Marrakesh Hotel Tips by mafi_moya

'The Ali' is a bit of a backpacker institution in Marrakech and you might well end up here at some point even if you don't stay the night as it caters to the traveller's every need. If you're into organised tours and want to head for the desert or the mountains then this is a good place to look as Sahara Expeditions operate from the lobby. It's also got one of the cheapest Internet cafes and a fast and easy money-changing service. You can rent cars and bikes, wash clothes and store baggage - all services available for non-guests too. The guys on the desk are very friendly and willing to help, which makes a nice change from many other cheap Marrakech hotels. They also do a buffet breakfast and there's a cafe which is ideal if you're a lone traveller looking to meet people.

But while it has all this going for it, I'm not sure I'd actually recommend staying here. Pretty dull rooms with bathroom are a non-negotiable 110D (about $10) a night - there's better value to be had elsewhere. The rooftop views of Djemaa el-Fna are a bit restricted and matched or bettered by countless other places. And while breakfast is included, it's nothing special and the cafes outside are far better. Besides, it's often full and you might not get in anyway.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: It's on Rue Moulay Ismail, between the Koutoubia mosque and Djemaa el-Fna. If you're arriving from the bus station or airport then most taxi drivers will know it well.

If you're after a bottom range place to lay your head for the night then one of the best bets in town is probably the Hotel Afrikia near Djemaa el-Fna. It's the usual Riad style design (albeit without the luxury!) with airy tree-filled courtyard, a rooftop terrace and tiled walls - although the bizarre tiles are anything but the usual style. It's about 50D for a basic but clean room with shared bathroom and showers - that's about the cheapest level in Marrakech unless you sleep outside on the terrace. The guys who work here are fairly young and I never quite worked them out - one minute they were laugh-a-minute and very welcoming, the next very abrupt and almost unfriendly. Still, it has lots of character and it was the best low-budget place I found.

Unique Qualities: The decor is what really sets this place apart from the dozens of similar hotels around. Walls, floors, tables, chairs are all decorated with randomly arranged and brightly coloured tiles of varying shapes, colours and sizes. Something along the lines of a drugged up Salvador Dali designing a bathroom! It's very psychadelic and no doubt a throwback to the old hippy trail days of the 60's. Some of the guests hanging out on the roof looked like they've been staying here since then!

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: least expensive

Directions: According to the card it's at 45 Derb Sidi Bouloukat, which is one of the numerous tiny alleyways leading off Rue de Bab Agnaou. Walk down from Djemaa el-Fna and the hotel is signposted on your left hand side.

In need of a bit of luxury I decided to stay in a couple of the Marrakech riads - the traditional style Moroccan houses built around a central courtyard and closed off from the streets of the outside world. The best one I stayed at, and certainly the best value, was the Riad Maria near Djemaa el-Fna.

Many riads ask for about 750D per night (about 80 dollars) but with a little bargaining the price quickly came down to 150-200D. So it's only really a bit more expensive than places like Hotel Ali, but in a completely different league in terms of comfort. As well as the colourfully tiled mosaic wall and the brilliantly decorated double bed (see the photo) my room was large and airy and had an even larger bathroom complete with hot water and king size bath. I've stayed in worse rooms in 4* hotels.

In addition was a very good buffet breakfast in the shaded courtyard and very friendly staff. The only criticism is that I think the doors tend to shut quite early at night.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: In the southeast corner of Djemaa el-Fna, down a side street off Rue Riad Zitoun el-Qedim. It's opposite the Hotel Sherazade.

Slightly more expensive than the Riad Maria and not quite as nice either, this riad is found right on the main street of Rue de Bab Agnaou. It's still very nice though, although the room was a bit cramped (or 'cosy' depending on your preference!) and the bathroom a bit small and basic. Lovely shared balcony view of the street below though, and it was still very comfortable and if you can afford that bit extra a much better bet than the Hotel Ali price range. All in all a very nice place, just didn't quite live up to the standards of the Maria.


Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Walk down Rue de Bab Agnaou from Djemaa el-Fna and it's about halfway down on your right hand side.