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Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

Marrakech advise

10 replies

SushiTime · 08/07/2019 12:49

Just looking to book a holiday for next summer and come across some bargains in marrakech. It looks beautiful, what's the catch?

OP posts:
crosspelican · 08/07/2019 12:58

Marrakech is AMAZING. I used to live there and it's so beautiful with many gorgeous places to visit in the city, as well as easy access for trips into the Atlas mountains, the desert and Essaouira.

The catch? Well... it's a little full on. It's North Africa. The hustling and the attitude towards women can be tedious. It's definitely a lot easier when you dress modestly, because it's a Muslim country, and men and women are expected to dress modestly, but some female tourists resent/ignore/don't understand that and wear the sort of strappy tops you might wear normally in a hot place in Europe and then get hassle, and find it a bit challenging as a result. WHATEVER you're wearing, you'll get hustlers anyway. Just don't engage or acknowledge in any way and they'll leave you alone (eventually!).

There are great trips into the desert at all kinds of price points, and while Essaouira is a bit far for a day trip, you can get the bus there (Supratours) and spend a night or two by the sea, which can make a nice change from the heat of Marra! Oh, in the evenings it's breezy and cool in Marrakech and there are some amazing roof bars around the city and it's heavenly. And the Djemma el Fna is AMAZING at night.

But if you are used to travelling and don't expect it to be like a resort in Spain, and you're open for a new experience in a STUNNING country with kind and welcoming people (all the better if you speak a bit of French), then you'll have a fab time.

SushiTime · 08/07/2019 13:14

Thanks for the detailed reply!

From what I've found online that's the downside, I don't think that would bother me too much but how full on is it likely to be with a 5yo?

OP posts:
parrotfashionista · 09/07/2019 22:35

I've been a few times and love Marrakesh, however I'd only go with children if I was staying in one of the big all inclusive hotels. The Riad's are not great for kids and the city may be a bit overwhelming for a little one.

SJane48S · 10/07/2019 16:48

I agree with Parrot - we had 3 days in a Riad in the medina then a week at a resort on the edge of the city. I liked the old town but it’s mad and seemingly none stop full on. Our was beautiful and hugely atmospheric but the alleys in the medina were a bit of a nightmare with our then 6 year old. While you don’t get the car traffic, there are few pavements and a stream of motorbikes coming round corners at speed as well donkey carts. It made walking around with a smallish child stressful. Neither did my DD like the snake charmers or monkeys on chains in the main square. The souk was interesting but lots of it is undignposted & we got hassled and followed by would be guides. All of this didn’t make for a relaxing couple of days.
We went late May and it was hot - I imagine summer is going to be pretty constant heat! The resort we stayed at on the outskirts (Eden Andalou) wouldn’t be my usual cup of tea (I’m not keen on AI) but made for a much more relaxing time.
So basically, as the PP has said much more succinctly, if you’re taking kids a Marrakech light experience is probably better than a full on authentic Riad holiday. I’d recommend going in on a tour or hiring a guide in advance because of the lack of signage and it would lessen getting hassled.

I liked Marrakech- my DH didn’t of my Dad who came with us but definitely an interesting vibrant place!

SJane48S · 10/07/2019 16:50

Sorry - few typo’s/mistakes in there! Non stop not none stop and ‘our Riad was beautiful & atmospheric ‘

SJane48S · 10/07/2019 16:51

And undignposted was meant to be unsignposted!

GaraMedouar · 11/07/2019 18:53

I looked online and have seen some last minute holidays to Marrakech, all inclusive. I then started panicking about safety, terrorist attacks etc, am I just worrying? Having said that 2 years ago we were very near Barcelona 2 days before that horrible terrorist attack there, you never know I suppose. you wouldn't go anywhere.

GaraMedouar · 11/07/2019 19:07

I'm a single mum going with a young DD on holiday (just looking for a week away - normally do Spain)

Mustbetimeforachange · 11/07/2019 19:16

It would be exceptionally hot in the summer

GaraMedouar · 11/07/2019 22:07

Just looked at temps and DD said ‘no, too hot’ so Marrakech is out for us. Another time of year would be lovely. Probably Spanish island will be better after all in August.

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