Marrakech?

[cruisinred]

I'm considering Marrakech (plus Spain) for a family winter vacation next year.



There are currently 2 lovely places in Marrakech offered on LL....but the dates are only valid until the end of Aug/Sept. Does anyone recall if there are places in Morroco offered for winter dates?



Has anyone stayed at the Jnane Tamsna in Marrakech...package offered in LL?



Thanks



Cruisinred



(PS Apologies for the double posting, but I have not had any responses to this question on the Africa board)

[Syrene-1]

Hi yes, I was in Marrakech in Feb. (already posted about my experiences so i will spare you) I got a great deal at the Riad Kniza through LL and had a fablous time. Hope you consider this - I highly recommend.



Oh! By the way, the weather was perfect in Feb. - sunny and in the 80's every day.

[cruisinred]

Thanks for responding Syrene. I 'll try to find your post about Riad Kniza. I have read other fine reviews of it. 80 degrees in February sounds wonderful! Did the locals happen to say if that was a fluke, or typical weather for that time of year?



The only reason I was leaning towards the Jnane Tamsna is that they have several heated pools.

I just hope either auction is offered for February 2008.


Message Edited by cruisinred on 04-23-200711:55 AM

[Syrene-1]

If you can not find it I will be happy to email you privately with whatever details you want - I really loved it there and would encourage anyone with an open mind and sense of adventure to go!

[obrienkf]

Go to Kniza.



Tucked in the middle of the Medina, you dont go to Marrakech to soak in a pool, you go to experience chaos in the Medina. (lots of 'pools' in florida!! no markets like in Marrakech!!)



Lots ofblogs, allfavourable,on Riad Kniza, I think I did one myself(?!? cannot recall). Big regret? Yes, i didn't organize myself to spend time in Casablanca. But I only had 4 days available, and Marrakech was exotic enough. Other regret --- i got drawn in, prematurely, yet again, to some stupid carpet deal. Love the carpet, but should have waited a few days when I was more 'seasoned' on the game. Still love the carpet --- searching for another room --- for the half dozen carpets that I gathered beyond my capacity ---- ask the staff in Kniza to show you how to cook your meal, be open faced, and you'll get a free lesson on moroccan cooking before dinner. Wander aimlessly through the medina, bring light clothes, long sleeves out of respect, go to the centre of the medina for dinner, and settle down, eat like the local tourists, and enjoy. I think I became a regular at stall 14. Cannot remember exactly...



and if you are going to buy a tajine, buy one for next to nothing near the Riad.... have used it loads since returning --- along with a ton of spices that I picked up (paprika, saffron, cumin, and moroccan curry). A very few shekels well invested.





kind regards

[omegaet]

cruisinred...we stayed at Riad Kinza in early March and found the weather to be delightful...very warm days and very cool evenings. Riad Kinza provided the perfect experience for us...we wanted to be inside the old wall and to be able to walk to all of the historic sites. When we asked the owners of Riad Kinza about Jnane Tamsna, they offered only positive comments aboutthe property. Because we had considered bidding on theJnane Tamsna package, we had our driver take us by the property one afternoon (we did not go inside). I would estimate the drive from the Riad Kinza was approximately 20 minutes or so. I mention this because, you might not wish torely ontaxis (although, I believe,Jnane Tamsna offers an infrequent shuttle), if you intend to visit the old city more than once or twice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a totally peaceful environment on the outskirts of Marrakech, then Jnane Tamsna may serve you well. As for the time of year to visit.....few people would want to spend much time in Marrakech in July or August.....just a bit too warm.

[cruisinred]

Thanks for the helpful comments. Re. the pool....the trip to Marrakech would likely be a family trip with 3 kids ages 11-16....I was thinking thepools might be a welcome diversion for them.



Re. the tangines and spices: with 4 days in Marrakech, I would love to fit in time for a Moroccan cooking class.

[obrienkf]

kids may need pools, agree -- Kniza is, however, very wonderful, and within the Medina --- perhaps if you have athletic kids, who want some hiking and distraction, a hike in the Atlas mountains would be a good distraction.



there are other options in Marrakech (things like Hiltons, or other chains, near the entrance to the medina, if I recall correctly), that havea range of pools, not soaking pools, and other distractions, and the access to the Medina, with snake charmers and all the exotic of Marrakech on their doorstep.

[omegaet]

cruisinred....maybe you should consider a night or two at Kasbah du Toubkal (no pool)http://www.kasbahdutoubkal.com/....interesting drive from Marrakech (if it happens to be a local market day at one of the villages, you must stop and explore) to thefoot hills of the High Atlas Mountains and the kasbah will be a destination your children will remember for the balance of their lives (they can ride a mule with their baggage from the drop off point in Imlil up to the kasbah).....neat to hire a local Berber guide and go trekking to several of the villages.