Kaktus Hostel

Khalid gave me some really helpful suggestions for my trip around Morocco. I had a very good stay at the hostel, with a tasty breakfast served up on the rooftop and lovely people among both the staff and guests.

It's a small place, which makes the hostel feel cozy, and it was easy to meet people over breakfast or on the terrace in the morning and evening. The staff were really friendly, the rooms were clean, and breakfast was okay. The showers and toilets weren't always the best, though I did get a hot shower. They arrange day trips for 1, 2, or 3 days at a low price. Nice hostel, and I'd recommend it.

The location was hard to beat, just a 2 minute walk from Jemaa el Fna and the souks, but the hostel is tucked down a quiet little street. We barely heard the square or the carts being wheeled around at night. The door stayed locked, and you had to knock or ring the bell to get in, which made it feel very safe. Breakfast is included, I think for all guests, and served on the terrace. It's nice and filling enough to set you up for the day, without being extravagant. My sister and I stayed for a week and had such a good time that we kept coming back to Kaktus even after spending our last night in a Riad with a pool. The atmosphere was that good. Muha is a wonderful host, knows what's going on and who everyone is, and speaks several languages. His English is almost perfect, so it was easy for us Brits to communicate without Arabic or French. The female cleaner and chef was lovely, though I think she only speaks Arabic, and the junior host spoke some other languages okay. There are lots of communal places to sit and relax, downstairs or on the terrace, and the facilities were decent and very clean. We never had to wait for a shower or toilet. The WiFi worked well on the ground and first floors, though probably not strongly enough for a Skype call on the terrace. We spent a lot of time chatting with people at the hostel, hearing about Moroccan and Berber culture and language. Staff were happy to make tea and sit for a chat. Breakfast, a chat, and places to meet other travelers made this a lovely budget hostel. I'd go back tomorrow if I could.

The mattress was really uncomfortable, which was the one downside for me. Apart from that, the hostel felt comfortable, clean, and had a good, relaxed vibe. The staff were friendly, helpful, and interested in their guests. They introduced newcomers and got people talking, which I thought was good hosting. The bathroom facilities were good, with quality over quantity. I enjoyed my short stay and would recommend it.