Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
Club Alpin Français
(CAF; 0522 27 00 90;
http://cafmaroc2011.ffcam.fr
;
50 Blvd Moulay Abderrah-
man, Quartier Beauséjour, Casablanca) runs refuges in the High Atlas.
»
If you are trekking in the High Atlas or travelling off the beaten track elsewhere, you may be offered ac-
commodation in village homes.
»
Many homestays won't have running water or electricity, but you'll find them big on warmth and hospit-
ality.
»
You should be prepared to pay what you would at
gîtes d'étape
or mountain refuges.
Hostels
Part of Hostelling International,
Fédération Royale Marocaine des Auberges de Jeunes
( 0522 47 09
52;
http://tinyurl.com/373omvl
)
has reliable youth hostels in Casablanca, Fez, Marrakesh, Meknès, Ouarza-
zate and Rabat.
»
If you're travelling alone, hostels are among the cheapest places to stay (Dh30 to Dh60 a night), but many
are inconveniently located.
»
Some offer kitchens, family rooms and breakfast.
»
If looking for a budget hostel, beware of individuals' houses converted in the dead of night without the
appropriate licences.
Hotels
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You'll need your passport number (and entry-stamp number) when filling in a hotel register.
»
Some hotels in more isolated regions offer half-board
(demi-pension),
which means breakfast and dinner
are included, or full-board
(pension),
also including lunch. This can be a good deal.
BUDGET
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You'll find cheap, unclassified (without a star rating) or one-star hotels clustered in the medinas of the
bigger cities.
»
Some are bright and spotless; others haven't seen a mop for years.
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Cheaper prices usually mean shared washing facilities and squat toilets.
»
Many budget hotels don't supply soap in the bathrooms, so bring a bar or some gel.
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Occasionally there's a gas-heated shower, for which you'll pay an extra Dh5 to Dh10.
»
Where there is no hot water at all, head for the local hammam.
»
Many cheap hotels in the south offer a mattress on the roof terrace (Dh25 to Dh30); others also have tradi-
tional Moroccan salons, lined with banks of seats and cushions, where you can sleep for a similar price.
