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Morocco? Any ideas/advice?
I'm dying to visit Morocco, but I don't know anything about it. The flights seem to be ridiculously expensive/long with obnoxious layovers. Any ideas? Does anyone know of a good place to stay? I'm thinking Marrakech, but I'm open to suggestion. Thanks!
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I'm dying to visit Morocco, but I don't know anything about it. The flights seem to be ridiculously expensive/long with obnoxious layovers. Any ideas? Does anyone know of a good place to stay? I'm thinking Marrakech, but I'm open to suggestion. Thanks!
Kat6628Mar 13, 2007 @ 12:12
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Re: Morocco? Any ideas/advice?
Post 1
I went to Morocco in October last year and travelled from Fes to Essaouira. I first stopped in Fes for 2 days, it's a nice town, not very touristic...you should try to stay in the Medina, I stayed in a hotel which was very far from the Medina and didn't like it.
The old Medina is nice to see, and you should really go and see the "Tanneries"...even if it smells :D

After Fes I went to Marrakech...Marrakech is very very very touristical...its nice the first day but really, after 2 days it became a nightmare...everyone is trying to sell you something, to catch you to draw henna on you and so on...so be careful...
The main place (Djemaa El Fna) is really beautiful, kind of magical...and if you go there you should visit the Majorelle Gardens, it's worth going there. We stayed in a hostel called Essaouira, near the Djemaa El Fna, it's very correct, very cheap and clean.

After Marrakech I went to Essaouira, and this is really the part of the trip that I prefered. You can take the bus from Marrakech and in only 2 hours you are in Essaouira, it's near the ocean, it's calm...people are very nice, not always trying to sell you something...you really can breath in this small village...it's simply beautiful, and so peaceful!

At last I went to Casablanca...Casablanca is funny...it's half morocco, half europe...it's really intresting to see the contrast.
And also there is one of the biggest mosquees in the world there, its the mosquee Hassan 2, it's really impressive!

If you want to buy things in Morrocco, don't do it in Fes or Marrakech...Essaouira is cheaper, but then Casablanca's souks are really the cheapest...

Next time I go there, I'll go to the Desert, Ourzazate and so on...everybody told me that's the best part...so if you have time to go there go....

The trains are correct and not expensive...and they are even on time!
People are very nice, they invite you to dinner even if they don't know you, just be careful with the ones that want to sell you something, especially on the Djemaa el fna place in Marrakech, those are awful!

Taxis are ok, but be sure of the price before you go...
And a last advice is not to speak french there...if you speak french they treat you like a pigeon...my sister and I spoke in our mother language and they let you breath when they see that you speak a language they don't understand...
The text you are quoting:
I went to Morocco in October last year and travelled from Fes to Essaouira. I first stopped in Fes for 2 days, it's a nice town, not very touristic...you should try to stay in the Medina, I stayed in a hotel which was very far from the Medina and didn't like it.
The old Medina is nice to see, and you should really go and see the "Tanneries"...even if it smells :D

After Fes I went to Marrakech...Marrakech is very very very touristical...its nice the first day but really, after 2 days it became a nightmare...everyone is trying to sell you something, to catch you to draw henna on you and so on...so be careful...
The main place (Djemaa El Fna) is really beautiful, kind of magical...and if you go there you should visit the Majorelle Gardens, it's worth going there. We stayed in a hostel called Essaouira, near the Djemaa El Fna, it's very correct, very cheap and clean.

After Marrakech I went to Essaouira, and this is really the part of the trip that I prefered. You can take the bus from Marrakech and in only 2 hours you are in Essaouira, it's near the ocean, it's calm...people are very nice, not always trying to sell you something...you really can breath in this small village...it's simply beautiful, and so peaceful!

At last I went to Casablanca...Casablanca is funny...it's half morocco, half europe...it's really intresting to see the contrast.
And also there is one of the biggest mosquees in the world there, its the mosquee Hassan 2, it's really impressive!

If you want to buy things in Morrocco, don't do it in Fes or Marrakech...Essaouira is cheaper, but then Casablanca's souks are really the cheapest...

Next time I go there, I'll go to the Desert, Ourzazate and so on...everybody told me that's the best part...so if you have time to go there go....

The trains are correct and not expensive...and they are even on time!
People are very nice, they invite you to dinner even if they don't know you, just be careful with the ones that want to sell you something, especially on the Djemaa el fna place in Marrakech, those are awful!

Taxis are ok, but be sure of the price before you go...
And a last advice is not to speak french there...if you speak french they treat you like a pigeon...my sister and I spoke in our mother language and they let you breath when they see that you speak a language they don't understand...

anim_sai, Mar 13, 2007 @ 12:46
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Re: Morocco? Any ideas/advice?
Post 2
I took a direct flight from Geneva to Marrakesh with Royal Air Maroc. I bought it at the last minute so it was a bit expensive but if you plan ahead, it should be quite affordable. I had a big problem with my hotel reservation so I don't really have a suggestion there...

