 | Marrakesh Reviews | Tips 1 - 10 of 292 |  |
We spent 4 nights in Marrakech and stayed at Riad L'Orangeraie, located in the Medina, just a minute or two walk from one of the entrances to the souqs, and around 5 minutes walk from Djemaa el-Fna.
The Riad will offer to arrange airport transfers for you - take them up on this offer as you will have trouble finding the hotel. You will be met at the airport by the driver, who will hold a sign saying 'Riad L'Orangeraie'. You will then be driven to within about 5 minutes walk from the Riad, at the edge of the Medina, and the driver will walk you to the Riad. There is no sign on the street, just a large wooden door with the number 61 on it.
Riad L'Orangeraie is a beautifully restored Riad, with just 7 rooms over 4 levels. The serene courtyard is split into two sections - one with a small plunge pool and the other with a small central pond covered in rose petals.
The Riad had a lounge area on the 2nd floor, where you can relax with a book or play one of the games that they have for guest use. There is also a roof top terrace which offers excellent views across the Medina, and is a great place to recline in the warmer months or enjoy a meal.
The Riad staff were very friendly and happy to help in anyway they could. Breakfast was served each morning by the pool - it was a delicious feast of freshly cooked Moroccan pancakes, crusty baguette with several jams to choose from, yoghurt, marble cake, freshly squeezed orange juice and tea or coffee.
Our room was called the Muscade suite, and it was located on the ground floor of the Riad. It had a huge wooden door which I was pretty impressed with....though not so impressed by the fact that there was no way to lock the door from the inside....
The suite wasn't huge, but there was a large bed and a couch, which could be made into another bed if required (and as I was travelling with my sister, we required the 2nd bed). The bathroom was very spacious, with twin sinks and a large shower (which unfortunately sprayed water all over the floor as the shower rose had a hole in it).
Riad's are designed to keep things cool during (the usually) hot weather, but as we were there in winter I did find it a bit cold at times in the courtyard and in our room. There was a small heater in our room which helped to warm things up after it had been turned on for a couple of hours.
Don't forget to pack your ear plugs - the Riad is located near to several mosques, and the calls to prayer at 4am may well disturb your sleep (even with the ear plugs!) - but then that is all part of the Morocco experience. Theme: HotelPrice: US$180 and up » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: 61, rue Sidi El Yamani, Mouassin, Marrakech MedinaPhone: +212 (0)61 23 87 89Directions: Located in the Mouassin region of the Medina, about 5 minutes walk from Djemaa el-Fna. Close to the Mouassine Fountain and one of the entries to the souqsWebsite: http://www.riadorangeraie.com/index-gb.htm Other Contact: info@riadorangeraie.com
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This one star hotel (if that but it is popular and safe so far) is in the street behind Hotel Ali - its a very handy spot only a few minutes from the main square Djma Elfna - its cheap for only 70 dirham a person for a room sharing or 100 single without bathroom - i splashed out and took a double room with shower and air conditioning for 150 dirham. and glad i did as it remained quite hot until late in the evening.
it was the end of a 15 day visit to friends and see some of the sights for maximum picture taking and when i got to marrkech that evening to be prepared for the am flight it was hot and i was exhausted - so i was happy to splash out for one of the best rooms in the cheap hotel being that airconditiong and shower in the room are available.
Nice view from the roof to the Koutoubia mosque and on a good day without haze there is clear view through to the Atlas mountains in the background with its snow on top till as late as early June.
Good security which is reassuring when in the busy city centre - staff are always around the entrance way to keep a check on whos coming in and going out.
the communal area, loos and showers have always been clean when ive been there as a non guest and as a guest - take your own loo paper though - and your own towel unless youre staying in a room with an ensuite.
Ultra budget hotel - especially if theres 2 or 3 of you sharing Theme: HotelPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: less expensive than averageAddress: 12 rue bani marinePhone: 0021224441112
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 lovely courtyard for cool
and relaxing breakfast by angiebabe,
3 more photos
Good value with pleasant staff, two nice courtyards to enjoy breakfast or collect it and take it back to your room.
