[url=http://www.onda.ma/]Marrakech-Menara Airport[/url] , ☎+212 4444 7910, +212 4444 78 65, +212 4444 8506. Marrakech has an international airport with direct scheduled flights from London, Dublin, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Paris and Madrid and many charter flights arriving from all over Europe. If you are flying from the US, Canada, Asia or elsewhere, you'll have to change planes in Casablanca.
Plenty of low cost companies fly to Marrakech. Some companies fly to [wiki=adf20488d00fb576b16546b1c93611b4]Casablanca[/wiki], where a plane change for the 45 min flight to Marrakech can be made.
From the UK, [url=http://www.easyjet.com]easyJet[/url] flies to Marrakech from Manchester, Bristol, London Stansted and Gatwick Airport (and also from [wiki=6314044c3803213e9fd3f3ecf8c90d65]Madrid[/wiki] and from [wiki=debecab907ccabee0bc672b9fa1cab8a]Lyon[/wiki]). Ryanair has direct flights from [wiki=f4c28062125e3cf5d06fc63efc41d876]Oporto[/wiki] (Portugal), Luton, Dublin, and Stansted to Marrakech. They also fly from Frankfurt-Hahn (Germany), Alicante (Spain), Girona (Spain), Madrid, Reus (Spain), and Rome Ciampino (Italy) to Marrakech. Thomson Airways travels from London Gatwick and [wiki=317532540adceb07d5e2ec62d5eacac2]Manchester[/wiki]. [url=http://www.ba.com]British Airways[/url] began flying from London Gatwick in 2011 and now have a daily service to Marrakech.
Atlas Blue airlines was once a low cost carrier but was merged into Royal Air Maroc in 2010. Transavia.com is a new low cost carrier from the Air France-KLM group coming to Marrakech from several cities in Europe like Paris. [url=http://www.norwegian.no/]Norwegian[/url] offers direct flights from [wiki=2da3c827ccabc4855cb9921b4f1addfa]Copenhagen[/wiki], [wiki=f4830432874f86d2e2a1a5f2dbebbc80]Oslo[/wiki] and [wiki=fcfff492e00727b63cf5dff9f59bc2a4]Stockholm[/wiki]. Iberia offers two non stop flights from Madrid. TAP Portugal offers direct flights from [wiki=260b4e591e03de9750f965a30087ed5f]Lisbon[/wiki].
From inside Morocco, you can take [url=http://www.royalairmaroc.com]Royal Air Morocco[/url], with flights from [wiki=287d0c92e2c4a9390888a93ed0b03fe9]Agadir[/wiki], [wiki=adf20488d00fb576b16546b1c93611b4]Casablanca[/wiki] (daily), [wiki=9cd81bc40b0b095de9d29cbaffeb6ee3]Fez[/wiki] (daily), [wiki=ba4c3a4f880f7ae916724b727a1ad923]Ouarzazate[/wiki], [wiki=96d50148b50896aca329a9c701469eea]Al Hoceima[/wiki], and [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki].
The train station is in the recently developed Guéliz district at Avenue Hassan II, ☎ +212 447768. For train times and schedules, check out the Moroccan Railway website [url=http://www.oncf.ma]www.oncf.ma[/url].
That train station has ATMs, an INWI cellphone store (purchase a SIM here), a post office, and cafes. Tickets for the trains can be purchased from a person at the guichets or from an ONCF kiosk which accepts credit cards (French and English). Supratours has an office where you can purchase bus tickets.
Trains from [wiki=adf20488d00fb576b16546b1c93611b4]Casablanca[/wiki] (2nd class Dh84; 1st class Dh150, 3 hours), [wiki=fbed5c7b6db0d0d1328875d041a152cd]Rabat[/wiki] and [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki] connect with most domestic rail destinations in the country, with Marrakech as the southernmost stop. Trains run regularly between Marrakech and Casablanca (including the International Airport). They arrive around every two hours and regularly from other destinations like [wiki=fbed5c7b6db0d0d1328875d041a152cd]Rabat[/wiki]. Every day there are 8 direct 7-hour trains to Fez via Casablanca Voyageurs station and another two direct connections to Tangier.
