It’s that time of year again — when love is in the air.
Marrakech – Roses are triple the price, and you suddenly feel guilty for not booking a candlelit dinner three weeks in advance.
Yes, Valentine’s Day is upon us, and while some are swooning over surprise proposals and carefully curated gift boxes, others (myself included) are staring at price tags wondering, is love always this expensive?
Let’s be real: February 14 is less of a holiday and more of a well-oiled business machine.
Hotels, restaurants, florists — everyone is in on it, working behind the scenes to make sure couples get their perfect romantic moment (at a slightly inflated price, of course).
It is a delicate balance of supply, demand, and just the right amount of FOMO to convince you that yes, you absolutely need to splurge on that heart-shaped dessert.
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a regular weekday into the Super Bowl of romance?
For hotels, it’s about curating the perfect “Valentine’s Experience” — think rose petals on the bed, a couples’ spa package, and a prix-fixe menu with seductive names like “Lover’s Delight” (translation: steak with a side of extra markup).
Restaurants? They’re playing Tetris with tables to squeeze in as many lovebirds as possible while swapping out their usual menu for a “special” one — aka, a slightly smaller portion at a slightly higher price.
And florists? Let’s just say if you haven’t ordered your bouquet by now, you might be left with a sad-looking carnation and a few sprigs of baby’s breath.
Are we being scammed?
The short answer? Kind of. The long answer? It depends on how much you’re willing to pay for romance.
A dozen roses in January might cost MAD 150 ($15), but by February 14? That same bouquet is flirting with MAD 300 ($30).
Restaurants ditch their à la carte menu for a set meal that somehow costs more than if you ordered the same dishes separately.
And hotel prices? Don’t even get me started.
But here’s the thing — people want the experience.
We crave the Instagram-worthy dinner, the surprise bouquet at work, the grand gestures that make love feel cinematic.
And businesses? They know it.
So, should you splurge or sit this one out? If you’re a hopeless romantic, go for it — book the fancy dinner, send the flowers, embrace the Valentine’s craze, even if it is at times cliche.
But if you’re side-eyeing the markups, remember: love doesn’t have to come with a price tag.
A handwritten letter, a home-cooked meal, or a spontaneous adventure can be just as meaningful.
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day isn’t really about how much you spend — it’s about making your person feel special.
And if you can do that without breaking the bank? Well, that’s a love story worth celebrating.
