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PLACES TO STAY
We were happy with the Cherifa Suite (approximately $200/night) at Madada Mogador. Nice, contemporary style; convenient location (just inside the medina); pleasant manager who is happy to provide advice and answer questions; and a ginormous deck. And, the liquor store is only a 15-minute walk.
THINGS TO DO
- Have a drink at the Taros rooftop deck. Pretty people, pretty views.
- It's cliche but, see The Ramparts at dusk.
- Get scrubbed at the Hammam Lilla Mira. This was the (unexpected) highlight of our trip to Essaouira.
- Buy argan oil. You'll never find it this cheap in The States.
- Visit Galerie d'Art Damgaard. Stunning pieces by local artists on sale for reasonable prices.
- Treat yourself to aperitifs (and impressive, complementray hors d'ouevres) in the Heure Bleu lounge.
WHERE TO EAT
- Have a drink on the rooftop deck at Taros. Beautiful view; even beautiful-er people.
- Dine at Le Patio. Sophisticated, yet homey. DO order seafood.
- Lunch at Creperie for a safe, no-nonsense crepe in a convenient location.
- Aperitif It at the Heure Bleu's swanky cocktail lounge. The (complementary) "bar snacks" are first-class.
- Dine at Restaurant La Licorne. Charming. Order the Lyonnaise salad (trust me on this).
Full Essaouira trip report (plus Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains) at: www.travelmusings.net/morocco/
Make an effort to see a Berber market outside the big cities of Fes and Marrakech and get away from touts and tourists, while soaking up more of Morocco's great countryside and culture.
30km away from Fes is Sefrou (take a shared 'grand taxi' from Bab Ftouh), where Berbers come from outlying areas to ply their wares at the Thursday souq.
The same distance away from Marrakech, lies the town of Ourika (Dar Caid Ourika) which comes alive on Monday with everything from Berber haircuts to giant haystacks for sale. You can take a bus from behind the tourist police in Marrakech.
My husband and I went to Morocco three years ago and spent a few days in Essaouira and then a couple of days in Marrakech. At first we found the prospect of haggling rather daunting but after a day or two we just decided to ‘get stuck in’.
The initial shock for me was how time-consuming the whole ceremony of haggling is, starting with polite chat about “Where are you from?”, “Where are you staying?”, and many more questions. All I had in my head was “How much is it!”. But after a while I got used to this and understood that it was a new cultural experience and a different ‘shopping’ experience - although certainly it was not as sweet as presented in the last instalment of SATC!
If you visit those two places as we did, I recommend practising your haggling in the less hectic and crowded Essaouira as the stall holders seemed to be more relaxed and happier to chat and talk. In Marrakech the souk was an absolutely crazy experience and the sellers are more ruthless about getting good prices out of tourists. In my view the items on sale in Marrakech were less stylish and interesting than those in Essaouira.
For those who cannot see themselves haggling, there are shops with fixed prices (but you still can haggle in them if you like!). The shop I bought my favorite earrings in was Chez Abdou in Marrakech. Nice and short haggling and they were mine for a decent price. (Or at least that is what I thought.)
To sum up I would recommend Essaouira for more stylish, unusual items (pottery, lamps and candle holders), whereas I personally found the jewellery shops more interesting in Marrakech.
Jewellery Shop: Chez Abdou Objt d'art, Saba Grawa Lakssour No 70, Marrakech
Google map: bit.ly/9VUsdJ
In Jemaa el Fna -'the 'big square'- in Marrakech, to the sound of prayer calls from the Koutoubia mosque, local men in pointed djellabas congregate to tell stories among the snake charmers and performing monkeys. The air is filled with intoxicating smells from the exotic food stalls and the spice souks.
The locals are more than happy to chaperone you through the maze of unnamed streets for a few pennies.
Jemaa el Fna, Marrkech Centre - just ask for 'the big square'.
