Riad Magie d'Orient à Marrakech
by Mirage
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Original post
Pour mon arrivée tardive, j'ai commandé au Riad le transfert, Il aurai été très aimable de me signaler que le rendez-vous été à l'extérieur de l'aéroport ce qui m'aurai évité d'attendre 30 minute pour rien.
Contrairement à ce que signale certain site, en aucun cas le taxi ne peut vous déposer devant le Riad car les ruelles de la médina sont très étroites. Il y a donc un porteur qui vous amène les bagages et qui m'a même avancer 10DH pour acheter une bouteille d'eau, merci encore.
A mon arrivée au Riad, je suis accueilli par le veilleur de nuit, Abdou qui me montre ma chambre et avec qui j'ai pu discuter.
La chambre " Nahema " est correcte, il n'y a pas de séparation entre le lit et la partie salle de bains, Un grand lit confortable, une armoire de taille correcte, une grande douche où il serait bien de changer le pommeau de douche. La clim, très appréciable car le premier soir ça sentait très fort l'humidité. Attention à la clim si vous la laissait la nuit, elle va s'allumer et s'éteindre régulièrement en faisant du bruit qui réveille.
Au petit matin, réveil par des petits oiseaux qui ont élu domicile dans le riad. Petit déjeuner dans le patio, pas d'orange pressée mais jus industriel, en pleine saison des oranges ce n’est pas normal. Si non, petit déjeuner copieux et correcte servit par la cuisinière qui est aussi la femme de ménage, très gentille.
Je quitte le Riad vers 10h , pas de responsable ni de gérant présent, heureusement qu'Abdou m'a expliquer comment repartir du Riad, la veille au soir et qui m'a donné un plan.
De retour à 21h30, Je retrouve Abdou (horaire de travail 18h - 9h du mat, 7/7j) avec qui j'ai pu discuter durant la soirée.
J'aurai bien pris un verre et fumé la chicha mais il faut attendre que le gérant aille en course, car pas de tabac, ni de glaçon minéral, hors le gérant est en France.
Deuxième jour, le gérant, François, est là et viens se présenter, il vient d'arriver de France où il vit, il m'explique qu'il a repris la gérance du Riad en mars (plus de jus d'orange frais, plus de changement de serviette, tarif revu à la hausse)
La veille de mon départ, soit le 27 avril, on me montre une facture en euros, que je ne reverrai jamais par la suite et je commande la navette pour le retour car je n'ai pas envie de me trimbaler ma valise dans les ruelles non encore dallées. Et là la situation devient comique car j'ai beau dire qu'il y a un changement d'heure dans la nuit de samedi à dimanche, personne n'ai au courant et ne veut me croire, chose relativement important quand on a un avion à prendre. J'ai dû prouver ce que je disais, via internet, avant que me prennent au sérieux, bien qu'il n'y ai qu'Abdou qui m'ai écouté. Cherché l'erreur ....
La facture, que je ne verrai qu'une seule fois, est en euros, je rappelle que la monnaie locale est le dirham. Le taux de change appliqué au Riad est de 1€ pour 11 DH hors pour pouvoir payer en dirham vous devait avant changer vos euros en banque à un taux inférieur de 10 à 7%. Vous êtes donc perdant.
Je demande à quelle heure je dois libérer la chambre le lendemain, on me répond 10h - 11h (François), Pour avoir une idée plus précise, je demande à Samir (le responsable que je vois pour l'unique fois) et Abdou qui me disent pour midi. (Sur le site de vente booking, il est indiqué que les départs se font entre 11h et 18h).
Le responsable s'en va ainsi que les gérants qui partent faire les courses qui ramèneront que le lendemain, donc pas de chicha pour moi.
Jour de départ, 1h avant mon taxi, je vais payer ma note que je ne verrai pas, le gérant vient de partir il ne reste que sa femme. Je décide de régler une partie en euros vu qu'il m'en reste et que la facture et en euros. Quand j'annonce comment je payais à Madame, j'ai cru que je venais de lui annoncer le plus grand problème de son existence, je sais qu'il y a des personnes nulles en math mais quand même on ne le montre pas au client. J'ai dû lui expliquer comment faire car elle n'arrivait pas à joindre son mari au téléphone. Ayant une calculette, j'ai fait le calcul rapidement et je lui tends le complément en lui indiquant qu'elle me doit 41DH, et sur quoi elle me répond qu’elle n'a pas de monnaie, non ce n'était pas une caméra caché. J'ai dû aller moi-même faire de la monnaie au vendeur d'épices à l’entrée de la médina, très gentil.
A mon retour, Le gérant est de retour et me dit qu'il avait oublié de me dire qu'il fallait payer tout en dirham mais pour moi une facture en euros peut se payer en euros.
Il faudra d’ailleurs qu'on m'explique comment des gens qui vivent en France peuvent gérer un Riad à distance à l'étranger tout en présentant des factures en euros que l'on doit payer en dirham et en espèce....
