Marrakech as base in Morocco

ellay864

We're looking at a week in Morocco and fancy staying in Marrakech area, currently looking at AI in the Palmeraie area. While we fancy seeing the sights of Marrakech itself we'd also like to be able to visit the likes of Casblanca, Rabat and some other places, preferably going on our own. Can anybody give any advice on how do-able this is? I know there is a train from Marrakech to Casablanca, but not sure how tourist-friendly it is, and whether other places are accessible by public transport.
Also the hotels we like are AI but I do like eating out at different places. Is eating out cheap enough to warrant doing that rather than use the AI we've paid for? DH likes the idea of kowing we can just eat at the hotel no hassle if we choose but not sure if that could end up being costly on days out and we'd be better looking at B&B and then just eating wherever

markandkate

As ever the man in seat 61 has all the answers

http://www.seat61.com/Morocco.htm#Travelling%20by%20train%20in%20Morocco

Casablanca is not really much of a place and I am not sure that you could do any of the other imperial cities in a day trip, you will probably need to stay over.

Private car hire is safe and cheep as is hiring a taxi and driver and may be a lot quicker and easier than a train

markandkate

AI in Morocco would be a sin but if yo are not confident then try https://www.accorhotels.com who have a number of hotels in morocco and yo can always each there if your confidence fails

Voyager2002

I was there last month...

You can find tasty but basic food in central Marrakech for not much, but fantastic food (very much better than in the hotel) will set you back about ten pounds per person for a main dish. Missing out on food of that quality would be a crime against humanity!

Be aware that Palmeraie is quite a way out of the city centre. If you wanted to go anywhere by public transport, the need to wait until a shuttle became available and then the journey time would really "clip your wings" while a taxi would not be cheap.

ellay864

It's DH who wanted to go AI but in fairness it's because eating out with me is a nightmare - for various reasons I am quite limited on what I can eat, anything remotely spicy is a no-go for one thing and he finds it frustrating if we can't fnd anywhere I can eat. His reasoning is that a large AI would cater to European taste more.
Maybe we should rethink the Palmeraie thing - that came from having heard some horror stories about small old town hotels/riads. Methinks another visit to tripadvisor is called for. We did only really start thinking about this yesterday so not done huge amount of research yet
If we wouldn't be able to do other cities in a day, is a week in Marrakech a bad idea? I always like to go out and sightsee if I go anywhere - seems a shame to travel somewhere and only see one city. Would there be a better base, or maybe look at multi-centre stay?

Philippa36

We spent a week in Marrakesh last year and loved it. We stayed in a riad which was very comfortable and meant we were immersed in the culture rather than staying outside in one of the AI's and driven in to the centre every day. We didn't travel outside of Marrakesh.
The food was spicy generally but we did find some very nice restaurants along side eating in the square several nights. The food is very cheap and varied.
If you have to stick to a plain diet you might find the food outside of the big hotels an issue. A friend of mine went last summer but didn't enjoy it due to the heat and dietary issues - it is something to consider if you're sensitive.

martindow

Agree that Casablanca is very disappointing - an afternoon is enough in my opinion. I think the most interesting places are further north - Fes and Meknes for example. Trains are fine and first class very affordable and comfortable.

There is a bargain overnight train from Marrakech to Tangiers for under 30 pounds in couchettes. It's a good journey flying to Malaga or another southern Spanish airport and then ferry and train around Morocco.

PompeyPete

We flew into Marrakesh, had a few nights there at a hostel in the Medina. Marrakesh is a wonderful place, a feast for all your senses.

It's full on in your face, and you need to be prepared for it. It's not everyones cup-of-tea, and you might see a few sights that you'd rather not have seen. And to avoid unwanted attention females should dress appropriately, sunglasses to avoid direct eye contact, long sleeves, cover your knees, and wear a ring on your wedding finger (any old ring'll do!)

Then we took the train to Casablanca, Fez, and back via Rabat. I think we had about 9 days to do the three.

Casablanca is a dump, with a few dood fish restaurants. We stayed in a traditional hotel, but in a dodgy part of town.

Fez is awesome and the Medina is amazing, even more than Marrakesh. We stayed at a lovely atmospheric place that used to be the old British Consulate.

Rabat, the capital city is a lovely old French colonial town by the sea and well worth a few days. The medina is all in the open, and very relaxed.

The trains aren't particularly tourist orientated, but so what, it's all part of the adventure. We travelled First Class, but don't expect anything swish.

jetsetterjoe

PompeyPete wrote: »

We flew into Marrakesh, had a few nights there at a hostel in the Medina. Marrakesh is a wonderful place, a feast for all your senses.

It's full on in your face, and you need to be prepared for it. It's not everyones cup-of-tea, and you might see a few sights that you'd rather not have seen. And to avoid unwanted attention females should dress appropriately, sunglasses to avoid direct eye contact, long sleeves, cover your knees, and wear a ring on your wedding finger (any old ring'll do!)

Then we took the train to Casablanca, Fez, and back via Rabat. I think we had about 9 days to do the three.

Casablanca is a dump, with a few dood fish restaurants. We stayed in a traditional hotel, but in a dodgy part of town.

Fez is awesome and the Medina is amazing, even more than Marrakesh. We stayed at a lovely atmospheric place that used to be the old British Consulate.

Rabat, the capital city is a lovely old French colonial town by the sea and well worth a few days. The medina is all in the open, and very relaxed.

The trains aren't particularly tourist orientated, but so what, it's all part of the adventure. We travelled First Class, but don't expect anything swish.

I echo these comments.

When going on an adventure to Marrakech, be prepared for a very full-on experience. It's a cultural melting-pot and absolutely thrilling if you remain open minded.

As for staying in the area you suggested, beware of expensive taxi's to get into the city centre. If you can, opt for a Riad! I stayed in Riad El Faris and was very well looked after there. I can recommend it highly.

Katiehound

Spent half a day in Casablanca- probably half a day too long! It was a big disappointment. Sounds romantic? forget it... a large industrial city with port. The most interesting building is the world's 3rd largest mosque.
Oh, and in case you are thinking of the film of the same name, every last frame of it was filmed in....Hollywood!

martindow

jetsetterjoe wrote: »

beware of expensive taxi's to get into the city centre.

There are two kinds of taxis in Morocco. Petit taxis in towns take three passengers and should be metered but drivers are often not keen to use them especially if they have been waiting ages at a taxi stand. Always agree a fare before getting in if the meter 'doesn't work'. If there are spare seats it is normal that the taxi will stop to pick up other passengers going the same way.

Grands taxis go non stop between towns on fixed routes leaving often from a taxi rank next to the town bus station. They have fixed fares and take six people in a Mercedes - 4 in the back and two next to the driver. As soon as the car is full it leaves - you rarely have to wait more than a few seconds. They are not for the faint hearted as due to being squashed in tightly you can't use seat belts. For more comfort you can buy extra seats or all six so you have the car to yourself. You can also negotiate with drivers to hire the car and driver for other journeys or for the day.