This intimate, 5-room riad is seductively stylish. Architectural features date back to the 15th Century, and ornate patterns meander throughout. Everything is centred around a perfect Moroccan courtyard, with pillared arches, elaborate doorways, decorative lanterns and slender palm trees protruding up the middle. There’s a cooling plunge pool at the heart, elegantly decorated bedrooms to the sides, and a heavenly roof terrace at the top, with shaded seating to shelter from the scorching Moroccan sun. Breakfasts are said to be delicious, and the staff go out of their way to please. Need a late-night snack, pre-dinner drink, or help booking excursions? No problem. The fascinating Medina is right outside, so get out and explore its heady streets, then come back to decompress in Dar Assiya’s soothing, lamp-lit salons.
Highs
- You’re bang in the heart of the Medina here, with all the big sights walkable, yet it’s a haven of calm inside
- We’ve heard that the food is delicious: daily changing breakfasts and some of the best tagines around
- The extremely helpful staff, who will gladly assist with organising excursions and booking restaurants
- The riad feels intimate and personal, with just 5 individually designed rooms, and intricate Moroccan patterns throughout
Lows
- As with many riads, it’s a little tricky to find - ask them to book you a transfer if you’re coming from the airport, or call ahead before you arrive so that someone can guide you there
- No kids under 10
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Riad Hotel
- 5 rooms
- Restaurant
- Over 10s only
- Open all year
- Plunge Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry Service
Rooms
Beautiful elements of Moroccan design are championed in each of the 5 rooms. Patterns are bold but never clash, and colours are earthy: think shades of chocolate, rouge and monochrome. It sounds rich, but the resulting look is smart and classy. Artwork and handicrafts are sourced from across Africa and celebrate its tribal cultures. We particularly like the oversized mirrors and beautiful Moroccan lanterns, which give the rooms a soft glow.
The largest and most indulgent options are the two suites. Dueria is coloured in coffee tones and has Aztec-style patterns and a beautiful painted ceiling. Touareg is the room for families (though no kids under 10), as it has a living area that can double up as a second bedroom, plus a balcony overlooking the courtyard.
Of the three standard rooms, Bauhi is the largest and also has a balcony. Dades and Africa are smaller but they're no less elegant, and they're both on the ground floor so you can access them directly from the courtyard.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
We’ve heard very good things about the food at Dar Assiya. You can eat wherever takes your fancy: in the courtyard, on the roof terrace, or in one of two elegant lounges, where a warming fire is lit on chilly winter evenings.
Your day begins with an excellent breakfast spread, and no two mornings are the same. You’ll get fruit, juice, pastries, homemade marmalade, and daily changing hot options. If you decide to stay in for lunch or dinner, the menu is heavy on traditional Moroccan fare done well. Late arrival snacks can also be prepared on request - think pastila with a salad of fresh vegetables - and the chefs can easily cater to dietary requirements.
Pop up to the roof terrace for a pre-dinner drink, where there’s a small outdoor kitchen stocked with snacks, and sofas or poufs for lounging on. If heading out to eat, hugely popular Le Foundouk is 100 metres away.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- The Medersa Ben Youssef, a former Islamic college and now a beautiful example of classic Moroccan architecture, is just 200 metres away. Its intricate zellij-tiled courtyard is a work of art, and the old dormitory rooms are still intact
- Also close to the riad is the House of Photography, which has a collection of over 8000 photos documenting life in Morocco from the late 19th Century to early 20th Century
- Haggle your way around Marrakech’s evocative and fascinating souks, offering a bewildering array of textiles, carpets, leatherwork, spices and jewellery
- Seek shade in Le Jardin Majorelle, tropical gardens lovingly restored by Yves St Laurent
- Wander down to the tanneries to witness one of Morocco’s oldest, and smelliest, arts
- Cookery classes are available at the riad, and staff can help arrange excursions around Morocco with their driver
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
Kids
Older kids (over 10) can stay at Dar Assiya, and one of the suites has a living room that can be converted into a double bedroom, but there are no specific facilities for them, and the vibe is quite grown up.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The Touareg suite has a living space that can be converted into a second bedroom, sleeping 5 in total.
Extra Beds Available, Family Rooms
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Dar Assiya is in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, close to the Medersa Ben Youssef, and a 10-minute walk from Djemaa el Fna (the main square).
By Air:
Fly to Marrakech Menara (7km away). From here, it's a 20-minute drive to the edge of the Medina, followed by a short 4-minute walk to the riad. Take a taxi or book an airport transfer via the hotel.
By Public Transport:
Rail and bus travel in Morocco is pretty good and extremely cheap. Marrakech is one of the main hubs, linked to Fes, Casablanca and Tangiers.
By Car:
We don't recommend hiring a car in Marrakech; you won't be able to drive within the Medina, though there is secure parking a 4-minute walk from Dar Assiya.
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape.
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara 7.5 km
Other:
- Beach 175.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km