Marrakesh Tourism - Epic Bucket List Adventures

Experiencing Comfort and Luxury: Le Meridien N’Fis in Marrakech

After crossing the desert, my wife and I arrived at one of our last hotels, the Le Meridien N’Fis in Marrakesh, Morocco. This hotel, part of the Starwood line now owned by Marriott, was among the nicest we stayed at in Morocco and had, by far, the best Wi-Fi in the hotel rooms. Conveniently located about one mile from the medina and across the street from a large mall, it offered both comfort and accessibility.

Welcoming Lobby and Friendly Service

The hotel opened into a large lobby area, featuring plenty of seating and a grand piano (which, unfortunately, I don’t recall anyone playing during our visit). Our keys were waiting for us upon arrival. I went up to the front desk to provide my Marriott Rewards number in hopes of gaining room stay credit and some points.

Although the clerk took my rewards number down, I never received the credits, likely because our rooms were booked by a travel agency. Despite this, the clerk was cordial and helpful. The spacious lobby also had a gift shop where guests could find a small variety of gifts and stamps. Sending a postcard home cost about two dollars, a rate consistent with other places we’ve traveled.

Lush Gardens and Relaxing Walkways

The hotel is spread out on a large property with a central garden and pool between the lobby and guest rooms. The gardens were lush and well-maintained, providing a sampling of the area’s indigenous flora. Meticulously trimmed bushes, ornate flowers, small pools, and a fountain created a serene atmosphere. There always seemed to be a bit of a breeze walking between the guest rooms and the lobby, adding to the relaxing ambiance. It was a short but pleasant walk from the lobby to the guest rooms.

The Le Meridien N'Fis has a second building behind the main building, where my room was located.

The landscaping at the Le Meridien N'Fis was lush.

Comfortable and Cool Rooms

Our room had working air conditioning, which was a significant plus as the weather was beginning to turn hot during our visit. Several of the hotels had not yet switched over to air conditioning, so the cool air was welcome. The tile flooring also helped keep the room cool. While the Wi-Fi in the room was not exceptional, it was better than non-existent connections in other Moroccan hotel rooms. The room was clean, attractively decorated, and functional. The bed was comfortable, a bit softer than others we had slept in. Additionally, the room had a small balcony with an exceptional view of the gardens below and the distant medina.

Delicious Breakfast Buffet

Le Meridien N’Fis had one of the best breakfast buffets of any hotel we stayed at in Morocco. Each morning, the hotel consistently put out a nice selection of fresh fruit, breads, soups, meats, and more. There was a juice bar with a couple of freshly squeezed juice selections each morning. The coffee came from Nescafe machines typical of all the hotels we visited. The service in the restaurant was efficient, making it a great way to start our day.

Excellent Value and Location

Le Meridien N’Fis is located at Avenue Mohammed VI, Marrakech, 40000, Morocco. The prices online currently range from 120 to 150 US dollars, a reasonable price for what you get. While not a five-star hotel, it is an upscale property with plenty of amenities. The rooms were large and clean, the staff friendly and accommodating, and the food was good. The Wi-Fi and air conditioning were icing on the cake. Overall, it was an excellent value and a comfortable, enjoyable stay.

Night time view of the Le Meridien N'Fis pool area.

Le Meridien N'Fis viewed from the mall across the street.

For anyone visiting Marrakech, I highly recommend staying at Le Meridien N’Fis for a blend of comfort, convenience, and excellent service.

Unforgettable Nights in Marrakesh: The Medina’s Vibrant Transformation

Introduction to Marrakesh’s Medina

Marrakesh was one of the final cities my wife and I visited on our trip through Morocco. The Marrakesh medina was the last on our journey. Each medina we explored had its own unique charm and atmosphere. Near Erfoud, it felt like a rural farmer’s market. In Fez, the winding streets and alleys were a labyrinth. In Marrakesh, we were met with a circus-like atmosphere that was truly captivating. As an interesting side note, the Marrakesh Medina is also listed as a World Heritage Site.

