Has anyone been to Marrakesh?

sally06

MRSTITTLEMOUSE wrote: »

I've always wanted to go there too but most people I've spoken too have put me off.
Someone mentioned dress code,I'm off to Tunisia and Egypt soon and should imagine it'll be a bit samey.
It's made me think what if anything should I be careful of dress wise,bearing in mind it'll be very hot.

I've not been to eqypt, but I've been to tunisia a few times and it's very similar to morocco. Although, it's a much smaller country and a lot more touristy than morocco. I don't think you would need to cover up too much there. Having said that, I wouldn't walk around the souks wearing a mini skirt and a low cut top:D

hieveryone, I hope you have a lovely time in morocco

TallulahPickle

I went to Marrakech last year with my bf, I am a young (24 at the time) blonde girl and consider myself to be a reasonably experienced traveller and quite streetwise. I had an amazing time and would definately recomend you go and experience it for yourself but at the same time keep your wits about you.

Have you booked your riad yet? we stayed at the Riad Jahan and cant praise it highly enough. I would strongly advise you book an airport transfer from your riad especially if arriving at night as it is an absolute maze and I really dont think we would have found where we staying at 2am. The riad owner will usually take you and show you d'eema el fna (main square) on your 1st time and you will get your bearings after the first day.

The food is AMAZING and the shopping is mega!! Seriously take minimal luggage out there as if you dont come back with new leather holdalls in amazing coloured leather, kaftans, belts etc I would be amazed!
Make sure you eat in the deema el fna at night, try as many stalls as you can manage and have bits at each to sample all the delights. also the orange juice stands are the best oj you will taste mega refreshing! Also get henna on your first day as it will stop the girls chasing you round to henna paint your arms if you already have it done

There are some stunning restaurants in the palmaraie which are more upmarket and you can drink in them well worth a night out.

I do agree with the comments about covering up as I did see some women get spat at and shouted at in the souks but they were in ridiculously short skirts/shorts and strappy tops - i lived in linen trousers and floaty tops and took a shrug in case i needed to cover up in anywhere.

Ooooh also there is a bar on the square which does lovely refreshing non alchoholic mojitos - it is on the left side of the square if you are looking at the big spire.

Have an amazing time, keep your wits about you and shop like your carrie in satc haha

northwest1965

Did you see Jamie Does? The one when he was in Marrakesh. The food was lovely. I love Marrakesh

suelees1

Nobjocki wrote: »

At the risk of generalisation and being accused of being racist my old man, many many years ago, gave me a sound piece of advice.

Never,ever trust an Arab.

None of the many I have met since then have persuaded me otherwise.

...and no-one with such a username could persuade me they're anything but an ignorant bigot

hieveryone

Thanks everyone so far.

Tallulah Pickle, I had a wee look at your recommendation and it does look gorgeous, but just a bit too expensive for us - trying to keep it under £300 total for the hotel. Found the Best Western Takida Gardens which looks lovely, trying to shop around to get it a bit cheaper.

Very interested in the leather bags etc - so excited to go now! Although need to sort somewhere to stay first lol.

suelees1

Try doing a web search for a riad in the medina. They're fantastic and you'll be really looked after in one of these.

There are lots of websites but I've put a link below for a site you can start with. Just make sure you know which area you want to stay in before committing yourself. It might be worth reading up a bit about the different areas - there's lots of info on the web. We've only ever stayed in the medina which is the oldest part of the city where the world famous Djemma el fna is situated. It's a large square which comes alive each night with food stalls, story tellers, snake charmers, water sellers etc etc. It's a great experience. The souks are just off this same square and they're a real labrynthe of lanes selling everything you can think of.

Oh yes and don't believe all the stories about it being unsafe. I'd sooner walk around there on my own than in lots of places in the uk

http://www.laterooms.com/en/p1301/pv00207RW2/k14245183_marrakech-hotels.aspx?gclid=CMbjzbOWkaICFQ8_lAodyUUhjg

hieveryone

I'm not sure I'm too keen on a riad to be honest - a lot of them look like they have tiny little pools whereas I want to sprawl out and relax... maybe I've got it wrong but by the pictures this is what it looks like?

Also, are the riads owned by locals, or stayed in by locals? We are two young girls travelling alone, and I admit I do want to feel safe and in an environment that is suitable - think this is why I am swaying towards a 'big name' hotel.

Nobjocki

suelees1 wrote: »

...and no-one with such a username could persuade me they're anything but an ignorant bigot

Sue baby, let's examine the evidence.

First up, if you're a woman you'll know that in most Arab countries you'd be treated very much as a second class citizen with few rights and the social statues of a servant.
In many of them you'll be expected to cover almost every part of your body in public no matter how stifling the heat.
If you don't and your husband chooses to beat you there is little or nothing you can do about it and more than likely you would be thrown in jail anyway.
If you choose to be unfaithful to your husband you could well be flogged in public and certainly imprisoned.
In most of those Arab countries there is no democracy, the lower classes are treated as slaves and immigrants even worse than that.
To a certain extent Morocco is better than some Arab countries in that it has an elected parliament but the King has huge executive powers and can instantly dissolve parliament and send in the army.
Westerners are welcomed in the country but be under no illusions - you are considered to be inferior in every respect and as a woman you are only tolerated because of the tourist money you bring to the country.
Oil has delivered a sheen of respectability to many Arab countries but strip that away and actually most are still living in the Dark Ages.
You may well have had a lovely holiday there but behind your back your hosts hold you in nothing but contempt - especially as you're a woman.
If you're happy with that fine but I know Mrs Nobjocki has a little more self-respect than to visit a country where she wouldn't be considered my equal.

TallulahPickle

A riad would be more authentic and they are totally safe hun . . . the pools in them are just plunge pools but most have roof terraces where you can sunbathe.

mr & mrs smith suggest some good ones then look to book direct

hieveryone

Nobjocki wrote: »

If you're happy with that fine but I know Mrs Nobjocki has a little more self-respect than to visit a country where she wouldn't be considered my equal.

Are you suggesting that people who visit Morocco have no self respect?
:-/

I enjoy visiting other cultures and experiencing a different way of life than that I know. In a self fulfilling way, it can only make you appreciate what you have in your own life even more. There is such a thing as self respect, but then there's just arrogance where an assumption that you truly are better than everyone comes across.