Choosing Accommodation in Morocco: Riads vs Hotels
Marrakech, a vibrant city in Morocco, offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveller's taste. Let's delve into the pros and cons of staying in riads, hotels in Nouvelle Ville, and resorts in the Palmerie area.
Riads
Riads, traditional mansions built around central courtyards, provide an authentic Moroccan experience. With their Moorish architecture and intimate settings, these properties offer a glimpse into the city's rich history. Located inside or near the old medina, riads immerse you in the cultural heart of Marrakech.
However, they often come with smaller spaces and may feel less modern compared to hotels. Navigating the narrow streets of the medina can be challenging for first-timers, and some riads might lack facilities such as gyms or large pools.
Hotels in Nouvelle Ville
Nouvelle Ville, a tidy neighbourhood filled with wide boulevards, shopping malls, and luxury stores, is home to modern hotels that offer spacious, stylish rooms and amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, bars, and more. The area is quieter and more contemporary, making it a good base for exploring the city.
While these hotels provide comfort and convenience, they might lack the charm of traditional riads. Occasionally, reports of unfriendly or unhelpful staff have been noted, which can diminish the overall experience.
Resorts in the Palmerie Area
The Palmerie, an oasis outside Marrakech, is home to resorts that offer a more exclusive, high-end experience. With date palms, golf courses, and luxury hammams, these resorts provide a peaceful retreat from the city's noise.
Resorts in the Palmerie excel in luxury and relaxation, with large spaces, amenities such as large pools, lush gardens, and wellness centers. However, they are farther from the city's cultural and historical center, requiring transport for sightseeing.
A taxi ride from the Palmerie to the major attractions in Marrakech is about twenty minutes. The Palais Rhoul in the Palmerie offers master suites for £450 a night.
Comparison
- Riads provide a culturally rich, intimate Moroccan experience inside or near the old medina, with personalized service and beautiful decor, but can be less spacious and less modern.
- Hotels in Nouvelle Ville offer modern conveniences and comfort in a quieter, contemporary city area but might lack the charm of traditional riads and occasional service issues have been reported.
- Resorts in Palmerie excel in luxury and relaxation with large spaces and amenities, situated in peaceful surroundings, but they are farther from the city's cultural and historical center.
The Nouvelle Ville is around a twenty to thirty minute walk from the Djemma el Fna, making it a good base for exploring the city. The Ryad Mogador Menara in the Nouvelle Ville offers a hammam service. Riads in Marrakech are clustered around the Medina, the historic city center.
Whether you prefer the charm of traditional riads, the modern comfort of hotels in Nouvelle Ville, or the luxury of resorts in the Palmerie, Marrakech has a wide range of accommodations to cater to every traveller's needs.
- For those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience with traditional decor and personalized service, staying in a riad offers a cultural immersion near the old medina.
- Hotels in Nouvelle Ville provide modern comfort and amenities, such as air conditioning and fitness centers, in a quieter, contemporary area, with easy access to shopping and tourist attractions.
- Resorts in the Palmerie offer a luxurious retreat with large spaces, impressive amenities, and a peaceful environment, though transportation may be required for sightseeing at the city's cultural and historical attractions.
