Page 305 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Morocco

WHERE T O ST A Y  303

Prices At these busy times, it is many boast slick, modern
By law, prices must be shown essential to make a reservation facilities, but the country
in the reception area of a hotel in advance. This can be done also offers some legendary
as well as in the rooms, and this at a travel agency, through a establishments, such as the
requirement is widely fulfilled. tour operator that covers all of charming La Mamounia in
Be aware, however, that adver- Morocco, on the Internet, or Marrakech. Dating back to
tised prices rarely include tax by contacting hotels directly. 1923, this opulent hotel has
(ranging from 1 to 25 dirhams, One consequence of the beautiful gardens and is set
according to the town and the European-style hotel manage- in a peaceful location within
hotel) and that they do not ment that has taken root in the old medina. The luxurious
include the cost of breakfast. Morocco is the practice of and elegant Hôtel El-Minzah
The average price of a over booking. Put simply, in Tangier (see p309) looks
single room in a small one- the hotel accepts more like something from a film
star or unlisted hotel is 150 reservations than it has rooms, set and, although it is showing
dirhams. A two- or three-star so as to compen sate for any its age, it is still one of
establishment will charge cancellations. Unfortunately, Morocco’s great hotels.
250 to 400 dirhams, and a if you happen to be a victim
three-star category-A hotel of this practice, there is little
or a four-star hotel can charge that can be done to salvage Camp Sites
anywhere from 400 to 1,000 the situation. The best way to Camp sites can be found in
dirhams. The numerous five- try to avoid this happening is every large town, and there
star hotels charge 1,200 to pay for your stay in full at are many dotted on the
dirhams, and some over the time of booking and check Atlantic and Mediterranean
2,000 dirhams. There is no in at the hotel earlier rather coasts. As a general rule,
official upper limit. than later in the day. standards of cleanliness in
Prices vary according to the camp sites leave much to be
season, and it is not unusual desired, and it is not safe to
to see prices double around Chain and Luxury Hotels leave property unattended
the holiday periods at the end The Accor Group manages in tents. Staying in a camp site
of the year as well as in spring, multiple international hotel in Morocco is also something
and during the summer in the brands such as Sofitel and that best suits those who are
coastal resorts. Prices also vary Mercure, which can be found in not too fussy about hygiene
according to the number of most major towns and cities. and facilities.
people renting the room. For Since its purchase of the Ibis Finding your own place to
example, for a child or a third group it is developing budget set up camp outside desig-
adult sharing a room, a supple- hotels throughout the country. nated sites is not officially
ment will be charged, though Leading international hotel unlawful, but it is definitely
usually with a reduction of 5 chains such as Hyatt and not recommended for reasons
to 50 per cent. Le Méridien also have several of personal safety and also
Negotiating a lower price establishments in Morocco. because the authorities do
for a hotel room is common Of the large number of not like tourists camping
practice, and it bears results. luxury hotels in Morocco, anywhere they please.
At slack times, it is possible to
obtain reductions of up to 30
per cent. However, it is a waste
of time trying to negotiate at
the peak of the high season,
or in the very smart hotels,
such as Marrakech’s La
Mamounia (see p311).

Reservations
During the high seasons,
the crowds of holiday-makers
can be unexpectedly large.
At such times, in small towns
that have a limited number
of hotels (particularly in the
south), it can be quite
impossible to find a room.
This may also be true in towns
with a much larger choice of
hotels, such as Marrakech or Fès. Rooftop of the Sefrou’s Dar Attamani (see p311) offering fine views of the town

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