Uncover the Secrets of Ait Benhaddou's Kasbah La Cigogne: Morocco's Hidden Gem
Ait Benhaddou's Kasbah La Cigogne: My Honest Take (Brace Yourself, It's a Journey!)
Okay, listen up, wanderlusters! You’ve seen the photos, the Instagram feeds, the perfectly posed travelers basking in the Moroccan sun. But what about the real deal? I just got back from Ait Benhaddou, and I’m here to spill the tea on Kasbah La Cigogne. Forget those polished, sanitized reviews. This is the messy, honest, and sometimes utterly bewildered account of my stay. Buckle up… it’s gonna be a ride.
Accessibility: The Hurdles and the Hope
First things first, let's talk about getting there. Ait Benhaddou itself? Stunning. Like, jaw-droppingly, postcard-perfect stunning. Accessibility to the town is… well, let’s just say it’s a workout. Cobblestone streets, uneven terrain, and a definite lack of ramps. I’m assuming this also applies to the hotel - Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I didn't personally observe them. So, if you have mobility issues, research the specifics of the hotel's accessibility BEFORE you go. It might require some careful planning. But hey, this is Morocco, right? A little adventure never hurt anyone… or did I say that too soon?
Getting Started
- Arrival: You'll probably fly into Marrakech (a journey in itself, let me tell you – more on that later!) and then arrange a transfer to Ait Benhaddou. Airport transfer is listed, so definitely book this! It's roughly a 3-4 hour drive, and you don't want to navigate Moroccan roads after a sleepless flight on your own. Valet parking is also available, which is a blessing, because finding parking anywhere, especially in a place like this, is a nightmare.
My Digs: The Room (Confessions from a Tired Traveler)
Right, let's dive into the available in all rooms list. This is where things get personal. And… well, maybe a little too personal.
- Air conditioning: Essential. Absolutely essential.
- Alarm clock: Useless. I use my phone.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Luxurious! But let's be real, I barely wore them. The hotel is for relaxation.
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: The best way to ease the travel pains.
- Blackout curtains: Thank. Freaking. God. After a long day of wandering, these are a lifesaver.
- Closet: Yep, a place to hang your clothes. Genius.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: A lifesaver in the morning.
- Hair dryer: Absolutely required.
- Internet access – wireless (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!): It works. More or less. Don't expect lightning speeds, but it's enough to check your emails, post a picture (or twenty), and occasionally annoy your family back home.
- Ironing facilities: Meh. Wrinkles are part of the adventure, right?
- Mini bar: Overpriced. But hey, gotta have that ice-cold water!
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- Private bathroom: A must.
- Refrigerator: Keep your water cold, and your sanity intact.
- Satellite/cable channels: Who has time for TV when you're in Morocco?
- Smoke detector: A comfort, I suppose.
- Soundproofing: This is a huge bonus! Sleeping in peace is important.
- Telephones, Towels, Toiletries: Basic necessities handled.
- Wake-up service: Again, depends on your phone, but nice to have!
- Wi-Fi [free]: As I said, essential. Not perfect, but usable.
- Window that opens: Breathe in that desert air!
A Note on "Extra Long Beds" and "Extra Toilet": I cannot confirm this, but the listing does say it.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Bellyaches)
Okay, let’s talk about the most important thing: Food, drinking, and snacking! This is where Kasbah La Cigogne mostly shines.
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar: You are covered. And the poolside bar is a godsend after a long day of exploring.
- A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: Options, glorious options. My advice? Try it all. But maybe avoid the spicy tagines on your first day. (Yeah, lesson learned).
- International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: The variety is impressive.
- Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Breakfast service: Get the breakfast, honestly, it’s worth waking up for. The Asian breakfast option was surprisingly good!
- Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Again, order it. They're good stuff.
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for late-night (or anytime) cravings.
- Bottle of water, Essential condiments: Basic, but appreciated.
- Vegetarian restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement: Definitely caters to dietary needs.
My Foodie Blunders
Now, the imperfections… Remember that "perfectly posed" travel photo? Well, my stomach did not cooperate with the perfect picture. Let's just say I learned the hard way that even the most tempting street food can lead to… unpleasant consequences. So, a word to the wise: Start slow. Drink bottled water. Trust your gut (literally!).
