If you are traveling to Morocco, more than likely you have discovered the riad, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse. When we traveled to Marrakech and Fez, we knew we wanted to stay in a riad in the Medina to get an authentic taste of local life. However, we had an interesting twist late at night. Here are some essential tips and warnings to consider when choosing a riad in Morocco.
Travel Story of a Moroccan Riad:
We arrived in Marrakech late one night from Europe. My friend and I were given instructions for getting to the Medina with assurances that someone would meet us at one of the entry roads. Having arrived after 11 pm, we were greeted by a young man who took our bags and almost ran through the Medina, with us hurrying after him in the dark. When we arrived, we soon discovered that we were not in our booked riad, but rather a “sister location” due to overbooking. This much more rundown riad was our place to stay. Having already booked (and prepaid) for our time in the Riad Jennah Rouge, we were quite shocked with this late-night swap. However, with little recourse and almost NO idea where we were in the Medina, late at night, we were escorted up to our small, dingy room. Looking back, that was certainly an adventure, and maybe not the safest environment to spend the night for two female travelers. Has this ever happened to you?
Don’t be an Idiot Abroad: Moroccan Riad Travel Warnings
What did we learn as two single girls late at night in the confusing maze of Marrakech’s old town?
Do Your Research
Check your accommodation’s location to ensure the riad is in a safe and convenient area. In Marrakech, popular areas include the Medina and Gueliz. In Fez, consider staying near the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud) for easy access to the Medina. Read reviews from TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Google Reviews. Our riad had good reviews (especially for $35/night) but no one mentioned a possible guesthouse swap. Reach out to the riad beforehand to confirm your reservation and inquire about any special requests or requirements. Good communication from the accommodation is a sign of quality service.
Don’t Forget the Amenities
Ensure the riad is in a well-lit, secure area, especially if you plan to walk around at night (which I wouldn’t encourage for a #solofemaletraveler). Ask if the riad has a safe or secure storage box for valuables. It's also wise to carry only what you need when exploring, but you should feel safe storing your valuables. In our riad in Fez the door didn’t properly lock, so I carried my laptop and our passports on my person all day, every day. Check if the riad offers modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and heating. Desert life can see a vast shift in temperatures, often 30 degrees from day to night, so be prepared with layers. Some riads also provide complimentary breakfast and airport transfers. Most breakfast options will be basic, with homemade breads and jams and strong Moroccan tea, but it’s a nice touch. Lastly, riads are often built with open courtyards, which can amplify noise. If you're a light sleeper, consider a riad that emphasizes soundproofing or offers rooms away from common areas.
You Get What You Pay For
While I don’t always agree with this statement and will go out of my way to get a good deal, I ‘thought’ a $35/night riad in Marrakech was quite expensive (and it is). But I had no idea we had an option of guesthouse swapping (nor did we consent ahead of time). Be sure to ask your riad if that’s a possibility (and get their response in writing). Try not to pay in advance, but upon arrival (so that you can see for yourself the accommodation is as described). Plus, some riads will provide a discount for cash, so be sure to ask them. In Morocco, many activities and food are relatively inexpensive, so be sure to spend enough money on your accommodations to ensure your safety and hospitality.
General Travel Tip for Morocco
Be wary of touts and unofficial guides near the medina. Always book tours and services through your riad or reputable agencies, like GetYourGuide or Viator. Get a receipt for any payments made and contact information for the tour guide/agency.
Odd Advice from a Local Moroccan
When we were in Lisbon, we actually met a Moroccan tour guide in one of our walking tours. We told him about our upcoming trip to Morocco and he cautioned us about telling others we were from the United States. He told us to tell tour guides and street sellers that we were from another English-speaking country. Since my friend and I don't have lovely British or Aussie accents, we thought we'd stick with Canada. Since I'd just been to Toronto, we stuck with Canadian when asked. However, that didn't always go so well as my friend hates lying and doesn't know much about the city. Oh well! I'm not sure it mattered much, but he warned that most street vendors would immediately increase prices and guides would come to expect a greater tip from Americans. If you are traveling solo, please exercise caution when you reveal personal details while traveling.
Overall, choosing the right riad can significantly enhance your Moroccan adventure. By following these tips and being mindful of potential risks, you can ensure a safe, comfortable, and culturally enriching stay in Fez and Marrakech. For more information, check out my post on the best 10-day itinerary to Morocco as well as other Don’t be an Idiot Abroad posts.
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