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[quote=Anonymous]I lived in Morocco years ago.  Most of my friends who visited us hated Marrakech, (too overwhelming, predatory vendors in the medina) but we enjoyed the sensory overload experience of it. The hivernage neighborhood is nice if you want to escape the chaos for a more European feel (check out the restaurant Jad Mahal for a fun belly dancing show and good food - it was quite the trendy scene when we were there).  My biggest piece of advice: hire a guide to take you around the medina.  Your riad can help you arrange one. Even if you don't think you need one, you do. It will really make your experience that much better (if for no other reason than the shop vendors will be less likely to harass you). And make sure you tell them you want to see the sights, not shop! Otherwise they will take you around to all of their "friends" shops.

A) Temperatures - We lived in Rabat, which was much milder, and I never visited Marrakech during the summer to be honest. But as in any hot climate, just drink lots of water, wear a hat, take a break during the hottest part of the day. Maybe drink some fresh orange juice in Jemaa el-Fnaa plaza (but give them your own cup or water bottle - they reuse the same cups all day!)
B) Money - ATMs aren't a problem to find. I wouldn't carry around a crazy amount of cash for safety reasons. You'll need small bills for shopping - vendors never have change.  Most things will be pretty cheap. 1000 dirham would probably be more than enough for the day. If you purchase jewelry or antiques at the nicer shops, they take credit cards.
C) Food - So many restaurants. Look into trip advisor reviews. Your riad probably serves dinner, no?
D) Clothes - There are so many western tourists, you'll probably be fine in whatever you want to wear, although Moroccans are in general conservative dressers. I personally did not feel comfortable in sleeveless shirts or shorts, but wore short sleeves and skirts. In the summer, covering up with lightweight long sleeves might be your best bet, to avoid the sun. Just know that you will be leered at as a Western woman however you dress.
E) Safety - Use basic common sense. There isn't much violent crime, but muggings happen (and remember there was a terrorist bombing in Jema el-Fnaa in 2011). Try not to flaunt your wealth. Stick to well lit streets, with your DH you'll be fine (I wouldn't feel comfortable walking alone at night).  In terms of hygiene - don't drink tap water, skip the ice in restaurants, avoid raw vegetables unless you really trust the restaurant (skip raw tomatoes and lettuce in general).

Hope that helps![/quote]

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