What is the best area to stay in Marrakech?
Marrakech means the “Land of God”, which is perfectly acceptable once you take in the sublime and graceful scenery of the landscape that sets the city at the foothills of the daunting Atlas Mountains. This is the third largest city in Morocco and has heaps of historical and cultural things to do and see with some of them particularly iconic which you will recognise as well as symbols of the country.
Without a doubt, the best area to stay in Marrakech is the old and historical district of the city, the Medina. When you think of Morocco this is what you will assume with the main square, Djemaa El-Fna, being the focus point and is where everyone congregates to see the bustling and endless souks, snake charmers and many other performers and people offering services. The majority of the tourist attractions are in close distance and after have a drink on one of the many rooftop cafes that surround the square and really take in this spectacular authentic view before dining in one of the traditional Moroccan restaurants. There is no shortage of hotels in the area and a Riad, a traditional Moroccan house, has to be tried once and like the saying……when in Rome…..
Obviously the thing you will want to do is head to the world-famous central square of the Medina, Djemaa El-fna, which is has been used in countless TV programmes and films. Here you will experience the true Moroccan vibes and feelings, where everything is happening at a thousand miles an hour.
This is the new town, which was built by the French in the 19th century and looks very modern compared to the other world of the bordering Medina. Again, there are many street markets in the area but they are close to big department stores and there are traditional restaurants next to brand spanking new ones that serve all types of food. It is certainly less intense in the area and there are some nice gardens and parks to see with the Marjorelle Gardens being the best. The garden has a decent collection of plants from all over the world and there is a small museum, which is dedicated to the Berber, which the locals are called. There are many little cafes that give the place a European feel to it and there are plenty of luxury Western-style hotels to stay at. This is perhaps why there are many tourists who prefer to stay in Gueliz as well as being nowhere near as chaotic as the Medina.
This district is only a few minutes’ walk away from the Medina, which is a wonderful area that has many luxury hotels and most have their own swimming pools. There are a fair number of souks that sell most of what is sold in the Medina but in calmer environments. The hotels also serve some of the most exquisite dishes in the city though there are some good restaurants not too far away.
La Palmeraie is to the north-east of downtown on the outskirts of the city and is a large oasis-like area that is covered with thousands of trees. Here you can take camel rides through the grove, where you can get a feel for local rural life. The hotels here are all five-star luxury hotels that all offer top quality food and drinks as well as the newest facilitie.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY?