advice for Morocco trip...
 

I'm going to Morocco in the middle of September - I'm currently planning on staying in Marrakech for 4 nights, then 3 nights either in the Atlas Mountains or maybe the Sahara (?) then 2 nights back in Marrakech. I could also spend 2 nights in the Atlas and 2 nights in the Sahara. I would like my last night to be in Marrakech because my flight home leaves fairly early. Any advice / insights / comments?

Considering the following riads in Marrakech:

Dar Taliwint
http://www.dartaliwint.com/

Moussika
http://www.riyad-al-moussika.ma

Dar Les Cigognes
http://www.lescigognes.com

For the Atlas Mountains:

Kasbah du Toubkal
http://www.kasbahdutoubkal.com/

Was in Morocco this January/ Feb. it was awesome. Did Marrakech and and a 3 day tour to the desert w/ an overnight camel trek-AMAZING! Did not stay at any hotels you mentioned. Check www.tripadvisor.com for that. Here's a link to my trip report, it's long but has alot of info. have a great time.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34944264

laartista - thanks for the link and the report. Wonderfully written - you have a way with words and phrases. Mousikka said the Sahara might still be too hot in late September. Any thoughts?

I'm worried that 9 nights might be too much in Morocco. Mousikka is expensive but considering what's included (lunch. afternoon tea, delux room, hamman) - sounds like a good deal. Plus that garden pool looks fabulous. Maybe my last 2 nights after Mousikka/Atlas I'll stay somewhere else in Marrakech - something more humble?

Ticket is bought - I'm comitted - I'm giddy with delight and intrigue.

If anyone else has input - please....

Thanks for the time and attention.

I'm not sure about the desert in Sept. Maybe contact Omar , email is [email protected] he might have some insights. The riad we stayed at on the back end of our trip is www.riad-hamza.com it was very reasonable actually cheap at about 60US a night and nice enough.

Even though I have plenty of time to ponder - been thinking of going to Essaouira for 3 nights instead of the Atlas Mountains. Any thoughts about Essaouira? Also - thinking about maybe staying at this kasbah in Skoura:

http://www.kasbahbenmoro.com/

Haven't benn to Essaouria but it looks fantastic and supposed to be super relaxing. Check out Lonley Planet's Thorn Tree forum alot on there re: Essaouria.

Unless you're doing a windsurfing or surfing course, I think three days in Essaouira might be too much. What are you more interested in? Watersports or hiking/other mountain activities? Essaouira is pleasant and relaxing, but a bit quiet while not actually being in the countryside. I personally think the High Atlas would be much more interesting, but it depends on what you're looking for.

decided to spend 3 days in Essaouira, staying at this riad:

http://www.darness-essaouira.com/

(will do a desert journey another time - maybe flying into Fez instead?)