Tangier: For those wishing to travel by train from [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki] it's about a 10-hour journey. You can travel either by day or night train. During the day, you will need to change trains for a connection halfway through the journey, creating a break for about 30 mins. The night trains which leave for Marrakech from [wiki=3d5a7deaa9855d6ed198e99341eda49f]Tangier[/wiki] travel straight through to Marrakech without the need for a connection. The night trains have sleeper cars on board, though you will need to pay extra for these (around Dh 350).
If you're planning to go cheap and take the night train on the regular seats in second class (and planning to sleep...), you'll be interrupted by passenger movement and a few times by the ticket conductors throughout the night. Bottom line: It's a great way to go but (especially if you're traveling alone) don't plan on sleeping on the train.
There is currently no train line further south than Marrakech in Morocco; if you want to head south, to the desert, Atlas Mountains, Agadir or Essaouira on the coast, you'll have to get a bus, rental car or grand taxi.
Travel tips: Moroccan trains do not have restaurant cars. A snack trolley makes the rounds with sandwiches, soft drinks and coffee, but bringing food for the journey isn't a bad idea. Stops in Casablanca and Rabat usually are long enough to grab a bite in the station.
There are many long distance bus companies operating in Morocco which serve Marrakech and other cities.
The recommended bus companies for tourists are CTM, Pullman du sud and Supratours. Other companies exist, though these three companies are usually your safest options. There is a Supratours office inside the main hall of the Marrakech railway station. CTM bus tickets can be bought upstairs in the Telephone place on Rue Bab Agnaou off the main square (look for a neon telephone on the top of the building) and an Eservice shop (look for a yellow sign) on an alleyway just off the same road, opposite Restaurant Omar.
Most ALSA (local destination bus company) and private bus lines arrive at the long distance bus station near Bab Doukkala, a 20-min walk (Dh 15-20 by petit taxi) from Djemaa El-Fna. Supratours and Eurolines buses operate from here. It's the place to take the buses from the small companies that go directly to small destinations.
The long distance bus station, CTM and private bus companies travel to destinations such as [wiki=287d0c92e2c4a9390888a93ed0b03fe9]Agadir[/wiki], [wiki=37435be887a7f4929495f19149f67428]Safi[/wiki], [wiki=adf20488d00fb576b16546b1c93611b4]Casablanca[/wiki], [wiki=4eaff72238dbb793a0600627e8f1e707]El Jadida[/wiki], [wiki=c4362fc77cbfb70c6ca1d34c76ab4372]Essaouira[/wiki], [wiki=9cd81bc40b0b095de9d29cbaffeb6ee3]Fez[/wiki], [wiki=a5290cc8f75aef5a1e60f30d37baae70]Meknes[/wiki], [wiki=ba4c3a4f880f7ae916724b727a1ad923]Ouarzazate[/wiki], [wiki=fbed5c7b6db0d0d1328875d041a152cd]Rabat[/wiki], and [wiki=54869fbdf3f816af3f14c062bafc31e0]Taroudant[/wiki]. Taxi touts will often gather in the bus station to convince you that a bus to your destination is 'full', to steer you into a grand taxi, and to attempt to sell you goods as your taxi is prepared. This can be difficult if there is nobody manning the ticket desks, and the best option is to walk out of the station to the coaches -- a ticket can usually be purchased from a conductor on board.
For trips to [wiki=a5290cc8f75aef5a1e60f30d37baae70]Meknes[/wiki] (6h, ~120 Dh) be advised that while seemingly shorter on the map, the mountain route via [wiki=1e11bea3e8119c0ba9de6e3f0575be12]Beni Millal[/wiki] takes at least 2 hours more than on the highway via [wiki=fbed5c7b6db0d0d1328875d041a152cd]Rabat[/wiki] and Casa. Going there by train (6½h, 174 Dh) is the most comfortable option, although buses might be slightly quicker.
For those interested in overnight transit to Tangier, there is an overnight bus that leaves the main bus station at midnight every night (8h, 160 Dh). This is a great alternative for the overnight train to Tangier, as there's no need to transfer, the bus is almost nonstop (besides one or two breaks), and the journey is 2 hours shorter than the overnight train. Tickets can be purchased at the long-distance bus station (look for the ticket window operating buses to Rabat). CTM also operates overnight services to Tangier (9h, ~220 Dh).
CTM operates a new bus station "Gare Voyageurs" one block south from the Supratour station next to the train station. It's better to take the buses there, because you can buy the tickets in advance. Besides, the CTM's offices there are better and there are no people trying to push you to their bus company. The office and station once on Zerktouni street does not exist anymore. CTM has an office at the long distance bus station (see above) if you just want to buy your tickets in advance or check the schedule. A taxi between the CTM bus station and the Medina should cost about 35dh.
Almost all buses stop at Djemaa El-Fna and Place Youssef Ben Tachfine and fares range from Dh 2-5 depending on the distance. Important municipal bus lines are:
* No 1 - Towards Gueliz
* Nos 3 and 8 - Stops at the central train station, and bus station (Gare Routiere Voyageurs Marrakech)
* No 10 - Stops at the long distance bus station
* No 11 - Will drop you off at the gardens of Menara
* No 18 - Outside of Airport to Djemaa el-Fna.
* No 19 - Airport express to Djemaa el-Fna (one way Dh30/return for Dh50)
Bus No 19 leaves Djemaa el-Fna every half an hour, starting at 6:15AM in the morning until 9:15PM. The trip to the airport takes about 25 minutes.
There is an open-topped City Sightseeing bus that will take you around the outskirts of the city, with commentary provided via headphones (supplied with your ticket) in 8 languages. The best place to catch it is from the coach stops by Square de Foucauld. Tickets cost Dh 145 each and are valid for 24 hours from the time of issue, no matter how many times you get on or off. However, check the timetable carefully: the buses can stop running earlier than you might think.
An alternative and romantic way to travel is by caleche -- pronounced kutchee -- a small horse-drawn carriage. They can be hired at Square de Foucauld (the small park at the bottom of Djemaa El-Fna). It's wise to agree on a price before setting off. As a guide price, you should pay around DH 150 per hour, per carriage.
If getting around by taxi, bear in mind that taxi drivers will make up many excuses to rip you off. For example:
- They don't have change.
- They will hustle you to charge for everything such as bags. But you don't need to pay for extras.
- For petit taxi, the maximum number of passengers is three (plus the driver). Sometimes you need to share with other passengers. If you are a group of two or three people, you just pay the one price and share with others (example, 10Dh for three passengers).
- Generally during the daytime you will pay about 10dh; at night you should pay no more than 20dh.
- The minimum charge is Dh7 before 8pm and after will be 10Dh.
- Dh 20 is a good price for a 10 min ride.
- For Grand Taxis (regular Mercedes taxis) there are no meters. Typically the set rate from Marrakech Airport to the Medina or Jemaa el fna (Main square) is 150Dh. There appears to be no limit to the amount of people they'll attempt to squeeze in! Outside of the airport if you are a group of more than three (the maximum for a Petit Taxi), then negotiate your fee before you enter the Grand Taxi.
Always ask to use the meter (compteur in French); otherwise, you are contributing to a culture of ripping off people. During the day you can generally get them to use the meter (if they refuse, just get out, stop another one).
At night, tell them "ashreen" (20dh). If you go to nightlife locations, avoid the taxis that are waiting outside as these are thieves and they can extort you. It's best to get the telephone number of someone honest and ask them to pick you up.
Other locations where the thieves wait is near Jema el Fna square and at tourist sites. Here it is best to stop a taxi that is passing in the street and not those that are waiting. Generally the older and more beat up the taxi and the older the driver, the better. The less they talk the better (no "where are you from, first time in Marocco, etc.").
The old, historic district of Marrakech.
The main square in the Medina is Djemaa El-Fna. It is surrounded by endless labyrinths of souks (bazaars) and alleyways covering all of the Medina. Djemma El-Fna is a must as there is always something to see there day and night whether it be snake charmers, acrobats, sooth-sayers, or the musicians and food stalls (some overcharging heavily). At night the square really comes to life as people navigate toward the exotic aromas and the entertaining sights. As the evening darkens, the hustle and bustle rages on. The exotic music appears louder and more hypnotic.
Directly south of the Djemaa El-Fna is Rue Bab Agnaou. A five-minute walk takes you straight to the famous Bab Agnaou entrance to the Kasbah district of the Medina. The Bab Agnaou entrance, through the ramparts, is by far the most impressive of all Medina rampart entrances. The Kasbah, in comparison to the Derbs (streets) surrounding the Djemaa El-Fna, portrays a calmer, less abrasive atmosphere. It is home to the Royal Palace, the former El-Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. This naturally creates better security, cleaner streets and a hint of being a special place in the Medina. The Kasbah has its own little bazaars (souikas), food stalls, restaurants, hotels and riads for travelers to enjoy.
