Riads, Dars & Kasbahs
For many guests, the chance to stay in a converted
traditional house is a major drawcard
for a trip to Morocco. They’re the type of accommodation
that the term ‘boutique hotel’
could have been invented for, and no two
are alike. Service tends to be personal, with
many places noted for their food as much as
their lodgings. Room rates are comparable
to four- or five-star hotels. Marrakesh is the
most famous destination for riad aficionados
(there are several hundred), with Fez
coming a close second. Essaouira, Rabat,
Tangier and Assilah are also popular. With
their popularity seemingly unassailable you
can increasingly find riads in the most unexpected
corners of the country.
Although the term riad is often used generically
for such places, a riad proper is
a house built around a garden with trees.
You’ll also come across plenty of dars (traditional
houses with internal courtyards).
Kasbahs (old citadels), which often function
as hotels, are found throughout the
major tourist centres of the south. Rooms
in kasbahs are small and dark, due to the
nature of the building, but are lovely and
cool in summer.
Most riads operate on advance bookings,
and it’s worth planning ahead, as
most only have a handful of rooms and can
fill quickly. Advance booking often means
that someone from the riad will be sent
to meet you outside the medina when you
arrive: labyrinthine streets often conspireattempt.
Many riads list their online rates in euros,
rather than dirhams, at exchange rates favourable
to themselves, so always double
check the prices when booking.
For an idea of properties and prices, visit
the websites of these agencies:
Fez Riads ( www.fez-riads.com) A percentage
of profits are donated towards restoration projects
in the Fez medina.
Marrakech Riads (www.marrakech
-riads.com) Well-established and respected agency.