Marrakesh? Any suggestions…

[bababamama]

Want to book 5 nights away with remaining annual leave (3 days) so narrowed down options to Cornwall (likely cold and windy in November) Loire valley by ferry (also cold and windy but can restock wine racks under the stairs) or flying. Due to time restraints we need to fly out of Bristol which reduces choice. I’m wondering about Marrakesh, flight time works well and lots of hotels, but that’s the issue too much choice! Any personal experience really appreciated. Budget up to £1000 for 5 nights but less is good, b&b

Definitely the old town and stay in one of the riad. These are beautiful guest houses with courtyards and often roof gardens

also look for the Michelin star restaurant, we couldn’t get a table when we went

Well, no Michelin restaurant for me when there, Marrakesh is amazing, place djel Mafna - probably wrong spelling - they put a snake around my neck - argh! fangs removed they said. Feel the fear and do it anyway.

Don't miss this!

Majorelle Garden – Majorelle Garden Official Webscite

Oh, and smoke some good hashish!

I was laughing at the Belgian guy smoking it at breakfast lunch and dinner at the rooftop terrace in the riad. Of course I joined in for a few drags.

Morroco is amazing. Where Africa, Europe and Arabia meet.

With that sort of budget in Marrakech, you can choose where almost anywhere. Ubers are also cheap from airport, and it is 15 mins away. Few things to consider (IRO of hotel) are a) whether you want a drink or not, some do, some don't and b) the Riad in the Medina are good and traditional, but is real maze of tiny alleyways and drivers do not go in, so they drop you at nearest place and then you walk, but it is massively confusing, and people are calling at you all of the time to "help you" (at a cost). If you have a late flight, believe me, it will be stressful to do this, daytime is not too bad. It is busy, noisy and different. Gets quite cold at night but nice enough in the day (I went in November). Hope this helps x

Personal choice of course, but it is a vibrant but noisy, dusty and full-on city. You have to have your wits about you at all times.
I would recommend one of the large all inclusive hotels a few miles out of the city, with beautiful grounds ro relax in and a heated swimming pool.
That way you can have visit the city and the sights but also have some peaceful time away from it too.

Definitely get a riad in the Medina in Marrakech. It’s magical watching the sun set over the rooftops, listening to the myriad calls to prayer. If you want a list of restaurants and bars that serve alcohol, dm me.

I prefer a hotel just outside, with bigger grounds and pools so I can chase the sun. Then go into the medina and enjoy it at my leisure, much quieter and better sleep in a hotel.

I’ve stayed twice in a raid in the medina with a terrace for breakfast and loved it.one had a tiny pool so could relax. But I think if I went again I’d stay in a hotel outside the medina, quieter, access to a bar and a pool. But I really think for a first visit a good riad makes it.