Les Bains de Marrakech, 2 Derb Sedra, Bab Agnaou (same building as Riad Mehdi), +212 438 1428 [url=http://www.lesbainsdemarrakech.com].]Tourists-oriented in good sense: couples can have hammam together in a private room. Extensive list of massages and spa treatments from 30 min to a full day. Reception and attendants are proficient in English; the scrubbing and massage personnel speak only very basic vocabulary.
* Hammam Dar el-Bacha, 20 Rue Fatima Zohra, men 7AM-1PM, women 1-9PM
* Hammam Bab Doukkala, Rue Bab Doukkala, southeast corner Bab Doukkala Mosque, women noon-7PM, men 8PM
* Thai marrakech Résidence Les Jasmins Apt N° 13 4ème étage Angle Av. Mohamed v et Rue Oum Errabia Guéliz +212 524 433 304. Bann Thai institute is a beauty center based in the heart of Marrakech. His team is a graduate of the famous school of Wat Po in Bangkok. The center offers several Thai massage relaxation with a traditional Moroccan hammam natural products [http://http://ecolodge-adventures.com/agadir-things-to-do/agadir-massage-hammam//[/url]
The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is officially designated a closed currency, meaning it can only be traded within Morocco. However, they are being sold and bought in travel agencies and at major airports in several countries (notably the UK). The import and export of the currency is tolerated up to a limit of MAD1000. Currency purchased during a visit to Morocco should be converted back before departing the country, with the exception of the MAD1000 level. You're advised to keep the receipts of currency exchange, as these will be required for the conversion back to foreign currency before departure, when you can change as many dirhams as you have left.
At Marrakech airport the exchange rate is very similar to that in the town centre, so there is not much lost in waiting to the last minute to change your remaining dirhams. Once through to embarkation you can no longer spend dirhams, only foreign currency, so make sure you have no unwanted dirhams left.
Most of the main foreign currencies may be exchanged at a Bureau de Change in the airport or port upon arrival, at a bank, and in most hotels. Smaller hotels in more remote areas may not be able to exchange large amounts at one time without prior notice. Most hotels will exchange at the same rate as banks and without charging commission. Exchanging money in the street is illegal, so travellers should look for an official Bureau de Change which is identifiable by a golden sign.
When bringing paper currency into Morocco (US dollars, pounds sterling, euros, etc.), these must be in good condition -- no tears or ink marks. Do not bring Scottish or Northern Irish sterling notes as they are impossible to cash as are Australian and New Zealand notes. Beware of bringing in brand new designs of banknotes. For example, when the Bank of England introduced the 'Adam Smith' £20 note in March 2007, the Moroccan banks would not change them as their records only showed the older, and at that time still legal, 'Sir Edward Elgar' £20 notes.
Don't bring coins in your currency to use as tips. They are hard for the locals to exchange. They get a very poor rate of exchange so have to pester other tourists to try and change them.
Some shops, Riads/hotels and especially restaurants quote prices in euros and dirhams; in the days where there were 10 dirhams to the euro it made conversion easy, now €1 is approximately equivalent to MAD11 but some traders still prefer to use the rate of ten to one which means you are slightly overcharged. Some traders will not give change when paying in pounds or euros!
If your Riad or hotel has only quoted in euros (many do so to make it easier for guests to understand) ask for the price in dirhams so you can pay in the local currency.
Current exchange rates can be [url=http://www.xe.com/ucc] checked at xe.com[/url]. Please remember that the rates provided by xe.com are for wholesale transfers but are generally close to the exact rates of exchange found in Morocco.
Along with the major souk adjacent to the Djemaa El-Fna, there are a plethora of smaller souks throughout the city where any number of products can be bargained for. Keep an eye out for a wide array of hand-crafted candle-holding lanterns, as well as spectacular displays of local spices.
Argan oil, produced only in Morocco, is used in Moroccan cooking and beauty treatments. If you enjoy its unique nutty flavor, pick some up in the souks. It will cost you about Dh 70 at local supermarket for cooking oil or Dh 200 for genuine cosmetic oil.
Marrakech is home to a large tanning industry, and leather goods of high quality can be bought here cheaply. Check out camel leather items especially jackets, round poufs, and handbags.
