Food and wine are ingrained in Roman culture and sampling some of the best dishes the city has to offer doesn’t have to cost the earth! From crunchy deep-fried artichoke drizzled in olive oil and flawlessly thin charred pizza to creamy al dente cacio e pepe topped with lashings of parmesan and rich chocolate tiramisu; you can easily try the best of these Roman classics on a budget. 

Doing your research, avoiding restaurants too close to tourist spots, and eating where Italians do, are key to the quality of the meals you have and the total cost of your bill. Here’s my top ten budget-friendly eateries in Rome to get you started!

Le Mani in Pasta

Le Mani in Pasta’s entrance is tucked away down a side street in Trastevere.

Begin your meal with a bottle of Primitivo before ordering a starter of sliced seabass sprinkled with truffle. For main, go for the sharing platter of lobster pasta (€40 for 2). Prepare to get messy as you crack and scoop out the lobster and slurp down the perfectly cooked pasta.

The fish is fresh, the service is charismatic, and the bill is always surprisingly low.

Via Dei Genovesi 37 – 00153

Piccolo Buco

Located down a side street near the Trevi Fountain, Piccolo Buco is a small pizzeria with a big reputation. The owner of the restaurant takes such pride in the process of creating their pizza dough, and it shows – the pizzas are works of art!

Each pizza has a puffed-up, crunchy crust framing the base and toppings. You can choose from a white or red base and an impressive selection of toppings including a whole ball of burrata and nduja sausage drizzled with homemade pesto. Pizza prices range from €12 – €18.

Via del Lavatore 91 – 00187

Pastificio Guerra

Representing the fast food of Italy – homemade fresh pasta to-go!

Pastificio Guerra is a small pasta shop just around the corner from the Spanish Steps. From 1pm daily, they open their doors to hungry Italians and tourists desperate to sample their pasta dishes of the day. There are only two types of pasta on offer each day and a takeaway box costs a bargain €4.50.

Via della Croce 8, Piazza di Spagna – 00187

Da Enzo al 29

The inescapable queue outside of Da Enzo al 29 is evidence that this trattoria is legendary.

Da Enzo al 29 is famous for perfecting two popular Roman dishes – deep-fried artichoke and cacio e pepe. Accompany these with the sharing plate of burrata, tomatoes, and basil, and a bottle of your waiter’s recommended red wine, and you’ll soon see why people happily wait over an hour for a table. Mains cost around €12 – €18.

Via Dei Vascellari 29 – 00153

Tonarello

Tonarello sits in a delightful spot opposite the grand Basilica di Santa Maria of Trastevere and its menu relies heavily on recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

“Nonna Nadia” (€8.50) is a firm favourite pasta dish consisting of al dente spaghetti tossed in a tomato sauce with aubergine, olives, and capers, as well as their selection of different types of meatballs, served with chicory and roast potatoes (€14.50).

Via della Paglia 1, 2, 3 – 00153

Dar Poeta

Dar Poeta is the epitome of how you’d envision an Italian pizzeria in Rome.

Start with a bottle of their house red wine (€16) and a plate of bruschetta before moving on to the star of the show. Go for the radicchio and gorgonzola pizza (€8.50) if you fancy something rich or the parmigiana (€8.50) for a no-frills tasty topping. Make sure you also leave room for their famous Nutella calzone.

Dar Poeta is affordable, and fuss-free dining in quintessential Italian surroundings. 

Vicolo del Bologna 45 – 00153

200 Gradi

200 Gradi is located just around the corner from The Vatican and specialises in fast, affordable sandwiches filled with top-quality Italian ingredients.

If you want to stick with the best of Italian, go for the ‘Cavour’ – parma ham, mushrooms, Italian smoked cheese, rocket, and their home spicy sauce (€7) or, if you fancy something a bit different go for the ’Nicosia’ – gorgonzola, grilled aubergine, rocket salad, and walnut cream (€7). Each sandwich tastes as fresh as it looks and can be eaten in or taken away.

Piazza del Risorgimento 3 – 00192

La Tavernaccia da Bruno

La Tavernacca da Bruno in Trastevere is a family affair. The original owners, Persiani Bruno and Giuliacci Giovanna opened the restaurant in 1968 and now it is run by their two daughters.

The menu boasts affordable, ancient Roman and Lazio recipes using the best locally sourced ingredients. Go for one of their specialties – pappardelle with wild boar, or slow-roasted suckling pig and a bottle or two of their regional wine.

Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese 63 – 00153

Ai Marmi

Ai Marmi is a pizza institute in Trastevere.

The large restaurant is filled with marble tables that are pushed together to accommodate the masses of people who flock here for cheap, crispy thin pizza.

The menu is extensive, affordable, and includes some interesting toppings such as, courgette and pumpkin flowers. Don’t be surprised if you walk past at 1am and the place is still heaving – it’s the go-to pizza spot day and night. A Pizza will set you back around €6 – €10.

Viale di Trastevere 53, 00153

Pompi

Rumour has it Pompi serves the best tiramisu in Rome!

This patisserie shop has several locations across Rome and serves everything from cakes, desserts, and cannoli to ice cream, coffee, and tiramisu (€5 per slice). You can choose from a selection of tiramisu flavours including original, pistachio, and strawberry and each one is as soft, rich, creamy, and coffee soaked as you’d hope.

See their website for all locations: www.barpompi.it

I hope these top 10 budget-friendly eateries give you some inspo for your trip to Rome!

Marvel at the shimmering Christmas lights, warm up with a spiced mulled wine or hot Aperol from a market stall, browse traditional Hungarian souvenirs and submerge yourself in a natural thermal bath. Here’s how to maximise 24 hours in Budapest!

Morning

Vörösmarty Tér Christmas Market

Once you’ve arrived at your accommodation, wrap up warm and head straight to Vörösmarty Tér Christmas Market – the oldest and most popular market in the city.

Start by perusing the stalls adorned with wreaths, baubles, and twinkling fairy lights. Here you’ll find everything from ceramics, jewellery, and artwork to mulled wine, goulash, and roasted chestnuts. Make sure you sample the traditional Hungarian street food dish Langos, a deep-fried bread topped with garlic butter, sour cream, and cheese before moving on to Hungary’s famous chimney cake with your choice of toppings.

Afternoon

Head to the waterfront where you’ll find the spectacular spikey skyline of Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion across the river Danube. To the right, you’ll also be able to spot the impressive Chain Bridge, which is one of eight bridges connecting Buda and Pest.

Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion

If you’d like to visit Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion hop on the Line 16 bus. Alternatively, you can walk, take a taxi, or jump on the funicular at the bottom of Buda Castle hill. You can visit the castle courtyards for free or organise a tour to go inside.

Once you’re done exploring, walk to Fisherman’s Bastion, which offers outstanding views across Pest including the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building.

Budapest Thermal Baths

If you’d rather spend your afternoon relaxing, visit one of Budapest’s thermal baths. Széchenyi Thermal Baths are the most famous and can be found in City Park. Booking ahead is advised and tickets cost between 9,400 and 10,900 HUF (£20 – £25). Other thermal baths include Gellért, Rudas, and Király.

Evening

St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market

Now’s the time to head back to the city centre to experience the prettiest Christmas Market in Budapest at St. Stephen’s Basilica. This Christmas market is hugged by some of the most beautiful architecture in Budapest and comes alive at night-time – as you approach the road that leads up to the Basilica, you can’t help but be wowed.

A line of wooden market stalls selling strudel, quality handicrafts, and ‘festive punch’ perfectly frame the grand Basilica and sparkling bow-embellished Christmas tree. Beneath the Basilica you’ll find a square with more stalls, a small ice rink, and live music. Make sure you stick around for the festive light show, which projects on the Basilica daily every half an hour from 5.30pm – 10pm.

Dinner

If you want a budget-friendly dinner, grab something from one of the many food street stalls. Warming goulash, crispy potato pancakes, roasted duck leg, and hun-dogs – baguette, pickles, and Hungarian sausage – are all dishes you’ll find everywhere.

Alternatively, head back to your hotel to check-in and freshen up, and then venture out to your choice of restaurant. Budapest has a great restaurant scene and you can sample anything from traditional Hungarian cuisine to Mediterranean, Jewish, and Asian. Well-reputed restaurants to check out include Mazel Tov, Rosenstein, TwentySix, and Café Kor.

Nightlife

After dinner, go to one of the city’s world-renowned ruin bars. These wacky neglected pre-war buildings have become somewhat of an institute in Budapest’s nightlife and are made up of rooms brimming with quirky furniture and a buzzing atmosphere. Some of the most popular ruin bars are Szimpla Kert, UdvarRom and Ellato Kert.

Morning

If time allows head to Cirkusz for breakfast. This trendy café has been coined one of the world’s top brunch spots and serves everything from pulled pork benedict to American pancakes and waffles. You may have to wait for a table but, rumour has it, their eggs benedict is worth missing your flight home for…

 24 hours isn’t long to soak up everything Budapest has to offer but I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of the time you have!

