Kenzi Farah, Marrakech

Advantages: Old town Marrakech - food, fun, history, foreign delight
Disadvantages: New town Marrakech, and con-men on the street, trying to get money off you

...First up, there are two very different sides of Marrakech. New town, and old town. If you stay in new town - yes it's Morocco, but at the same time it's not the same - you've got McDs, big hotels, casinos and modern city problems. Old town, inside the 11th century walls, and Marrakech comes alive. During the day you navigate the maze of alleyways, shops, merchants, while dodging the bustling people, bicycles and motorbikes(!) speeding around busily. It's an interesting place, it''s a place of history - with palaces, souks, the main square market and many old buildings, it's a place of intrigue - belly dancing, smoking shishas, snake charmers, and it's a place of gastronomical delight - from the night time stalls in the main square serving anything from traditional Moroccan tajins to snails, Moroccan wine, local style salads... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Not far to travel, hot, great food, excellent shopping
Disadvantages: No booze in the old city

...I've been to Marrakech a few times now and it seems to be changing all the time. For instance, I went in March 08 and there was an open air tour bus which would never have been there in 2007! I think they've finally realised that they can tap into the tourist trade more than they currently do, so if you're thinking of going, go now rather than later and before it loses some of it's charm. I've only ever stayed in hostels which I've booked directly - good descriptions can be found in the back of the Lonely Planet guide. I normally pay about £7 per night for a room with a view and private bathroom and the standards are very high. The shopping is brilliant but again the prices are going up so you have to hunt extra hard to find a bargain! The traders are also keen to play the barttering game so go for it :D... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: the style
Disadvantages: nothing

...). There was a large but cozy suspended library a couple doors from our room with sofas and chairs. The breakfast was fantastic and the breakfast room was gorgeous. Their were the most decadently delicious I've ever had Couldn't recommend this hotel more strongly, and would certainly go back if we return to Marrakech (which we certainly hope to!), this hotel is symply the best.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful