Derb Lalla Chacha 18, Douar Graoua, Marrakech, Morocco | (888) 708-2081
Typical
riad-style guesthouse with attractive interiors
Set in the
bustling heart of the medina quarter on a narrow street
Under 10-minute
walk to Djemaa el-Fna square and souks
Lovely rooftop
terrace with tiled hot tub and lounge furniture
Simply styled
rooms with Moroccan furnishings and lots of art
On-site dining is available
Excellent
breakfast included in rate
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
Lackluster decor
in bathrooms
No hammam or spa
No TVs or telephones in
rooms
The seven-room Riad Dar
Najat is a mid-range Moroccan-style guesthouse set right in the middle of
Marrakech's ancient medina quarter. While tricky to find (as is typical in these lovely, narrow streets), it's
less than 10 minutes on foot to the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square and neighboring
souks. Interiors are attractive, especially on the secluded
rooftop terrace which features a lovely tiled hot tub and lots of lounge furniture. Rooms are homey, quiet, and filled with art, though light on amenities (there are no TVs, minibars, or telephones). On-site dining is a real treat
and the owners are especially hospitable. All in all, it's a fine example of riad-style
lodgings, though for more extravagant bedrooms check out the nearby (and pricier) Riad le
Clos des Arts. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Tastefully presented riad-style guesthouse with secluded roof terrace
A tall pair of potted
palms mark the discreet carved wooden entrance that leads into the peaceful
central courtyard of this lovely riad-style, mid-range guesthouse. Local bejmat
tiling, intricate wrought ironwork, and carved cedar wood create the
scene of a typical Moroccan home and blend with an abundance of handicrafts
and native artwork from the owner's own collection. The French proprietor Olivier
-- English-speaking and an interior designer for 20 years -- and his Moroccan
wife were instrumental in renovating the property to high standards
and are always on hand to answer questions and offer advice; this particularly hospitable atmosphere is a big draw. Tiled stairways
lead up two floors to the rooftop terrace dotted with numerous potted plants
and flowers while attractive bamboo weave paneling creates a pleasant feeling
of seclusion. The terrace is a fine place to soak up some sun on one of the lounge chairs, relax in the shade with a
cup of mint tea, or take a dip in the lovely tiled hot tub.
Location
Set in the bustling heart of the medina a short walk from Djemaa el-Fna square
This guesthouse is
located on a typical cobblestone alleyway in the labyrinthine heart of
Marrakech's medina district. Pretty much all the main tourist attractions in this
11th century UNESCO-recognized quarter are within walking distance, with the
entrance to the city's famous souks about 10 minutes away. The lively Djemaa
el-Fna square -- full of snake-charmers, fortune-tellers, and orange juice
vendors -- is also a 10-minute stroll from the riad where guests can also find
a horse-drawn cart to explore outside the medina walls. Like most riad
properties, it can be tricky to find the first time (and sometimes after
that) so guests are recommended to call ahead to arrange a pick-up.
Rooms
Simply styled rooms with typically sparse amenities and basic bathrooms
This riad has just
seven rooms in all, each decorated in unfussy neutral tones with tiled floors,
African artworks, and Moroccan furnishings. Amenities are typically sparse with
no TV, minibars, or telephones, though there's a decent free Wi-Fi connection and
air-conditioning in all rooms. Bathrooms are basic and lacking the polished
limestone plasterwork common in many riads, though basins are beautifully
ornate and showers are spacious. The spaces are all homey and peaceful, with an immersive, local feel.
Features
Outstanding dining and rooftop hot tub -- though no hammam
This guesthouse
offers an excellent breakfast each morning including a selection of fresh
fruit, bread, croissants, pastries, Moroccan pancakes, and omelets, served with freshly squeezed
orange juice and delicious coffee. The Dar Najat Kitchen is a restaurant in its
own right, and serves an excellent menu of tagines and other Moroccan
specialties. Although the hotel lacks a plunge pool or hammam, the particularly
attractive rooftop terrace has shady lounging areas and a large tiled hot tub. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
