Riad Dar More, tucked away in the southern part of the medina, is only 5 minutes’ walk from the frenetic activity of central square Djemaa El Fna, Marrakech’s nerve centre, yet is a tranquil oasis. The riad was completely rebuilt from ruins, so has a traditional layout but a delicate contemporary look. Inside, the design combines traditional Moroccan elements with modern style and keeps to a muted colour scheme of pale rose, sand, grey, ivory and moleskin, with gleaming tadelakt everywhere you look.
The interior is scented by candles and hung with beautiful silver lamps, whose cut-out designs decorate the walls in patterns of light. Floor candles light the staircase, and there’s a fountain in the courtyard - a sheet of water flowing over the wall with cooling and soothing effect. With only 5 rooms, decorated in a gorgeous pale style with fine linen and furnishings, it feels intimate and spoiling. But it's the prices that are really impressive.
Highs
- A romantic haven, with stylish rooms and candlelit dinners by request
- Parisian owner Dominique is lovely, with as much style as you'd expect from her elegant interiors
- Staff are friendly and helpful, advising on where to go and what to do
- Excellent breakfast, served on the roof terrace with views over the storks' nests on the El Badi palace and beyond to the snow-capped mountains
- Moroccan cookery and tadelakt lessons on offer, plus excellent expeditions to the Atlas Mountains and desert
Lows
- Like most Marrakech riads, there’s no way you can get a taxi to the front door, but Dominique or one of her staff will come and meet you at the drop-off point
- The morning prayer call from the mosque next door starts at 5am but only lasts a few minutes; bring earplugs!
- Some noise from communal areas may drift into the rooms, particularly at breakfast
- Credit cards aren't accepted, so you'll need to bring plenty of cash
Best time to go
Riad Dar More is open all year. The best time to visit is November to April; May to August is pretty sizzling.
Our top tips
Pack sun lotion, a sunhat and an empty piece of luggage so you can bring back lots of souvenirs from the souks.
- Boutique Riad
- 5 rooms
- Breakfast (+ other meals on request)
- Best for 8+ year olds
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Cookery lessons
- Tadelakt lessons
Rooms
The 5 rooms, all with ensuite shower bathrooms, have Arabic women’s names, and are beautifully decorated with a mix of contemporary style and Moroccan artistry.
Nahema, one of the largest, is delicately hued in pale beige, grey and silver, with big silver lamps that throw patterned light across the walls. This room has twin beds.
In the same category, Samsara has a grey and terracotta floor, and silver and grey walls. There’s an Art Deco mirror, a large bed with a big grey upholstered headboard, and an orange and tan rug. Shalimar has similarly restrained and harmonious design, with inlaid folding chairs.
Slightly smaller Chamade has a central queensize bed, with the shower and sink tucked behind a dividing wall, plus a Berber rug and a little desk. Bagatelle is the smallest room, and the cheapest. It has a lovely white Berber rug and silver pouf, embroidered cushions, and black bedside tables that set off the gleaming white linen.
Rooms have no TVs or DVD players, but you won't miss them with so much to explore outside. Free WiFi is available.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served on the roof terrace, and is a sumptuous array of pastries, coffee, freshly squeezed juice, yoghurt and fresh fruit. Light meals such as salads are available throughout the day.
If you require dinner, you should order it in the morning and you'll later feast on typical dishes such as Moroccan salads, couscous, pastilla and tagine. It’s a fixed menu that will vary according to the season (you can let them know any preferences in advance). You eat on the roof terrace, or in the salon in colder weather, surrounded by candles and roses; Moroccan wine (including excellent local rosé or red) and beer are also served.
If you don’t want to dine in, there are lots of restaurants within walking distance, and staff can give recommendations and book for you. La Mamounia and The Tangia both get great feedback.
Features include:
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Take a cooking class at the riad. You'll accompany the chef to a local market to buy meats, vegetables and spices, then learn how to conjure up rich tagines, couscous and traditional salads, before sitting down to eat your creations
- More unusually, tadelakt classes are on offer, and in 3 hours you can learn how to create this typically Moroccan finish, which may be used on terracotta or cement. Great for stylish DIY back home!
- Dominique and her staff can advise on the best places to go in Marrakech, from sightseeing to souk shopping, and arrange guided tours of El Bahia Palace, the Musée Dar Si Said, the Musée de Marrakech and El Badi palace
- They can also organise activities for you - a massage in a local spa, a day's access to a swimming pool and hammam, or a round of golf on one of Marrakech's greens
- Overnight expeditions can be arranged too: to the Atlas mountains (1 day), to Essaouira (1 day) or out into the desert (3 days)
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Golf
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Riad Dar More is not an ideal place to go with small children - the peace and quiet of the place, plus the exquisitely pale furnishings and floor candles, would contribute to making your visit feel rather stressful. Older children, however, would be fine, and children of all ages are allowed. Babysitting and extra beds can be arranged.
Family friendly accommodation:
Extra Beds Available
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Riad Dar More is 5 minutes’ walk south of Djemaa El Fna, very close to Place des Ferblantiers and off rue Riad Zitoun el-Kedim, in Marrakech's medina.
By Air:
Fly into Marrakech Menara (5km). It's served by international and budget airlines - click on the links below for a list.
From the Airport
The riad can arrange an airport transfer - see Rates. A taxi will cost around DH100.
By Car:
If you want to hire a car (for your travels outside Marrakech), see our car rental recommendations. Note you can't bring cars into the medina.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com. 
More on getting to Morocco and getting around
Airports:
- Marrakech Menara 5.0 km MAR
Other:
- Beach 170.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km