Marrakesh

[coffeecow]

We are toying with the idea of Marrakesh for a week this summer with our son who will be 6. I like the idea of taking him to the night markets and possibly a couple of desert type excursions. I've been looking at Labranda Aqua Park Hotel. Has anyone gone here or to this area with children? Any advice/thoughts? Thanks!

I went on a girls trip last year and loved it, but would hesitate at taking children. I might consider taking my seven year old, but Id think carefully In the souks, it is a maze and you would have to hold your child tight. Shopkeepers can grab you for a deal. I travelled with 6 girls and we never went anywhere on our own. Even through the main square we linked arms 2 x 2. You just need to be on high alert. I would not do it if I couldnt go everywhere with hubby and child. it is divine but I felt very vulnerable at times in the mazes

I honestly wouldn't take my kids into the old town, it's noisy, chaotic, loud, hard to navigate.
I did do the waterfall trip and was not expecting to climb, so was wearing flip flops It nearly killed me but as I was part of the group I couldn't be left behind.
The city outside the old town walls is much more cosmopolitan and I'm sure the hotel would be fine. I just never felt 100% safe there and it made the whole trip quite stressful.
I can recommend the Voyage chain of hotels in Turkey, brilliant hotels for families

I really can't face a 'resort' holiday where it's all water slides and kids clubs. Just not my cup of tea. We are 'doers' and like to get out and do things relevant to the place we are visiting. I'm also keen to show DS what other countries and cultures are like - hence why I thought Morocco would be a good fit for us but perhaps not. I like the look of Greece possibly or Italy (but not Rome, going there for a couples holiday next year)
We have done the South of France pretty much every year since he was born so really wanted something totally different.

Took my kids last year. They were 9 and 10. Stayed in riad in the medina. They love kids there and couldn’t do enough for us. It’s challenging but fun

Last 2 years Coffeecow we’ve done Costa Rica & three centre train journey in Sicily - both great for do-Ing & seeing (I’m not big on lying around on loungers, stuff your face buffet places either!). Train travel is easy & cheap to book online if you fancy Italy & a bit of variety - off the tourist schtick in Spain is also good. Greece is pretty varied - Athens sucks if you haven’t been but there lots of beautiful places & islands. If you’d like a bit of an Arabian experience, how about Oman in October - the souk in Muscat is a much more gentle experience than Marrakech. I’ve not been to Gambia but looks like a reasonably priced & interesting place?