MIDRANGE
» » Midrange hotels in Morocco are generally of a high standard.
» » Options range from hotels offering imitation Western-style rooms, which are modern if a
little soulless, to riads and maisons d’hôtes (small hotels), which capture the essence of
Moroccan style with both comfort and character.
» » In this price range, you should expect an en-suite room with shower.
» » In cheaper areas such as the south, you may find midrange standards at budget prices.
TOP END
» » Hotels in this bracket are similar to midrange places but with more luxurious levels of
comfort and design.
» » In resorts such as Agadir, many top-end hotels are self-contained holiday complexes,
offering features such as golf courses, nightclubs and multiple restaurants.
Riads, Dars & Kasbahs
For many guests, the chance to stay in a converted traditional house is a major drawcard for a
trip to Morocco. These midrange and top-end options are the type of accommodation that the
term ‘boutique hotel’ could have been invented for, and no two are alike. Service tends to be
personal, with many places noted for their food as much as their lodgings.
Locations Marrakesh is the most famous destination for riads (there are several hundred);
Fez, Meknès, Essaouira and Rabat are also noteworthy. With their popularity seemingly
unassailable, you can increasingly find riads in the most unexpected corners of the country.
Riads and dars Although the term riad is often used generically, a riad proper is a house built
around a garden with trees. You’ll also come across plenty of dars (traditional town houses with
internal courtyards).
Kasbahs Often functioning as hotels, kasbahs (old citadels) are found in tourist centres in
central and southern Morocco. Rooms in kasbahs are small and dark, due to the nature of the
building, but are lovely and cool in summer.
Booking Most riads operate on advance bookings, and it’s worth planning ahead, as most only
have a handful of rooms and can fill quickly. Advance booking often means that someone from
the riad will be sent to meet you outside the medina when you arrive: labyrinthine streets
conspire against finding the front door on your first attempt.
Rates Room rates are generally comparable to four- or five-star hotels. Many riads list their
online rates in euros, rather than dirham, at exchange rates favourable to themselves, so
always double check the prices when booking.
AGENCIES
For an idea of properties and prices, visit the websites of these agencies:
Fez Riads ( 0672 51 33 57; www.fez-riads.com) A percentage of profits is donated towards
restoration projects in the Fez medina.
Marrakech Riads ( 0524 39 16 09; www.marrakech-riads.com) Well-established and
respected agency.
Business Hours
Although a Muslim country, for business purposes Morocco follows the Monday to Friday
working week. Friday is the main prayer day, however, so many businesses take an extended