“Medina edge, near Bab El Djedid. Open since 1923, hosted Churchill, and still one of the best hotels in Africa. Gardens, six restaurants, a spa, and a dress code after 6pm. It knows what it is.”

“Medina, next to the Saadian Tombs. 28 rooms across a cluster of authentic riads. Tilework, carved wood doors, and a rooftop restaurant. Smaller and quieter than the palace hotels, and the location near the tombs keeps you away from the main medina crush.”

“Medina. Restored from seven townhouses into a riad with modern art, three pools, and a rooftop terrace. Good design without taking itself too seriously. The boutique that both Condé Nast readers and backpackers-with-taste end up recommending.”

“Hillside, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Newer luxury hotel in a city that didn't have a proper full-service one until recently. Water views and a solid base if you want the amenities sorted.”

“Medina. A mid-range riad with a courtyard, a plunge pool, and a location inside the old city. The riad experience without the luxury price, and the courtyard is half the reason you came to Marrakech anyway”

“Medina, next to the Kasbah Museum. A small riad with a hammam and a rooftop terrace.”

“Medina, near Jemaa el-Fnaa. Each guest gets a standalone three-story riad with a private courtyard and rooftop terrace. Staff move between rooms through underground tunnels. Commissioned by the King of Morocco, and built accordingly.”

“Overlooking the port. Built in 1870, appeared in Paul Bowles' writing, and still operating with the original tilework and staircases. The heritage hotel in Tangier, and the one your readers will recognize from the books they've already read.”