For shoes, always check they have no paper inside the plate ('sole' in French) because it is very common. Don't be fooled by demonstration of how they bend the shoe and turn it back to the position. Try it yourself by feeling and hearing how the paper bends. For poor quality ones, you shouldn't pay more than Dh 40 and for good ones no more than Dh 90. Shop around and learn the difference between the quality.
Also of interest are items made of the local cactus silk, which is really rayon, a natural fiber made of plant cellulose and produced in Morocco. Rayon holds the chemical dyes well which accounts for the vibrant range of true colors (natural dyes cannot produce a "true" color). On offer are scarves, handbags, tablecloths, bedspreads and throws in stunning colors. Some merchants try to charge a premium price for this "cactus silk". Check well because there are many fakes and sellers will usually tell any lie to get you to pay a high price.
Wander round the potters' souk, and look for brightly colored platters and bowls, as well as tagines in all sizes.
Lovely cashmere shawls can be had for less than a fiver with a little bargaining.
If you cannot stand the bargaining, there are two government-run shops where you can buy handicrafts at fixed prices. Look for boutique d'artisans. One is near Djemaa El-Fna while the other one is in the Ville Nouvelle.
An option to explore the souks in a more tranquil way is to go during the Friday prayer. Although some shops will be closed, most stay open and are significantly less crowded than at other times.
As a guide for prices, maximum and generous prices you should pay.
* Djellaba, long coat with hood for men, made of cotton/wool. Low quality: MAD90. Good (thick) quality: MAD300.
* Paintings, depends on the quality and size but no more than MAD50 for a 70x50cm.
* Shisha, MAD150 for the smallest ones. Prices then vary with size and quality.
* Tobacco for shisha, MAD20. There are many flavours and decent prices at the duty free store at the airport in Marrakech.
* Shoes, for home, no more than MAD50 for good ones; for the street no more than MAD90 for good quality ones.
* Lamp, no more than MAD60 for a medium size lamp.
* Woven beanie, MAD15.
* T-Shirt, no more than MAD50 for a large.
* Small wooden snake toys, MAD5.
* Small teapot (2-3 cups), MAD90-100.
* Medium size cooking tagine MAD40. (Choose carefully, glazed tagines have a risk of releasing unsafe levels of lead.)
* Dress for women, poor quality, not wool, MAD30.
* Carpets: MAD1,000 for a white wool carpet that is 8ft x 12 ft
* Dates: MAD10 for a box (especially true if you buy near place they grow, like between Zagora and Agdz)
* Henna tattoo: medium sized design should cost no more than MAD50 (Ask for brown henna if you are allergic to PPP black henna; the brown henna is natural and safe.)
* You can order special gold jewellery items like a chain with your name on it or using a customised design but agree on the price beforehand.
* Dishes: you can find small ones with Dh 40 to 60, depending on quality and decorations.
* Bananas, Dh 8 per kilogram, in season.
* 250g of gunpowder tea, Dh 30.
* Round piece of bread, Dh 1,5.
* Spice Mix "4 Spices" 76,50 Dh/Kg
* Spice Mix "Spices for Fish" 79,00 Dh/Kg
* Spice Mix "Spice for Tagine" 69,95 Dh/Kg
* Cumin 39,90 Dh/Kg
* Curcuma 44,40 Dh/Kg
* Ground Cinnamon 39,95 Dh/kg
* Ground Ginger 54,50 Dh/Kg
* Cashmere Shawl, Dh 70
Don't bid for a price that you are not willing to pay.
Even hostel prices can be haggled.
Remember, sellers are just the middle men. They don't produce it, except maybe for some kinds of lamps, and they pay very little to the people who make it. Please NEVER pay in advance. And NEVER let anyone write you an invoice. It's a bad idea and, in most of the cases, you will never see your goods or money back.
If you want to eat well in Marrakech, do what the locals do and eat at the food stalls in the square. It is a common misconception that these stalls are here for the tourists. Actually, they have been in existence long before Marrakech became a tourist destination. All of the stalls can be regarded as perfectly safe to eat at. They are strictly licensed and controlled by the government, especially now as it is a popular destination for tourists.
Some tips:
* Be extremely careful when deciding whether or not to eat here. Mathematical "errors" are often made by staff when they're making the bill. So-called "freebies", like olives and bread (which are supposed to be free), which incur a 5-10 Dirham charge. Smaller portions are often served to tourists. It's a long list of what the staff will do to try and rip you off. The staff may appear very friendly and witty, but it's all pretense. They want your money and will do what they can, even cheat and lie to you, to get it. You have been warned.
