Marrakesh, Morocco Travel Rut

It depends what you mean by memorable. La Mamounia is one of the best hotels in the world.

Okay, well done. Same answer I would have given to a somewhat ubiquitous question. But then in looking at it, its oly $200 a night. But one of the advantages to this trip was I was supposing I could get really nice accommodation (I like nice) for $100 to $150.

I will put together a package and then try and sell it to son and family.

The hotel I stayed at had cockroaches, is that the kind of memorable you are looking for? When I complained the guy at the front desk looked perplexed and said they don’t bite.

We liked Riad les Oliviers and Spa. In the Medina, but near a gate for easy access. Very nice rooftop pool, restaurant and breakfast area. https://www.riadlesoliviers.com/en

And the roaches?

I don’t think I could remember the name. Was in the under $5 range but back in the 80s. Right in the medina, easy to get lost.

The Riads in the Medina are definitely the best place to stay in Marrakech. I've stayed in two of them, but I've forgotten their names.

You can search for them on Google Maps by zooming in on the Medina and searching for "Riad."

Regarding roaches, I don't remember seeing any in Morocco. I've traveled to Europe, Africa, America, and Asia. The most roaches I've seen were in the USA.

JoLui, darrenblois: thank you

You really should go to Algeria. It will get you out of your travel rut and is much less touristy than Morocco. The Casbah and Rais Palace in Algiers are more authentic than Marrakech. Plus, Algieria is less expensive than Morocco.

No easy / cheap flight. I should do a lot of things that aren't practical.

Tunisia’s terrific in November. Cheap flights too.

Gee, you got my hopes up. I thought you actually looked before you posted. Algeria is a longer flight with changes and twice the cost. And there would be a visa issue i dont want to deal with. Everyone, I appreciate the input on Marrakesh.

But Kenko, if you want to add when you went and where you stayed in Marrakesh and what you didn't like about it, that would be appreciated.

And I am guessing for you the Tunis beaches didn't play into your reason for your trip to Tunis?

I suggest avoiding any hotel that had roaches 40 years ago, regardless of cost.

This works. Cheap easy and relatively short non-stop flights. Very nice and very affordable accommodation in the right location, simple EVisa, affordable transfers and guides.

1. Thu, Nov 27 / 3:50 PM – 8:25 PM /Wizz Air / Nonstop and Tue, Dec 2 / 7:00 PM – 11:10 PM / Ryanair /Nonstop. Total Fare $108 to $180 depending on luggage (still need to decide – either both cheap or one of each).
2. Accommodation. Riad Les Oliviers & Spa / 5 nights / $690. Still need to look some more but the one recommendation I got on the RS forum looks to be a very nice place, so I will use it as the place to beat as I keep looking.
3. EVisa. Not more than $110 (might be $80 but have to start the process to know for sure).
4. Airport Transfers in Marrakech and Budapest combined not more than $40
5. Two 4-hour guides. Not more than $50
6. Shopping, entrance fees, roach traps, or what ever. $200
   

Spending money, food, booze? No more, no less, than what I spend per day at home. So ZERO additional cost.
So, holiday for two $1.594 ($797 per person) for 5 nights in Marrakech.

I have enough left over in the budget to up the accommodation a bit. Maybe another $20 a night. So, I will keep looking.

What makes you think you need an Evisa for Morocco? Or are you not a US passport holder?

Notice that the trip is for for more than just me.... so yes, and no.

**|Now I need a 5 night plan and a memorable hotel, a guide for at least 3 half days, maybe a day trip or an overnight, and food. Suggestions?|**

Every time we wanted to go to places far from Marrakech, I asked the riad manager without going through any organization or searching the internet. The next day, we had someone to take us.

Once, we went by car with two guys to the Ourika waterfalls, stopping in villages and then trekking for a final part. It was quite nice.

Another time, a very old guy (a little drunk, but very nice) came to show us around the Medina for three or four hours.

There was no set price; like many things in North Africa, you have to negotiate.

JoLui, thank you. The ones with experience shine thru. Very much appreciated.