On most holidays I tend to stay in a
mid-range hotel or a nice hostel. These options are great for a budget traveler
and still provide you with comfortable accommodation on your trip. But when I
visited Morocco I went for a slightly different option and opted to sample the
local accommodation in a riad in Marrakech.
For those unfamiliar with this term, a “riad” refers to a
traditional design for palaces used in Morocco. The design features a private
indoor garden along with large open rooms decorated with ancient Arabic themes
and colors. This architecture fuses light, space and the natural beauty of the
garden to great effect.
For those travelling to Morocco and wanting a taste of the local accommodation, staying at a riad is a must.
Today’s riads mix traditional elements with modern design to
create excellent accommodation. They provide a very homely feel, and have a lot
of shared space to relax in, perfect for guests who are staying for a longer
period.
They are also great places to meet other
travelers. Guests tend to relax in the open courtyard spaces and often get
chatting and sharing their experiences of this amazing country.
The best thing is that riads aren’t any
more expensive to stay in than a hostel or hotel, they offer great value and a
true sample of morocco lifestyle which it is a shame to miss out on. I’d
recommend it to anyone!
This is a guest post from John at Top Backpacking Destinations.