Riad Dar Zaman

Rooms

This is stylish simplicity at its best. Walls are neutral creams and whites with rich splashes of reds and burgundies in the bedspreads. The furnishings are elegant: carved wooden lamps and bedside tables, soft Berber rugs on stone floors, and ornate shutters which can be closed at night for an indulgent lie in.

The 4 bedrooms are all equally charming; there is no duff choice. Three of them are on the first floor, with windows opening onto the calm of the courtyard below, while La Terrasse is on the roof terrace (smaller and less private, but handy for sun-worshippers). Given a choice - which is rare, given its popularity - La Douiria Superior would be our tip for winter stays (it's the largest, with a working fireplace which is perfect for snuggling up), while La Carbone Superior is perhaps the most stylish, with its charcoal-and-red colour scheme. The beds have perfectly plump pillows and beautifully crisp linen which made bedtime a real treat. Given the narrowness of the rooms - a common feature of most riads - some beds are set right up against the wall on one side.

Each ensuite bathroom is decorated in traditional tadelakt, with an abundance of soft towels and Sens de Marrakech goodies which we loved. All have showers except La Baignoire which has a wide tadelakt tub (with shower attachment) - you can request candles for a romantic evening soak. All have hairdryers and decent size mirrors; the only thing missing is natural light.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• WiFi

Eating

Food at Riad Dar Zaman is a leisurely, intimate affair; breakfast, lunch and dinner (the latter two on request) can all be enjoyed inside or out. The cosy dining area has space for 3 couples, while the courtyard and roof terrace provide picturesque alternatives for dining al fresco.

In some B&B-style riads, dinner is an afterthought, but not here. Simply put in a request in the morning, and chef Karima will source fresh produce from the market, taking on board any dietary preferences – nothing is too much trouble.

We arrived late in the evening and - having requested dinner ahead of our arrival - were welcomed by a candlelight, rose-scattered courtyard table, relaxing tunes from Peter’s iPod dock gently humming in the background. We opened with a selection of Moroccan starters including fresh courgette salad, a sweet tomato dish and home-baked bread; then a choice between 2 mouth-watering tagines - lamb and prune with toasted almonds or, our selection, a succulent lemon chicken - served with fragrant rice. Finally apple crepes were followed by mint tea and coffee. It may be a fairly standard Moroccan menu, but it was all delicious, fresh and reasonably priced. We’d also recommend sampling the Moroccan wine as it’s usually better value than international offerings - we went for the rose and found it to be the perfect dinner accompaniment. If you fancy a change of scene, Dar Zellij and Dar Yacout - two of Marrakech's best restaurants - are a short walk away (you'll need to book).

For our breakfast, we were in the cool, shaded dining room, a welcome choice in the heat of mid-May, although if you’d prefer the views and sunshine of the terrace just ask. The choice was impressive: toasted artisan bread and pastries, homemade jams and freshly cooked pancakes, plus a strong selection of vegan and vegetarian options: fruit, pink hummus, olive tapenade, avocados, nut butter - yum! Light lunches and snacks can be arranged throughout the day.

Features include:

• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Explore the medina: Peter has compiled a comprehensive list of tips - where to eat, how to shop, what not to miss - which you can browse over breakfast. In addition to the big draws - palaces, souks, medersas - he points out hidden gems such as the Maison de Photographie, which houses over 3,000 black and white images of Morocco from 1870-1950; and Dar Cherifa, a magical 16th century house built around a central courtyard with tall columns, ancient stucco work and old carved beams
  
• Keen shoppers should consider booking a guide to take you around the souks and point out the best handicrafts
  
• Take a horse drawn carriage around the city (available from Jemaa el-Fnaa), and then cool down with a mint tea at the Cafe des Epices, and watch the world go by
  
• Back at the riad, chill out with a book in the shade of the beautiful roof terrace; or slip into the tiny plunge pool if you're feeling hot and bothered (and not too self-conscious)
  
• Ask staff to book you in at a nearby hammam; or arrange a day's hike in the Atlas mountains, an hour away by car

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Shopping / markets

Kids

This is definitely aimed at couples, and children under 12 are not accepted unless you take the whole riad.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Riad Dar Zaman is in the northern part of Marrakech's medina (old city) in the Sidi Ben Slimane area.

By Air
Fly into Marrakech Menara (8km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
We advise that you book your transfer through the hotel, as not all taxi drivers will know it, and it is a few minutes' walk from the nearest road access.

Car Hire
You won't want to drive around Marrakech given the narrow labyrinthine streets - far better to walk, cycle or take taxis. But if you're driving before / after your Marrakech stay, see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to Morocco and getting around.