Where to stay in Marrakesh

[Kosenrufugirl]

Hi there, all advice would be much appreciated.

We are going to Marrakesh for 9 days next April. Family of 4 with teenagers, no issues with mobility

I can't decide which part of town to rent. Whether to stay in the authentic place in historic town or rent a modern appartment in Gueliz. We don't want to stay out of town or all inclusive.

My main issue is probably retated to I was told to haggle with taxi drivers. I am not good at haggling! Is there public transport from Gueliz to the tourist attractions? Or should I book a traditional historic ryad and really enjoy the atmosphere at the expense of some comfort? All thoughts would be much appreciated.

I booked at a riad, just a couple of minutes walk through the alley ways from the Jemaa el Fnaa. I loved it. Riads are just beautiful, your hosts are likely to be incredibly helpful, and just being able to pop back and forward to soak up the atmosphere, then back for a chill or a rest, then back to the hubbub again, was just perfect.

We (family with teens) stayed in a Riad just a few minutes walk from the main square but on a quiet street which is not noisy at night. There are loads to choose from!

... Having said that, I was only there for about four days. For nine days and with a family, I'd understand if you might want a bit more space and comfort.

I'd be tempted to split the time between Atlas Mountains maybe

We stayed at Riad Les Ammonites when we visited a couple of years ago. It was down a quiet side street in the medina, and it was nice to be able to go back for a dip in the plunge pool/have a nap before heading out again.

Our flight arrived late at night and navigating the medina in the dark, with suitcases was a bit scary, so I’d recommend taking advantage of airport collection services if the riad offers it!

We stayed in Marrakech for 4 nights and tbh, we were running out of things to do towards the end - could you pick a riad for a few nights and then stay in a hotel with a pool/activities for the rest of the stay? We walked to Gueliz one day and there wasn’t much to do there, so I wouldn’t want to stay in an apartment there.

I split my eight days between Marrakesh and Essaouira. Nine days just in the city is quite a lot, so I'd suggest that, or time in the mountains.

There are excellent cheap buses between Marrakech and Essaouira

Was coming on to say just that. Marrakech is amazing but it's full on, we've been a couple of times and imo you need to break it up with someplace more relaxing. Essoueria is a few hours away, on a very comfortable bus, and well worth visiting

I agree that 9 days in the city may be a bit much. Our Honeymoon was to Morocco and we did 4 nights in Marrakesh, 1 night in Ouzoud, 2 nights in Imlil, 4 in Essaouira then back to Marrakesh for 2 with an early morning flight back.

We hired a car and it was pretty easy. They picked us up from the hotel and drove us to the edge of the city before DH needed to drive, so it was always on the larger, less chaotic roads.

In Marrakesh I would say absolutely stay in the city walls. We stayed in a stunning riad near the Majorelle gardens that was beautiful and quiet, yet so close to the center.

Stay in a Riad. We did it with 3 kids 12 and under. Some Riads collect you from the airport but be warned cars can't go inside the walled medina so a man with a cart takes your cases to the Riad. Keep your passports and money with you do t let them take any hand luggage.

We did 2 weeks in Morocco with our DD7 at the time, we had 5 nights in Essaouira, a couple of nights in old town Marrakech in a Riad, then did a 3 night tour to atlas mountains and then glamping in the Sahara desert (was an absolute highlight of the trip), we then returned to Marrakech and stayed slightly outside the old town, the hotel would arrange transport in and out for us at agreed upon fixed price so no haggling. I love being in the old town and the riads are so beautiful but it is hectic and noisy, you will likely be woken early by calling to prayer for example, I like the combination of doing both.

In Essaouira we stayed at Hotel Villa Beldi which would highly recommend. In Marrakech we stayed at Riad Bindoo and Palais Mehdi. The trip was with Luxury Desert camp.

Your party will need to be prepared for some haggling. Being genuinely indecisive can be be really effective if you are not naturally a haggle fan- not sure I like this bag enough (price drops) I have one similar but not in this colour (price drops again)

Hi, do you remember the name of your Riad please?
tia

Definitely stay in a riad - they will send a car to collect you from the airport, it should be a fixed price. Taxis in the city have meters so don't worry about haggling. TBF there are a lot more fixed prices for things in Morocco than there used to be, even many tourist shops will have price stickers which is nice if you aren't confident to haggle (but you'll get a better bargain if you do)

ETA do plan some trips too, 9 days in Marrakesh will be too long. Ouzoud, essaouira, zagora/merzouga are all worth visiting.