Accommodation in Marrakech

Morocco’s “Jewel of the South” lies at the base of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Medina, at the heart of the city, is a beguiling market that has changed little since the Middle Ages, hemmed in by ancient ramparts it remains a bewitching labyrinth of hidden palaces, souks, mansions and bazaars. Marrakech is a vibrant, intoxicating city that provides lasting memories.

Located on the Haouz plains, this ancient city was originally a trading post and resting point for travelers from Timbuktu following the ancient trade routes.

• Morocco is only 8 miles (13 km) from Europe, across the Strait of Gibraltar.
• White is the color of mourning in Morocco. A Moroccan widow wears white for 40 days after the death of her husband.

There are a variety of accommodation options in Marrakech and, as the city continues to develop, new neighbourhoods are now appearing on the radar of tourists. In order to experience living in the ancient city, the walled-maze of the Marrakech Medina is an ideal place to visit. Hidden down the small cobbled alleys is a plethora of Riads, guesthouses and apartments available for rental. If, however, you are more interested in seeing the emerging “new city”, Gueliz is an excellent neighbourhood to explore. With modern cafes and a slower, more European pace to the quarter, this area is rapidly gaining credence with business travelers due to its calmer atmosphere and close proximity to the Medina. Another area worth exploring is the suburb of Agdal. Although it is a largely residential district, it can be reached in 20 minutes by car from Marrakech centre and has attractive lanes to explore.

Marrakech’s stunning Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of the most vibrant squares and market centres on the continent. Here you will find an abundance of local culture, particularly in the early evening where many food stalls arrive. With so much festivity in Jemaa el-Fnaa, it is difficult to believe the square was once used for public executions and decapitations by the city rulers. One of the most beautiful things to do in Morocco is to visit one of the magnificent gardens, Of particular note is the Majorelle Garden which houses a stunning variety of plant species, a notable collection of cacti, many bird species, lovely ponds with lilies, many fountains and even a Museum of Islamic Art. Interestingly, the designer Yves Saint Laurent bought and restored the garden in 1980 and, following his death, his ashes were scattered here. It’s an enchanting place that radiates in the famous Yves Klein blue.

With its heady mix of influencers – Africa, Arabia and the Mediterranean – Moroccan cuisine is colourful and diverse. The cuisine is strongly characterized by subtle blends of spices that enhance, rather than mask, the flavour of Morocco’s distinct dishes. Ras el hanout (Head of the shop), a common mix of between 20-30 different spices, is used heavily in Moroccan cooking. As well as spices, fresh herbs such as garlic, coriander, parsley and mint are ubiquitous. Meat and seafood are cherished in Marrakech. Lamb is indisputably the meat of choice and is cooked on skewers over charcoal to make their famous tagines. The smell of flame-grilled rotisserie chickens is also a constant presence in the city’s Medina. Located not far from the country’s Atlantic coastline, Marrakech's market brims with a wide range of fresh seafood. John dory, sea bream, whiting and barbequed sardines are all on offer and oysters and other shellfish regularly appear on menus.

Marrakech has an international airport which is located 3 miles from the city centre. The Medina and large parts of central Marrakech are best explored on foot. Intercity buses all leave from Marrakech and can be caught from the bus station at Bab Doukkala. Within Marrakech, the public bus company Alsa City Bus runs services all over the city. The standard fare is 4DH. Petit taxis are beige, metered cabs that can carry up to three people. Taxi vert is a similar, dial-a-taxi service that is useful for arranging specific pickups late at night. The Grand taxis are the most common, Mercedes option. These network across Morocco and can be caught from suburbs as well as nearby towns. Morocco has a reasonably extensive train network that links Marrakech to Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and Fez. The train station is on Avenue Mohammed VI in Gueliz. Each day six trains depart to Tangier, eight to Fez, and nine to Casablanca.