A Brief Insight into Glastonbury

Glastonbury in Somerset, UK is most commonly known for its iconic festival however, dig a little deeper than the muddy Somerset hills and you’ll discover a quirky, colourful town sprinkled with shops selling everything from crystals, healing ointment and incense sticks to Aladdin pants, tarot card readings and reiki.

“It’s a small town with a lot of attitude, which makes it a delight to explore!“

The Hut

After a day of mooching around the nooks and crannies of Glastonbury, we set off to find our accommodation for the night. Located around a half an hour drive from Glastonbury, ‘The Hut’ is accessed by snug countryside lanes hugged by rolling farmland. The Airbnb can be found nestled on the host, Sarah’s farm in the secluded village of Dinnington.

On arrival, we were greeted by the host, Sarah and her gang of guinea pigs, chickens, geese, ducks, sheep and the resident goats – Trigger, Dell Boy and Rodney. If you’re an animal lover, you will instantly fall in love with this place, before you’ve even laid eyes on your Shepherd’s Hut.

Sarah kindly showed us to our home for the night. Look at this beauty that Sarah built out of wood during lockdown for her son (she also built the Shepherd’s Hut – she’s one talented lady)!

The Hut is tucked away to the side of the field and cleverly faces the vast expanse of fields to the rear of the farm rather than the farmhouse, giving you the illusion that you have the views of rolling countryside to yourselves. Oh, and the goats of course!

As you approach The Hut the first thing you’ll notice is the adorable, gravelled seating area to the front. It’s a great size for two people and has all the amenities you could need for a summer’s evening – two sets of table and chairs, a BBQ, chiminea, logs, coal, umbrellas, herbs (for a Pimms?), a canopy in case the weather isn’t in your favour, solar powered fairy lights for when the sunsets and flower pots galore giving the area a pop of colour.

As soon as we laid eyes on this alfresco area we were so happy the restaurant at the end of the drive had been fully booked – we weren’t leaving this place until we were thrown out kicking and screaming at check out the next day. 

Décor and Amenities 

As we stepped into the Shepherd’s Hut the attention to detail from the outside area followed us through.

Sarah had very kindly gifted us a bottle of prosecco, a balloon and a box of chocolates as she’d remembered that Nicole had mentioned it was a trip for my birthday – it’s thoughtful surprises like these that really makes an Airbnb stand out from the rest! The décor was simple and cosy, with punches of yellow amongst the grey.

I LOVED these amazing brass pipe toilet/kitchen roll holders and the mosaic floor and tiles in the toilet, which both added a homely, charismatic feel to the hut. There was also an indoor log burner, dressing gowns and slippers for those chillier winter nights.  

The kitchen was kitted out with everything you could need for a weekend away. From an oven and hob, kettle and coffee plunger to bacon, bread, fresh coffee and eggs laid on the farm that day. 

I honestly can’t fault the amenities at The Hut and it was immaculately presented for our arrival. 

Food

Fear not on the food front! There are a few options for dinner at The Hut. If you plan ahead better than we did, you can book a table at the wonderful country pub, Dinnington Docks which is a stone’s throw away from the farm and offers up delicious pub classics as well as a few fancier dining options.

If like us, you’d rather a snug night in, dining alfresco under the stars with a bottle or two of wine and a takeaway, you’re in luck! There are a couple of Thai and Indian restaurants that deliver and all details and menus can be found in the handy visitors booklet in the hut. We placed our order at Lopen Raj and within half an hour we had an array of delicious Thai curries to compliment our New Zealand Sav.

After a spot of star gazing, it was time to hit the sack – we needed our beauty sleep for a day of exploring! The bed was a good size considering how compact the Shepherd’s Hut was and the bedding was fluffy, soft and warm. 

Brekkie

The next morning we awoke to the faint sound of the cockerels and sunshine. We enjoyed a freshly plunged coffee outside before setting to work on cooking a hearty breakfast from the ingredients Sarah had left in the fridge. I was excited to give the eggs from the farm a sample! 

Ready and fuelled for another day of exploring Glastonbury, we very reluctantly packed up our belongings, waved goodbye to the beautiful countryside, gave Trigger the goat one last slice of bread and headed off. Sarah was there to make sure we’d had a good night’s sleep and to wave us goodbye.

