Where to Stay
When choosing a place to stay in Tangier the main questions are:
1. How long does one plan on staying?
2. What does one intend on doing in Tangier and Northern Morocco?
3. What type of traveler are you and how much does one want to spend?
There are 3 types of accommodations to consider.
1. Hotel
2. Riad (bed & breakfast)
3. Holiday Rental (apartment, villa etc.)
How long does one plan on staying?
If it is just 1 night just stopping through we suggest a hotel. Its just easier and most Riads are located in the Medina which is pain to navigate through just to sleep somewhere for the night. The best hotel recommended by locals and travelers isHotel Ibis Tangier City Center on the beachfront. Its central and lives up to international standards of a 3 star hotel.  Rates are usually around $70 a night. Most Riads are located in the Medina which is hard to get in and out of especially if it is a travelers first time in the country. It's not worth it for 1 night. If it is more it is better to stay at Riad or rent an apartment or Villa.
What does one intend on doing in Tangier and Northern Morocco?
Keep in mind Tangier can offer anything to any person. If people are traveling as a couple I highly suggest a Riad to get the full Moroccan experience. Hotels are nice, but you won't get the real experience of Morocco unless you want to see the dirty side and stay in a cheap hotel (a lot of people get this experience by mistake). Also please note some Riads and some hotels that cater to mainly Moroccans my require travelers of the opposite sex to provide proof of marriage in order to stay in the same room. If a person plans on not being restricted to anything due to lodging I suggest renting an apartment or villa in the city. This can be done through many rental sites. The way we personally recommend is stay in a hotel the first night and then contact a local apartment agent who can show a few apartments to rent. This is definitely the option that is best for your money if you are interested in really hanging out at a local staus. Most apartments in the nice part of town go for $70 a night for a 2 bedroom.
What type of Traveler are you how much does one want to spend?
1. High Maintenance- I suggest a hotel preferably the, El Minzah or The Movenpick. There are other luxury hotels but they are located outside the city.
2. High Maintenance ,but want some culture- Stay in a Riad but we highly suggest looking at the tripadvisor reviews before choosing
3. Average but want comfort- Hotel or Riad keep in mind 4 star in Morocco means 1-2 star in America. Again I suggest the Hotel Ibis Tangier City Center.
4. Average but looking for adventure- Apartment or Villa rented through Ali at Tangier Tourism
5. Average on a Budget- Tanja Flandria is usually around $50 a night for double occupancy. It is located right in the center of the action and is about a 2 star hotel by American standards. Also Hotel Continental is good but we suggest booking in advance and not to walk around the area at night because the Medina is rough at night.
6. Budget looking for adventure- Rent an apartment from a local, make sure to check that the water works toilets flush etc. Keep in mind Morocco is still a 3rd world country
I do not suggest staying at any hotels in the Medina or any ones that look dirty near the clubs. Those are more and likely the "hourly" rental type places.
My personal recommendation.
Every time I go to Tangier I rent an apartment on the beachfront from Ali and have him stay with me. Ali is available on a daily basis to translate and guide for 400 dirham a day ($50), and is 100% worth it if one wants to really see the real Morocco. Please contact him through the apartment rental page.