Nighttime in Marrakech: A Festival of Sights, Smells, and Sounds

Our first visit to the medina was at night, heading in for dinner. The medina has a large square that seems deserted during the day but transforms into a festival of sights, smells, and sounds at night. One section of the square is set aside for dining. In the evening, this vacant area springs to life with wall-to-wall tents featuring a variety of food. We were amazed at the vast selection ranging from fresh seafood to traditional Moroccan favorites like tajine. The rest of the medina quickly filled up with snake charmers, merchants, and entertainers.

Dining in the Medina: A Culinary Adventure

Fresh food and hot meals at Marrakesh medina

On our first night, we didn’t venture into the alleyways as it was already late and we hadn’t eaten yet. We navigated the fair-like food tents before checking a few brick-and-mortar restaurants surrounding the square. Ultimately, we decided to immerse ourselves in the square’s bustling atmosphere and headed back to the food tents. Following my travel rule-of-thumb to choose the busiest place with the most locals, we found a tent and ordered dinner.

Appetizers of bread, dipping sauces and seasoned olives to start off our meal.

meat and vegetable skewers from a food stand in Marrakesh

Even though we were in a tent, we were given the standard appetizers of olives and bread after being seated. I ordered tajine, but it was already sold out for the night. Instead, I opted for mixed skewers, which included beef, chicken, goat, vegetables, and possibly camel. The skewers were seasoned well and delivered quickly. The place was bustling with a mixture of tourists and locals. We were seated at the end of the table, offering an unobstructed view of the square, but our meal was constantly interrupted by beggars, merchants, and musicians. This is something to consider when choosing where you will to sit.

Exploring the Medina by Day: Shopping and Sightseeing

A medina shop bursting with potential gifts.

The following morning, we returned to the medina. The merchants in Marrakesh were a bit more aggressive than in other places we visited. Prices were reasonable, but a few merchants pushed us too far. When we were with our guide, we were treated more politely. He was able to diffuse the aggressiveness of the merchants who followed us.

The majority of people we met in Marrakesh, whether at the medina or elsewhere, were incredibly friendly. The aggressive merchants we encountered were a small minority, but they stood out. It was generally the merchants without shops who were the rudest or most aggressive. However, my wife and I did have one particularly shocking run-in with a shopkeeper as well. In the US, I would not have been as polite in the face of his incredibly rude approach. This is not indicative of the majority, but you are bound to encounter aggressive merchants if you visit.

A donkey pulling a cart through the medina in Marrakesh stopping for a bite to eat.

Navigating the Medina: Tips and Tricks

The shops off the main square are along alleyways forming a rough grid. The alleys were not as confusing as Fez, but not entirely intuitive like Rabat. I wouldn’t expect anyone to get lost if they have a reasonable sense of direction. The sounds of the square provide an audible cue, and the market layout along the edge of the square helped us with orientation.

What to Buy: Souvenirs and Local Goods

There was plenty to be found in the medina. Near the end of our vacation, we could have easily found everything we purchased had we forgotten something. The shops carried leather goods, spices, argan oil, tajines, artwork, clothing, and even fresh olives. The olives in Morocco were delicious. I wish I had brought some back with me.

Abundant olives for sale in the medina in Marrakesh

The Medina by Day vs. Night: A Stark Contrast

The photos of our evening dinner give a bit of insight into what the tents looked like at night. Imagine those tents covering half of a large square. During the daytime, the plaza is nearly a ghost town. It’s amazing how quickly they set up for dinner. The photo below shows what the plaza looks like during the day. The red area to the right is where the food tents will be set up later in the day.

Marrakesh medina main plaza during the day.

I enjoyed the Marrakesh medina. Despite several aggressive merchants and aggressive panhandling, it was the most interesting of any we visited. Each medina is unique, but you really have to visit the one in Marrakesh to fully appreciate the chaos. Your senses will be bombarded from every direction. As you walk from the minaret towards the plaza, horse-drawn carriages line the route, waiting to take passengers on a city tour. Merchants selling toys and small items crowd this area, waiting to make eye contact with unsuspecting tourists.

Horse carriages lining the walkway into the Marrakesh medina.