* Prices tend to vary a little. Depending upon how hungry you are, you can pay anything from Dh 10 for a bread filled with freshly grilled sausages or perhaps a bowl of harira soup to Dh 100 for a full three course meal with salad, bread, starter, main course, and tea. There are some real scams, though, such as being charged Dh 470 for some mediocre street food for three.
* Try harira (great soup, of lamb/beef, red lentils and vegetables) and the fried aubergines. Don't be afraid -- try the lamb head: it's really tasty. The "bull stew" (beef stew) should also be given a chance in the same stalls.
* Don't miss the tea! There is a row of tea sellers along the front of the food stalls who each sell tea for about Dh 5 each (as of April 2013). Most of the tea at these stalls is ginseng tea with cinnamon and ginger... most delicious and welcoming. They also have cake, made of basically the same spices, which can be a bit overpowering.
* All food stalls at Djemaa El Fna display the price on the menus, making it less likely you'll be overcharged, but many will bring starters to you without asking, then charge for them at the end.
*The orange juice stores sell fantastic orange juice, although there are times when lemonade had probably been added. The price in April 2013 was 4 Dirhams, although they sometimes try and charge 4 Euros, or 4 pounds sterling, or 4 US dollars!
* Drinks are rarely on the menu so it is better to ask the price of them before ordering, as they can often be comparatively high. On the other hand, some stalls offer free mint tea to encourage you to choose them.
* Early mornings, look for people frying riifa in the covered part opposite the Koutoubia. Riifa is dough stretched and flattened and folded over, then cooked in a frying pan, and is best described as a Moroccan version of a pancake or crepe.
Hotel al Kabir, Corner of bd. Zerktouni and rue Loubnane, ☎ +212 2443 9540, +212 2443 4150. This modern, airy hotel is one of a group of similar standard hotels in this area of Guéliz. Mainly used by tour groups and reservation agencies, the Hotel al Kabir's rooms, accessible from three elevators, are all clean, modern, and well appointed, if a tad sterile, and the bathrooms are a reasonable size with shower/tub combos. Prices: Dh 291 for a single; Dh 382 for a double.
* Hotel Ibis [url=http://www.ibishotel.com/gb/hotel-2034-ibis-moussafir-marrakech-centre-gare/index.shtml]]☎ +212 5 2443 5929.(Near the train station) is a more impersonal European chain hotel, but very clean and peaceful. It's within a short taxi ride of all the action. If you want to be able to escape the hustle and bustle during the heat of the day and chill out by a pool, this place is perfect. Decent value for the money as well, with lovely rooms and showers. Free internet with wifi is provided in the lobby.
* Hotel le Caspien [url=http://www.lecaspien-hotel.com/enhotel.htm[/url],] 12 Rue Loubnane, Gueliz. ☎ +212 024 42 22 82/83, Fax: +212 024 42 00 79. Nice, comfortable and clean hotel with helpful and friendly staff. Breakfast is included. Rates Dh 460 single, Dh 580 double.
* Moroccan House Hotel[url=http://www.moroccanhousehotels.com/[/url]]3 rue Loubnane, ☎+212 4442 0305, +212 4442 0306. A colorful and personable hotel. As the name suggests, this is more like a house than a standard block hotel. The extravagantly painted and decorated interior is entered through bright blue heavy wood studded doors. Choice of various brightly colored interiors furnished with faux-antiques and lace-draped four-poster beds. Each bathroom has its own water heater and bath/shower combo, and comes supplied with a range of complimentary toiletries. Close to many of Guéliz's better restaurants and shops. 3-star rooms start at Dh 405 single, Dh 484 double; 4-star Pacha suites: Dh 455 single, Dh 624 double; 5-star Prince suites: Dh 527 single, Dh 764 double.
* Situated close to the railway station, the Oudaya is a good alternative for travellers looking for a medium prized hotel in the ville nouvelle. The rooms are clean and well-kept with good size bathrooms, air-condition and TV. Breakfast is served from early in the morning and consists of a well stocked buffet, the restaurant is however somewhat mediocre and much better meals can be had just around the corner. The courtyard has a large pool (open 9AM to 6PM) lined with a massive bougainvilla. The hotel has a policy of no outside food, which includes bottled water, so hide any purchases when entering.
