Riad Dar El Aila

Re: Hotel Afriquia - Marrakech

by angiebabe

Hi, Ive heard the same - that Hotel Afriquia doesnt have much of a reputation - the Jnane Mogador books up several months ahead so doubt you will have much luck there but there are lots of hotels about so if you dont book ahead dont worry too much unless you are arriving late in the day - i have a few recommendations in my Marrakech page - and have never had a problem with finding a place - I know Cabeyp recommends Hotel Central which is also an el cheapo and Ive got Hotel Gazelle in my tips which is el cheapo - have a look at the rooms first if you want - Hotel Ali is cheap only if you are sharing and I dont think they are very cheap anymore and think they charge too much - for better value there is even Hotel Foucould which is just across the road on the outskirts of the small park on the edge of the main square Djma Elfna - there is also Hotel Islane which is just several minutes away and I stayed with a friend there 2 years ago so she would have okay quality and it was 420 dirham for 2 with breakfast but Hotel Foucould is only about 160-180 dirham.

there is also Hotel Sherazade which is a bit more expensive but liked for the character and relatively low price. about 10 minutes is one of my much stayed at much liked Hotel Toulousain - particularly good if gettting a car as parking is easier.

The Lonely Planet has a good selection of hotels with info and contact details and I recommend travelling in Morocco with at least one guidebook - I prefer the LP to the Rough Guide, only in the case of Morocco, as usually I highly like the RG when travelling other countries. Most places have phone numbers and you could call them and talk to them and then make a booking with them ahead if you wish or just ring around or walk around when you get there depending on your arrival time.

There is a booth outside the post office in Djma Elfna which is good for buying phone cards for the public phones or buy a sim card - you wil often get a good number of free credits to start off with.