Page 306 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Morocco

304  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS

Disabled Visitors
Apart from some modern
hotels, few establishments
in Morocco are equipped for
disabled visitors. Nevertheless,
Moroccans are very well
disposed to anyone needing
help, so that people with
disabilities will be pleasantly
surprised at the thoughtfulness
and helpfulness that they
encounter across the country.
Riads
The literal translation of the
The swimming pool in the grounds of Dar Ayniwen, Marrakech (see p312) Arabic word riad is “garden”.
Thus a riad should consist,
Guesthouses and membership card may be asked theoretically, of a garden
Guest Rooms
to pay a little extra. The easiest way planted with trees. By extension,
Guesthouses can be a useful to obtain a card is to join your the word riad is applied to all
option for those spending a country’s Youth Hostel Association, old houses that have at least
few days away from the large for example the YHA in Britain a patio or courtyard. These old-
tourist coastal resorts. or the Hostelling International style houses can be found in
In small seaside villages, USA in the United States. the medinas, and many have
where it is sometimes very Information in Morocco become available to visitors,
difficult to find accommodation, is available from the Fédération especially in Marrakech, Fès
many Moroccans offer rooms Royale Marocaine des Auberges and Essaouira.
in their own houses. Comforts de Jeunes in Casablanca. These traditional residences
are often basic and, before each have their own particular
accepting the room, it is wise architectural design and have
to check the cleanliness of the Unmarried Couples usually been restored very
bedclothes and that toilets In Morocco, strict rules apply to well. Converted into guesthouse
and washing facilities are in the accommodation of couples. accommodation, they are
working order. A Muslim cannot sleep with a very pleasant places to stay
Often, when travelling in woman if the couple is unmarried. in, particularly because they
the Atlas, rather than left to Some hoteliers scrupulously are quiet, naturally cool and
camp in the open, visitors may respect this ruling, although because of their often excellent
be offered space in a living allowances are normally made location. By contrast to a large
room, or on the roof of a pisé for Western couples. international hotel, staying in a
house, which can be a magical However, it is possible that riad is usually a more culturally
experience. The owner of the you will be asked to present enriching experience.
house (often the village chief) your marriage certificate. Either individual rooms or
will steadfastly refuse money, Similarly, same sex couples the whole riad can be rented,
and may even invite guests to may encounter difficulties and many also offer breakfast
share a meal. You can always when dealing with highly and an evening meal. No
offer a gift, or deal with the devout hoteliers. official grading applies to
women of the house, who will
often accept remuneration or
a present for their children.
Never give children gifts directly
as this might offend.

Youth Hostels
There are several youth hostels
in Morocco, and these make it
possible to stay in the country
for a minimal cost. However, most
youth hostels are not centrally
located and are quite basic,
although they are usually clean.
Travellers without an inter national
Youth Hostel Association The atmospheric interiors of Riad d’Or (see p310) in Meknès

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