Couple Traveling to Morocco - Need Itinerary Help
 

My wife and I are looking to travel to Morocco for 8 days in May. Would definitely like to visit a beach resort for a few days, see the desert, as well as spend a few days in Marakesh/Fez. I've done a lot of research on hotels, although any recommendations in that area would be appreciated - we're looking to spend up to $250/night. Thanks in advance!!

I'm not sure if you could call it a resort area, but a wonderful way to combine ocean views and traditional Morocco is the old walled city of Essaouira. It's an easy bus ride from the Marrakech bus station and has a number of traditional riads (guesthouses)

And do, as you travel in Morocco, consider riads as a great place to stay. They are much more in the tradition of the country and range from budget to highly luxurious, but they're typically small and provide much personal attention. They are typically restored mansions and houses, often right in the old narrow-pathed heart of the city, A single small door opens to an elaborate interior garden, with arched balconies and rooms overlooking the common areas. One can stay in a hotel anytime, right. There's tons of riads (technically some are "Dars", but not to get too technical) in Marrakech, Fez and Essaouira

Our tastes run more budget, but two we really liked were Dar Seffarine in Fez www.darseffarine.com (18 ft ceilings, complete architectural restoration by the lovely hosts) and Dar Loulema in Essaouira http://www.darloulema.com/en-home.html (inside the walls though, not right on the public beach). Both are less than $150 per night, depending on room selected.

just returned from a family trip to Morocco where we had an amazing time. Had great experiences in Fez and Marakesh. But the highlight of our visit was a trip into the desert with Berbere Space (www.berberespace.com). Our guide Hassane was very knowledgeble and a lot of fun to spend time with. We rode camels in and out of the Sahara and spent the night in tents under the the starry Moroccan sky. The mattresses were a little hard but the Berber hospitality made up for the tough sleeping conditions. It was an experience we won't soon forget.

Mr frogoutofwater and I spent half our 4 week honeymoon in Morocco in mid-May 2005. We flew direct from Madrid to Marrakech, spent 2 nights in a riad in the medina, and then spent a week on a private, guided walking tour (just the two of us, plus our guide and his mule) in the Atlas mountains. We booked that part of the trip (including the first two nights in Marrakesh) through UK-based sherpaexpeditions.com. Then we headed to Essaouira for 3 nights of well-deserved R&R. We stayed in a riad, Madada Mogador, and loved it. We travelled by taxi there and by bus back; I'd recommend the bus over the taxi for comfort (and a sense of safety). We returned to Marrakesh for a few more nights. I can't remember the names of the riads we stayed in Marrakesh but they were both nice.

^^Yes don't miss Essaouira! Really dramatic scenery and it's fun to go to the port and watch them unload the fish from old-fashioned boats. The night in the Berber tent in the desert was really fun too -- I wouldn't see a need to make it a multiday excurision, since it sort of hurts to ride on a camel for too long. A couple hours out in the evening on the first day, watch the sunrise the next day, and a couple hours back should be sufficient, IMO.

I liked Dar Vedra in Marrakech, but I know there are a lot of nice places. In Fez, Dar Roumana was amazing. The owner is an American expat who will give you really good recommendations and arrange anything you like, even a trip to the local hammas bath. Her husband is Spanish and he plays guitar music at night, which is really lovely.

Be aware that you have to pay in cash at a lot of riads. The ATMs seem to run out of money quickly in Marrakech on the weekend. Also keep your ATM receipts - one of the ATMs in Marrakech said it gave me my withdrawal but in fact no money came out. My bank was very understanding and credited my account upon my claim submission, but it was a little irksome.

Try Essaouira (the sea is cold so make sure you have a pool), then a riad in Marrakech, over the Atlas to Ourzarzate, then the Sahara at Merzouga. Make sure you take camels out to a bivouac.

A day on the road gets you to Fes. If you need to return to Marrakech or Casa for flights there's a good train service.

Dar El Menia (riad) in Fez is a wonderful place to stay--right in the middle of the magical medina.