Verdict

We LOVED our night’s stay at The Hut and were gutted we couldn’t have stayed longer. It’s the perfect balance of on-point hospitality, amenities and seclusion. Thank you so much to Sarah and the gang for a wonderful night’s stay!

Fancy a stay in a gorgeous Shepherd’s Hut in the depths of Somerset, look no further! To book your stay at ‘The Hut’ (you won’t regret it) click here. 

I like to embrace the spontaneity of being able to go wherever I want and change my plans at the drop of a hat if somewhere else tickles my fancy.

This way of travelling has a lot of benefits however, it also has a few downfalls when sights book up fast.

This is what happened to me with The Alhambra.

A sprawling 14th century palace and fortress complex tucked away in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, The Alhambra in Granada is understandably one of the most visited spots in Spain and in high season, tickets can sell out months in advance. When my Mum told me this little bit of information, I wasn’t best pleased, The Alhambra was the only reason why I was going to Granada…

My first attempt at getting a ticket was a big fat epic fail. Every day I was in Granada they were sold out (ironically each day either side was available…). Nevertheless, I didn’t let this faulter me and I relentlessly continued to try and get a ticket, which I eventually did (woop).

If you find yourself in a similar debacle, here are a few hacks that can help you secure yourself a trip to The Alhambra.

You don’t actually need a general ticket to enter The Alhambra

I know! All this stress about getting a general ticket and you don’t actually need a ticket that covers all areas of the Alhambra to enter.

The complex is broken up into three main areas – Alcazaba, Generalife and Nasrid Palace and there are six different ticket options available to purchase. The general ticket that covers everything, including the Nasrid Palace, is the ticket type that sells out so quickly. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a ticket to see the Alcazaba, Generalife and the rest of the grounds.

The Nasrid Palace was beautiful but it was probably my least favourite area of the complex due to how busy it was, so don’t feel like you’re missing out too much if you can’t get a ticket to enter.

Likelihood is, if you check general tickets and there are none available, you’ll be able to get a different ticket that will still allow you to see the majority of The Alhambra. 

Re-check the website even if it says there’s no tickets available

If you’re desperate to visit the Nasrid Palace and there are no General tickets on the website when you first check, don’t panic – there is still a chance you could nab a ticket! When I first went on the website to buy my ticket it said they were all sold out. However, a day or two later I checked again and there was one time slot available, hallelujah. 

Check the website after midnight on the day you want to visit

This was a little tip our hostel (El Granado – definitely stay here if you’re looking for a hostel) gave their guests if they hadn’t managed to get a ticket.

From midnight, any cancelled tickets for that day will become available again for resale. Grab some late night sangria and tapas and have your phone at the ready to check the website at midnight.

The Alhambra is an intoxicating complex and a visit here is essential when you’re in Granada… if not Spain. I hope these tips will help you get a ticket and spare you the flap I had when I thought I wouldn’t be able to explore this architectural masterpiece on my trip.  

Aka. I needed an excuse to go on a trip where I could stay in hostels, meet new people and pretend I was a backpacker again whilst practicing my finest Spanglish. ‘Quiero dos tinto de verano por favor’…

My first stop was the stunning city of Seville where I walked so much I thought my feet might fall off.

The Andalucian capital is an intoxicating maze of cute hidden side streets, quaint tapas bars and grand intricate architecture, which leaves you wanting to explore more and more everytime you step out of the door (hence the minimum of 20,000 steps a day).

If you’re planning a trip to Seville, pack your walking boots and follow this jam packed itinerary!

Day 1

Buses run from the airport into the city centre regularly and can be found at the front of the arrivals terminal. It costs 4 euros and takes around 40 minutes to reach the final stop – Plaza de Armas.

Free walking tour

Start your first full day on a free walking tour.

As you may already know, I swear by free walking tours and book onto them in most cities I visit. They give you a great introduction to the culture and history of a city and help you get your bearings for the rest of your trip.

I booked onto the SANDEMANs New Europe walking tour, which lasted for 2 1/2 hours and covered the main sites of Seville. This tour starts at 10am, 11am and 7pm everyday from Plaza del Salvador and can be booked via their website. Although it is technically a free walking tour, tips are expected at the end (I’d say an average tip would be around £5-£20 per person).

The walking tour ends in Plaza de España so grab an ice cream or a cerveza to refuel and then get ready to mooch around this stunning complex.

Parque de Maria Luisa and Plaza de España

JUST LOOK AT THOSE TILES!!! Yes, I know I’m a serious old lady these days…

The Plaza de España is set within the peaceful grounds of Parque de Maria Luisa (well worth a wander).

