Marrakech Youth Hostel

Marrakech Youth Hostel is located in Ville Nouville (the new town), close to the train station in a quiet area. It is quite a long walk from the action of the medina. If you take a taxi to the medina make sure the driver of the petit taxi will use the meter. It shouldn't cost anymore that 15 dirham. Even if you have luggage, don't let the drivers tell you it should be more. Find another taxi.

The hostel is divided into male and female sections. Females are allowed downstairs in the male quarter, but males are not supposed to go upstairs to enjoy the terrace (located in the female section). However, when we stayed, the females didn't care and the guys went upstairs anyway. The dorm rooms are clean and spacious. Some dorms have bunks, but others are bunk-free. The bathrooms are not quite as clean. There is no toilet paper and the toilets seem to flush or not flush at random. Hot showers cost 6 dirham. There are plenty of communal spaces at the hostel, creating a friendly atmosphere. If the weather is nice, you can enjoy the courtyards. If not, there is a lounge room with TV.

The hostel has a list of rules longer than anywhere else. The worst of the rules is the mandatory 8 a.m. wakeup. The staff goes around knocking on the doors to ensure that everyone follows this rule, so there is really no hope of a sleep-in. You are also not allowed to stay in the rooms during the day except in case of illness.

Breakfast is included in the price. It is basic and consists of bread, jam, and cheese, with coffee or tea and orange juice. It is also possible to buy water and other cold drinks from reception. This is handy because there are not many places close by to buy food or drink.

Overall this is a nice place to meet other travelers and is very convenient to reach from the train station (even if you do have to walk down a few dark side streets). However for the same price (if not traveling alone) you can find equally clean places closer to the sights in the medina. Although it is a HI-affiliated hostel, there is no discount for members.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2006