Some parking spaces available for secure off street parking, otherwise on street parking is quite okay with overnight guardian.
Hotel is about 5-10 minutes by car/taxi from the main square/medina but its in a quiet area, there are good shopping streets nearby
and an optometrist next door which i discovered provides very nice frames and lenses for half the london price. Also uses 1 minute computerised eye testing for about ?10.
There is also a large post office in the vicinity.
good value double rooms with nice courtyard and staff.
Have returned for yet another stay and even though it does not have air conditioning and Marrakech was very hot we enjoyed the oasis type courtyard with its green foliage, banana tree and cool shade for a very relaxing breakfast, staff again were very pleasant and kind.
and good value away from the chaos of the medina to get ourselves together after a busy departure from London, also being able to have the car so accessible, drive to Marjane and back easily without the hassle of medina parking etc.
They can organise tickets for you such as Chez Ali which is great entertainment - with banquet included - for a night for only just over £20 per person.
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 riad arahanta by jo-allyn
They have a local man, Hamid, who is a great help with local shopping etc.
When we arrived at the Marrakech airport, their driver, Mustafa, was waiting for us to deliver us to the riad. They arranged for us to go to the atlas mountains on 2 seperate days. They use the same grand taxi drivers for all their guests. The cab drivers were just the best. My friend lost his passport in the back of the cab and the cab driver had contacted Hamid before we even realized it was missing! They were calm and cautious drivers, which was good news over the mountain areas!
We had the single rooms, which were perfect. They were next to one another and entered through our own private door. The cost was $28.00 which was a great price. You should stay here just to hear their stories about buying the riad, they had to have an exorcism in the one bathrorom because the local workers said a djinn (spirit) was in the drain. Don't worry though the djinn is gone and replaced by an endless supply of hot water!!
Each morning we had a wonderful breakfast in the courtyard waiting for us when we awoke. We had eggs, yogurt, coffee or tea, jam, delicious bread, fruit, tomatoes, etc.The real owner of the Riad seemed to be Atomic, the cat. She made a daily appearance over the 2nd floor railing and was quite a character.
It is a wonderful 12 minute walk from the square. You pass through the souk area and arrive at quiet mysterious lanes on the way to the riad. Inside the Riad, it is amazingly tranquil.
You can go up on the roof and relax and bask in the sun. You might get to share the roof with Fred, the local roof cat who jumps across the various rooftops to come and visit.
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 | Islane Hotel: Good value, centrally located 3* hotel
Tip Rating:   Satisfaction:   |  |
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I stayed at the 3* Hotel Islane for 7 nights in February 2007. I booked the hotel via www.octopustravel.com and paid 21 GBP per night for a single room with en-suite facilities and breakfast included.
Location
Hotel Islane is located on Ave Mohamed V, right across the road from the famous Koutoubia Mosque. The world renowned Djemaa El Fna square is just a 5 minute walk away, while the modern Gueliz region of the city is a 15-20 minute walk away.
A taxi from the airport to the hotel cost me 130 Dirhams (approx. 8 GBP).
Bedroom
My first impressions of my room weren't good. It hadn't been cleaned since the previous occupants checked out, so I entered a room with an unmade bed, a flooded bathroom floor and litter on the floor. I left my bag in the room, went out for the afternoon and returned to find a much tidier room. The cleaning staff cleaned the room every day of my stay.
The room was fairly basic, containing a double bed, a wardrobe, a telephone, small bedside shelves, air conditioning (but no remote control to turn it on!) and a TV which didn't work. It had just one small window, from which I could see the top of the Koutoubia minaret opposite, so there was little natural light in the room.
The en-suite shower room was small, but relatively clean. Fresh towels were provided daily and a few complimentary toiletries were also provided.
Hotel
The hotel is something of a maze! Getting to my second floor room involved climbing two flights of stairs, then entering the restaurant, walking along the restaurant's dining terrace, re-entering the hotel and finding my way along various corridors!
