Moroccan Hotels

For holidaymakers travelling on their own, as a couple or with a small group of friends, staying in a Moroccan hotel is often the most sensible choice. Not only will there be a much wider range of choice than if hiring a holiday property, but there is also the flexibility to have a multi-focus holiday, staying in one location for a few days before moving on to the next.

Modern European-style Hotels

A number of European-style, luxury hotels have been built in Morocco in recent years by international hotel chains such as Hilton and Le Meridien. Inevitably in the larger cities such hotels are some distance from the centre, but the payoff is often a hotel in extensive grounds and with an abundance of recreational facilities, including swimming pools and tennis courts. Modern hotels have well appointed rooms and excellent service, but a slightly anonymous international feel. An alternative for those who like the comforts provided by a contemporary hotel is the Salam Hotel chain, which owns a series of modern hotels in Morocco, built in the traditional Moroccan architectural style.

Traditional Moroccan Hotels

Whilst modern luxury hotels have their supporters, many would argue that the only way to experience the true Morocco is by staying in a traditional Moroccan hotel right in the heart of one of Morocco's popular tourist towns or cities. Many of Morocco's older hotels were built during the period of the Protectorate and are wonderful wedding cake confections of white stucco, built in the Art Deco style. However, Morocco's most fashionable luxury hotels are those occupying historically significant buildings, often former royal palaces, right in the heart of the medinas of Morocco's major cities.

A notable example of a traditional Moroccan hotel is the Palais Jamia in Fes, which has been converted from a 19th century palace and combines sumptuous interiors with spectacular architecture, but whose crowning glory is its commanding position above the medina. Although Palais Jamia belongs to the Sofitel hotel chain, most of Morocco's legendary hotels are independently owned and offer the opportunity not only to stay in lavish surroundings and experience authentic Moroccan food and hospitality, but also to enjoy the company of their sometimes eccentric owners.

Hotel Grading

The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism operates a grading system for hotels and hotel facilities, which runs on a scale from one star, for the most basic establishments, to five stars, for hotels with superior accommodation, facilities and service. In general, hotel accommodation is less expensive than in the United Kingdom, so that people who would expect to stay in a two or three star hotel in the UK will find that they can afford to stay in a four or five-star hotel in Morocco. One would expect a Moroccan five-star hotel to offer spacious and well appointed bedrooms with satellite television, telephone and ensuite bathroom, and have, depending on its age and location, a range of leisure facilities which might include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, gymnasium and hammam (steam bath).

Hotel Reservations

It is always advisable to make advance reservations for hotel rooms in Morocco, as at certain times of year hotels become exceptionally busy. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many hotel chains operate airline style overbooking systems, so that even those with reservations may on occasion find that there is no room available. There is no guaranteed way to avoid falling victim to this dastardly practice, although reconfirming reservations and ensuring an early arrival may help circumvent the problem.