Our trip to Morocco was fascinating! I did no...
Morocco
|
Jan 29 - Feb 6, 2024
Our trip to Morocco was fascinating! I did not have any interaction with Abdellah but my husband did and since he delegated us to Said we did have a conversation with him once. We had the opportunity to visit many different places with many different landscapes. We experienced the delicious cuisine of Morocco and got to meet some local people as well during our travels. Our trip began at the port of Tangiers where we were picked up by our driver Soufian. Soufian is a quiet but friendly and helpful person and he remained with us till the very end. We were driven to Chefchaouen where we stayed the night at Lina Ryad & spa. Our Ryad was clean and comfortable but climbing up a couple of flights of stairs was a little difficult. The bathroom needed a bit of maintenance though. Their breakfast service was unique and their staff were friendly and professional. From here we drove to Fes via Meknes where we stopped for lunch. At Fes we stayed at Riad Fes Nass Zmane. We were greeted by Ismail who gets top marks for his politeness and professionalism. Our room again was upstairs and climbing stairs was a bit of an ordeal. The room was well lit and comfortable but the bed was hard and the bathroom sink was not draining properly. We were asked to order from their kitchen and I have to stay their Pastilla was delicious. The first morning breakfast was served to the 2 of us on our table and was reasonable since we were the only ones staying at that Riad. The other morning a buffet was served which was way more sumptuous. Our guided tour with Mr Mohammad Hafeez was good and he was very enthusiastic and professional. Our dinner with Mr Said's family was very special but a word of caution to people who are claustrophobic and or have difficulty climbing stairs, it was a little harrowing getting up to their home. They were wonderful people though warm and welcoming. Their Harira was the best! The next day we went by train to Marrakech and it was very well arranged by our tour company. Although a fun experience in hind sight I might skip this one. Felt crowded in a" first class" cabin with 4 other people who kept changing as we reached different cities. We did encounter 2 young women who were very friendly and offered advice to things we should try while in Morocco. We were picked up by Soufian and then driven to Agadir. Our hotel seemed like we were in Europe and not Morocco. One front desk gentleman was rude and condescending but the others were helpful. The location of this hotel, Iberostar is what makes it amazing not the plentiful food which was average. The Berber souk was a great place to shop. Next we were in Marrakech. Palais Sebban is beautiful but our room was old and tired. The curtains were heavy and the cushions seemed to harbor allergens which started my incessant sneezing. The bathroom door was see through and did not offer privacy. Their breakfast could've been better. The cheese looked old and dry and their bread was hard. The best part was their fresh Msemen! Hannan was a good guide. Friendly, knowledgeable and professional. The next day we were to visit Ouzud waterfalls in Ourika valley. This excursion is not meant for people with physical limitations and we were not adequately warned what it might entail. Less than halfway through the walk up the mountain we had to abort it because was too dangerous for us to climb up much to our guide Mohammad's disappointment whose mother had prepared lunch for us. Her mother did come down to meet us which was delightful. The roads leading up to this place were under construction and we could witness people living in tents following last years earthquake, a sad event. I would have chosen another excursion instead of this one. Our driver Soufian was punctual and came the next day to drive us to the airport. All in all it was an unforgettable trip!
Hotel Reviews
Great location. Clean and comfortable. Unique table service for breakfast. Stairs need rails on both sides for people with physical limitations since all rooms are on higher floors. Bathroom needs maintainance ( paint peeling, caulking etc)
Good location. Rooms require stair climbing therefore need hand rails on both sides. Room was spacious. Need place to keep luggage. No closet. Bathroom sink did not drain properly. Beds very hard. Their breakfast buffet was good. One day we were served at the table which was average.
Great location on the beach. Clean and comfortable. No facial tissues provided. Food was plenty but average
Great location. Beautiful in appearance. Hotel room looked old and tired. No privacy between bathroom and bedroom ( It was a see through wooden carved door). Not adequate lighting in room. Heavy drapes and cushions harbor allergens so people with allergies need to take anti histamines if they stay here. All Riads have stairs everywhere but not adequate support. Needs handrails on either side of stairs. Breakfast was average. Cheese seemed stale and bread was hard. Mesamen was fresh and great as were their juices.
Activity Reviews
Our driver Soufian was friendly and helpful and on time. Drove us safely to Chefchaouen.
Mr Hafeez was enthusiastic and professional. Saw and learned a lot.
Wonderful, warm and welcoming family. Word of caution for those who are claustrophobic and have physical limitations climbing stairs.
Felt crowded with 4 other people in "first class". Restroom facilities not up to par
Amazing beach and walk on the ocean. Berber Souk was a great place to shop.
Our guide Hannan was knowledgeable, friendly and very professional.
This tour was not meant for people with physical limitations. It involves a lot of walking on rough unpaved paths and climbing mountains. We were unaware prior to embarking on this trip what it would entail. We had to abort this excursion less than halfway through. We were disappointed to not meet the Berber family for lunch. The roads leading up to the point where we were dropped off were under construction and it was a sad sight watching people still in tents after the earthquake last year. I would have picked another excursion. The best part was meeting our guides' mother!