Google map: bit.ly/9ldyds
My friend and I booked the Suite Royale (after hours of comparing riads) for $175 night (May/June) and it was amazing. Insanely so. Huge - five or so rooms including a bathroom with a lounge and fireplace, a grand piano room, a relaxation room, a balcony overlooking the pool, 15 foot ceilings and collection-worthy furniture.
Plus, the riad is in a great location, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the decor was stunning.
Restaurant and bar suggestions:
- Al Fassia for dinner. Absolutely go. But the secret is out, so book your reservations in advance via the internet. We received an excellent wine recommendation (and drank it the rest of the trip). The food was the best we had all week. Lastly: great atmosphere and people-watching. The human scenery was half the fun.
- Le Foundouk for dinner. The inside is very nice, but it's nothing compared to the rooftop deck, which would be worth a trip even if the food wasn't so good. Getting there is a little scary but that's part of the fun.
- La Mamounia for a drink. You will have to give-up your firstborn to pay for it, but lounging outside is such a nice break from the Marrakesh chaos that it's worth it.
- Maison Arabe for a drink at Le Club. It has that Rick's North African vibe. Piano player, upscale clientele, mixologist who takes his drinks seriously. A good way to start the evening.
Morocco trip report (Marrakesh, Essaouira, Atlas Mountains) at: www.travelmusings.net/morocco/
www.riadmalika.com
29 Arset Aouzal, Bab Doukkala, 40000 Marrakech, Maroc
00 212 524 38 54 51
Google map: tinyurl.com/3xvu4nr
www.foundouk.com
55 Souk Hal Fassi, Kat Bennahid, 00212 (0)524378190
www.alfassia.com
MH 9bis route de l'Ourika, 40000 Marrakech
TEL: +212 524 38 38 39
www.mamounia.com
Avenue Bab Jdid, 40040, Marrakech
+212524388600
www.lamaisonarabe.com
1, Derb Assehbé, Bab Doukkala
Marrakech Médina
(+212) 5 24 38 70 10
www.marrakech-loisirs.com
Tour Operators - Marrakech - La Palmeraie
Marrakech Loisirs
Is the best option to take when arriving for activities. We specialise in horse riding and quad biking. We do not cross hire, we own our own stables and quads and therefore give you the best price whilst meeting all safety regulations unlike the rest.
Dear Readers Marhaba (welcome). Marakech Loisirs ("law-wa-zer") is proud to present a new informal custom made tours in Morocco.
Who we are:
We are a family run tour company. Our expertise stems from the fact that we focus on giving the 100% genuine experience of holidaying in Morocco. Our guides are 100% English speaking local Moroccans whose aim is to treat their guests as their own.
What we do:
Unlike the big tour companies we focus on giving the traditional hospitality by providing the service ourselves; home from home, dedicating our personal time with you. You will never be in a large tour group of 20-50 people - that's a big NO NO! All our tours are privately run, in our private cars or minibuses.
We will never bully you into taking excursions or trips that you don't want. We advise on individuals on their personal requirements then cater for their needs.
Examples of tours:
- Horse & Camel riding
- 4x4
- Sahara desert tour (camping also available)
- Atlas Mountain trek
- Ourika Valley water falls and scenic tourist area
- Water Rafting
- Villas & Apartments
- Private car with driver available
- Airport transfers
- VIP
Marrakesh is vibrant place with many things to do, you can sit back and relax in the cafes of up market city. Or you can experience the hustle and bustle of the Medina (Jem el Fenna) where the snake charmers and all sorts of exotic things take place.
If you want to explore further, then why not escape the city and take a trek up the famous Atlas Mountain. Or ride a camel or a 4x4 in the sand dunes of the famous Sahara desert.
Did I hear you say you're a bit of a daredevil? Then why not hire yourself high-speed quad bikes and explore the olive groves in the famous Palmaraie area. Where you can also do equestrian lessons or just go for a quick stroll with the well looked after Arab horses.
Drop us an email to clarify what you are looking for and we will call you back to give you more info. We are also very easy to find - We are located inside the picturesque Hotel Tikida Gardens.
