Restored historic kasbah, just outside Ait Benhaddou, set among mountains and palm groves. Rooms are set around a cool tiled courtyard and terraces overlook the unspoilt countryside. Half-board is compulsory, with fantastic food cooked by the French chef owner, and there are also sometimes local musicians in the evening. Good value with double rooms from €84 per night (half board).
Kasbah Ellouze, Tamadaght, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate
www.kasbahellouze.com
The Mercure hotel in Ouarzazate is really stylish. The bar is a stunning mix of Moroccan tradition and modern style, with great views of the kasbah. The breakfast is really generous. The staff are incredibly friendly. And massages of 30 minutes were less than £10. It also only cost about £30 per night for two.
www.mercure.com
Boulevard Moulay Rachid
+212 24 899100
If you want to buy a carpet in Morocco, pay a visit to the lovely kasbah at Ait Benhaddou (which has appeared in many films including Gladiator) and go to Said's shop. He sells every type of carpet and is responsible for the cooperative of women who make them. You are buying directly from the berber community who produce the carpets, normally Said sells to shop owners etc so you're cutting out the middle man. We got a lovely carpet for about £30 - bargain!
Kasbah Ait Benhaddou
said.talha@caramail.com
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about Ouarzazate
Ouarzazate flights and hotels
Ouarzazate basics
- Population:
- 58,481
- Currency:
- Dirham
- Time zone:
- GMT+1
- Dialling code:
- +212 5