We're planning on visiting Morocco in early July and have allotted just five nights for our stay before Europe.
Due to the short stay, we thought we'd sty the whole time in Marrakech and perhaps take a day trip into the Atlas Mountains.
Does this sound reasonable? We'll be staying at the Riad El Fenn.

ttt

Personally, I wouldn't want to spend five nights in Marrakech. I spent three and two would have been fine.

An option for you would be to split your time between Marrackech and Essaouira a coastal town about a four-hour drive from Marrakech.

Do some searches for comments on both cities and decide what you prefer. They are very different types.

I hope you get other suggestions.

Yes, that sounds reasonable. With five nights, I would consider a daytrip to the High Atlas and a daytrip to Essouria on the coast.

Luisah and I were posting at the same time. I agree that 5 nights is a lot for Marakkech, which is why I suggested the two daytrips, but her suggestion of spending a night or two in Essouria is a good one. We spent 3 nights in Marakkech and thought it was perfect!

I understand there is less to "do" in Marrakech, but we'll arrive late the first night from the West Coast and the jet lag will color the next few days.
Does this change the perspective?
JGG- I've read your great posts and believe you traveled as far...
We're on to Europe after this, with 3 hotel changes in the next 12 days.

welch - We are from the West Coast, but flew to Marakkech after spending 5 nights in Barcelona, so didn't have too much jet lag, although I will say we had a late flight to Marakkech, which took off late and with the long lines at immigration, by the time we got to our riad it was about 1am.

We only had 3 nights, so two full days. We were able to see most everything I had wanted to see in Marakkech as well as do some shopping. However, we had a lovely riad with a wonderful rooftop, and I would have loved to have more time to spend in the afternoons just resting up there.

I checked out the website for your riad and it looks fabulous!! With the pool and hamman, I am sure you will be able to spend some wonderful time there just relaxing after the long flight. With atleast one daytrip to the High Atlas or Essouria, I think it will be perfect. You can always decide on the 2nd daytrip when you are there. I am sure your riad will be able to help you with all the details.

I must admit, we spent 8 days in Morocco and moved MUCH more than we were used to, I definitely got tired of the packing and unpacking. We have never stayed in any one place for less than 4 days before, but it was necessary in order to get to the Sahara - and worth it!! However, with such a wonderful riad and great options for daytrips, I wouldn't hesitate to stay in Marakkech as you have planned.