Marrakech - Hotels & Riads - REDISCOVER THE WORLD - MOROCCO

Marrakech

Marrakech, nestled on a large plain at the foot of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, is the perfect city to either begin your visit to Morocco or as an ideal base for exploring the country, particularly the High Atlas, Sahara region and Atlantic coast. Surrounded by its original fortified city wall Marrakech entices you into its midst, allow it to absorb into your soul and we are sure that, like us, it will become one of your favourite places.

Marrakech has many faces, the historic and labyrinthine Medina of the Almohads (we know them from the conquest of Spain as the Moors), the more recent majesty of the Bahia Palace, the tranquility of its many famous gardens and the sophistication of its more modern boulevards, cafes and riads. Today, Marrakech has become a thriving metropolis with chic night spots, top restaurants and a very modern atmosphere in places. All of which emphasises the immense historical context of the Medina and its focal point, the Djemma el Fna.

Any tour of Marrakech should begin by exploring the Medina followed by a visit to the Djemma el Fna (Marrakech's main square - translates as "assembly place of the dead") in the shadow of the renovated Koutoubia Mosque. Enter further into the labyrinthine souk for some serious bargaining and you will be immersed in the sights, sounds and aromas of this mediaeval market place.

In the evening the Djemma el Fna changes quite dramatically and comes alive with a plethora of al fresco dining stalls such as those selling spicy sausages, fresh fish and chips, traditional Harira soup and even snails, all washed down with plenty of sweet mint tea of course - sheep's heads are perhaps only for the very hearty traveller though. All the time you will be surrounded by acrobats, snake charmers, fortune tellers and entertainers of all kinds.

Marrakech links
Click on one of the links below to see much more of the accommodation and activities we offer in this exciting city; we are one of the original experts to the wonders of Marrakech and one of the first UK tour operators to specialise in riad accommodation. On each of our pages we recommend a small selection of personally chosen properties which have proved popular with our customers and always provide high levels of service.

Riads	Villas	Visit the Sahara	Recommended Excursions	Hot Air Balloon Flights


Main Hotels	Budget Hotels	Short Breaks	Day Hikes	Golf
(In addition to those properties given space on our web site we will be happy to obtain a price or offer our honest opinion on other hotels and riads; we have visited many that do not offer the required level of service or quality that we expect for our guests. Simply ask us if you had another property in mind and we will tell you what we know.)

Click here for a large Map of Marrakech

Further information on Marrakech

The Marrakech Medina - You can find thousands of foodstuffs, fabrics and handicraftsin the medina and its souks which are enclosed by the fabulous 12th century ramparts. Here everyone attends to their affairs, as they have for centuries. You can find some calm in the Arabo-Andalusian garden which houses the Saadian Tombs. You should visit the richly decorated rooms of these two mausoleums which are just below the superb minaret of the El-Mansour mosque. There is an unrestricted view of the roofs of the city from the terrace of the El-Badi Palace which is close by. From the northern corner you can admire the ancient minbar (pulpit) of the Koutoubia mosque. This pulpit is beautifully ornamented with delicate sculptures and marquetry.

Captivating Marrakech - The Marjorelle Gardens house a collection of plants from the four corners of the earth flourishing among elegant ornamental lakes and an Art Deco villa. You may leave this enchanted spot in one of the many horse drawn carriages available in the city and take the inevitable trip to the Palmeraie; from there, continue to the Menara, one of Marrakesh's symbolic places - this elegant building is surrounded by an immense ornamental lake (Marrakshi families come here to enjoy this cool spot during heat waves). You can enjoy an ice cream, a pastry or a cool drink in one of the establishments in Gueliz, the modern part of Marrakech. Luxury shops, banks, tearooms and cafés. Marrakesh is a city full of life and enthusiasm.

Traditional Marrakech - Head straight to the Ben-Youssef medersa, a Koranic school which, in the past, took in hundreds of students in this setting favourable for uplifting the soul. Don't miss the Marrakesh Museum which is close by in the medina; it has been installed recently in the 19th century M'Nebhi Palace. You will be able to admire eight centuries of Moroccan arts and crafts - the Chrob or Chouf fountain is a must-see. This impressively sumptuous work has a wooden front dating from the 16th century! Take in the tanners' quarter which is situated a little to the east. There you will leave for an exotic journey to a world where the smells and colours will carry you away.

Riads - Many treasures, especially the now-famous riads are hidden away in Marrakesh. Riads are houses, built around a central patio, whose outside walls are entirely closed. They are often converted into guesthouses or restaurantsand are a symbol of the Moroccan art of fine living.

Nearby - The Lalla Takerkoust Lake is just 20 minutes from Marrakesh. You can explore its 7km by pedal boat, motorboat or even jet ski. The Oukaimeden ski resort in the Atlas gives you access to one of the most extensive ski domains in Africa. Imagine the panorama you will have from a height of 3300m. You can climb Mount Toubkal (4167m) which is situated to the south of Oukaimeden. The climb is not particularly difficult provided that you are in good physical shape, have hired a certified guide and done the necessary preparation. So, in no time, you can leave the heat of the valley for the pure mountain air. Real luxury is to leave the pool, go skiing and then return for a relaxed Marrakesh evening. You can visit the Ourika Valley which is about 30km from Marrakesh: granary for the area, with its fields for different crops laid out like a draught-board, will often pleasantly surprise you: its waterfalls punctuating the beautiful unspoilt scenery, for example, or the Yagour rock carvings. Asni village, with its very beautiful red kasbah, should be seen. The valley of the same name gives access to some sumptuous. Ouirgane is a very popular spot for Marrakshis. Don't hesitate to take a break for lunch in one of the many restaurants in the area: another opportunity to savour the delicious local cooking.

Customer comments:

" Both of our guides were excellent, as were the transfers... " - S. Kokkinakis (July, 2011)

" We loved Marrakech and the hotel was perfect. "

" I didn't really have room on the questionnaire to do the vacation justice. It will go down as our best vacation ever, even from the web site which was very organized and easy to use. The personal service we received from you, answering all our questions in a very timely manner was so appreciated. Everything was planned very well. The excursions were amazing, we had such a great variety. "

" We just wanted to thank you very much for helping us out with our last minute arrangements for our stay in Marrakech. The riad was lovely and we had a great time. "

Holiday Prices

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