Conclusion: The Unique Charm of Marrakesh’s Medina

As you enter the plaza, musicians fill the air with joyful sounds, creating a carnival-like environment. Snake charmers add to the din with their pipes, while the food tents fill the air with the smell of barbecued meat and fried fish. Ice cream, coffee, and fresh-squeezed juice are also popular stands forming an outer ring around the food tents. If you are looking for a meal or an evening snack, there is plenty to choose from. It is an experience you don’t want to miss.

Marrakesh Magic: Fantastic and Scenic Horse Carriage Ride

Horse-drawn carriages are a quintessential tourist attraction in Marrakesh. They offer a nostalgic and scenic way to explore the vibrant city. As visitors approach the bustling markets, they can’t miss the long queue of carriages parked along the promenade. Here, drivers eagerly wait to take them on a horse carriage ride of Marrakesh’s enchanting streets. This experience brought to mind the horse-drawn carriages of Central Park in New York. Or, maybe the haunted carriage rides in New Orleans. But Marrakesh adds its unique flair to this charming mode of transport.

A Memorable Horse Carriage Ride Experience

During our stay in Marrakesh, my wife and I opted for a high-end horse carriage ride experience as part of our tour package. Our hotel, situated about a mile from the medina, was the starting point for our delightful journey. A row of elegant carriages lined up in front of our hotel, ready to whisk us away on a meandering journey towards the medina. Taking side roads we hadn’t explored before, we enjoyed a fresh perspective of the area surrounding our hotel.

As the sun began to set, our carriages boldly entered the main plaza, creating a spectacular scene against the carnival-like atmosphere already brewing in the square. This ride wasn’t just a tour; it was part of an unforgettable dinner package that included an incredible fine-dining experience. I’ll delve into the details of the dinner later, but suffice it to say, the combined carriage ride and dinner, costing $65 per person, was worth every penny.

Exploring Marrakesh by Horse Carriage

Our carriage ride served two purposes: it transported us to our dining destination and provided a scenic tour through the market. I was initially surprised that horses were allowed in the bustling square with so many people milling about. However, the experience added a unique charm to our evening. While we didn’t venture too far into the square, the sight of the horses amidst the crowd was a memorable spectacle.

Horse drawn carriage ride through back streets of Marrakesh

For tourists looking to explore Marrakesh, there are various carriage ride options. You can take carriages to see the city’s historic ramparts, visit gardens, or embark on organized tours that include dining experiences like ours. Booking through a tour company can sometimes be more economical; for instance, our tour, which included dinner at Lotus Privilege, was significantly cheaper than the prices listed on Viator.

Horse drawn carriages lined up near Marrakesh market

Concerns and Considerations

As an animal lover, I was initially concerned about the health and welfare of the horses. However, they appeared to be well cared for and unbothered by the traffic and crowds. The drivers seemed experienced and attentive, ensuring the horses were comfortable and safe.

Riding the horse drawn carriages through the Marrakesh medina.

Tips for Your Horse Carriage Ride

If you plan to find a caleche (carriage) when you arrive at the medina, head to the queue located between the Koutoubia Mosque and the square at Djema el Fna. Be prepared to haggle, as the initial price quoted by the driver will likely be higher than what you should pay. For a short horse carriage ride, expect to pay around $20, with longer rides costing more.

Why You Should Try a Carriage Ride in Marrakesh

Carriage rides in Marrakesh offer a fun and relaxing way to see the city, providing a break for your feet while allowing you to soak in the sights and sounds of this enchanting place. The prices are reasonable, and the experience is both nostalgic and unique. If you find yourself in Marrakesh, consider hopping on a horse-drawn carriage for a memorable and charming tour of the city.

Conclusion

Exploring Marrakesh by a horse carriage ride is an experience that combines nostalgia, charm, and convenience. Whether you’re taking a scenic route to dinner, exploring historic sites, or simply giving your feet a rest, the carriage rides offer a unique and enjoyable way to see the city. So, if you find yourself in Marrakesh, don’t miss the opportunity to take a leisurely ride and create unforgettable memories.