STAY: Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge

Central Lounge, Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge

Location: Marrakech, Morocco
No of Rooms: 5 private rooms, 8 dormitories
Board Basis: Bed and Breakfast
Price: From £8 per person, per night
Date Visited: May 2013

So this is a real budget option! As much as I love hostels, quite often they are either extremely basic (read uncomfortable), or are overpriced for what they offer and lack any charm. Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge, has just the right balance of comfort and originality. Yes, it is far from luxurious, but for £8 per night, you don't expect it to be. What it does deliver on is hospitality, value for money and peace in a busy city.

I was fairly sceptical about my stay in Marrakech, not least because I had relinquished my usual control freak tendencies and let my friend book where we were staying. On top of this I had heard that I would need to worry about my safety, the food, the haggling, the noise; the list was endless. However, I would urge anyone to try this city out for themselves, and stay at Riad Marrakech Rouge when they do. Malek, the hostel owner, was unbelievably helpful, offering up tips and advice on where to visit and eat, and making sure that we lacked for nothing. On top of the generous free breakfast (we never managed to finish it all), the hostel offers free mint tea and biscuits throughout the day, perfect for when you pop back to relax in the central lounge.

The central lounge itself is the primary reason for staying here. It is decorated with memorabilia from all over the world, has comfortable recliners, relaxing music playing throughout the day and is the perfect forum to meet new and interesting people on their travels. It summed up everything that I love about backpacking. 

Throw in comfortable beds, a roof terrace and a central location, and you have yourself the perfect stay for a budget trip to this bustling city.

Find out more and book online here: www.riadmarrakechrouge.hostel.com.