The reception is staffed by friendly, helpful staff and offers foreign exchange and trip booking services. There is also a small seating area and a luggage storage closet.
The hotel complex also includes a few restaurants (serving local, international and Italian cuisine) and an ice cream parlour.
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Breakfast
The buffet breakfast is served on the hotel's terrace with excellent views across to the Koutoubia minaret and further afield to the Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
The choice was the same each day and did become a bit bland by the end of the week. You can choose from a range of excellent croissants, chocolate chip filled croissants, flat bread, bread rolls, doughnuts, coconut topped cake and jam. The waiter brings a large glass of yoghurt to your table, along with a hard boiled egg, a glass of fresh orange juice and a choice of tea or coffee. There are no meats or cheeses on offer.
General
Being located so close to the Koutoubia minaret means that you can hear the early morning call to prayer loud and clear from your bedroom! I was awoken at 5:30am on the first three mornings of my stay, but after that I managed to sleep right through it.
Hotel Islane offers an excellent location, basic but clean rooms, a good breakfast and super value for money. Highly recommended!! Theme: HotelPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 279 Ave Mohamed VPhone: +212 (0)24440081Directions: Located right opposite the Koutoubia Mosque. Less than 5 minutes walk to Djemaa El Fna and 15-20 mintues walk to the modern Gueliz region of the city.
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My decision not to stay in the Tazi had left Jonathan looking slightly disgruntled - I needed to find somewhere charming, clean, and cheap with a bar and fast. Heading up to the square we were fortunate to bump into Ahmed who quickly assessed our needs and provided three of four with speed and confidence.
Riad Hamza is hidden in the back alleys of the old medina and I have to admit that we would never have found it if it weren't for Ahmed's (somewhat costly) assistance. A discreet, beautifully carved & tiled doorway leads to the main stairs and reception area all tiled with intricate mosaics and brass lanterns. Past that is the courtyard with an airy sitting area, more mosaics and a fountain and rooms leading off. The staff don't speak English which I was happy about as it meant I had more opportunities to practise my French. We were first shown a ground floor room which was sweet with two single wrought iron beds and carefully detailed paintwork on the ensuite door. I was a little disappointed with the actual room - with such an entrance I'd expected more.... I got it!!
Ahmed spoke to the manager in Arabic and told us they had another room they'd like us to view. Oh my!! We trotted up the circular staircase and found one wonder after another, I was thrilled by everything! Finally, we reached Chambre 9....
....I was dumbstruck! We entered a golden room with small stained-glass shutters leading onto the courtyard, cool marrakech-pink walls with intricate mosaic border, a lovely open-plan shower-room with a fine painted swing door and, best of all, a wrought iron four poster bed draped in gold chiffon!!!! And the nice men told us we could stay there for just 500 dirham a night (That's about £30!!!!!). Quite simply I told Jonathan I wasn't moving!
Considering this Riad is only four minutes walk from Djemma El-Fna it is remarkably peaceful. Breakfast is pancakes with maple syrup, pain au chocolat, fresh orange juice, coffee & mint tea served on the sun-drenched terrace at 8:30am for all the guests. We shared our visit with a German family of five and two Japanese girls and it was very comfortable and informal. The terrace is a blaze of bright yellow tiles and flowers with sun-loungers for lazy afternoons.
The rooms are air-conditioned, have huge televisions and always have hot-water. It really is a stunning place to stay. I want to say "quaint" but it really has more character than that - you'll never forget you're in Marrakech if you stay here!! I woke up on the first morning with the muezzin and the sun dazzling the stained glass (check out the photo!).
Jonathan had to put up with me for two whole days singing my new "I love my Riad" song!!!
