Dar al Assad offers five beautifully appointed suites in a grand Medina mansion. Staying here isn’t just about sleeping in posh surroundings; it’s an unforgettable experience of Moroccan hospitality.
Located virtually in the centre of the old city, just around the corner from the main souks. From here it’s a five-minute walk from the Djemaa el-Fna and 15-minute walk to the Medersa Ben Youssef (to the north) and the Bahia Palace (to the south). Taxis can be picked up in the Djemaa.
Push through the brass-studded door and suddenly you’re in a courtyard lined with Moorish arches and a cosy bhou (seating nook). Metre-thick walls block out street noise and couples talk in secret alcoves crowded with busts, books and objet d’art.
The look is French Orientalist with acres of luxe fabric (the house was once home to French fabric designer Daniel Bainvel) creating a gentle, sequestered atmosphere. There’s a rather grand downstairs salon for winter evenings, while in summer the central patio is arranged as an outdoor living space, complete with comfy European-style sofas and carpets. In the evening the atmosphere is magical as glowing lanterns reflect off dozens of brass ornaments and glittering chandeliers.
Dar al Assad feels like a secluded home and guests largely have the run of the place. As most of the team has been at the house for nearly two decades things work very well. Najat, the house manager, can help arrange excursions, but there’s little latitude for far out demands. Polish up your French too, as very little English is spoken.
With only three doubles, one twin and one single, Dar al Assad offers generous-sized rooms and contemporary, marble-clad bathrooms. Each room, which are named after precious stones, is colour themed and furnished with antique beds, sumptuously upholstered ottomans and chairs, inlaid tables and rare textiles and throws. Some of the furniture is nicer than many museum exhibits, while on the walls hang a roster of artworks by internationally recognized artists. If you’re after a double bed, be sure to specify on booking.
Breakfast is a feast of baghrir pancakes, butter fried eggs, homemade yoghurt and fresh, flaking pain au chocolat. Lunch and dinner must be ordered in advance. Dinner is a serious affair with cocktails on the roof terrace, then nice dining in the courtyard at dressed tables laid with silver cutlery and bone china. The cooking rivals most Marrakech restaurants and the menu may include: slow-cooked lamb mechoui; apricot or prune sweetened tagines, or hand-rolled couscous served with a jug of buttermilk.
There are two ground floors rooms but there are some steps in the lobby and the preponderance of furniture makes manoeuvring difficult.
Not really. The house is full of expensive antiques and has a quiet, grown-up atmosphere. That said, rooms can accommodate an extra bed at a cost of €20 (£18) per night.
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