The plaza was built in 1928 and is the epitome of the grand architecture you’d expect from Seville. Its intricate mosaic tiles, over-the-top bridges and idyllic water ways, are just a few of the details that make this plaza an architectural masterpiece. 

The plaza is free to explore and usually has a band and flamenco dancer performing somewhere in the shade. Walk around and soak up the beauty of the area and if you fancy hitting the water, you can rent a boat and row it around the Plaza. 

The Cathedral

If you still have enough energy, walk to the Cathedral (approx. 15 minutes from Plaza de España), which dominates the centre of Seville.

This cathedral is huge (the biggest in the world!) and in 1987 was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 14/1500s on the site of a grand Almohad Mosque to showcase the city’s power after the Christian Kings returned to power and is now seeped in centuries of history and culture in its blended architecture. 

Inside you can find Christopher Columbus’ tomb and a staggering 80 chapels and 15 doors to gawp at. If you’re feeling brave (and fit), power up the ramps to the top of The Giralda Tower where you’ll be greeted with incredible panoramic views across the city. It’s a mammoth complex and booking a ticket before visiting is advised to avoid queuing.

You can buy tickets online for €10, which includes entry to the Cathedral at an allotted time, the Church of El Salvador and Giralda or, pop into the Church of El Salvador when you arrive and buy your tickets there (the queue will be a lot more bearable than at the Cathedral).

Day 2

The Alcázar

If you do anything whilst you’re in Seville, it should be to visit the Alcázar! This outstanding complex is the most popular spot in the city so definitely needs to be booked in advance. On the website you can select what type of ticket you’d like (general entry is €12.50) as well as the time you’d like to visit.  

The Alcazar is the oldest royal palace still in use today in Europe and one of Seville’s three world heritage sites. Built originally in the 10th century and then rebuilt a few times from the Middle Ages until now, the Alcázar is a work of art symbolising centuries of Spain’s changing culture. You could spend hours exploring its many nooks, crannies and extensive gardens so ensure you put aside at least 2 hours to fully appreciate its splendour.

I would recommend visiting first thing in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.   

Lunch at El Rinconcillo

Woop, it’s lunch time! Located around the corner from the Metropol Parasol (see below), El Rinconcillo is an authentic tapas bar buzzing with hungry locals.

This is a very traditional tapas bar so expect to eat like the locals do – at the bar – where your waiter will scribble down your order in chalk on the bar in front of you! Charcuterie boards are carved in eye sight and their vast selection of wines ensures you can get the perfect accompaniment to whichever tapas you order. The espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas) was a personal favourite.

This tapas bar is a must if you want excellent, cheap food and drink in classic Sevillian surroundings.  

Metropol Parasol

Metropol Parasol is a whacky wooden structure in the centre of Seville. Completed in 2011, this modern building is a far cry from the rest of the ancient architecture in Seville however, it does boasts one of the best views in the city. For a very reasonable €3 entry fee you can go up and enjoy a panoramic view across Seville. Head up for sunset and sip an Aperol at the bar as the sun sinks behind the horizon. 

The perfect end to your second day…

Day 3

Triana

Today we’re heading across the bridge to the neighbourhood of Triana.

Triana is renowned for being the main flamenco region of Seville and was described to me by my walking tour guide as ‘the heart and soul of the city’. Therefore, a trip to the city would not be complete without exploring its colourful streets. 

Triana is a sleepy neighbourhood, which usually has the faint sound of flamenco music echoing through its streets. Wander around before stopping off for lunch at Las Golondrinas where your waiter is likely to choose a selection of tapas for you to try.

Flamenco

Spend your final night in Seville at a flamenco show!

Seville is where flamenco originated (although Granada will argue otherwise) and is an excellent spot to experience this intense, intoxicating and powerful dance.

There are a lot of flamenco shows to choose from in Seville. Some are solely created for tourists whilst others are a more local and authentic affair. I went to La Carboneria, which was a free, rustic experience with a great flamenco show (you’re expected to buy drinks; 2 euros for a glass of wine). There were a lot of tourists there but I felt like it was a good ‘in-between’ option and has 3 half hour shows at 9.30, 10.30 and 11.30 each night.

My walking tour guide recommended Los Dios in Triana as a good local show so if you have a chance, check that out. However, in true Spanish style the flamenco doesn’t start until 11pm.

So there it is, a hefty 3 day itinerary to Seville! If you have any questions about this itinerary or your trip to Seville, please get in touch.

