The majestic and historic city of Marrakech is a dramatic metropolis which marries natural street theatre to grandiose Arabic architecture to forge an inspiring destination for tourists. Over the years, tourism in the city has flourished and accommodation has evolved to offer visitors not just the traditional Moroccan guest house but everything in between, right up to five-star splendour in luxurious surroundings.

Marrakech is famous for its riad, boutique hotels born out of crumbling original architecture which today blend the charm of the old with the luxury of the new. The majority of riad are located within or around the city's medina, the old walled Arabic enclave which operates as the focal point for Marrakech's tourism.

Nestled within the medina and just a short walk from Jamaa el-Fna Square, Marrakech's famous souks and the European District, the Hotel Riad Bahja offers guests sumptuous lodgings and a luxurious, traditional Moroccan atmosphere.

If great food is a prerequisite when choosing your hotel, then the Riad Bab Firdaus offers an unusual departure by being both a traditional riad and a restaurant. It is famous for its rooftop terrace where you can enjoy local cuisine, such as Moroccan salads and pastilla (pigeon pie topped with sugar) while taking in the sights and sounds of the city. The Bab Firdaus also boasts a spa complete with hydrotherapy pool set in a stunning Arabic plaster and stucco room.

For those wishing to escape from the bustle of the medina and the energy of the souks, why not stay in a palace? The Riad Dar Donab is a converted palace nestled within central Marrakech that is a study in opulence and unlike anything you may have stayed in previously.

Other luxurious hotel options abound within the central city area, including the historic blend of Art Deco and Moorish design of La Mamounia, the five-star comfort of Les Jardins de la Koutoubia with its fantastic views over the city and its famous mosque and the splendour of La Sultana, a boutique hotel with individual, uniquely-decorated suites and luxury spa.

For those with a preference for a more traditional type of accommodation, Marrakech also offers Western-style hotels with high levels of comfort. The Sofitel Marrakech hotel is situated close to the walls of the medina and Jamaa el-Fna square and the balconies of its rooms and apartments offer spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains.

Staying within the hustle and bustle of the medina isn't for everyone, so if it's a little more space that you crave, the plush Palmeraie area of Marrakech, just 15 minutes' drive outside the city, offers elegant, country house-style accommodation in the form of the Dar Zemora, complete with four-poster beds and open fires.

Different still is the Jardins d'Issil, located around 20 minutes' drive from downtown in the Valley d'Ourika, offering luxurious tents equipped with electricity, air-conditioning and silk-draped queen-sized beds, all pitched in picturesque landscaped gardens. All accommodation in Marrakech is within a short drive of the airport.