Monday, January 15, 2007

Map of Marrakech


Hopefully this map will give you a better idea of where Riad Blanc is within the Medina. It is southeast of the famous Place Jemaa el Fna.

It is off Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid and close to the following landmarks:
  • Bahia Palace (Palais de la Bahia)
  • Medina Prefecture
  • Maison Tiskiwin
  • Palais Moulay Idriss
  • Musee dar Si Said

Places to Stay - Part II

The riads below are a bit more expensive than those listed in Part I. They are located in the Medina in close proximity to Riad Blanc, where the wedding will be held.

Clos des Artes
http://www.leclosdesarts.com/
If you want to stay here, there is ONE room remaining, La Suite Améthyste (135 euros w/ B&B). Some guests are already booked here.

Riad Zaouia
http://www.riadzaouia.com/
Very nice, 120-185 Euros/night, B&B

Dar Attajmil
http://www.darattajmil.com/
80 – 100 euros/night B&B

Riad Aida
http://www.riadaida.com/
Also very nice, slightly less expensive – 99-189 Euros/night, B&B, afternoon mint tea with Moroccan pastries.

Monday, January 8, 2007

Marrakech - Places to Stay - Part I

Dear friends and family,

As the big day is less than 3 months away, it's probably a good time to begin to think about where to stay in Marrakech. This post will cover the place we recommend that are less expensive and near to Riad Blanc (where the wedding will be held). Another post will be made soon with recommendations of higher-end riads that are also near to Riad Blanc.

The wedding itself is April 4, but we are arranging activities beginning Monday, April 2. (Please see previous post on exact schedule.)

Of course, you're welcome to ignore these suggestions, or if you know of any other places (riads or otherwise), please let us know!

In no particular order, most include breakfast:
Nice for different sized groups as this hotel has singles (29 euro), doubles (38 euro), triples (46 euro), and quads (52 euro).
290 dirham/single (about $28) or 450 dirham for double (about $56)
From 210 dirham (about $25), no breakfast.

Also, Thursday morning after the wedding, we (Maz and I and our families) are planning to head to the coast, a town called Essaouira on the Atlantic. We will be posting information on accommodations there as well. Essaouira is about 2.5 hours outside of Marrakesh, so be sure to allow plenty of time to get yourself back to Marrakesh to catch your flight. It is possible to visit Essaouira as a day trip. In addition to Essaouira, there's plenty of other fantastic places in Morocco to explore on your own. We're happy to make recommendations.

Please email us or post a comment if you have any questions!

Saturday, January 6, 2007

Ecuador and Galapagos Islands

We just got back from an amazing trip. Photos and words to come soon.