Our motto is to provide an informal service, which treats and gives our guests 100% satisfaction most of our clients are referrals from friends and family (word of mouth).
If you wish we can locate accommodations or transportation on your behalf.
What ever your needs are we will endeavour to assist you.
1. Marrakech
2. | chez ali
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4. | stylish apartments in marrakech
5. | Key Words: MARRAKECH
6. | horse riding in marrakech
7. | apartments in marrakech
8. | Marrakech TOURS
9. | atlas mountains
10. | quad biking in marrakech
11. | LOISIRS
12. | stylish villas in marrakech
13. | camping
14. | villas in marrakech
15. | Sahara
16. | Marrakech tours and excursions
17. | self catering apartments in marrakech
CONTACT:
Hussain
+44 (0)843 289 5824 (24hr-HotLine)
+44 (0)208 144 5854 (UK)
+212 (0)66 500 6973 (Morocco)
www.marrakech-loisirs.com
This has to be one of the best riads in Marrakech. Oliver and his staff are very welcoming and friendly. The accommodation is first class with all rooms air conditioned. The food is Moroccan home cooking at its best. Dar Najat is just five minutes walk from the centre of the bustling city and is a quiet and calm place to return to after a busy day of sightseeing.
From start to finish a wonderful experience. We were picked up at the airport and arrived at the riyad to a very warm welcome that included mint tea and pastries. We were treated as if the riyad were our home. It was not a hotel experience-I'd say more like the ultimate B&B. We were in the heart of the medina and within walking distance of most of the major attractions. Our hosts made sure we were comfortable getting around, made taxi and restaurant reservations for us and treated us like royalty. The riyad is stunning and felt very old world, but with all of the modern conveniences one would need, down to Wifi. I hope to go back. Don't miss out on the hammam while there. The food was plentiful, delicious and beautiful.
phone +212 (0) 524389067
62 Derb Boutouil, Kennaria, 40000, Marrakech
www.riyad-al-moussika.com/
Google map: tinyurl.com/39py9gn
A lovely quiet guest house intriguingly hidden away down a tunnel ("can this be the right way?!") within the maze of narrow streets in the northern Medina of Marrakech. A great base for exploring the Medina and the souks and a tranquil refuge from the frenetic pace when you need it. Simple rooms with lots of character. Excellent breakfasts served in the pretty courtyard by the swimming pool. Hammam and various invigorating health treatments also available.
N°8 Derb Myara, Sidi Ben Slimane, 40 000 Marrakech - Morocco
www.riadaljazira.com
+ 212 524 426 463
Beautiful Riad and Kasbah about 15km outside of Marrakech that is the perfect place to get away from it all for a few days once you have explored the city. The service is impeccable, the rooms are pure luxury and the food is very good (although not the best we had on our trip). The thing that makes this place stand out is the peace and quiet and it gives you the opportunity to just really chill out after the madness of they city itself.
www.riaddarilham.com/en/
Oulad Hassoun douar Jallal route de fés 40 000 Marrakech - Maroc
Tel : +212 661 78 75 16
Google map: tinyurl.com/382psm2
My husband, 19 month old son and I stayed at the Riad Dar-Najat for one night. I must say we had seen pictures on the internet but were in no way prepared for what we experienced. It was more gorgeous than we could have dreamed. Oliver, the owner and his staff were most amazing, interacting with the guest and entertaining our little boy (who loved them all). When we arrived, within minutes we were sitting down to a wonderful breakfast of freshly squeezed orange juice, eggs, bread and fresh fruit.
Oliver arranged for us to have a driver for the day to take us to the city highlights. It was perfect as it was hot and would have been impossible for us to do comfortably with a small child. In the evening when we wanted to see the city by night, one of his staff members walked us to town center. This was very helpful as it allowed us to become familiar with our surroundings and to be able to get back on our own. When we arrived back we were treated to an amazing dinner. Our dinner that night was many salad starters and an amazing chicken dish served in a traditional clay pot was to die for. We still talk about it weeks later.