Cheers,
Matt
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I took a direct flight from Geneva to Marrakesh with Royal Air Maroc. I bought it at the last minute so it was a bit expensive but if you plan ahead, it should be quite affordable. I had a big problem with my hotel reservation so I don't really have a suggestion there...

Cheers,
Matt
mrbeau, Mar 13, 2007 @ 16:42
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Post 3
I spent 2 days in Marrakech last week, and 4 days in Essaouira. I'd also been curious about the place!

Travelling was pretty good, its just 3 hours and Air Maroc and Atlas Blue were about the same at 500chf.

I have to be honest and say i didnt like Marrakech at all. The medina is part beautifully-restored houses [riads], part souk [nice gear shame about the hassling] and well the rest is pretty close to a slum. I have a lot of respect for the people that manage to live and make a living there, but i have ask whether its a good place for a relaxing holiday.

The other main ares, the Hivernage [suburb-type avenues with the chic nightclubs] and Palmerie [golf-club type resort area] were much more civilised, but of course you could be anywhere in the world.

Essaouira was MUCH nicer, a whitewashed coastal town with a mostly restored Medina, and a market where you are given time to take everything in, very little pressure. The almost constant wind makes it a real windsurf and kitesurf centre.

We took the 'grand taxi' which was 60 euro, and i'd REALLy advise you to not pay 'em until you arrive, no matter how much the taxi boss insists.

Best meal: at L'Heure Bleue [a R & Ch Hotel], by a mile.. though it was all pretty good and the Coquillage and Taros are worth a mention.

Im very glad that i went [it helps i had very charming company ;-) ], but I'd only go back to see Casablanca, and to the Atlas mountains.
The text you are quoting:
I spent 2 days in Marrakech last week, and 4 days in Essaouira. I'd also been curious about the place!

Travelling was pretty good, its just 3 hours and Air Maroc and Atlas Blue were about the same at 500chf.

I have to be honest and say i didnt like Marrakech at all. The medina is part beautifully-restored houses [riads], part souk [nice gear shame about the hassling] and well the rest is pretty close to a slum. I have a lot of respect for the people that manage to live and make a living there, but i have ask whether its a good place for a relaxing holiday.

The other main ares, the Hivernage [suburb-type avenues with the chic nightclubs] and Palmerie [golf-club type resort area] were much more civilised, but of course you could be anywhere in the world.

Essaouira was MUCH nicer, a whitewashed coastal town with a mostly restored Medina, and a market where you are given time to take everything in, very little pressure. The almost constant wind makes it a real windsurf and kitesurf centre.

We took the 'grand taxi' which was 60 euro, and i'd REALLy advise you to not pay 'em until you arrive, no matter how much the taxi boss insists.

Best meal: at L'Heure Bleue [a R & Ch Hotel], by a mile.. though it was all pretty good and the Coquillage and Taros are worth a mention.

Im very glad that i went [it helps i had very charming company ;-) ], but I'd only go back to see Casablanca, and to the Atlas mountains.

wilycoyote, Mar 13, 2007 @ 17:39
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Post 4
www.i-explore.com had a nice selection of riads, all prices

and kayak.com was great for nailing down the flight.
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www.i-explore.com had a nice selection of riads, all prices

and kayak.com was great for nailing down the flight.
wilycoyote, Mar 13, 2007 @ 17:41
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Re: Morocco? Any ideas/advice?
Post 5
We were in Marrakech last weekend for three days. We booked a pretty reasonably priced flight on AtlasBlue.

We stayed in a riads (small, family run hotel) in the Medina (the old town of Marrakech). Unfortunately we booked this at the last minute through Expedia and we ended up in a riads very far from any landmarks and far from the main square (Djemaa El Fna). We had to pay people to help us get to the square, and four hours (plus a carpet and ceramics purchase) later, we finally found it! We tried finding our hotel at night on our own and it was impossible. We had luck with one taxi driver, but the next night the taxi was completely lost and we had to follow some kids through the streets to get us back. By day three we could get around okay and we actually found our hotel on our own.

On www.tripadvisor.com there are a lot of riads listed closer to the main square, and highly recommended, but book early. Since they are typically very small (5-7 rooms), they fill up fast. Location is the most important thing!

Best piece of advice if you are staying in the Medina: bring a compass! We wish we had. We had three maps (Lonely Planet, hotel map, and one we bought) – they were all different from each other! The streets are not marked either, so the maps are more or less to give you a general idea of where you are. We actually used the sun to get us to the areas we wanted to go, but by midday the sun was too high to get our bearings.

Another tip about taxis: If they quote you a price, be sure to verify it is for everyone in the taxi. We were quoted a price and then when we got there the guy insisted that was the price for EACH of us, not the total price.

We took a one-day trip to the Cascades d’Ouzoud (big waterfalls about 2 ½ hours outside of town). We really liked it. It was great to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. We booked the day before through a company we found in the Lonely Planet guidebook called “Sahara Expeditions” www.saharaexpe.ma

Overall we had a great time. We felt very safe in Marrakech, but it wasn’t the most relaxing vacation. People were very nice, but you have to expect to get a lot of unwanted attention. Everyone wants your business or lead you to a friend’s shop where they will get a commission on anything you buy. We learned quickly to just politely ignore folks. Morocco is an amazing place and we hope to explore it more in the future. Next time we would like to visit the costal town of Essaouira and visit the Atlas Mountains.

