Visiting Morocco

Hotel in Casablanca

The best hotels in Casablanca can be found in various locations across the city. Some are situated along the famous Boulevard de la Corniche, and others are in the heart of the city center.

While there are some excellent choices for accommodation in Casablanca, there are two particular hotels that I consider to be the best of the best: the Villa Blanca Urban Hotel and Hotel le Doge.

Villa Blanca Urban Hotel – The Villa Blanca Urban Hotel in Casablanca is in a great location right on the Corniche. The boutique hotel features two restaurants, a bar, and one of the most popular nightclubs in Casablanca. Its focus on quality and providing guests with a superior experience make it one of the best hotels in Casablanca.

Hotel le Doge – Hotel and Spa le Doge in Casablanca is a member of Relais & Chateaux. As such, it offers guests a true luxury experience in Morocco. Highlights of the hotel include its stunning Art Deco decor and its excellent Le Veyre restaurant. Hotel le Doge’s intimate charm and great service make it one of the best hotels in Casablanca.

Ourika Valley Day Trip

There are some great day trips from Marrakech that are worth doing if you have time while you are visiting Morocco.

Just outside of Marrakech is the Ourika Valley. The area’s greenery provides a stark contrast to the dry land around the city. Its water source is from the Atlas Mountains, which tower above the valley and provide stunning backdrops to the landscapes and waterfalls in the area.

The Ourika Valley is an easy day trip from Marrakech. You can get there by hiring a car or taking a tour. There are large bus tours, private tours, and van tours of the Ourika Valley, so you have plenty of options.

Another good day trip is to the Palmeraie. The area surrounds the city, and is home to some of the top resorts and hotels in Marrakech. You can go for lunch at the famous Amanjena hotel and walk around the pretty grounds, or just take a drive and explore.

For trips further afield, consider taking a day trip to Essaouira. At just 2.5 hours from Marrakech by bus, Essaouira is a great way to escape the heat of the city and get some fresh coastal air by the ocean.

Closer in to Marrakech are the stunning Atlas Mountains. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the peaks. It is difficult to do a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, but if you can go on an overnight trip or multi-day excursion, it is highly recommended.

Atlas Mountains

Many visitors to Morocco take trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains.

Given the proximity of the mountains to the city, it is an easy trip and makes for a great escape from the bustle of the souks and the medina.

There are several ways to take trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains. These include hiring a car in Marrakech and driving to the Atlas Mountains, taking an organized tour to the mountains, or going on a small group excursion.

Whatever method you choose to get to the mountains, it is best to stay overnight for at least one night.

The distance from the city center is far enough that doing a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains is very ambitious, but doing an overnight or several night trip is well worth it.