The riad literally took you to another state of mind. There was the sweet smell of jasmine oil burning, nice music playing in the background and an overwhelming feeling of belonging. We felt instantly "at home". Our only regret is that we only booked for one over night. Had we known of the amazing time we would have we have stayed a few days longer. This is truly a five star establishment and I hope we get the chance to return sooner than later.
www.dar-najat.com/marrakech/en.html
Douar Graoua Kennaria, nº 18 Derb Lalla Chacha, 40000 - Marrakech médina - Maroc
Tél. : 00212 524375085
Travelling through Morocco with a friend and spending our time staying at a range of hotels and riads, this is so far and away the best accommodation in Morocco.
The riad was very central... in the middle of the medina. Dar Najat had a very welcoming homely feel, rooms were very well decorated, clean and classy.
With all that said, the best thing about the riad is the hospitality shown. Morocco isn't an easy country to travel so coming back to a riad where you are well looked after is a must. They helped us out a lot when we got sick with the owner Olivier getting medication for us.
Cant say enough good things about this place. Thanks guys... you really made our stay in Marrakech a good one!
Will be back in four weeks for our last two nights in this great country
Douar Graoua Kennaria, nº 18 Derb Lalla Chacha,
Marrakesh médina
40000
Morocco
+212 524375085
contact@dar-najat.com
This was a truly amazing experience, and the staff were an assett to Morocco, with african/reggae tones and tunes underlying this vibrant and chilled out Riad. We visited with our two children aged 11 & 17 who were thorougly cherished by all of the staff. We were made to feel welcome from the outset. This Riad comes complete with its very own Bob Marley and Jerry Lewis to name a few of the staff. African decour throughout provided a chillaxed atmosphere, clean and tidy and homely. The home cooked food truly exceptional and the prices even more so. I have not stayed in such a happy enviroment abroad before where the staff are entertaining and laughing all day.
dar-najat.com
google map: tinyurl.com/398y4z7
We were in Marrakech for four nights and stayed at the Riad Dar Eliane for the remaining two nights as it was not available for the whole four. Well, what can I say-I think for once I was dumbstruck and just said ' wow ' on first arrival.
This stunning riad with its vibrant colours, fantastic finishing touches of Moroccan artefacts on the wall and welcome atmosphere take your breath away.
The riad is in the souks, and I would say the best thing to do is to ask a local how to get there (we ended up paying a local boy the equivalent of a pound to find this gorgeous place-and it's well worth it when you see the maze of souks ahead of you).
Once we arrived the hosts couldn't do enough for us, and everything is just so stunning we seemed to take pictures of every corner of the place from the plants, furnishings, ornaments, carved pillars and even the shower!
The roof terrace is relaxed and stylish with sun beds and great views - and so peaceful which is amazing considering how near the bustle of the souks you are.
Once you are orientated the riad is easy to find if you get to the small square that is the 'spice market' and then go past the local vegetable market area-I have no sense of direction and even I got the hang of it, and we were only here for two nights.
The room was gorgeous and had everything we needed. Towels were soft, beds were comfortable and gorgeous, the bathroom was stunning and the breakfast area in the downstairs open-air courtyard was full of stunning architecture and gorgeous touches.
I would come here again in a flash.
The photos on the website are stunning but still nothing but being here would capture its beauty and ambience- but it still remains cosy and homely too.
The riad is only ten minutes walk from the main square.
I love the hectic atmosphere of the main square and love Moroccan food and enjoy listening to the calls to prayer from all the surrounding mosques, and I also enjoy having fun haggling in the souks. We visited the Majorelle gardens which are well worth it, as is the museum within it -we took a horse and carriage there and it was stunning.
We shopped in the souks, and had an impromptu drumming lesson in a shop! We ate in the main square at the food stalls that get set up in the evening (the prices are so low its amazing) and the entire time we were not disappointed with any food we had anywhere.
