Hotel Anaia

In Chefchaouen, there is enough of options when it comes to accommodation. The town has approximately 200 hotels, riads and guest houses in total, which is insane in comparison how small the town is and the fact that most visitors stays for 2-3 days. No matter where you decide to stay, you won't be far away from the medina itself. If you want to stay in the middle of it all, Hotel Barcelona is next to the main square surrounded by shops, carpets and restaurants. For myself, I did not look very long for accommodation as it is not my main focus. I decided to stay at Hotel Anaia. The hotel is located a couple of minutes by walk from the main square, and early close to the main bus station. I stayed in room #1 and it definitely has a Moroccan mountain feel to it. The hotel provides you with slippers, thick blankets (oh yes, it gets cold), toiletries and a common living area. I had my own bathroom with shower, which was great. As I didn't spend much time in my room nor at the hotel, it definitely was a good choice for me to stay here.   

Morocco - Chefchaouen

This small mountain town located in northwest of Morocco is often regarded as one of the prettiest towns in Morocco. The narrow blue passages give way to wide squares where the Andalusian influence is notable, also including the archways doorways and windows and the red-tiled rooftops. Chefchaouen has long been hosting visitors and today the town accommodates visitors to approximately 200 hotels and riads. Chefchaouen is a popular destination for backpackers and hikers due to it's amazing mountains and hikes through the Rif Mountains.

As soon as we arrived to the small town after a 4,5 hours bus-ride, I could immediately feel that we were in the mountains. The air was fresh, the people more conservative, the clothing was different and the fact that it was freezing. In Fez I was enjoying the sun, and during the nights in Chefchaouen I had to wrap myself in 2 thick blankets and clothes.

When I arrived to Chaouen (as the town is called sometimes) it was dark and nothing "special" about it. However, this morning as soon as I started to walk around, the town came to life. The houses, stairs, door, windows and streets are all covered in the color "Chaouen-blue". The town is many times called The Plue Pearl, which I can definitely understand where it got its name from. Chaouen is surrounded by a wall, which reminds me of The Great Wall of China actually. I had several great conversations with other travellers and got some good tips where to continue my journey here in Morocco. If you scroll down on my pictures, I met this old but adorable Australian couple who once in a while had to sit down for 30-40min in order for the lady to create her magic. Look at the art, the small painting. I had the honour to see other paintings of hers, and they were just spectacular. I continued my day by hiking up to the Spanish Mosque. The mosque itself is not the main attraction, visitors only hike there to experience the view. I sat there for a good 15 minutes before heading down to the hotel.

I managed to get my tickets to the bus, which will take me to Rabat. The bus departs at 7AM, so I better get some rest. Enjoy some pictures from today!

Fez Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace

The good thing with staying at properties that operate under the same company that you work for, is that you know what kind of service to expect, and how you can get the most out of your stay. The negative - same as above. When things does not meet your expectations, the frustration hits especially when you want all hotels in the company to provide the same service worldwide.

I must say, the hotel room was amazing. It probably had the biggest bed I have ever seen, bathtub, and even a balcony facing the pool area. The pool area, gosh I wish it would be my backyard. The location was not the best, but luckily the taxis were affordable. At the hotel itself, I must admit that the service was a little slow. Not the laid back kind of slow, just that everything was quite difficult and not well prepared. When I arrived in the middle of the night, I was roomed by a very polite gentleman, but the front desk staff was not welcoming. Not at check in, nor at check out, which is sad. Just a simple smile, or just asking "How was your stay" would have been enough, but nothing. Additionally, might be a thing in Fez, but the hotel could not call a taxi for you, instead you would have to exit the hotel and try to wave to the taxis that drove by. Luckily, I made it to every place I had to go to in time, but it took very long I must say.

After my check out, I took the opportunity to relax by the pool until my bus to the next destination departed. To be continued...

Morocco - Fez

As I scroll through pictures and articles about Fez, it's just fascinating. Fez, and especially the old town, is the world's largest car-free urban space and an UNESCO Heritage site. When strolling around the city, it feels like you have been transported thousand years back in time. The old city of Fez is still a functioning medieval city. The narrow streets, the smell of fresh herbs, spices and leather definitely sums up the atmosphere. As the area is car-free, donkeys and horses are the only transportation option for goods. The moment I arrived to the Blue Gate, a gentleman approached me and offered his guide service. Interesting enough, his speech included statements such as "it's not safe here, it's Ramadan, and you will be bothered all the time". He is right, but is this the vibe you want to provide tourists who are here to explore the city for the first time? I politely declined, and went off on my own. The area is huge, and oh yes if you don't stick to the most crowded streets, you will get lost. However, the times when you get lost, you will find the most spectacular places. 

As you walk around, you will be approached all the time. Personally, I feel that it's exhausting. Not only to walk up and down the crowded streets, checking your bag and hugging it tight, but to constantly decline every offer that is thrown at you. I get it, they have to and it might work once in a while, and I can imagine that it's equally frustrating for the vendors as it is for the visitors. On several occasions, I actually managed to find several nice items, but lost my interest due to the vendors themselves. Fes manufactures the most beautiful leather sandals, bags and backpacks. I spotted several items that I definitely would like to bring back home. 

On my way back to the hotel, I did a quick stop at Dar al-Makhze, the gate of the Royal Palace. The palace is not open to the public, but the gate itself is spectacular. As I'm not a writer, the pictures will tell you the rest of the story of my day in Fes. 

مرحبا Morocco

I always find it funny whenever you either receive the question or you ask someone "Why do you work in hospitality?". The most popular answer is probably "because I like to travel". Honestly. Most of the people working in hospitality does not travel on a regular basis. Mostly, we get the "pleasure" of welcoming guests who travels and observe their joy of experiencing something new. 

However, even people working in hospitality, get to go on a well deserved vacation once in a while. For myself, I will finally get the privilege to visit a country that has been on my bucket list for years - Morocco. Simply the thought of planning a trip to an undiscovered destination, makes me excited. 

During my two weeks in Morocco I have initially planned to visit a few cities, such as Fez, Chefchaouen, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. I will spend the first week on my own, and during the final week my lovely friend Annika will join me. Not will we only get the opportunity to spend quality time, but create amazing memories together in a place none of us has been to before. 

As I arrived to the airport, I was warmly welcomed with the information of a 1,5 hour delay. Not only my Air Arabia Maroc flight, but several other travellers with various airlines were facing delays. Perfect time to do some research, perhaps book some accommodation and cross my fingers that my flight won't be cancelled.