Marrakech

[Bobbinogtastic]

Hi all !

firstly, do you think taking a 1 and 4 year old on holiday to Marrakech is safe ?

secondly, any tips from anyone who has been there ?

Thanks!

yes, so long as you have a foolproof method (not pushchair, too cobbly) of getting the 1yo around

stay in the medina not the ville nouvelle but find a riad with a pool and roof terrace if poss

eat local stuff that's been cooked fresh in front of you

we took our (then) 2 year old to marrakech for four nights and then went on to essaouira for a beach break - a really good combination. we had a buggy for him and it is a bit cobbly and you have to dodge the scooter/chicken chasers. It is a fascinating place and the children will be charmed by the whirling dervishes and snake charmers and general atmosphere of the medina and main square. Not loads to do for small children hence the trip to the beach which has a little playground on it but is windy all year so not great for swimming.
It felt perfectly safe and nowhere near as hassly as 20 years ago - we were left alone apart from a bit of badgering in the main square. Having said that, the usual precautions would apply ie. keep valuables at the hotel, camera hidden etc.
we stayed at a riad which had a lovely family suite and a small pool - you could have home cooked meals there but v pricey compared to the local places.
the food was good, plenty of rice, cous cous and plain chicken/chips for the kids if you want to play safe and bottled water. lots of lovely french restaurants and also the big hotel chain restaurants in the 'new' town.
arm yourself with a good guide and go for it - we are hoping to return this new year