Survival Guide - Morocco - page 959

MIDRANGE
» Midrange hotels in Morocco are generally of a high standard.
» Options range from hotels offering Western-style rooms, which are modern if a little soulless, to riads and
maisons d'hôtes (small hotels), which capture the essence of Moroccan style with comfort and character.
» In this price range, you should expect an en-suite room with shower.
» In cheaper areas such as the south, you may find midrange standards at budget prices.
TOP END
» Hotels in this bracket are similar to midrange places but with more luxurious levels of comfort and design.
» In resorts such as Agadir, many top-end hotels are self-contained holiday complexes, offering features
such as golf courses, nightclubs and multiple restaurants.
Riads, Dars & Kasbahs
For many guests, the chance to stay in a converted traditional house is a major drawcard of a trip to Mo-
rocco. These midrange and top-end options are the type of accommodation that the term 'boutique hotel'
could have been invented for, and no two are alike. Service tends to be personal, with many places noted for
their food as much as their lodgings.
Locations Marrakesh is the most famous destination for riads (there are several hundred); Fez, Meknès, Es-
saouira and Rabat are also noteworthy. With their popularity seemingly unassailable, you can increasingly
find riads in the most unexpected corners of the country.
Riads and dars Although the term riad is often used gener- ically, a riad proper is a house built around a
garden with trees. You'll also come across plenty of dars (traditional townhouses with internal courtyards).
Kasbahs Often functioning as hotels, kasbahs (old citadels) are found in tourist centres in central and south-
ern Morocco. Rooms in kasbahs are small and dark, due to the nature of the building, but are lovely and
cool in summer.
Booking Most riads operate on advance bookings, and it's worth planning ahead, as most only have a hand-
ful of rooms and can fill quickly. Advance booking often means that someone from the riad will be sent to
meet you outside the medina when you arrive: labyrinthine streets conspire against finding the front door on
your first attempt.
Rates Room rates are generally comparable to four- or five-star hotels. Many riads list their online rates in
euros, rather than dirham, at exchange rates favourable to themselves, so always double check the prices
when booking.