* Villa Dar El Kanoun [http://www.darelkanoun.com[/url], Route de Targa. ☎ +212 2449 2010, Fax:+212 2434 0635. Luxury B&B villa with swimming pool and garden. It offers five comfortable double rooms in a quiet residential area nearby Marrakech downtown. Breakfast is included. Rates begin at Dh 1,000 for a double room.
Police ☎ 19
*Ambulance/ Fire ☎ 15
* In case of a medical emergency, it's always a good idea to know where to find the local physicians who speak your language. According to the U.S. Consulate website, Dr. Taarji Bel Abbass at the Polyclinique du Sud speaks "fair to good English".
The tap water in Marrakech is OK for bathing. While locals drink it with no problems, visitors often find it hard to digest. To be safe, opt for bottled mineral water, available at the marketplace kiosks and food stalls. Make sure that the cap seal has not been broken, since Moroccan vendors have been known to save money by refilling plastic bottles from the tap. At restaurants, ask for your drinks without ice cubes, which are usually made with tap water.
An important issue concerning toiletries in Marrakesh, and the cities around as well, is that, in general, commercial establishments, cafés and restaurants also, do not have toilet paper in their bathrooms, even in ladies's rooms. So a good practice is always to carry toilet paper with you.
If you look like a tourist, then it is common for people to offer to help with directions or even lead you to what you are looking for. Although not apparent at first, these people expect to be paid and will often lead you round in circles to increase the amount. Be careful when exiting your taxi, scammers may grab your luggage from the trunk while posing as bellboys from the hotel, so confirm their identity before letting anyone touch your bags. Also, people may say that the place you are looking for is closed, but they will take you somewhere else that's better. This is almost always a lie. The best people to ask for directions are people behind a counter, as they cannot lead you because they don't want to leave their stall. If you are seriously lost, getting someone to lead you back is an option, but you should not give them more than Dh 10-20, no matter how much they complain.
Moroccans are not permitted to be guides for foreigners without a license. Usually Police officers (under cover) are patrolling to catch Moroccans who are bothering tourists or try to make some money.
There are often people in Djemaa El-Fna offering henna tattoos, which are popular with locals and tourists alike. But among the many genuine traders are one or two scam artists. They appear very charming and trustworthy while you choose a design, but will then cleverly divert your attention. Before you know it, you have the beginnings of a rather poor henna tattoo. Even if you do not want a design, keep your hands away from them as they will grab your hand and begin a design anyway. The scam artist later demands massive payments, in whatever currency you have (dirhams or not). After emptying your pockets, if they consider you can afford more, they will demand that you visit a nearby ATM. Always agree on a firm price before work starts. If you can't do this, insist that the operator stops immediately -- then go to another (hopefully more reliable) operator to get your design completed. If they say it is free before they start or while they are doing it, they will always ask for a price later on. If this happens to you, you can walk away without paying; however, they will harass you for a little before giving up and moving on to another tourist. Also, there have been stories of these scam artists using henna mixed with dangerous chemicals, such as PPD (this is sometimes done to make the tattoos appear black), which can cause skin damage or severe allergic reactions.
Some tourists encounter an elderly lady offering henna in the main square - she welcomes you to her stall, and then fetches her friends (who arrive, usually, on motor bikes) and will provide you with very appealing tattoos - however, beware - they will not agree a price upfront and will ask for huge amounts - e.g. a 50Dh tattoo will be 450Dh - or they will promise you free tattoos and then charge equally large amounts. When you dispute the amount they will scream at you - so be calm, pay them what you think it is worth, and walk away. If they try to stop you then create attention - however, do not use physical violence as these artists work in gangs and before you know it you'll be surrounded by other con-artists.
There is a small nameless restaurant inside the markets catering to tourists. It looks like a budget restaurant but has extremely inflated prices. It has an awning with painted faces and offers grilled brochettes for Dh 40 each, which is much higher than the regular price.
Most Moroccans are tourist-friendly and are not aggressive, so sometimes making a fuss in public can generate unwanted attention for a scam artist and shame them into backing off.
When bartering, know what currency is being quoted. Some sellers quote in euros while allowing the buyer to assume dirhams, hoping they may be embarrassed/confused into making the sale anyway.
By registering in person or online, citizens can make it easier for their country's embassy to contact them in case of emergency. Report any crime to the local police and your embassy.
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Most other foreign embassies and consulates in Morocco are in Rabat, with a few more in Casablanca.