We wanted a trip that would balance some much-needed relaxation in the sunshine with a chance to get a taste of Morocco’s captivating culture. We booked a 3-day, 3-night trip through Secret Escapes to Al Mendili Kasbah for a bargain £310 each. This price included flights, 3-nights’ accommodation, half board, a 30-minute massage in their hammam and transfers to and from the airport.

If you’re looking for an affordable getaway in tranquil surroundings, Al Mendili might just be the perfect place for you…

The location

Al Mendili is very much off-the-beaten-track. Located down a bumpy road around a 30-minute drive from both the airport and the medina, the accommodation offers its guests the perfect combination of spectacular views across the snow-capped Atlas Mountains with easy access to the city centre.

If you want to be based in the buzz of the city, Al Mendili isn’t for you. However, if you’re looking for a secret escape (soz, couldn’t help myself) with the option to explore Marrakesh as and when you fancy it, it’s a great spot to base yourself.

It’s peaceful, tranquil and homely and we loved the feeling of it being just us, the mountains and the resident peacock.

The grounds

The grounds of the Kasbah were manicured to perfection. Colourful flower beds and bushes were dotted throughout the garden and blankets of foliage hugged the terracotta walls of the hotel – it was wonderfully Moroccan. The sunbeds scattered around the pool were comfier than my bed at home, the pool area was spotlessly clean and the hammam and tranquil outdoor hot tub were very welcome additions. 

It is obvious the owners, Catherine and Alain take a lot of pride in their little oasis. 

The rooms

Our rooms were the perfect balance of comfort, cosiness and character.

All rooms had a terrace with impressive views across the pool area, gardens and Atlas Mountains and the attention to detail in the décor was amazing. Silver sheer fabric framed our squishy beds, rustic golden lamps and candles sat on our bed side tables and traditional Moroccan artwork hung on the walls. 

The bathroom was beautifully finished in silver (in keeping with the rest of our room) and had all necessary amenities. However, the bath/shower definitely needed a shower curtain. I spent a lot of my time in the shower trying not to flood the room…

The food

The cost of our stay included two meals a day – breakfast and then either lunch or dinner. Breakfast and lunch were served by the pool or on our balcony and dinner was served on the peaceful rooftop. 

We all agreed breakfast was our favourite meal of the day. A gorgeous wake up call of eggs, bread, fruit and pancakes teamed with freshly squeezed juice, excellent coffee and mint tea was the perfect fuel for a day of exploring the souks. 

Lunch and dinner were both three courses and were light, fresh and tasty. We were served everything from fish and tagine to omelettes and gazpacho. Although all the food was lovely, we didn’t get a choice of what we were served so if you’re a fussy eater, you might go hungry. We also found we were a little peckish after some meals so filled up on a lot of bread.

Please note: it is definitely important to note that there is no way of getting snacks at the Kasbah so if you can, stock up on snacks (and water!) at a shop beforehand.

The service

The service at Al Mendili was where it really shone. The staff were so welcoming, friendly and attentive. Hamid, the hotel’s taxi driver was an absolute babe. His infectious smile and enthusiasm to talk to us about his country was a real highlight of our trip and Moussain, the lovely gent who served us at lunch and dinner, was lovely. High praise goes to him for putting up with our constant demand for wine.

The owners Alain and Catherine were there during our stay (however, they live in France so aren’t there all year round) and welcomed us to their second home with open arms from the moment we stepped in. None of the staff are fluent in English so prepare to put your finest Franglish to the test. 

Cost

Overall, I feel our holiday to Al Mendili was very good value. The level of luxury we received for the price we paid was outstanding. Food and drink outside of what was included in our stay was rather pricey so we picked up bottles of water and snacks from a shop in the city to save a bit of dollar. We could get alcohol in the guesthouse between lunch and dinner times but not in between these hours (we were there during Ramadan, which may have affected this) so we were relieved we’d bought some bottles at duty free for those all important afternoon G&Ts on the balcony. 

Our Secret Escapes package also included a free 30 minute full body massage in their hammam, which was divine! I would highly recommend a massage here even if it’s not included in your booking as the prices are so reasonable (£20 for half an hour, £40 for 1 hour).

Overall, Al Mendili was the perfect setting for what we wanted – a long weekend of relaxation with a splash of culture thrown in. I would highly recommend staying here if you enjoy accommodation with a relaxed ‘guesthouse’ feel rather than a hotel with someone there to be at your beckon call 24/7. Its setting, hospitality and décor are exactly what you’d hope for from a Kasbah in Marrakesh!