317 Derb Jdid, Derb Nakhla, Bab Doukkala, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 616-5829
Traditionally styled
riad with two courtyards and a rooftop terrace
Set in the northwest
end of the medina, within a 10- to 15-minute walk of the main souks
Rooms, which include suites, come with
fresh flowers and fruit
Rooftop terrace with
Berber-style tent and pergola
Extensive
breakfast included in rate
Heated plunge
pool
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
No hammam
Given the riad design, rooms are narrow, and some are small
Riad Dar Dialkoum, with its simply styled traditional interiors, encompasses four lounges, two courtyards -- one with a plunge pool and orange trees -- a rooftop terrace, and seven guest rooms. Located at the northwest end of the medina, it's a 15- to 20-minute walk to the main souks and to Jemaa el Fna Square, and a five-minute walk to the main bus and taxi station. The rooftop
terrace, with its Berber tent and pergola and plenty of seating, is a delightful place to relax or have a meal. Riad Dar Dialkoum is more traditionally homey than luxuriously chic -- there's no hammam or spa facilities on-site -- although the owners can arrange for these services. Guests looking for more of a luxury retreat might want to check out ZamZam Riad and Spa Marrakech -- about a 20-minute walk east in the medina -- at higher rates.
Scene
Traditional-style riad with courtyards, plunge pool, orange trees, and a panoramic terrace
Stepping through the heavy wooden front door, guests will find themselves in a low-lit orange-blossom-scented entrance hall that leads into a fine, 19th-century riad, which was first
restored in 1999 and expanded in 2009 by French owners Muriel
and Laurent, who live on the property. They have maintained its traditional Moroccan styling, which is displayed throughout. There's plenty of "bejmat" tiling,
intricate wrought ironwork, and carved cedar wood, along with plenty of snug
alcoves and lounges -- one with a fireplace and satellite TV -- a heated courtyard plunge pool, and four orange trees laden with fruit for most of the
year. Tiled stairways lead up two floors to the rooftop terrace, which is dotted with
numerous potted palms, flowers, and shrubs, and offers guests panoramic views
over Marrakech.
Location
Set on the northwest side of medina, within a 15-minute walk of the bustling souks
Riad Dar Dialkoum is
located in a high-walled alley in the Bab Doukkala district on the northwest
end of the medina. It's within a 10- to 15-minute walk of the entrance to the main souks, and a 15- to-20-minute walk to the lively Djemaa el-Fna square, with its snake-charmers,
henna tattooers, and orange juice vendors. It's also within a 15-minute walk of other major medina sights, such as the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, the Museum of Marrakech, and the Museum of Photography. It's
within a five-minute walk of the main bus station and taxi station, and a 15-minute walk to the Majorelle Garden in the new city. As is the case with many properties in the medina, there is no direct car access, but the riad has an airport shuttle service -- free for those staying at least three nights -- which guests are strongly advised to book to avoid getting lost within the medina's labyrinthian streets.
Rooms
Blend of contemporary and traditional elements with fresh fruit and flowers
There are four rooms and three larger suites, which are individually styled with a mix of traditional carved-wood and handicrafts, along with some contemporary touches. Room size varies dramatically,
from the tiny Aicha Room to the super-long (though narrow)
suites with multiple windows. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and safes. Flowers, fresh fruit, and mineral water are provided free of charge. Typical of the riad style, which seeks to emulate a home more than a hotel, there are no in-room TVs, although there is a TV in one of the lounges. Bathrooms are finished in vibrant colored "tadelakt" plaster with walk-in showers, and come with hairdryers, robes, and toiletries.
Features
Heated plunge pool, Berber-style tent and pergola on the terrace, and candle-lit rooftop dining
A generous free breakfast is provided each morning, which can be taken in one of two patio
courtyards or on the rooftop terrace. Mineral water,
infusions, coffee, and the ubiquitous mint tea are also available anytime, free of charge. A home-cooked lunch and dinner are also available if arranged in advance, and can be taken on the rooftop terrace, by candlelight in the evening. There's
lots of little lounge areas for guests to settle into, as well as a Berber-style
tent and sun loungers on the roof. There's a heated plunge pool in the courtyard, though no on-site hammam. But the owners are on-hand, and will arrange for hammam appointments, spa services, and tours, and provide information on Marrakech.