Hotels in Morocco

Morocco or also known officially as the Kingdom of Morocco is a sovereign country located on the North African continent, having a coastline on both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It has borders with Algeria to the east and Ceuta and Melilla to the north, being just across the Straits of Gibraltar from Gibraltar. The country is a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament. Nonetheless, the king can still issue decrees call dahirs that have the force of law. Its climate is a mix of Mediterranean, Sub-Mediterranean, Continental, Alpine and Semi-arid.

The capital of Morocco is Rabat, being the seventh largest city as well as the capital city of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra administrative region. Situated on the mouth of Bou Regreg River, it was a reputable corsair haven, starting off as a modern city compared to other imperial cities. It was cited that Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu’min turned Rabat’s ribat into a full-scale fortress in 1146, in which it was later called as Ribatu I-Fath or stronghold of victory, from which the present name of Rabat is derived. Later, another Almohad Caliph, Yaqub al-Mansur moved his capital to Rabat, building the city walls and constructions that set up Rabat as it is today. However, his death would later lead to Rabat’s influence being gradually lost to Fez, something that was undone by French when they invaded Morocco in 1912 due to the instability ongoing in Fez.

It is said that the area of present-day Morocco has already been inhabited since Paleolithic times, which are around 190,000 and 90,000 BC. The earliest known form of an independent Moroccan state is the Berber kingdom of Mauretania under the lead of King Baga, dating at least to around 225 BC. Mauretania later becomes a province under the Roman Empire, before being reconquered by the Berber tribes. Later on, the Muslim conquest of the Maghreb which started in the 7th century, lead by the Umayyad Caliphate would bring both the Arabic language and the religion of Islam into the area. Islam is widely accepted by the tribes, yet customary laws are still in effect. After the Berber Revolt, several other independent Muslim states are formed within the area. From the 11th century onwards, several Berber dynasties came into life, with Almoravid and Almohad dynasties being the most renowned. Morocco would fall into the hands of Saadi dynasty from 1549 to 1659 and Alaouite dynasty which remained till the 17th century before it was made into French and Spanish protectorates. This continued till March 1956 when Morocco gained its independence from France and then from Spain a month afterwards, despite Ceuta and Melilla being still under their rule.

It is no surprise that the official languages in Morocco are Modern Standard Arabic and Berber, given the demography mostly consisting of Arab-Berber people. The locals to speak a local Moroccan Arabic known as Darija. A combination of these Arabic languages is spoken by 85% of the people as either their first or second languages. Meanwhile, the Berber language is also spoken in three different dialects, namely Tarifit, Tashelhit and Central Atlas Tamazight, with at least 40% of the population would be Berber speakers. Besides that, French is also used predominantly, often for business, diplomacy and government, with French speakers are said to make up one-third of the population.

Regarded as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world, Morocco dishes are usually a fusion of Berber-Moorish, European and Mediterranean dishes. Spices are used extensively and chicken is the most widely eaten meat, the preferable red meat is beef since lamb is much more expensive. Some of the dishes unique to Morocco are the pastille, a pie combining sweet and salty flavours and tajine, which is normally savoury stews made of meat, poultry or fish together with vegetables and fruit on the traditional tajine pottery. An old national delicacy of Morocco is couscous, small steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina served with a stew spooned on top and Harira soup which is popular as either a starter or a light snack.

How to Get There?

By Flight and Train

A flight ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Casablanca would costs around MYR2,200 per pack which is varied based on the dates of holidays and choice of airline. Meanwhile, a trip to Marrakesh might be much costlier. Once you reach the airports at either one of these cities, there is a multitude of options for transportation available such as the train, plane, bus, taxi and also a car. The trains are typically the best option due to their coverage, speed and comfort. The train services would connect the major cities of Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca and many more. Usually, the price is much lower in comparison to the fares in Europe.

The next best bet would be the luxury buses for the last mile coverage, while there are also local buses connected isolated areas with the train station. While these luxury buses and other buses meant for tourists are much more comfortable and cosy, the local buses would be much more fun since you can get in contact with the locals. In addition to that, shared taxi services operate between towns, in which fares are semi-fixed. There are also options to rent a car. Nonetheless, you are advised to plan the trip in advance especially if you are driving in the countryside.

By Water/ Boat

Getting into Morocco by boat is totally possible, especially if you are coming from Spain. Algeciras port would serve trips going to Ceuta and Tangier, with the trip length of 40 minutes and two hours respectively. It is also possible to go to Tangier from Tarifa; this would take 35 minutes. Other trips include the ones from Malaga and Almeria to Melilla and Nador. There are also ferries from France to Tangier with a higher premium, as well as trips from Genoa and Naples in Italy as well as Gibraltar; all would stop at Tangier.

What to Do There?

Casablanca

Home to some of the wonderful beaches unique to Morocco, a visit to the largest city of Morocco and relaxing, sunbathing and strolling along its beaches are undoubtedly going to bring over the sensual feelings in you. Among these would include Ain Diab Beach which is the most renowned beach around, complete with cafes and beach clubs. Monica Beach in Mohammedia can be a good alternative if one desires a beach that is relatively untouched by human development. Babaloo Beach of Tamaris is a beach turned into a delightful resort that is close to the Tamaris village, allowing close contact with the local people of Morocco.

Marrakesh

Being a city that needs little introduction, Marrakesh certainly has a lot to offer, being the most significant among Morocco’s four former imperial cities. There are several interesting tourist attractions worth exploring in this particular city alone, from the markets and souks at the main square of Jemaa-el Fnaa, the exquisitely decorated Jardin Majorelle, the highly esteemed Ben Youssef Madrasa, ruins of El Badi Palace and the Bahia Palace grounds which also houses Koutoubia Mosque, which is the biggest mosque in the country. There are also Saadian Tombs and Tombs of the Seven Saints which are worthy of visiting.

National Park of Souss Massa

Nature lovers would be really thrilled to find out what National Park of Souss Massa can offer to fulfil their thirst to seek the beauty of the nature in Morocco. Note that there may not be too much greeneries here as compared to other nature parks in other countries due to the landscape and local climate of the area rendering the park to be mostly consisting of the desert. Created in 1991, this 33,800 hectares of the national park has conservation importance, holding three of four Moroccan colonies of northern bald ibis as well as holding captive-breeding programs for four threatened species of North African ungulates.

Where to Stay?

Movenpick Hotel Casablanca

Located approximately 30 kilometres from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, this luxury property is one of the finest hotels around the Casablanca area. The setup is exquisite and sleek, with an elaborate package of facilities and services ready to greet the incoming guests.

Bahia City Hotel

Being close to the heart of Souss Massa area, the hotel provides easy access to the tourist attractions around town. It also not that far from the sea, hence giving a chance to the guests to come over to the beachfront area to enjoy the sun. The setup is pretty stunning for a three-star hotel while still maintaining the Middle East feel in the decorations.

Hotel Aday

Probably the cheapest hotel you could get in the Marrakesh-Safi, this hotel is just nice, cosy and lovely, being close to the main square of Jemaa-el Fnaa among others, allowing one to be able to explore Marrakesh just like the local people do. The hotel rooms are decorated in red schemes and the maintenance is done properly.