Riads in Marrakech, Essaouira and Fez - reservations

Undisputedly cosmopolitan, yet respectful of its culture and traditions, Marrakech has put itself on the short list of sophisticated travelers. Stylish lounges and restaurants have sprouted up everywhere. Traveling art expositions have added Marrakech as a venue in recent years and cultivated art lovers will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of choice this city now offers.

One of the hottest new destinations, Marrakesh has a little of everything for everyone..... Often referred to as the Pearl of the South or the Rose City because of the pale salmon coloring of the buildings, this energetic city is a virtual carnival for the senses.

Seducing lovers of traditional Moroccan architecture, Marrakech has a magnificent collection of mosques, gardens, palaces, and Koranic schools. Still encircled by ancient ramparts that were constructed to protect the medina that once hid Sultan palaces, mansions of rich merchants, and some of the most lively bazaars in the world, many of which still exist today, Marrakesh remains virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages.

Time has come to a standstill in this enchanting city. Once you look past the chaotic surface of noisy automobiles, mopeds, donkey carts, and pedestrians in the streets, you can feel the slow and unhurried pulse of the city, seen in the way the inhabitants pause and take the time to discuss with neighbors, living their days much as their ancestors did.

Passing carts overflow with fresh local produce and roasted grains. Snake charmers, fortunetellers, dancers, storytellers, potion vendors, healers, musicians and public scribes with their black umbrellas come together in the Djemaa El Fna Square to make up the unreal spectacle that is Marrakesh.

Marrakesh is actually formed by three very different neighborhoods, the medina, Hivernage and Gueliz. Marrakech riads are located in the medina, along with the ancient workshops, or souks, of the artisans, in the heart of the city. Large hotels, modern stores, car rentals and cafes line the open and wide streets that make up Gueliz, also called the "new city", built by the French after they installed themselves by establishing a Moroccan protectorate in 1912. Residential and calm, Hivernage is comprised of many beautiful buildings.

Marrakech monuments are continually being renovated as a personal project of the King who happens to be in love with this city. Gardens are well maintained and more and more land is being put aside for parks as the government plans ahead for the city's expansion. As tourism is such an important feeder of the Marrakechi economy, the number of tourism police is higher than ever, making visitors to the Pink City feel secure and at ease.