Welcome back to My Darija Guide! Salam!
Let me tell you a quick story. Last summer, my cousin from Italy arrived in Marrakech at 11pm. He was so tired, he went to his Riad, and he couldn’t explain that his shower was cold and his WiFi wasn’t working. He spent 20 minutes with Google Translate. I thought, I need to write this article!
If you are coming to Morocco for the first time, especially for the World Cup 2030 preparations, checking into a hotel or an Airbnb can be a little confusing. The staff are super kind, but they don’t always speak perfect English. A few words in Darija will change everything. You will get a better room, faster help, and maybe even a free mint tea!
Today I will teach you 15 essential Darija phrases that I use myself when I travel inside Morocco. Save this page on your phone. You will need it.
First: What Should You Expect in a Moroccan Hotel or Riad?
In Morocco we have 3 types of places to sleep:
- Hotel: Normal hotel, with reception 24/7.
- Riad: A beautiful traditional house in the old medina. Often the owner lives there. This is the best experience!
- Airbnb / Dar: An apartment. You will meet the host, not a receptionist.
In all 3 places, these phrases will help you. Let’s start from the moment you arrive.
Part 1: Arrival and Your Reservation (3 Phrases)
You arrive with your suitcase. You are tired. Start with a smile and Salam.
1. Salam, 3andi reservation b smit… (سلام، عندي ريزيرفاسيون بسميت…)
Meaning: Hello, I have a reservation under the name…
Example: Salam, 3andi reservation b smit Marco.
This is the most professional way to start. Everyone will understand you. If you booked with Booking.com, you can also say 3andi reservation f Booking.
2. 3andekum bit khawya? (عندكم بيت خاوية؟)
Meaning: Do you have an empty room?
Use this ONLY if you didn’t book. In August in Chefchaouen or Marrakech, many Riads are full. This phrase will save you. The answer will be Iyeh, kayn (Yes, there is) or La, 3amer (No, full).
3. Bshhal l-lila? Wach l-ftour dakhel? (بشحال الليلة؟ واش الفطور داخل؟)
Meaning: How much per night? Is breakfast included?
ALWAYS ask this before you give your passport. Some hotels say a price without breakfast. You need to be clear. This one question will save you 100 dirhams.
Part 2: Inside The Room – The 5 Phrases You Will REALLY Need
Okay, you have the key. You go to your room. This is where most problems happen. The WiFi, the hot water, the AC. Here is how to ask for help like a Moroccan.
4. Fin kayn l-wifi? Shnu huwa l-code 3afak? (فين كاين الويفي؟ شنو هو الكود عافاك؟)
Meaning: Where is the WiFi? What is the code please?
Trust me, this is the FIRST thing every tourist asks. In Darija we say l-wifi. Everyone understands. Say 3afak (please) at the end, Moroccans love politeness.
5. L-ma s-khun ma khdamsh (لما السخون ما خدامش)
Meaning: The hot water doesn’t work.
Very common in old Riads. Don’t say “No hot water!” and get angry. Say this calmly. They will fix it in 5 minutes. If you want to be extra polite, start with Smeh liya… (Excuse me…).
6. La clim / Le chauffage ma khdamsh (لاكليم ما خدامش)
Meaning: The AC / heater doesn’t work.
In Marrakech in summer it is 45 degrees. In Fez in winter it is 2 degrees. You NEED this phrase. Clim is for AC, chauffage is for heater.
7. Bghit mkhadda khra / fouta khra / couverture khra 3afak (بغيت مخدة خرا…)
Meaning: I want another pillow / towel / blanket please.
Mkhadda = pillow, fouta = towel, couverture = blanket. Just change the word. This phrase shows you are not a difficult tourist, you just ask nicely.
8. L-bab ma kay-tsedsh mzyan (الباب ما كيتسدش مزيان)
Meaning: The door doesn’t close well.
A bonus phrase! Old doors in Riads are beautiful but sometimes tricky. Use this and they will come help you immediately.
Part 3: Breakfast, Luggage and Small Services
9. L-ftour m3a shhal? (لفطور معا شحال؟)
Meaning: What time is breakfast?
In a Riad, breakfast is amazing: msemen, harcha, olives, honey. But it is not 24h. Usually from 8h to 10h30. Ask this so you don’t miss it!
10. Fin nkhalli sarouti? Ghadi nkhrej walakin bagage dyali… (فين نخلي صاروتي؟)
Meaning: Where can I leave my luggage? I will go out but my luggage…
If your flight is at 9pm and check-out is at 12pm, you need this. 99% of Moroccan hotels will keep your luggage for free. Just ask.
11. Kayn ascenseur? Ana 3andi valise tqila (كاين أسانسور؟)
Meaning: Is there an elevator? I have a heavy suitcase.
Important! Many Riads in the medina have NO elevator and 3 floors with narrow stairs. If you have a big suitcase, ask before you book. Or say this and the host will carry it for you. Moroccans are very helpful.
Part 4: Paying and Check-out – Leave a Good Impression
12. Bghit n-khallas daba, b carte / b espece (بغيت نخلص دابا)
Meaning: I want to pay now, by card / by cash.
B carte = by card, b espece = by cash. Many small Riads only accept cash. Always ask before: Wach kayn paiement b carte?
13. Wach kayn taxi l l-matar / l l-gare? Bshhal? (واش كاين تاكسي للمطار؟)
Meaning: Is there a taxi to the airport / train station? How much?
The hotel taxi is often more expensive, but safer at 5am. Ask the price first. If it is too much, say Ghali bzaf, ghadi nakhud petit taxi.
14. Ghadi n-khlli lik review mzyana f Booking / Airbnb (غادي نخلي ليك ريفيو مزيانة)
Meaning: I will leave you a good review on Booking / Airbnb.
This is my secret weapon. When you say this with a smile at check-out, the staff’s face lights up. They might give you a small gift, like argan oil. Reviews are EVERYTHING for them.
15. Shukran bzaf 3la kolshi, llah y-hafdek! (شكرا بزاف على كلشي، الله يحفظك!)
Meaning: Thank you so much for everything, God bless you!
Don’t just say “Thanks”. Say this full phrase. Llah y-hafdek is very powerful in Morocco. It means you respect them like family. You will leave as a friend, not just a client.
My Final 3 Tips for Hotels in Morocco
- Always be polite first: Start every complaint with Smeh liya 3afak… (Excuse me please…). Never shout. In Morocco, politeness opens all doors.
- Have cash: Even in 2026, many beautiful Riads don’t have card machines. Have 500-1000 MAD in cash.
- Learn the host’s name: If his name is Mohamed, say Shukran Si Mohamed. Si is like Mr. It shows huge respect.
That’s it! You now have 15 phrases that will make your stay in Morocco 10 times easier. I promise you, if you use just 3 of them, the hotel staff will look at you and say “Oh! You speak Darija!?” with a big smile.
Which city are you visiting next? Is it Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, or Casablanca for the World Cup 2030? Let me know in the comments below and I will give you a specific phrase for that city!
Shukran for reading My Darija Guide, and bslama!
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