books and a piano bar surround a lovely central fountain, amidst vibrant furnishings. We particularly appreciated this blend of modern art and Moroccan craftsmanship, in an atmosphere that’s both intimate and refined. Breakfast—a hearty spread featuring local products—is served on the panoramic terrace: the rooftops of the medina on one side, the mountains and the sea on the other. Authentic, artistic, and decidedly original, in the heart of one of the city’s most characteristic neighborhoods—a luxury boutique hotel just the way we like them, and the kind that makes you want to extend your stay.
Pool and spa
- Traditional Hammam in the basement
- No swimming pool on site
- Tangier municipal beach 10 minutes by car or 30 minutes on foot
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Kasbah de Tanger
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Breakfast: a plated meal featuring local products, fresh juice and fruit, cold cuts, cheeses, and a Moroccan spread made with almonds and argan oil (amlou), served on the rooftop terrace or in the small covered lounge
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: elevator, library, piano bar, artistic theme rooms, panoramic terrace, traditional hammam and massage service, library
- Children’s facilities: no
- Parking: no, paid cab access to riad entrance
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
2. Riad Al-Qurtubi Hotel (4 stars)
Our review
This romantic riad first won us over with its location, right at the gates of the Kasbah, in the peaceful Marshan neighborhood to the west of the medina. Formerly a wing of the prestigious Menebhi Palace, built in 1908, it has preserved all of its Moorish architecture: carved columns, intricately crafted wooden ceilings, and an abundance of Moroccan craftsmanship that literally captivated us—colorful mosaics, authentic tadelakt, intricately carved furniture, and embroidered textiles, both in the rooms and in the common areas. We didn’t know where to look first, given the abundance of period pieces all around us. The riad’s greatest asset is its rooftop terrace, which offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean coast and, on clear days, Spain. It was there that we enjoyed a varied breakfast each morning, served on plates in this exceptional setting. Add to that a warm welcome and a very intimate atmosphere, and you have a true haven. We highly recommend this place if you’re looking for authenticity in a well-preserved historic setting, just a stone’s throw from the archaeological site of the Phoenician Tombs and the main monuments of the medina.
Pool and spa
- No on-site pool or spa
- Tangier municipal beach 20 minutes away by car
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Marshan, west of the medina, at the entrance to the Kasbah
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes, Moroccan and Ivorian specialities served in the first floor restaurant or on the terrace
- Breakfast: a la carte, served on the terrace, featuring eggs, juice, fresh fruit, hot beverages, and Moroccan-style “msemen” pancakes
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: tea room, library, no elevator, no PRM access
- Parking: small outdoor public parking lot near the hospital
- Children’s facilities: no
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
3. Palais Zahia & Spa Guesthouse (4-star)
Our review
Here is a riad brimming with romance, ideally located at the gates of the Kasbah, in the quiet Marshan neighborhood, west of the medina. It occupies a former wing of the sumptuous Menebhi Palace, built in 1908, whose Moorish architecture it has carefully preserved: carved columns, intricately crafted wooden ceilings, and Moroccan craftsmanship on display throughout—shimmering mosaics, authentic tadelakt, intricately carved furniture, and embroidered textiles, both in the guest rooms and common areas. We were captivated: there were so many period pieces that it was impossible to know where to look.
The highlight of the riad is its rooftop terrace, with a view that stretches along the Mediterranean coast and offers a glimpse of Spain on clear days. Every morning, we savored a varied breakfast, served on plates in this extraordinary setting. With a warm welcome and an intimate atmosphere, the riad becomes a true haven. We highly recommend it if you’re looking for an authentic experience in a well-preserved historic setting, just a short walk from the Phoenician Tombs and the major monuments of the medina.
Pool and spa
- Traditional Moroccan spa
- Authentic Hammam
- No swimming pool
- Tangier municipal beach 10 minutes away by car
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Petit Socco, historic medina
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes, traditional Moroccan cuisine and gourmet market
- Breakfast: buffet featuring Moroccan specialties, fresh fruit juice, Moroccan pancakes (“msemen” and “harcha”), fresh fruit, pastries, and hot beverages
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: spa, gourmet market, entertainment, spa and wellness center, terrace, elevator
- Children’s facilities: children’s menus, cot
- Parking: valet parking, nearby paid public parking in the medina
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
4. Riad Tanja Hotel by Chef Moha (4-star)
Our review
This elegant riad captivated us with its philosophy of hospitality as an art form, right in the heart of the historic medina. Located just a few steps from the American Legation Museum, it’s an ideal starting point for exploring Tangier’s rich culture. What a beautiful blend of Moroccan refinement and contemporary craftsmanship in every detail! From the intricately crafted zellige tiles to the hand-sewn textiles, you’ll be immersed in a timeless atmosphere. The icing on the cake: the refined cuisine crafted by the prestigious Chef Moha elevates iconic Moroccan specialties—golden pastilla, tajines with subtle flavors, and traditional couscous will delight your taste buds. Settle in comfortably on the panoramic terrace, which offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean—on a clear day, you can even see the Spanish coast. Sip some tea or a refreshing drink and unwind. What more could you ask for on a getaway?
Pool and spa
- No on-site pool or spa
- Tangier municipal beach 10 minutes away by car
Practical information
- Neighborhood: historic medina near the American Legation Museum
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes, authentic Moroccan cuisine by Chef Moha
- Breakfast: served in your room à la carte
- Family rooms: yes, spacious suites available
- Amenities: panoramic terrace, handcrafted zellige tiles, traditional textiles, free Wi-Fi, no wheelchair access
- Children’s equipment: children’s menus
- Parking: no parking
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
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Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