And the keys!!!! I nearly forgot the keys!!! They have huge brass keyrings shaped like Riad doors and engraved prettily - see, it's all about detail! Theme: OtherPrice: US$40-80 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: 108, Sidi Bouloukat, Marrakech, MoroccoPhone: 044 44 02 35 / 044 44 39 71Directions: Walking up Rue Riad Zitoun El Kedim towards Djemma El-Fna, turn right at the black and yellow hotel sign into the black alley. From there follow the tiny streets round many corners - there are plenty of beautifull Riads on these streets.Website: www.riad-hamza.com Other Contact: riadhamza@hotmail.com
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| Oudaya Hotel: A comfortable hotel, 3*+
Tip Rating: Satisfaction: | |
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I booked this hotel as a package through Panorama Holidays, and found I had quite a bargain , I paid £309 for flight, airport transfer, 7 nights single room, B&B. Another company was offering the same for over £500.
The hotel was very comfortable, clean and had a relaxed atmosphere. The staff were all friendly and polite (well except for one female on reception who never smiled)
The hotel was expanded in 2003, it's popular with tour groups and holidaying Moroccans.
Although situated in Gueliz, it's quite handy for getting around (It's just off Ave Mohammed V)
Attractively decorated, the reception/lounge area has seating and TV. The new part has a separate reception which closes at 2300hrs.
A pool, hamman, sauna ( 60dh book at reception) games room, bar , 2 restaurants (one is on rooftop), well stocked gift shop, the extension has a pleasant lawned courtyard with fountains and a wall fountain that's lit up at night.
My room was in the new part. Twin beds, TV, storage, safe, bathroom with over-bath shower, air con/heater.
French windows opened onto the lawned courtyard, table and chairs to sit out (tho' in January it was a bit too cold to sit for long)
I'd definitely stay here again. Theme: HotelComparison: about averageAddress: 147, Rue Mohammed el- BeqalPhone: 044 448512Directions: Off Ave Mohammed V, most taxi drivers could find it ok! If arriving after 2300hrs, make sure they don't drop you off at the back door as this reception is closed.Other Contact: fax 044 435400
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 by Firestar24
We were quoted 350 dirhams for a double room which I asked to see before we checked in. The receptionist showed us up the grand main staircase to a long, narrow, windowless hallway with numerous anonymous doors muffling laughing and shouting in a Babel of languages. The room was in need of attention and sparse. It held two single beds and a desk with a rickety built in wardrobe which I couldn't open when I tried. There was an en-suite showeroom which was simple and stained, but clean.
Following the man back down the stairs I whispered to Jonathan that I'd prefer to find somewhere else to stay. This wasn't what I had in mind when I imagined my first night in Marrakech! Images of my bus-trip daydreams flitted back to me - fountains in leafy, mosaic-ed courtyards and sun-drenched terraced... Meanwhile, I could see the Flag Pils bottles glinting in Jonathan's eyes - "Perhaps just one night...?"
It was lucky that when I searched in my bag to pay for the room I couldn't find my purse... If I had, we would have ended up staying in The Tazi and probably wouldn't have found the beautiful Riad Hamza... As it was, we both charged out of the hotel and managed to catch the non-taxi just before he pulled away. My purse was safely tucked on the backseat where I had carelessly left it. One pleading look and Jonathan agreed to search for my Riad!
I have heard alot about the Tazi and it is a popular, busy and lively hotel. It's also just about the only place near Djemma El-Fna that you can get an alcoholic drink. And so we visited the hotel many times during our stay to top up Jonathan's alcohol levels and prevent him from becoming too lucid lest he realise he had been whisked off to a different city yet again!
The bar staff are friendly serve excellent cappuccinos (for me) and understand why some Englishmen take two bottles of Flag per order! I was also entertained on one of Jonathan's particularly long drinking stints (to recover from the three-month hangover that had just started kicking in - Ouch!) by First Knight on the bar television shown in English - Hurrah! This gave me enough patience to last through Jonathan's six bottles of Flag (still only 11am!) before going to explore the souks!!!
Basically, for me, The Tazi is all about the drink and the company - it's a good place to meet travellers and ex-pats, but I would rather pay a little extra and stay in one of the many stunning riads near The Square. Theme: HotelPrice: US$20-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: Bottom of Rue Riad Zitoun El Kedim, The Medina, Marrakech, Morocco.Directions: Straight down the road about 2 minutes walk from Djemma El-Fna. Really good location - easy to find.
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