Riad Dar One

Riad Dar One is situated at the end of a gated alley and housed in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house. At the center of the property is an atrium-style courtyard, a chic, low-lighted space with a fountain and small pool surrounded by vibrant violet and orange lounge seating. Guests relax here with a cup of fresh mint tea, offered upon arrival. There's also a salon with a fireplace and rooftop terrace that offers superb views of the surrounding area. At night, the open-air space is illuminated by lanterns and candles. With its romantic, intimate atmosphere, the hotel tends to attract mainly couples. 

Riad Dar One is located in central Marrakech's medina, in the quiet Jewish quarter of Mellah. The hotel is on a street that can’t be reached by car (no cars are allowed in the medina), and taxi pick-up and drop-off is at the Place des Ferblantiers square, a five-minute walk away. Restaurants, bars, a pharmacy, and supermarket are all a short walk from the property. Jemaa el Fna is Marrakech's main square -- it’s five minutes by taxi or a 17-minute walk. The 19th-century Bahia Palace and Majorelle Gardens is a seven-minute stroll, and 16th-century El Badi Palace is 12 minutes on foot. Dar Moulay Idriss Monument is a 13-minute walk, Saadian Tombs is 17 minutes on foot, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk to Koutoubia Mosque. Marrakech Railway Station and Marrakech Menara Airport are both a 15-minute drive from the Riad. 

Each of the six guest rooms at Riad Dar One has a name inspired by the life of the French aviator and "The Little Prince" author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: “Dune,” “Oasis,” “Mirage,” “Sirocco,” “Petit Prince,” and “Saint Ex.” They have dramatic, low lighting and a stylish contemporary look that is minimalist without being excessively austere. All have leather headboards and leather furniture, and some contain elements like exposed beams, copper chandeliers, and silk fabrics. Rooms either have a sophisticated neutral palette that's predominantly beige and gray, or rich brown, red, orange, and blue in color schemes. 

There are rooms that open to the hotel’s courtyard or rooftop terrace ( "Sirocco" has a private terrace), and some have views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, free bottled water, safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have seating areas, and one features a fireplace. Bathrooms have a stylish, modern look, with black marble vanities and stainless steel fixtures, plus hairdryers and bathrobes. Three bathrooms have bathtubs with low, hand-held showerheads, and the other three have walk-in showers. 

Riad Dar One's full-service restaurant serves meals on the rooftop terrace—which offers fantastic views of the city and sunset—or in the salon, which has a fireplace. There's a free breakfast featuring eggs, Moroccan pancakes, breads, coffee, and fresh juice, and lunch and dinner are also available, with prior booking required. The three-course menus center on Moroccan dishes like spicy salads, tagines, and pastillas. The hotel's atrium-style interior courtyard with a fountain and small pool is another highlight. Daybeds on the rooftop terrace provide an alternative spot to relax. 

Amenities available for a fee include in-room massages, private excursions, and airport transfer. There's 24-hour staff availability, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. There are no on-site wellness facilities at Riad Dar One, but the hotel offers the free use of a swimming pool and tennis courts, horseback riding, a full-service spa, and cooking classes (all for a fee) at its La Vie en Rose sister resort, but it's located outside Marrakech (transportation can be arranged for a fee). Guests with limited mobility should note that Riad Dar One is housed in a two-floor building with no elevator. Cars aren't allowed in the medina so there's no on-site parking, but public parking is a little less than a 10-minute walk.