Citylocator MARRAKESH

01 MAISON MK • 14 Derb Sebaai, Quatier Ksour Tel: +212 (0)24 376 173 WWW.MAISONMK.COM	10 PALAIS SOLEIMAN • Dar Layadi, Kaa Machraa Tel: +212 (0)24 378 962 WWW.PALAIS-SOLEIMAN.COM
02 RIAD MERIEM • 97 Derb El Cadi, Azbezt Tel: +212 (0)24 387 731. WWW.RIADMERIEM.COM	11 ZIWANA • 5–6 Derb El Maada El Ksour Tel: +212 (0)24 380 500 WWW.ZIWANA.COM
03 JNANE MOGADOR • 116 Riad Zitoune Kedim Tel. +212 (0)24 426 323 WWW.JNANEMOGADOR.COM	12 CAFÉ GLACIAL • Djemaa El-Fna
04 DJEMAA EL-FNA	13 TERRASSES DE L’ALHAMBRA • Djemaa El-Fna
05 KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE	14 CAFÉ DE FRANCE • Djemaa El-Fna
06 PIZZERIA VENEZIA • 279 Avenue Mohammed V Tel: +212 (0)24 440 081	15 JAD MAHAL • Fontaine de la Mamounia Tel: +212 (0)24 436 984
07 LE MARRAKCHI • 52 Rue des Banques Tel: +212 (0)24 443 377 WWW.LEMARRAKCHI.COM	16 PACHA • Boulevard Mohamed VI Tel. +212 (0)24 388 400 WWW.PACHAMARRAKECH.COM
08 LE TOBSIL • 22 Derb Abdellah Ben Hessaien Tel: +212 (0)24 444 052	17 THEATRO • Rue Ibrahim Mazini WWW.THEATROMARRAKECH.COM
09 DAR YACOUT • 79 Rue Ahmed Soussi, Arset Ihiri Tel: +212 (0)24 382 929

Citylives

MARRAKESH
JALLEL TABET, HOTEL MANAGER

Soak up the exotic sights of Morocco’s second-largest city, and don’t be afraid to mingle with the locals

“I’M from Algeria originally, so have always had a special connection with North Africa. I’ve travelled all over the world, but there is nowhere else quite like Marrakesh. It’s the most thrilling and intriguing place, and I cannot see myself leaving in a hurry.

“After growing up in Africa, I moved to the UK and learned English while working in the hotel and catering trade. When I was offered a job here last year, they didn’t need to ask me twice to move back. Marrakesh is the perfect combination of all the best bits of Europe, Africa and the Middle East – a desert oasis that you cannot really pin down.

“Sometimes new arrivals think Marrakesh is dangerous, but I totally disagree. It’s much safer than London or Paris. Yes, people will approach you trying to be your ‘guide’, or sell you something, but they normally take no for an answer when you insist, and the tourist police keep a watchful eye on things in the medina.

“My advice for first-timers is come with an open mind and don’t be afraid. Lose yourself in the rhythm and breathe in the exotic sights and sounds. The people here are some of the most open and friendly anywhere in the world. Learning even a few simple words of Arabic will enrich your time in the city and help open up new experiences, as it sets you aside from most visitors.

“Another great thing here is the food. Don’t be afraid to eat at the smoking stalls in Djemaa el-Fna. They use hot oil and grills, so hygiene is good. Also try one of the classy Moroccan restaurants for a real all-evening feast. There are also many international restaurants, with everything from great pizza to a quality steak.

“Some people worry things in Marrakesh are changing. There are a lot of big international brand hotels opening outside the medina, but Marrakesh has absorbed travellers from all over for centuries, so I think it will cope with the round of new arrivals without losing any of its magic.”

WWW.MAISONMK.COM

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