You’re fresh off the plane in Marrakech. You’ve wound your way through the city and into the medina, and you now stand in the middle of Jemaa el Fnaa. To your left is the Kotoubia Mosque; the souk beckons to your right. Before you jump in, though, you need to find a place to stay.
Without many major chains or websites available to aid in research and planning, arrival in a Moroccan city can be a seat-of-the-pants experience as you track down a room and a meal. There is a method to the madness, however, and with a little effort and know-how you’ll be showered, rested and ready to explore in no time at all.
Accommodation in Morocco can vary widely in terms of comfort and price, and it’s best to know what sort of option you’re shooting for when you arrive.
Riads
Staying in a Riad is the most expensive option for travelers in Morocco. Lavishly dressed and always well furnished, riads will make you feel like the King of the Kingdom. These establishments cater mostly to foreign tourists, so most of them operate websites and have connections with travel agencies. A quick web search will give you an idea of price and quality, as well as an idea of what to expect from your Riad experience.
Hotels
Hotels in Morocco run the gamut from five-star to no-star, with every conceivable iteration in between. While some hotels may allow you to book ahead, few outside the major chains or priciest choices will offer this as a realistic option. The more expensive options usually keep websites that allow you to explore your choices and compare prices, while the vast majority of hotels are small, mom-and-pop businesses that are unlikely to advertise even within the city or town.
This is one of those places where it’s best to use your guidebook as just that: a guide. Cheaper hotels are often clustered together, or at the very least won’t stand too far off from one another. This is especially true in places like Marrakech, where there are whole alleys lined exclusively with budget and midrange hotels. Check in your guidebook to find accommodations that appeal to you and then go exploring. Chances are you’ll come across a great place in no time, or can ask around for a good spot to spend the night.
It should be noted that hostels, as they are known in Europe, are non-existent in Morocco. Hotels, though, are so inexpensive that you likely won’t worry about the price.
Keep in mind, too, that you can often shave a few extra dirham off the price of a room if you ask for one without a shower en suite.
Apartments
In some cities, particularly in places like Essaouira, renting an apartment is standard practice, even if you’ll only be staying a day or two. Rental apartments can be small, cozy affairs for just a few people, or can encompass entire wings, providing room enough for you and all of your friends (and their friends too).
Apartments are furnished, and can come with fully equipped kitchens as well. The equipment and utensils may be well worn, but they get the job done. As always, it’s best to know before you go. Ask other travelers if they know of a nice place to rent or if they know the person to approach about a room rental. There are signs posted in restaurants and alleys advertising rental space, and many real estate offices handle rental transactions. The best options, though, are rarely advertised. Having an insider help things along can save you a lot of money, and if you can speak with the landlord directly, that’s even better.
Other Things to Know
With any accommodation, always ask to see the room before you settle in, and remember that the hotel will need all of your passport information and travel itinerary when you check in, so have these documents in hand.
Written by Margaret Jackson.
Photo by -AX-.