Relaxation and Recreation: My Spa-taneous Detour
(I couldn't resist the pun!) This is where Kasbah La Cigogne really shines. This section includes, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The Pool with a view is ridiculously gorgeous. Like, seriously, I could have spent all day there. And I almost did. The spa is good too. I indulged in a massage, and I have to say, it was pure bliss after a day of climbing around Ait Benhaddou. The Body scrub and Body wrap were… different. And let’s just say, I emerged smoother than a newborn baby – albeit a slightly sandy one. The Sauna, Steamroom You want to sweat, this is the place. Gym/fitness Not my thing, but it's there if you want it.
Cleanliness and Safety: No Room for Germs (Hopefully)
Let’s be honest, these days, safety is paramount. And the hotel generally gets it right. They list:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Appreciated.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: Reassuring.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly observed.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Check.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice to know you have a choice.
- Safe dining setup: They try.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw it.
- Sterilizing equipment: They had it.
The Staff: Your Moroccan Sherpas
The staff at Kasbah La Cigogne? They’re generally lovely. Friendly, helpful, and always ready with a smile (and a mint tea). Concierge, Doorman, Front desk [24-hour], they are all there for you and ready to serve! Their English is decent, which is a blessing if your French is as rusty as mine (very!). I also have to give a shout-out to the housekeeping staff; the place was always spotless.
The Extras: Services and Conveniences (and the Occasional Annoyance)
- Air conditioning in public area: Definitely a plus.
- Business facilities: I don't even want to think about work.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Cashless payment service: Super convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Elevator: Helpful.
- Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: They have you covered.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events. They have the options for you.
- Terrace, Smoking area: Both good.
The Quirks… and the Imperfections!
- The "essential condiments" were… well, basic. But hey, who's complaining?
- The Wi-Fi, as I said, could be spotty, but that's Morocco for you.
- The lack of instant coffee at breakfast
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Moroccan desert, Kasbah La Cigogne, and it’s gonna be less “rigid itinerary” and more… “surviving with a notepad and a prayer.” Prepare for the beautiful, the disastrous, and the utterly ridiculous. Here we go:
Kasbah La Cigogne: A Trip of Questionable Sanity (and Potential Camel-Related Injuries)
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Existential Dread (or, “I Left My Socks in London…Again”)
Morning (ish – because jet lag is a cruel mistress): Landed in Marrakech. Airport chaos? You betcha. Think a bustling marketplace of lost luggage, aggressive taxi drivers, and the vague scent of…well, I’m pretty sure I smelled a camel within the first five minutes. Managed to barter down a taxi driver from an extortionate price (victory!). He then proceeded to drive like a Formula 1 racer through a game of chicken. Let’s just say my heart rate hit a new record.
Mid-Morning: The drive to Ait Benhaddou. The landscape? Stunning. The Atlas Mountains looming on the horizon, changing colours with the sun… I initially thought, "this is what heaven looks like". I then remembered I hadn't packed sunscreen and the existential dread began to creep in.
Afternoon: Arrived at Kasbah La Cigogne. First impression? Sigh of relief. This place is a gem. Seriously, the photos don't even do it justice. It’s all earthy tones, intricate carvings, and a view that’ll knock your socks off (which, oh yeah, I don't have). Checked in, fumbled with the antiquated key (felt like something out of a historical movie!), and collapsed on the bed. Pure. Bliss.
Late Afternoon: Wandered the Kasbah grounds. The pool? Tempting, but also slightly terrifying. I'm not a strong swimmer, and the thought of rescuing myself from a giant, tiled death-trap…well, let's just say I stuck to the shallow end. Managed to get slightly sunburnt, which is a good job of setting off "I Forgot My Sunscreen" alarm.
Evening: Dinner at the Kasbah restaurant. Tagine. The smells? Divine. The taste? Even better. The company? Me, myself, and my inner monologue, which was currently debating the merits of camel trekking. Maybe tomorrow…? The other guests were a mix of chilled people and a party that was clearly enjoying themselves. Drank way too much Moroccan wine. Considered writing my will.
Night: Stared at the stars. They were incredible. Felt like I was suspended in a galaxy. Thought about calling my mum to tell her how wonderful it all was. Fell asleep before I did. Woke up at 3am convinced I'd seen a djinn. Probably just the wine.
Day 2: Trading Socks for Adventure (and Failing Spectacularly)
Morning: Breakfast. Bread, olives, honey. I could eat this every day of my life. Contemplated actually buying all the ingredients and doing just that.
