Moroccan Holiday Accommodation

Many holidaymakers find the choice of holiday accommodation in Morocco a little overwhelming. In fact, choosing the best place to stay isn't difficult, once you get to grips with the slightly bewildering terminology used to describe the different types of Moroccan holiday accommodation.

Holiday Property Rental

Renting a holiday property in Morocco can be an attractive proposition, particularly for families or larger groups of holidaymakers. Suitable rental properties can be found in all the major cities and coastal resorts and include apartments, villas, riads and palaces. Some holiday properties are self catering, but many include staff, either resident or living out, who will cook and clean for guests. For many, the difficult choice will be between renting a modern property, the majority of which are built on the periphery of the towns and cities, or a historic palace or traditional riad amid the hustle and bustle of the Medina.

Moroccan Hotels

Morocco offers a choice of hotels across all price brackets and levels of luxury. As with renting a holiday property in Morocco, the choice will often be between the superior facilities offered by a modern international style hotel on the outskirts of the city and the ambience of a traditional Moroccan establishment in the heart of the old town.

Moroccan Guesthouses

In the less touristy coastal areas, it is quite common to find Moroccans offering rooms to rent in their own homes. Whilst this can be an interesting and economic way to get a feel for the real Morocco, it is advisable to check the accommodation being offered before agreeing terms for the room.

Moroccan Holiday Riads

The concept of the riad is the main cause of confusion when it comes to the different types of holiday accommodation available in Morocco. The term 'riad' refers to a particular style of Moroccan house, in which the main living accommodation is built around the four sides of a central courtyard garden. Riads of considerable antiquity are common in the medinas of the older cities in Morocco, but riads of the traditional form are still being built in modern developments on the periphery, where they are often styled 'contemporary riads'. Adding to the confusion, it is common to find riad spelled as either ryad or riyad.

In recent years, many traditional riads in the centre of cities such as Marrakech, Fes and Tangier have been converted for holiday use. In some cases, the whole riad can be rented as you would a villa or apartment. Such properties are referred to as 'exclusive riads', to indicate that hirers have the exclusive use of the whole property for their holiday. In other cases, individual rooms can be rented in the riad, which operates in the style of a guesthouse or hotel. Such shared riads usually provide breakfast for guests, and other meals are often available. .

Moroccan Villas and Contemporary Riads

Many Moroccan holiday property companies have contempory villas and riads available for rent. These properties tend to be located away from the centre of cities in residential areas developed under the Protectorate, or subsequently. The advantage of such properties is that they usually have modern facilities and offer extensive grounds, often with swimming pools. Whilst holidaymakers may feel that they are missing out on staying amidst the hustle and bustle of a Moroccan city, renting a villa is often an ideal choice for those planning a family holiday in Morocco.