Where to stay in Marrakech?

[leothetiler]

I am planning a long week-end in Marrakech, but have no idea where to stay. I have loojked at the usual websites, and there seem to be hundreds of riads, all of which look the same!

It is also very difficult to choose when I do not know Marrakech at all, so I wanted some first hand experience. Criteria: I want to be central, so within easy walk of the main square and souks etc. and stay in a riad so you experience a little of the culture rather than an out of town hotel.

Looking forward to the tips.

[Bec]

When are you planning to go - I'm off there at the end of the month for the first time and have booked Riad l'Orangeraie http://www.riadorangeraie.com/ I've never been there before, but chose this one based on the trip advisor reviews, price, and the fact it had a pool. I"ll let you know what it was like at the beginning of August

[leothetiler]

Bec said:

When are you planning to go - I'm off there at the end of the month for the first time and have booked Riad l'Orangeraie http://www.riadorangeraie.com/ I've never been there before, but chose this one based on the trip advisor reviews, price, and the fact it had a pool. I"ll let you know what it was like at the beginning of August

Thanks for the advice, it does look good. I am not planning on going that soon, so it would be great if you could give me some feedback when you return.

[SerialLurker]

I've stayed here twice. I can't recommend this place enough - it's within a 5 minute walk of the souks and 10 minutes to the main square. There is also a plunge pool on the roof which was very welcome after trawling the souks.

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293734-...

[drive2tractors]

Try Jardines de la Koutoubia - been there 3 times. Two mins from souks and square. An oasis in the hot hustle and bustle. Roof top pool!

[PF62]

I have stayed at this place a couple of times - http://www.riadboussa.com/

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293734-...

A smaller riad with only four rooms, a couple of minutes walk from the main square, with friendly and helpful owners.

And as a tip for Marrakech airport, be at the front of the plane, so you can be towards the front of the queue for immigration. The queues can be lengthy because people don't realise you need to fill in an immigration card, so get to the front of the passport queue and only then realise...

[Chris_]

Stayed at Riad Dar One in March http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g293734-...

Fantastic place and would definitely recommend it

[johnnyreggae]

Didn't really like the place but this was good & friendly Riyad El Cadi (www.riyadelcadi.com)

[leothetiler]

johnnyreggae said:

Didn't really like the place but this was good & friendly Riyad El Cadi (www.riyadelcadi.com)

I am speaking to a few people who weren't that keen on the place, why is this? Is it somewhere you either love or hate? Do you feel safe walking around?

[OzzyR1]

Stayed here before, it is in the souk itself and 10mins walk (on a fairly straight route thankfully) to the main square, lovely oasis in the middle of chaos. Plunge pool, roof terrace where you can eat if you wish, helpful staff who will even source some wine for your arrival/stay if you request it. They helped us sort out a chauffeured trip in a Landcruiser to the Atlas mountains too which is very much recommended, was only about £80 for 4 hours.

Stayed in the Mistress' room - decent price, lovely room, couldn't fault it really.

www.darhani.com

[Chris_]

leothetiler said:

I am speaking to a few people who weren't that keen on the place, why is this? Is it somewhere you either love or hate? Do you feel safe walking around?

If you don't like shopping (I hate it) then the Souk might do your head in. It is fascinating to see, but it gets tiring fending off the sellers. Away from the Souk, I loved it. The people were very friendly and hospitable, and it does feel a world away from Europe. If you are an open-minded traveller and enjoy different experiences then I think you will like it.

I was part of a mixed group, and the girls had no problems in walking by themselves in the evenings. Hospitality is central to the culture, and the place is full of tourists so you will find that it is basically very welcoming.