Dar Darma is a Selected hotel located in Marrakech, Morocco. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does Dar Darma have?

Dar Darma has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is Dar Darma located?

Dar Darma is located in Marrakech, Morocco, in the Africa region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book Dar Darma?

You can view more details and booking information for Dar Darma through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

Dar Darma | Selected in Marrakech, Morocco

Name: Dar Darma
Address: Marrakech, Africa, Morocco
Rating: 4.5

Expert Review: Dar Darma

Dar Darma in Marrakech, Morocco, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives high praise for its exceptional hospitality, stunning design, and tranquil ambiance amidst the bustling Medina.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Dar Darma garners an excellent overall rating, with guest scores typically ranging from 8.7 to 9.4 out of 10. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stay as "fabulous," "exceptional," "magical," and a "hidden gem." Many consider it a peaceful oasis and a lovely hideaway from the city's chaos.

2. Key Highlights

Service & Staff: Guests consistently highlight the impeccable, superb, and friendly service, with staff described as attentive, helpful, knowledgeable, and caring. Many report feeling treated like family.
Design & Ambiance: The riad is celebrated for its beautiful, opulent, and authentic Moroccan design, blending traditional elements with modern decor. Its interiors are often called visually stunning and "Instagram-worthy." The property maintains a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Location: Its central Medina location is highly rated, offering easy walking access to the souks, the Marrakech Museum, Medersa Ben Youssef, and a 10-minute stroll to Jamaâ El Fna Square.
Amenities: Notable amenities include a rooftop terrace with panoramic Medina and Atlas Mountains views, a plunge pool, a cozy hammam, and free Wi-Fi.

3. Room Quality

The suites and apartments at Dar Darma are described as spacious, comfortable, and luxuriously appointed. Each is individually decorated, showcasing traditional Moroccan design infused with oriental-chic touches, bold colors, ceramics, and silverware. Rooms feature private bathrooms, air conditioning, satellite TV, and premium bedding, including Frette Italian sheets and pillowtop beds. Some guests have mentioned a desire for brighter lighting in certain suites.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Dar Darma is highly regarded. A "delicious" and "wonderful" daily breakfast is included, featuring pastries, cakes, pancakes, yogurt, fruit, homemade jams, and fresh juices. Breakfast can be served in various locations, including the rooftop terrace, lounge areas, courtyard, or directly in guest suites. Traditional Moroccan dishes, such as seasonal vegetable soup, briouats, tagines, and couscous, are available, and meal times are flexible to suit guest needs. The riad also offers cooking classes where guests can learn to prepare Moroccan feasts. Dinner in the riad has been praised as exceptional.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Dar Darma consistently receives outstanding reviews. They are frequently lauded as "superb," "amazing," "friendly," "helpful," "attentive," "knowledgeable," and "caring." Guests appreciate their dedication and personalized service, with many remarking that the staff made them feel like family and went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, assisting with guided tours, taxis, and airport pickups. The check-in and check-out times, as well as meal times, are flexible to accommodate guests.

6. Location & Accessibility

Dar Darma boasts an excellent location on a quiet side street within the heart of the Marrakech Medina. It is just a minute's walk from the souk's entrance, the Museum of Marrakech, and the Medersa Ben Youssef Koranic School. Jamaâ El Fna Square is approximately a 10-minute walk away. While perfectly situated for exploring the Medina on foot, its discreet entrance on a narrow alley means that taxis cannot drop guests directly at the door. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to arrange airport transfers or pickups through the riad, especially for first-time visitors, as local cabbies may struggle to find it.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider Dar Darma to offer good value for money, with ratings around 8.0 for this category. Prices can vary, with recent bookings showing rates from approximately $211 to $635 per night. An airport shuttle service is provided free of charge for guests staying three nights or more. There is a city tax of MAD 45.10 per person, per night, which does not apply to children under 12 years of age.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms and considerations have been noted:

Navigation: Guests sometimes report difficulty finding the riad for the first time due to its discreet location on a quiet Medina side street, reinforcing the advice to arrange a pickup.
Lighting: A few guests have wished for brighter lighting options in their suites, noting that some areas can feel a bit dark.
Local Interactions: One guest mentioned encountering individuals in the immediate vicinity late at night who attempted to mislead them for money, advising guests to walk confidently.
Breakfast Variety: A couple of reviews expressed a desire for more breakfast choice or noted extra charges for additional coffee.
Suitability for Children: Due to large internal windows, an unsupervised courtyard pool, and numerous antiques, Dar Darma may not be ideal for families with young children.
Scent: One review mentioned a persistent smell of burned wood.