Marrakesh with the parents

[Deleted]

I'm hoping to get some opinions and advice. My parents want to take us somewhere for Christmas. Surprisingly, my dad suggested I look into Marrakesh. This was a small shock because I never thought they were interested, but it makes me super happy my dad is branching out in their travels.

Anyway, both my parents are in their mid 50s, no health issues and they aren't really savvy travelers. They're the target market for a cruise.

My mom likes to be comfortable when traveling, but they both like to try new things. When they travel they're both very much go go go the entire time.

I've heard very mixed things from friends about Marrakesh. What do you think? Is a place like Marrakesh pushing my parents out of their comfort zone too much? Do you think that 2 50ish somethings would like it? Fwiw, h and I will be with them the whole time.

Thanks!

[frlcb]

I think it is fine. It's really touristy around areas like the souks and Jemma el fna, but it's a great city.

[tres3]

We flew into Marrakesh a few years ago, but spent most of our time split between www.fleewinter.com/morocco/accommodation/Rebali_Riads and www.fleewinter.com/morocco/accommodation/Kasbah_Angour

We really had a well planned trip with great activities etc.

[tres3]

I should add... when we stayed at Rebali Riad the food was amazing, we could walk to the beach and we rode camels to the most amazing hole in the wall restaurant for lunch. Boats were coming up with the fresh catch of the day. I also liked the Souk in Essaouria. I felt Marrakesh was a little over crowded but Essauria was just the right size.

We also did a hike in the atlas mountains just outside Marrakesh with mules that I really enjoyed.

[mpc]

I went to Marrakesh with my parents a few years ago. We all loved it. Lots to walk around and see. Good food. How long would you go for? Is there time to go somewhere else too? We also did Fes and a 4-day private trip to the Sahara. We were actually camping in the Sahara on Christmas day. It was amazing.

[Deleted]

We went in the spring of 2009. Myself and DH met my sister there. Sister is super traveler and had been on a dessert journey thing.

We met her in Marrakech/sh, stayed for two days, then took the train up to Tanjiers, stayed one night, took ferry to Spain.

It wasn't a great experience. We went to the wrong side of the souk and were hissed and spat at. We got lost numerous times. My sister was getting over food poisoning and had passed out twice in her hotel before we met up with her. There is lots of haggling and when we came out of the train station in Tangiers we were mobbed by drivers wanting our fare.

So... not a great review. DH and I are not developing world travelers. My sister is (India, South America, China, etc) but still had a rough go there. But I've had some friends say they loved it.

If we were to go back I'd probably stay at a resort near/in Marrakesh and get a guide to take us around.

[Deleted]

Nov 13, 2014 15:19:46 GMT -5 mpc said:

I went to Marrakesh with my parents a few years ago. We all loved it. Lots to walk around and see. Good food. How long would you go for? Is there time to go somewhere else too? We also did Fes and a 4-day private trip to the Sahara. We were actually camping in the Sahara on Christmas day. It was amazing.

We'd only go for 4 or 5 days. I looked into camping in the Sahara, but I'm a little concerned about the weather. Is it really cold? 

[ashk]

We went there last winter and it was great....there are a lot of expats and tourists and if your parents do not like crowds or noise then Marrakech is not the place!
You could still opt for it if you plan to keep away from the souks and the Djemna el fna (the city center).
A great option is to take a road trip to the east of Morocco, yes there is travel involved but it's much more relaxing if you take stops and it is less crowded.
P.S. There are also a lot of vendors that sometimes haggle a lot and it does get irritating sometimes, but if you do know how to avoid them , it shouldn't be an issue
Here are 2 links I came across while I was planning that might help!

Have fun


www.acapriciouscompass.com/top-things-to-do-in-marrakech/

www.acapriciouscompass.com/marrakech-souk-guide/