Riad Dar Zaya

The food was incredible, the best we had in all of Morocco. Their smoked aubergine starter was a standout, don’t miss it! We stayed four nights, and my daughter came down with a stomach flu. Everyone was so patient, kind, and caring, doing everything they could to help her feel better and enjoy the rest of our trip. They even cleaned the whole carpet without complaining. The staff are what make this Riad feel better than a five-star hotel. The guest house felt so cosy and welcoming from the start. The room was clean and comfortable, though don’t expect hotel-level standards.

The Riad is tucked away from the busy streets in the heart of the Medina, a lovely place to rest after a day exploring the bazaars. The three bedrooms are large and beautifully decorated, with plenty of privacy when the shutters are closed despite their proximity. It’s a gorgeous little place, with friendly, helpful staff. Breakfast was simple continental fare but plentiful. A few things could be better. The mornings were quite cold in winter, perhaps because there’s no heating, and we ran out of hot water during a shower. They couldn’t provide plant-based milk. We also couldn’t pay by card because the reader supposedly didn’t work, an excuse we heard many times in Morocco. We had to walk 20 minutes to find an ATM. Still, I’d highly recommend it.

The terrace was a lovely quiet place to unwind at night with a glass of wine, and breakfast was amazing. I stayed with a friend for a short Marrakech vacation at Riad Dar Zaya. We had the spacious, characterful Saida Suite, right in the centre of the Medina. Mustafa and Karim were especially helpful and shared great local suggestions for places to visit. The one small inconvenience was that cars can’t reach the front door, so it’s a 4-5 minute walk from the main road. The staff guided us through the Medina’s maze of streets, especially for airport pickup and drop-off. Great job, team, keep up the good work 👏

We spent five days here and couldn’t have asked for more. It’s peaceful but right in the middle of the Médina, with beautiful tile and woodwork and gracious hosts. Absolutely the best!