I'm planning to go to Morocco from Dec 26 to Jan9 this New
Year & I've had real problems finding mid-priced
accomodation that I can book in advance.
I'm going to Marakkesh & then Essouira, and I don't really
want to take a risk with accomodation round the M*******m !
Can anyone recommend places (with phone no.s if poss) to
stay in these places ?
Also, it's Ramadan around this time- does that change
things-can I still eat in the day,or is that disrespectful ?
Any other fave places much appreciated-C
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Hi Roger,
I cannot help you with the accomodations,but I can tell you
that Ramadan could be a nuisance for you. Usually, the
people at that time of year are not as nice and helpfull as
they usually are. My advice would be to change the travel
dates if possible. You could have a much better time.
Henri
Hi Roger,
I cannot help you with the accomodations,but I can tell you
that Ramadan could be a nuisance for you. Usually, the
people at that time of year are not as nice and helpfull as
they usually are. My advice would be to change the travel
dates if possible. You could have a much better time.
Henri
Firstly about Ramadan. I was in Egypt a few years ago during Ramadan and I didn't really have any problems. I wouldn't go as far as telling you not to go just for this reason. I found that outside the ususal tourist areas it was difficult to get food during the day. So the way around this is to plan ahead. You will probably find that in the more westernised hotels and resorts you can get a feed without any problems but if you plan to go to remote villages and towns you will have to wait until after sundown to go out and eat. You can stock up on snacks for the daytime. I don't know if Morocco is as strict in it's following of Ramadan as Egypt but I cannot imagine it would be any more strict. It is an interesting time to visit an Islamic country so do not be deterred. You can still eat durng the day but don't be blantant about it. If you are in a little cafe and have a snack then fine. As to hotels, the problem with those in the mid range of prices is that a lot cannot be pre-booked. The higher standard of hotels have representation all over the world so they are easy to book. The cheaper ones rely on walkin's to fill their rooms. Maybe try and contact a Moroccan tourist office - I went to the one in London and they were really helpful. I don't know where you are so try calling the embassy or consulate and they can hopefully help you.
Ramadan is a wonderful time to be in Morocco. And if part
of the adventure of travel for you is to learn more about
other cultures, what could be better than trying to enter
into the Ramadan spirit? While part of what makes Ramadan
special is the fasting, another part is certainly the
feasting. And in the evenings, all of Morocco is out in the
streets, and there is a very special feel in the air as
there is for many westerners at Christmas. People dress up
and there are little food booths everywhere--very festive.
And you will get to sample special dishes and sweets that
you find only during Ramadan. And why not try fasting for
at least a day? Go Moroccan, and celebrate all night long.
If you'd rather just be a tourist, no problem. Food is
available in cafes and restaurants as usual, and people
don't take offence to tourists eating during the day.
Office hours do change during Ramadan, so just be sure to
check out banking hours and so on when you get there. And
just be aware that life is turned upside down during
Ramadan; people lack sleep and some may not take to the
deprivations in the proper spirit--so cut them a little
slack. But for heaven's sake, don't change your plans
because of Ramadan--look forward to the adventure! PS I'll
be there then, too. Sorry I can't help with reservations,
and it IS a busy time when you arrive. Looks like another
adventure during your travels. So what--it'll all make for
memories. Have fun, Roger.