Marrakech

Since 1923, Morocco's most prestigious hotel has achieved legendary status for its opulence, grandeur, celebrity guest list, and hefty price tag. — Fodor's

A-list celebrities (Brad Pitt, Giorgio Armani, David Bowie) flock to this North African nirvana with cloistered patios, reading nooks and sunny terraces amid 9 hectares of organic gardens. — Lonely Planet

Many medina properties are expanding, including Riad Farnatchi, which was opened in 2004 by British hotelier Jonathan Wix. — Travel + Leisure

The grandiose Royal Mansour Marrakech is in the center of the city, within walking distance of the Koutoubia Mosque and Jamaa-el-Fna Square — Star Service

A palatial hideaway fringed by olive and palm trees, this renowned Thai-Spanish fusion restaurant is well worth the taxi ride out of town — Frommer's

A collection of five riads combinedto create a 28-room luxury hotel with an intimate spa, a roof top restaurant with panoramic views of Marrakech. — Oyster

A 61-room resort, 10 minutes by car from the center of Marrakech, where even the owners' Arabian stallions live in manicured splendor. — Condé Nast Traveler

An elegant, 11-room boutique hotel, complete with spa and cookery school. — The Telegraph

Relaxation, refinement and exotic surroundings define the atmosphere of the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Marrakech — Forbes Travel Guide

This authentic, stunning hotel near Palmeraie is set amid lovely gardens and typical Maghreb architecture — Star Service

The service is so personal and friendly; the amenities amazing! — Afar Magazine

With ivy-strewn courtyards, antique-slung corridors, and open fires crackling in cedarwood salons, La Maison Arabe is the epitome of Moroccan elegance. — Frommer's

An intimate 27-room luxury boutique hotel with authentic Moroccan style. — Oyster

Owned by a top antique dealer and tour guide (whose clients have included US presidents and film stars), this is one classy riad. — Rough Guide

Originally built as a family home in 1982, Dar Ayniwen (House of Palms) is now a luxurious small hotel disguised as an elegant country retreat — Fodor's

A small, luxurious guesthouse set in a private villa with just four rooms in the main house, and an independent two-bedroom pavilion in the gorgeous three-acre garden. — The Telegraph

Riad 72 is laid out in traditional riad style, with a big rectangular central courtyard (complete with banana trees), flanked by rooms on each side. — Afar Magazine

With easy access from Bab L'Ksour and just five minutes' walk to Djemâa el Fna, this luxurious riad is a great base for exploring the medina. — Fodor's

The former home of a German diplomat who was ambassador to several Arab countries, the El Cadi is embellished with his wonderful collection of rugs and antiques. — Rough Guide

Opulent oasis studded with Moorish gardens near the hustle and bustle of Djemaa-el-Fna. — Jetsetter