Riad Dar Darma

This Riad is a beautiful old house, really peaceful in the middle of Marrakech. Location is great, only about a 10/15 min walk to the centre of the medina. However, it does feel like it’s past its prime. The riad overall lacks warmth and is very quiet. It feels like more of a B&B rather than a hotel- if you like a private, small guesthouse feel then you will love it. While the suites are big and palatial, they lack the basic amenities of a hotel of this calibre (safe, fridge, plentiful plug sockets), and it all feels a little tired. I have to say we had a bad nights sleep in the brown suite so that is unfortunately to be avoided. The bed is two high single beds pushed together and they are so creaky and wobbly that every slight movement caused my partner and I to wake up. We did enjoy a lovely private dinner on the terrace- the food was fantastic. The breakfast on the other hand was a little more basic. There are some underutilised elements of this beautiful old building- for example, adding more comfortable seating and some more lanterns on the terrace would transform that space, as would some seating or lighting in the internal courtyard. I think with a bit of a freshen up, this Riad could be wonderful.

Just...wow. This property took my breath away. In our experience, it's important to convey just how accommodating the staff is; the word 'no' simply does not exist here. If there's something you want or need, they will find a way to assist.||My partner and I arrived at a parking lot, as directed by the hotel. At the insistence of the lot manager, a man with a luggage cart led us to the Dar Darma. Obviously we had the address, but the door to the property is so non-descript (as with so many other interesting places in the old city) you would almost certainly never find it without help from locals. After a hard knock on this very large door, you are greeted with a warm and welcoming member of the staff and porter eager to get you settled.||Dar Darma has just 5 Suites, each designated by colour; we were in the Orange Suite for 4 nights. This was a duplex and was exactly as described on their website. While I would stay here again in a heartbeat, I would not recommend a duplex suite. Looking outward on the ground floor are views of the patio with a beautiful small water-feature pool and flowers in it. The ground level room is quite comfortable for lounging, reading, watching TV (though you probably won't be doing that), etc. One criticism I have of this space is the lack of curtains for the windows leaving the room exposed. The decor is consistent with what we felt (and appreciated) was authentic. The bed has a firm mattress (fyi). The water pressure in the shower is OK, but could be a bit better.||The property itself is stunning. It's cavernous in a way and easy to get lost at first. There are so many areas to relax, enjoy some Moroccan tea and enjoy. Since there are just 5 suites, you feel like you have the entire property to yourself - yet, anytime you need something, magically, hotel staff check on you. ||There are a variety of sitting areas on the roof, a hammock, a small pool (though I'm reluctant to call it that). ||Each morning, breakfast is served with your choice of eggs, juice, tea, coffee, fruit, various breads. You can order dinner, but you must do so in advance by reservation and there is a set Moroccan style meal.||Buroughed within the bustling streets of Marrakech, Dar Darma is your sanctuary; and the staff work quite hard to make you feel as if this is your home in Marrakech.||I was excited to stay at this property and incredibly thankful we had stayed here. You're in the thick of the high energy that Marrakech has, but you immediately feel this wave of calm when you arrive back at Dar Darma. I was sad to leave Marrakech and sad to leave a property we felt so comfortable at.||Dar Darma is a solid pick and will provide a wonderful experience during your stay. Happy travels.

This small, boutique, hotel is in the Medina of Marrakesh. It seems to be, essentially, two homes amalgamated into one but parts of it look very old indeed and presumably is at it has been much altered over the years.|Our room looked out onto a courtyard patio and small ornamental pool.|The rooftop has a dining area and kitchen also there is a small swimming pool. This was ideal for breakfast.|The hotel arranged a car to meet us at the airport which was most helpful. The car was able to take us to the edge of the Medina where a young man with a barrow took our luggage for the rest of the journey, into narrow streets.Tthe hotel doorway is easy to miss, set into an otherwise blank wall, a short corridor and some steps go down to the hotel reception area. The staff are all very helpful, Hashim, two Mohammed's, and Maria who with helpers, and by arrangement cooked two very good meals for us. We had a dinner on arrival and also lunch on the afternoon of our departure. Breakfast by the room, or better still on the rooftop.|The hotel was able to arrange a taxi which would come and pick up close to the entrance. Taxis for a return journey were reluctant to go all the way to the door because of the narrowness of the streets.|The situation is ideal, walking distance to the Medrasa Ben Youssef and not far on the Souk. Meals in the hotel can be taken by arrangement but there were good restaurants very close indeed.

I can’t recommend this Riad enough. The staff treat you like family and take care of whatever you need. Do yourself a favor and let Maria cook for you one night. The location places you in easy walking distance to most of the major attractions within the Medina, including the craftsman part of the souks, which you should plan on getting lost in. The Riad and surrounding area is a fantastic and other-worldly experience.

The only thing that outshines the beauty of Dar Darma is the thoughtfulness and professionalism of the staff there. As many have said, the design of this Riad is stunning, and staying in the red suite was truly a once in a lifetime experience. It is an instagram dream! Marrakesh can be a bit chaotic but the staff at Dar Darma guided us through our travels, enriching every experience. Breakfast on the roof was both peaceful and beautiful, the food was delicious. The Riad is located near the Ben Youssef school and mosque, which made it easy to navigate your way back through the narrow streets of the Medina. It is hard to outshine the beauty of this Riad, but the staff is truly extraordinary, especially Hicham who made sure that a milestone birthday was unforgettable including an exceptional dinner. In short if you’re thinking of booking a stay at Dar darma, just do it! It will be a cherished memory that will last you a lifetime.

Located inside the Medina and cars cannot reach the riad. It would be fine if the hotel would let the guests know how to reach them and offer assistance to find the place, but they don’t inform anything ahead of time and even when you leave the property, it’s very complicated to return. Place is a little eerie, dark and somber. Breakfast is a joke. Never again.

There’s stuff competition in Marrakesh - there’s beautiful Riad’s popping almost daily. While lovely, Dar Darma feels a little tired in comparison.||We chose it for the blue room - a two bedroom suite connected by a living and dining room. It was perfect for what we needed and the hosts and staff were kind and helpful. The breakfast was traditional and we were randomly sent a plate of tagine to try one afternoon which was absolutely delicious.||But I feel that in order for this place to sing, a little tidy up is needed. Some fresh linen, softer furnishings (a new mattress!) and some soft music playing in the communal areas will help!

Fantastic stay. Close to everything you could want to see. The beautiful carved stone, large ceilings, beautiful and large vases, and intricate doors made it feel like a palace. Easily the nicest place I’ve stayed in (and we’ve been to plenty nice places which were much more expensive) It never felt like we were in a hotel but rather in a beautiful home. The photos don’t do it justice. Wish I stayed here longer.