Where to Stay in Ouarzazate? Our First Moroccan Riad Experience
Our Experience At Ouarzazate's Hotel Riad Amlal
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Ouarzazate, you've got plenty of options to fit any budget and style.
We chose a boutique Riad, which is essentially a traditional Moroccan house built around a central courtyard or garden. It's a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the streets. These places often feature unique architecture and a relaxed vibe. Many have been converted into guesthouses or boutique hotels, offering visitors a taste of authentic Moroccan living. You will also find both budget-friendly and luxurious Riads.
We paid £40 for a night at Hotel Riad Amlal, which included breakfast, and we thought it was a pretty fair deal. We chose this spot because we wanted that authentic Moroccan feel before we left Morocco without breaking the bank, and let me tell you, it totally delivered.
We were pleasantly surprised with the room, which was huge, and the bed was at least king-size. The bedroom even had a little lounge area with comfy chairs and a table. For a 1-star hotel, we did not expect to have such a great room. Another great aspect of this room is that although it faces a pretty busy street, when we had the window closed, we could hardly hear any noise. However, if you are a light sleeper, be aware that during the night at about 4 am, the call to prayer is played through the speaker in the streets. Carol did have a bit of a scare but quickly fell asleep afterwards. The room was exceptionally clean and spacious, with plenty of storage space, as well as a desk and chair to work or get ready in front of the mirror. We have to admit the bed was quite hard, and we normally prefer a soft bed, but maybe we are just weird. Let us know in the comments section: what do you prefer, soft or hard beds?
The kettle in the room was a great addition for Max to make some tea in the evening (although he spilled it all by accident when he put the cup on the bedside table). Most importantly, there was air conditioning in the room, which is an absolute must when we go to hot countries, because Max cannot sleep if the room is too hot. This was another reason we really liked this hotel.
On to the main attraction: the pool. The courtyard had a beautiful pool, perfect for those Instagram pictures. More than that, the pool had flexible “opening/closing” times. We discovered that, yes, you can swim in the pool at any time. Just bear in mind that if you go for an evening or late-night dip, be mindful of other guests and keep the noise to a minimum. Our experience going for a 10pm swim was that the pool was very cold. We imagine it’s not really normal to heat swimming pools in Morocco, but oh boy, did we wish it was heated! Still, we had a blast and took some amazing pictures (yes, we do look cold).
It's pretty crazy to think this place only has 1-star. The room was perfect in size and super comfortable, the facilities were great, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. We also discovered that there was a rooftop that gave panoramic views of Ouarzazate, but it was very dark when we went up, so we didn’t end up taking any pictures.
To top off our wonderful experience at this hotel, we had a three-course dinner of authentic and affordable Moroccan food at Hotel Riad Amlal. If you would like to read more about this tasty experience, make sure you read our food blog here.
If you want to see more of this wonderful Riad, check out the video review we did for Hotel Riad Amlal below!
More Accommodation Options In Ouarzazate
But of course, we will give you some more options to consider (these recommendations are based on Google research, not our own experience) if you plan to stay in Ouarzazate:
Luxury Hotels and Resorts: If you're looking to treat yourself, there are luxury hotels and resorts in the city offering top-notch amenities like spa facilities, swimming pools, and fine dining restaurants. Some popular choices include Le Temple des Arts, and Berbère Palace.
Boutique Riads: For a more intimate and traditional experience, you can opt for a boutique Riad (like us) in the heart of the Medina. These guesthouses typically feature charming courtyards and personalized service, giving you a taste of Moroccan hospitality. Riad Dar Rita and Riad Ouarzazate are other popular choices.
Budget Accommodations: If you’re travelling on a budget you will find plenty of affordable accommodations, including guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels. These places offer comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, perfect if you’re looking to save some money while still enjoying your stay. Hotel Marmar, is a good choice in this category.
Desert Camps: For a unique and unforgettable adventure, consider staying in a desert camp on the outskirts of Ouarzazate. These traditional Berber camps offer rustic accommodation in cozy tents, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Sahara Desert up close. Desert Luxury Camp and Sahara Peace Camp are popular options for this kind of experience.
Airbnb and Vacation Rentals: And of course, there's always Airbnb and vacation rentals if you prefer a more independent stay. You can find a range of options, from private apartments to traditional Riads, giving you flexibility and privacy during your visit.
No matter your budget or travel style, Ouarzazate has accommodation options to suit every taste. Whether you're seeking luxury, authenticity, or affordability, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay for your visit to this enchanting city in Morocco.
To browse for hotel options and availability for your Ouarzazate trip, use the Agoda platform. Agoda makes discounted rates available at approximately 2.9 million hotels and private homes around the globe, ranging from budget options to 5-star luxury stays.
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Head To Our YouTube Channel To Watch Our Morocco Travel Vlogs
Is Rabat WORTH Visiting? | Rabat Tour 2024 | Morocco | Episode 6 | Carma Adventures
CASABLANCA IS A DIFFERENT CITY | Morocco | Episode 5 | Carma Adventures
First Day in Morocco: Road to Marrakech | MOROCCO EPISODE 1 | Carma Adventures
Exploring the Incredible Ouzoud Waterfall, Marrakesh, Morocco | Episode 3 | Carma Adventures
We Stayed in a Moroccan Riad | £40 a Night | Hotel Riad Amlal | Carma Adventures
Quad Biking in the Desert, Morocco | Episode 4 | Carma Adventures
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