If the hectic nature of the square or souks gets on top of you then get out to the gardens, the 'new town', or further a field to the waterfalls (Cascades d'Ouzoud) or Essaouira for a day trip.
I had been to Marrakesh before just briefly and loved it. This trip I discovered a lot more of it, and I feel that this city will have another surprise for me hidden away somewhere each time I visit. I will be back again and again (hopefully to the Riad Dar Eliane), as will my partner who had not visited a place with such a different culture before and he said he 'fell in love' with it.
Derb El Maada, No 39 Azbezt, Medina, Marrakech, Morocco
www.dareliane.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/33o3l84
This was a great place to stay. It really felt special, relaxing. The team were great. Marrakech can be daunting, but they helped us find our way around. Central location, with good rooms, good food, good times. Really can't recommend it more highly. Hope to visit again soon.
THE BEST PLACE TO BE IN MARRAKECH!! Riad dar Najat.
Stayed in Riad Dar Najat for only one night as we we’re on trip to Essaouira (on the coast).
My husband and I were travelling with two teenage daughters. We loved the place !!
Beautifully decorated boutique hotel. The lighting and artwork are fabulous.
The Jacuzzi on the roof-terrace is an heaven..
The terrace is a great spot to relax and get away from the medina. Breakfast on the terrace was fantastic at any time.
Marrakech itself is quite an experience and cannot be described,but dar Najat was by far the best part of the trip even if we stayed a really short time in the riad.
We would recommend this fabulous place without hesitation and not even think staying in an other riad!
Thanks to all!
N° 18 DERB LALLA CHACHA
Marrakech
+ 212 524 375085
www.dar-najat.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/2v6p53c
Riad al-moussika has just a few rooms with balconies or loggias overlooking one of the courtyards with bubbling fountains or the swimming pool, which means great personal service. You are only 10 minutes' walk one direction to the main square and the souks or five minutes in the other direction from the Bahia palace or the Badii palace ruins.
These narrow streets are frenetic, noisy, and dusty and temperatures were hitting 40°C, but we stepped back into the Riad for peace, tranquillity, calmness and a cooling dip.
They served one of the better breakfasts I’ve had during my travels: fresh home made breads pastries and pancakes, home made yoghurt, honey, jams and marmalade, fresh orange juice and eggs anyway you want them, and a great cup of coffee or mint tea. The three course “set” lunch has some incredible dishes.
62,derb Boutouil - Kennaria, Marrakech
+212 524 389067, riyad-al-moussika.com.
+212 524 389067
Google maps: tinyurl.com/2vbx7p8
Fax: 00212 (0) 524 377653
Map: maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=103510817828981107348.00047ff4fa23151a291f8&ll=31.626175,-7.984185&spn=0.002371,0.003439&z=18&iwloc=00047ff509653cecf22a0
A beautiful tucked away riad in a central location, amazing hospitality, incredible food and the best service I have encountered. Peter (the owner) was a wonderful host along with Hassan who is adorable. Kabira (chef) is absolutely incredible, her food is to die for. This Riad is really worth a visit - if you are planning a trip to Marrakech you must stay here - we were 3 ladies travelling together and we were so well looked after - would definately re-visit.
Dar Zaman
29 Derb Bouelilou
Sidi Ben Slimane
40000 Marrakech Medina
tel: + 212 (0) 24 37 66 12
Very impressed by the welcome at this riad definitely different from others, with a really fantastic team who will always do their best for you whatever you desire.
We loved the roof terrace and the food which was by far the best dinner we had in Morocco and for a very decent price.
Let’s not forget the pet of the riad, the real owner, Browny who is the cutest dog in Marrakech!
Specially recommended for honeymooners as the riad is gorgeous at night.
www.dar-najat.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/32nvvth
Walking with camels on the edge of the Sahara desert in Morocco. Fantastic experience, beautiful landscape, and very friendly people.
For full details of the trip see helvellyn.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/edge-of-sahara-trek/
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
