Dar Darma - Riad

We had our child with us, and the team made our family feel very welcome and well accommodated. Maria and the staff are genuinely kind and caring. The Brown suite was spacious, and the Riad is clean, tidy, and beautiful throughout. There are comfortable spots to unwind on the rooftop, by the fire during a meal, or on the indoor couches. Dar Darma feels like a calm haven amid the Medina’s bustle, while still being easy to explore on foot. It’s also not too far from a place to catch a car or taxi to the New City. We loved every meal we had at the Riad, so lunch or dinner there is well worth having. I’d happily recommend a stay.

The terrace dinner we had privately was lovely, and the food was fantastic. Breakfast was more basic. The house itself is beautiful and old, tucked away in a peaceful spot in Marrakech, with the centre of the Medina around a 10-15 minute walk away. It does feel past its best, though. The place is very quiet and doesn’t have much warmth, more like a B&B than a hotel. That could suit someone who wants a private, small guesthouse atmosphere. The suites are large and palatial, but short on basics for a place of this level, including a safe, fridge, and enough plug sockets, and things feel a little tired. We slept badly in the Brown suite. It has two tall single beds pushed together, and they creaked and wobbled so much that every small movement woke my partner or me. The lovely old building also has some spaces that feel underused. More comfortable seating and lanterns on the terrace, plus seating or lighting in the inner courtyard, would make a real difference. With a bit of freshening up, this Riad could be wonderful.

Getting around is easy from here, with most of the Medina’s main sights within walking distance, including the craftsman section of the souks, where you should expect to get lost. The Riad and its surroundings feel like a fantastic, other-worldly experience. The staff look after you like family and take care of whatever you need. And let Maria cook dinner for you one night. I can’t recommend this place enough.

Getting back to the riad after going out was really complicated, and the hotel gave no directions or help in advance. It’s inside the Medina, where cars can’t reach it, so guests need guidance to find it. The place itself felt dark, somber, and a little eerie. Breakfast was a joke. Never again.