We stayed at the Hotel Amalay, rue Mohammed V, a 10-minute walk from Djemaa El Fna. Triple room, breakfast included, and friendly, helpful Arabic-, French-, and modest English-speaking staff. Clean, spacious rooms. I have booked again for January, £11 per night, per person. The hotel details online are not flattering, but this is a pleasant mid-range hotel without a swimming pool.
Magical Marrakech, home to Djemaa El Fna (www.ilovemarrakech.com/marrakesh/el_fna.htm), alive with snake charmers musicians. We had a wonderful meal in the square, with many places and and prices to choose from, budget to haute cuisine. We enjoyed a classy meal with music and belly-dancing at the Diaffa restaurant, just off the rue Mohammed V. Prior to our meal, we meet with a local freelance tour operator. We took him for a meal at the Diaffa and learned much of Moroccan history and culture from this pleasant English-, Arabic-, and French-speaking gentleman. We have his contact email for future business.
We took a leisurely walk back to the hotel, past the Kotoubia Mosque (I believe the third largest in the world) and past the Place 16 Novembre, where we took photos by the fountain. My daughter and I looked for a nightcap at the Hotel Nassim and were very impressed by the seductively lit bar and pool. The porter took us to view the hotels facilities. I made a note to book this hotel for my son in the summer.
The Hotel Diwane was also plush, and at very reasonable rates, I will try in March when returning with Ryanair for yet another low-cost flight.
In January I shall try the Toulousain Hotel, again 1km from the square and near the market. I will choose this one, as they offer guided tours and chauffeur-driven vehicle hire to the Draa Valley and Essouaira, and a 2-day camel trek.
Following Marrakesh, we took the train to Rabat, Sale...