Heureusement que ce Riad est bien situé et correct car sa gestion est douteuse. Je sais bien que ce n'est pas un cas isolé mais ce n'est pas une excuse.
😉 Viens voyager sur mon site http://la.descente.du.nil.over-blog.fr/ ou http://photosdevoyageautourdumonde.fr
Merci pour ce "retour d'Orient". J'ai envie de partager quelques réflexions à la lecture de votre témoignage.
Autant les bonnes adresse sont intéressantes, autant il est utile d'avoir de telles infos....sur des hébergements douteux. J'ai consulté leur site, les prix ne sont pas très bas....donc le service n'est visiblement pas à la hauteur !
Pour ce qui est de l'aéroport, je trouve déjà inacceptable de ne pas vous attendre à l'intérieur. Je voyage souvent en groupe et pars en rando avec des montagnards, ils viennent toujours me chercher à l'intérieur et celà rassure beaucoup mes clients qui voient que c'est du sérieux! ...et les prix des nuitées n'est pas de 70€ /nuit !...... J'apprécie la conclusion: "Il faudra d’ailleurs qu'on m'explique comment des gens qui vivent en France peuvent gérer un Riad à distance à l'étranger tout en présentant des factures en euros que l'on doit payer en dirham et en espèce.... " !!!!
Les photos montrent un endroit magnifique, (comme quoi !?!) sont-ce les vôtres ? ou celles de leur site ?
Merci de ces infos.
Avez-vous
Autant les bonnes adresse sont intéressantes, autant il est utile d'avoir de telles infos....sur des hébergements douteux. J'ai consulté leur site, les prix ne sont pas très bas....donc le service n'est visiblement pas à la hauteur !
Pour ce qui est de l'aéroport, je trouve déjà inacceptable de ne pas vous attendre à l'intérieur. Je voyage souvent en groupe et pars en rando avec des montagnards, ils viennent toujours me chercher à l'intérieur et celà rassure beaucoup mes clients qui voient que c'est du sérieux! ...et les prix des nuitées n'est pas de 70€ /nuit !...... J'apprécie la conclusion: "Il faudra d’ailleurs qu'on m'explique comment des gens qui vivent en France peuvent gérer un Riad à distance à l'étranger tout en présentant des factures en euros que l'on doit payer en dirham et en espèce.... " !!!!
Les photos montrent un endroit magnifique, (comme quoi !?!) sont-ce les vôtres ? ou celles de leur site ?
Merci de ces infos.
Avez-vous
Les photos jointes sont bien les miennes. Le riad en lui même est très bien ainsi que le veilleur de nuit qui bosse de 18H à 9H.
Par contre, je ne supporte pas qu'on me dise, " on a des bonnes critiques sur le net" alors que depuis le changement de gérant il n' y a pratiquement pas de retour sur internet, Qu'on me dise " on n'ai pas cher" alors que c'est loin d'être le cas.
😉 Viens voyager sur mon site http://la.descente.du.nil.over-blog.fr/ ou http://photosdevoyageautourdumonde.fr
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Also, I’d love to share this trip with a companion who’s already done some traveling. We’d organize the journey together, of course.
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I’ll be getting around by public transport.
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It's all in the title.
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3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
I know there are experts on this forum.
Thanks in advance
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Good evening, everyone!
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier. Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel... Day 3: Stop in Tetouan Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!) Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad) After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF). Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier. Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel... Day 3: Stop in Tetouan Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!) Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad) After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF). Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
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Hi everyone! :)
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary: From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure) Arrival and departure: Essaouira Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering? Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight) Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary: From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure) Arrival and departure: Essaouira Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering? Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight) Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
All ears! :)
Thanks in advance and have a great day!
Clément
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
I think that’s it for now.
Take care
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
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👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide? 👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.) 🍽️ Restaurants / meals We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal. 👉 Any thoughts? 👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.) For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊 🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street). 👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍 Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We can’t find single tickets online We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide? 👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.) 🍽️ Restaurants / meals We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal. 👉 Any thoughts? 👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.) For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊 🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street). 👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍 Thanks so much for your help! 💖
As-salamu alaykum!
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is... My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music. Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians? We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley. If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is... My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music. Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians? We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley. If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Mathieu
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
hi there
we’re heading to Hammamet in a few months
what would you recommend visiting for a week?
best regards
Hi there,
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Thanks for your replies
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Thanks for your replies
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Morocco in September-October in our Fiat camper van, which isn’t a 4x4 but has already handled quite a bit of rough travel. While reading up on southern Morocco, we’ve been drawn to the Aguinane oasis but I’m having trouble locating it on the map. Is it possible to get there without a 4x4?
Thanks for your help
Hi,
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)
Does anyone know the address of a rose flower distillery in the Valley of Roses / Kelaa M'Gouna? A traditional distillery, not just the tourist shop.
Thanks a bunch!
Nicolas :-)
Hi there,
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to travel from the Dades Gorges (Msemrir) to the Todra Gorges (Tamtatouche) on a paved road? Thanks in advance for any answers.