~Debbie :)
The text you are quoting:
We were in Marrakech last weekend for three days. We booked a pretty reasonably priced flight on AtlasBlue.

We stayed in a riads (small, family run hotel) in the Medina (the old town of Marrakech). Unfortunately we booked this at the last minute through Expedia and we ended up in a riads very far from any landmarks and far from the main square (Djemaa El Fna). We had to pay people to help us get to the square, and four hours (plus a carpet and ceramics purchase) later, we finally found it! We tried finding our hotel at night on our own and it was impossible. We had luck with one taxi driver, but the next night the taxi was completely lost and we had to follow some kids through the streets to get us back. By day three we could get around okay and we actually found our hotel on our own.

On www.tripadvisor.com there are a lot of riads listed closer to the main square, and highly recommended, but book early. Since they are typically very small (5-7 rooms), they fill up fast. Location is the most important thing!

Best piece of advice if you are staying in the Medina: bring a compass! We wish we had. We had three maps (Lonely Planet, hotel map, and one we bought) – they were all different from each other! The streets are not marked either, so the maps are more or less to give you a general idea of where you are. We actually used the sun to get us to the areas we wanted to go, but by midday the sun was too high to get our bearings.

Another tip about taxis: If they quote you a price, be sure to verify it is for everyone in the taxi. We were quoted a price and then when we got there the guy insisted that was the price for EACH of us, not the total price.

We took a one-day trip to the Cascades d’Ouzoud (big waterfalls about 2 ½ hours outside of town). We really liked it. It was great to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. We booked the day before through a company we found in the Lonely Planet guidebook called “Sahara Expeditions” www.saharaexpe.ma

Overall we had a great time. We felt very safe in Marrakech, but it wasn’t the most relaxing vacation. People were very nice, but you have to expect to get a lot of unwanted attention. Everyone wants your business or lead you to a friend’s shop where they will get a commission on anything you buy. We learned quickly to just politely ignore folks. Morocco is an amazing place and we hope to explore it more in the future. Next time we would like to visit the costal town of Essaouira and visit the Atlas Mountains.

~Debbie :)
Debbie, Mar 14, 2007 @ 10:17
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Post 6
in can recommend is Riad Eden (www.riadeden.com). Beautiful guest house, very close to the main square, and at reasonable prices.

If you have a bit more time in Morocco, and are in a bit adventurous mood, I recommend you to visit the Moroccan Sahara (in Merzouga). Riding on a camel into the sunset there was quite an experience...

alex
The text you are quoting:
in can recommend is Riad Eden (www.riadeden.com). Beautiful guest house, very close to the main square, and at reasonable prices.

If you have a bit more time in Morocco, and are in a bit adventurous mood, I recommend you to visit the Moroccan Sahara (in Merzouga). Riding on a camel into the sunset there was quite an experience...

alex
Quijote, Mar 14, 2007 @ 16:13
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Post 7
apologies to anyone who followed that link, it should have been www.i-escape.com

no idea where the other address came from .. phheww, at least it wasnt a porn site !! ;-)
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apologies to anyone who followed that link, it should have been www.i-escape.com

no idea where the other address came from .. phheww, at least it wasnt a porn site !! ;-)
wilycoyote, Mar 14, 2007 @ 18:40
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Post 8
Hi there,

Been to Fes last year and stayed at Hotel Batha. Good value and very close to the medina (literally outside the old area). The place is nothing fancy, but clean and safe. The shopping and sightseeing are great! But, be aware that a lot of people will want your business.

There are also lots of positive feedback on tripadvisor re. the hotel http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293733-d309024-Reviews-Hotel_Batha-Fes.html

Good luck and have fantastic trip!

Anna
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Hi there,

Been to Fes last year and stayed at Hotel Batha. Good value and very close to the medina (literally outside the old area). The place is nothing fancy, but clean and safe. The shopping and sightseeing are great! But, be aware that a lot of people will want your business.

There are also lots of positive feedback on tripadvisor re. the hotel http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g293733-d309024-Reviews-Hotel_Batha-Fes.html

Good luck and have fantastic trip!

Anna
Anna_K, Mar 16, 2007 @ 12:00
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Post 9
I have just checked out EasyJet Holidays - and prices seem pretty good.

I was thinking of going 22 to 29 November - direct flight from GVA to Marrakesh - but have to fine our own way to the Club Almarivides - and I would prefer not to be on my own. (price was just over Sfr. 900 all inclusive.)

email: [email protected] if you might be interested.

The text you are quoting:
I have just checked out EasyJet Holidays - and prices seem pretty good.

I was thinking of going 22 to 29 November - direct flight from GVA to Marrakesh - but have to fine our own way to the Club Almarivides - and I would prefer not to be on my own. (price was just over Sfr. 900 all inclusive.)

email: [email protected] if you might be interested.


spice, Sep 29, 2008 @ 19:57

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