Mid-Morning: The piece de resistance: Camel Trekking. Yes, reader, I did it. Initially, I felt smug. "I'll ride this camel like a seasoned nomad!" I thought. The reality? Less Lawrence of Arabia, more "slightly terrified tourist who can't quite find a comfortable position." This was a lot harder than it looked. The camel clearly sensed my fear, as he/she kept making these low grumbling noises. Managed to stay on relatively upright for a short time. However, soon enough I developed a deep ache in my lower back. Eventually, I was convinced, I would fall and become a story passed on to other tourists. The experience was, honestly, a sensory overload: wobbly camel legs, the endless expanse of sand, the sun beating down… I could feel my skin getting hotter and hotter. Definitely not the picture of calm I had envisioned. At one point, I almost fell off while trying to take a selfie (priorities, people!). The guide laughed (at me, I’m sure).
Afternoon: Back at the Kasbah. Collapsed by the pool (again, shallow end). Spent the afternoon trying to scrub the desert from my hair and contemplating the meaning of life. Or, you know, maybe just the meaning of the camel humps. The sunset? Breathtaking. Absolutely worth the wobbly ride.
Evening: More tagine. More wine. Made friends with a talkative Canadian couple who kept talking about their cats. Tried to explain the difference between a Kasbah and a Riad. Realised I wasn't entirely sure myself. The whole thing becomes a bit of a blur. Decided to get an early night.
Day 3: The Kasbah, The Culture and The Great Sock Hunt
Morning: Woke up feeling like I’d been run over by a camel (again). But still, the view from the window was worth all the camel-induced agony.
Mid-Morning: Explored the actual Kasbah. Wandered the labyrinthine alleyways, marvelled at the intricate architecture. The history here is palpable. You can almost feel the ghosts of ancient film crews in the air. The place has featured in so many films! Game of Thrones, Gladiator, The Mummy… all here. It was amazing to walk around, especially after getting my head around what it all means, I thought about how each spot was used in film. It makes you think about the people who have come before, all of whom, like me, were captivated by the place.
Afternoon: Tried to bargain for a rug. Failed miserably. Came away with a suspiciously expensive scarf that I'm pretty sure is made of camel hair (great). Searched high and low to find out where my socks have disappeared to.
Late Afternoon: Had my final lunch at the hotel, filled with a sadness. Sad to leave the hotel and the food, but excited to get back to Marrakech.
Evening: Left Kasbah La Cigogne. Driving out, I looked back and thought "wow, I just did that!". Took one last look back at the amazing place and said goodbye.
Night: Back in Marrakech, ready for my journey home.
Final Thoughts (and a Plea for Socks):
Kasbah La Cigogne is… well, it's something else. It's messy, chaotic, confusing, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable. It’s a place where you can lose your socks, your sanity, and maybe even a bit of your heart. I wouldn't have it any other way.
P.S. If anyone finds a pair of dark blue socks, size 10, please let me know. I'm pretty sure they were last seen near that camel…
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Ait Benhaddou & Kasbah La Cigogne: Let's Get Messy, Shall We? FAQs (and My Crazy Thoughts)
So, Ait Benhaddou – Is It *Actually* Worth the Hype? (Spoiler: Yes... mostly.)
Alright, let's be real. You've seen the pics, right? That dramatic, postcard-perfect view of Ait Benhaddou rising from the desert? Yeah, it's pretty darn close to being that amazing in reality. My first thought? "Holy moly, this is where they filmed Gladiator?!" (Side note: They filmed a lot of stuff there. Apparently, Hollywood *loves* it.)
But here's the deal: Hype is a tricky beast. You go in expecting perfection, and you might be slightly disappointed. Ait Benhaddou is beautiful, yes, but it's also... dusty. And crowded. And the merchants in the village... well, they're persistent. Let's just say I now own three (slightly overpriced) carpets.
But still… the feeling of *walking* through those ancient mudbrick walls, feeling the sun bake down, imagining life centuries ago… yeah, that's worth it. You gotta embrace the imperfections, the dust, the hard sell, because that's part of the experience. Plus, the sheer architectural ingenuity? Mind-blowing.
Kasbah La Cigogne – Is It *The* Place to Stay? (Again… mostly.)
