Choosing Accommodation in Morocco: Weighing the Advantages of a Riad Against a Hotel
When planning a trip to Marrakech, choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your experience. Here's a comparison of three options: riads in the Old Medina, hotels in Nouvelle Ville, and resorts in the Palmeraie area.
### Riads (Old Medina Area)
Riads offer a unique Moroccan experience, with traditional houses or palaces featuring interior gardens or courtyards. Located in the heart of the medina, they provide easy access to major attractions like the souks, Jemaa El Fna, and historic sites such as Bahia Palace. Smaller, boutique-style accommodations offer personalized service, beautiful decor, rooftop terraces with city views, and the ambiance of lantern-lit courtyards. However, limited room sizes and sometimes amenities compared to large hotels or resorts, as well as noise from surrounding medina life, might affect sensitive sleepers.
### Hotels in Nouvelle Ville (Modern City)
Hotels in Nouvelle Ville boast modern facilities and infrastructure with international standards. They are typically quieter and less chaotic than the medina or resort areas, and offer straightforward transport access, parking, and are often close to business and shopping districts. However, they may lack the cultural authenticity and charm found in riads or Palmeraie resorts.
### Resorts in the Palmeraie Area
The Palmeraie, an oasis outside Marrakech, offers luxurious resorts with large pools, tennis courts, and stunning gardens. Well-suited for families and guests seeking a comprehensive all-in-one experience with organized activities and entertainment, these resorts provide a relaxing holiday away from the city crowds. However, they can be perceived as expensive, and some guests report noise issues due to entertainment or nearby construction.
A taxi ride from the Palmerie to Marrakech's major attractions takes about 20 minutes. The choice between these options depends on the kind of experience and atmosphere you are looking for. For cultural immersion, riads offer an unforgettable experience; for modern comfort closer to the city center, Nouvelle Ville hotels are convenient; and for luxury relaxation with resort amenities, Palmeraie resorts are ideal.
Prices for a room in a Nouvelle Ville hotel start at around £40 a night, but can increase dramatically depending on the season. Staying in the Palmerie can provide a relaxing holiday, but may keep you away from getting to know the locals and the city. The Nouvelle Ville is around a twenty to thirty minute walk from the Djemma el Fna (heart of the old town). Hotels in the Nouvelle Ville tend to have more space to offer pools, bars, hammams, and restaurants. Some riads may not be suitable for families or wheelchair users due to small buildings and lack of lifts.
The author provides contact information for the mentioned accommodations, including the Palmerie's resorts (Palais Rhoul and Hotel Las Palmeras), the Medina's Riad Dar Nabila, and Nouvelle Ville's Ryad Mogador Menara. Riads often offer additional services like guides for the souqs, private drivers, Moroccan cooking lessons, or a relaxing hammam. Hotels in the Palmerie are large and grandly decorated, with themes like Arabian Nights and four poster beds. Prices for a double room in a riad can range from £25 to £300, depending on size, decor, and services offered.
- To immerse oneself in Marrakech's vibrant culture, choosing a riad in the Old Medina yields an unforgettable experience, offering authentic Moroccan decor, personalized service, and easy access to major attractions.
- For those seeking modern comfort closer to the city center, hotels in Nouvelle Ville provide quieter surroundings, international facilities, and convenient access to business and shopping districts.
- Those in search of luxury relaxation with resort amenities, such as large pools, tennis courts, and stunning gardens, would find ideal options in the Palmeraie area's resorts, perfect for families and guests seeking an all-in-one holiday experience away from city crowds.
