Marrakech, Morocco Hotels and City Guide

Marrakech is all contradictions: old, new, east, west, tradition, technology. A-well preserved maze of minarets, spires and labyrinthine alleyways, secluded palaces, museums, mosques and markets. Its souks are famous for their dazzling spice variety tantalising the senses, Berber rugs and for fine quality leatherwork well regarded to be the softest in the world.

The picturesque villages, landscaped parks and old market towns steeped in the pastoral tradition provide a welcome haven from the bustling cities of Morocco. The old fishing villages and ancient seaports are redolent of the ancient maritime people’s adventurous spirit. The soaring Atlas Mountain peaks, shimmering through the heat haze in summer and snow-capped in winter seem to form an impossibly high backdrop to the ochre city walls, fringed by oasis after oasis of brilliant green palm trees.

Situated in south-western Morocco in North Africa, at the foot of the Haut Atlas (High Atlas) mountains reaching over 13,000 feet (4000 metres), Marrakech has always been a place of strategic importance. At one time, the city was the rendezvous for trade caravans travelling through the Sahara Desert with salt, gold, sugar and slaves, and it is still used as a meeting point and trading post for Berbers and tribesmen from the south. The Marrakech population is mainly made up of Berbers, followed by Arabs, then migrants, nomads and former slaves from the desert and beyond in Africa, and finally Europeans. In recent years, more Europeans have brought property, captivated by the stylish architecture and artisan lifestyle. Behind the thriving bustle of Marrakech, the tourist trade has been significantly boosted by Morocco's modern King Mohammed VI, who plans to establish new museums, attractions, and living quarters to take the city into the 22nd century.

A mixture of sensuous luxury and aesthetic simplicity, the historic Moroccan city of Marrakech attracts a fashionable crowd of winter sun seekers. The dusky, pink-walled Medina, the 'old city,' boasts a greater density of chic boutique lodgings than possibly anywhere else in Morocco and the multitude of emporia will keep shopaholics busy for days. Even non-shoppers will be amazed by the colour, diversity and vibrancy surrounding the souks.

The atmosphere is distinctly more African than that of the other imperial cities, Fez, Rabat and Meknes. The setting of the city is stunning with ochre stucco buildings surrounded by the snow-peaked Atlas Mountains. Marrakech has lush tropical palm oases, starkly beautiful mountains, dramatic waterfalls and exotic birds and other wildlife, even if the numbers have depleted over the years. In Marrakech, the past and the present combine in an exotic, hectic and colourful pageant which makes the city unlike any other destination in the world.

Marrakech has been mesmerising visitors for centuries and the Djemma El Fna, the most famous square in North Africa, is the focal point to which nomads and travellers have been drawn since ancient times. As the shadow of the Koutoubia Minaret, one of the most perfect Islamic world architectural examples, lengthens towards the Djemaa El Fna at sunset, the square comes to life. In a vibrant cultural scene, explosive new talent in the fields of art, music and fashion take to the stage with memorable performances. An extraordinary collection of Berber and Arab musicians, dancers, snake charmers, fortune tellers etc gather to entertain the vast crowds from dawn to dusk.

Wander through the souks and explore this bargain carnival. Once the hustle and heat of the city becomes too much, walk over to one of the colourful open-air pavement cafés and enjoy a refreshing glass of mint tea or take refuge in the tranquil beauty of the Menara Gardens or a Marrakech hotel.

Marrakech Facts

City Population: 951,000 (UN Population Estimate Revision 2003)
Morocco Population: 31,564,000 (UN Population Estimate Revision 2003)
Time: GMT / UTC (GMT + 0)
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (DH) or (MAD)
Languages: Arabic, Berber dialects, Tamazight, Spanish, Castilian, English and French

Hotels in Marrakech, Morocco