Okay, let me tell you about my internal struggle here. On the one hand, Kasbah La Cigogne is gorgeous. Like, Instagram-worthy gorgeous. Beautiful courtyards, rooftop terraces with those amazing desert views, and rooms decorated with traditional Moroccan touches. You *feel* like you’re in a movie. (Seriously, I expected Russel Crowe to wander in anytime.)
On the other hand… there was this ONE tiny, tiny issue. The hot water. Let’s just say it was… inconsistent. One minute, blissfully steamy; the next, arctic blast. I nearly screamed. My hair was already a frizzy mess from the humidity, and a freezing shower? The indignity! But! – I'm getting ahead of myself – after a panicked call and a bit of fiddling with the plumbing, it was fixed. And the charm of the place won out. Plus, the tagine was *divine*. Seriously, best tagine of the whole trip. Maybe it was worth the cold blast for that tagine. Maybe.
What Should I Pack for Ait Benhaddou? (Beyond the Obvious.)
Okay, this is where I, the resident over-packer, can give some advice. Sunscreen? Obvious. Hat? Duh. Comfortable shoes for walking? Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. But here's the insider info:
- **A small, refillable water bottle:** Dehydration is a real thing in the desert. And I *really* don't want to explain what happened to me after I drank that questionable orange juice someone sold me on the side of the road… (shudders).
- **A scarf (or pashmina):** Not just for the dust, but for the sun, and for covering your shoulders if you're wandering into any more traditional areas. Plus, they're chic. I bought three. Oops.
- **Cash (small bills):** Bargaining is part of the fun (and necessary). You'll be tempted to buy everything. Trust me. "Is that a real Berber rug? Yes? Ok I'l take it!" – sound familiar?
- **Patience:** You'll need it. For the crowds, for the heat, and for the… shall we say, enthusiastic sales pitches.
- **A good book/podcast:** For those quiet moments on the rooftop terrace, gazing at the stars (trust me, the stargazing is unreal). Oh, and definitely pack a camera. You will regret not taking pictures of this place and all!
Eating in Ait Benhaddou; What's the Food *Really* Like? (And OMG, The Couscous!)
Okay, food time. This is important. Moroccan food? Generally, it’s a win. But Ait Benhaddou? It *can* be a bit hit or miss. The tourist restaurants tend to be… well, they're trying. The tagine, when done right, is heavenly. Slow-cooked meats, vegetables, fragrant spices… utterly delicious. I dream of that tagine. Specifically, the one at… (I’d tell you the name, but I honestly can't remember, after the incident with the questionable OJ. Let's just say it was up the hill and to the left…)
But the couscous… ah, the couscous. It’s couscous like you’ve probably never had it before. Fluffy, flavorful, cooked just right and everything is fresh. Okay, the best couscous...it was on a Friday afternoon, after a long morning of hiking, tired and sweaty. The sun was absolutely blazing and was hungry and thirsty. And then, that first bite? Oh, the memories... It's a moment I'll never forget, honestly. I could eat couscous for every meal, everywhere.
My advice? Venture out. Ask the locals. Don't be afraid to try something new. And for the love of all that is holy, try the mint tea. It's a whole experience in itself. And for the love of all that is holy, get some water to go!
Any Tips for Dealing with the… Persuasive Merchants? (aka, the Art of NO!)
Ah, yes. The souk experience. It can be… intense. These merchants are good. *Really* good. They'll make you feel like they're your best friend, offer you tea, and then gently, insistently, guide you towards buying a rug, a lamp, a leather bag, or your weight in spices. It’s their job, of course, but it can be overwhelming.
My best advice? Be polite, be firm, and learn to say "La shukran" (no thank you) with a smile. And, if you're not interested, don't make eye contact. Seriously. It's like a tractor beam. They'll think you're a potential customer. Also, if you *are* interested in something, bargain. Ruthlessly. It's expected. Think of it as a fun puzzle. Plus, if you're going to buy a carpet, make sure it fits in your luggage. I'm still working on that part. And the shipping, oh God, the shipping...
Would I Go Back? (In a Heartbeat.)
Yes. Absolutely. Even with the dust, the crowds, the slightly-too-insistent salespeople, and the occasional cold shower. Ait Benhaddou is a place that gets into your soul. It's a place of history, of beauty, of magic. It’s a place that challenges you, delights you, and leaves you with memories that you'll be sharing for years to come.
And honestly, the imperfections? They're part of theHotel Search Site
