Arriving at Dar Akal via the terracotta alleyways is an adventure in itself. Once stepping through the old wooden door you are literally transported into another world. The riad has beautiful, traditional features and oozes calm and serenity throughout. The scent of orange blossom greets you along with a bubbling water feature, large plants and trees in the central courtyard which is surrounded by relaxing areas and lounges. The rooms are all unique, comfortable and are cleaned everyday. The riad is so quiet and relaxing especially after a day out visiting the sites and wandering around the souks. All you can hear is the chattering of little birds from the rooftop. We were given a very warm welcome by Said and he helped us with maps and landmarks as well as recommendations of places to visit and eat at. He shared his local knowledge and would go out of his way to accommodate our every need. We especially enjoyed the breakfast on the terrace, over the 4 days it was always something different from local breads, chapatis, cakes, omelets, fruit salads, yogurts, juices and fresh marmalade. Watching the sun go down at the end of each day on the terrace with a pot of mint tea was one of our favourite parts of the day. The location was fantastic as you could walk to the souk, secret garden and Madrasa Ben Youssef to name a few but even though you were centrally located it was so quiet. The staff were fantastic and we felt very at home to the point where we really didn't want to leave. We cannot recommend Dar Akal enough and will definitely be returning!

EVERYTHING 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Authentic Atmosphere** – The riad’s traditional Moroccan architecture, intricate tilework, and charming courtyard create an immersive experience. 2-Peaceful Escape** – Despite being in the heart of the Medina, the riad offers a tranquil retreat from the bustling souks. 3Warm Hospitality** – Said welcoming was filled with so much care and attention to detail. He is a true gentleman whilst offering the calm which is much needed in the beautiful and chaotic Marrakech. Our arrival dinner was so delish and full of wonderful flavours. 4.The stunning rooftop terraces with views of the Medina, and the the Koutoubia Mosque. 5- Delicious Breakfast** – A homemade Moroccan breakfast with fresh bread, pastries, and local jams is often included. These were the best start to the day. Served with much care from such wonderful staff. 6.- Elegant Rooms** – Rooms are beautifully decorated with traditional furnishings, comfortable beds, and unique details like carved wooden doors. 7 - Great Location** – Being close to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the souks, and historic sites makes exploring easy. 8. **Refreshing Pool** Would you like help tailoring a specific review for a riad you've stayed at?

Nothing to we didn't like.

The Riad was simply wonderful . It’s like stepping into paradise after the busy medina. The decor is very tasteful with some beautiful authentic features. It is very quiet and relaxing. Breakfast on the roof terrace every morning was a treat. We had dinner at the riad on the first night which I recommend. Some of the best food we had. It’s the staff at the riad that are its greatest asset. The manager Said is elegant, friendly, very professional and unobtrusive. The ladies who cook and service the rooms every day looked after us so well. I have never experienced such a high level of hospitality

Nothing!

What a lovely Riad! Said, our host, was friendly and helpful to anything we needed - right down to escorting us on the first day to help us orient ourselves in the immediate surrounds of the Riad. The room was excellent, spacious and comfortable. And the rooftop terrace was a great setting for the plentiful and delicious breakfast each morning.

Not an issue (and maybe from our own lack of research), but we had not realised the Riad is located deepish within the Medina therefore not accessible by car (5 min walk from nearest car drop off spot). The initial walk in can seem daunting but Said was great in meeting us at the drop off point and escorting us in on our first day to make us feel confortable. After a couple excursions into the Medina, you get used to the walk to/from the Riad, and come to appreciate the quiet and calm of the location compared to the rest of the Medina.

Said (the manager), as well as the ladies, are fantastic! Sweet & very friendly and nothing ever felt like a bother to them. Said is very attentive & welcoming and has a fantastic (genuine) work ethic. He takes great care of his guests and makes sure to help & explain everything, including downloading 'Maps.me' (there's a traveller tip for you) and how to navigate the daunting Medina. I got lost a few times and the route back to the riad, compared to other addresses, can be a bit confusing, but this is not the riad's fault. Said is a wonderful man who eased my nerves 🙏 I came from stressful circumstances in my home country and saved hard to pay for this trip, and I am so glad this was my initial introduction to Marrakech. This was my first time visiting Morocco and I was a little nervous as a solo female traveller (despite having travelled alone to many other countries), but I felt instantly comfortable and "at home" in this riad. I stayed in another riad after this one, and despite being the same rating & price, Dar Akal was far superior. The vibe in this riad is hard to explain - I felt very happy here and extremely relaxed. It is such a peaceful retreat away from the craziness of the town centre 🥰 Wifi can be a bit hit & miss at times, but wasn't an issue. It was a shame that "a big bed" is actually 2 single beds pushed together, but it was comfortable enough for a solo person. The rooftop pool is the highlight of this place I think... as well as the daybeds and random different little corners of the terrace 😍 The decor is stunning, the terracotta style is gorgeous and the courtyard & huge trees/plants are beautiful! Breakfast is simple (to be expected in a small traditional riad), but delicious. The ladies ask what you'd like from their "menu of the day" and they cook it in the little kitchen on the rooftop - a really lovely experience and yummy food!

...The fact that I had to leave! 😭 I even got to my second riad (only 10mins walk away) and immediately wanted to come back here but they were fully booked!! 😭 No disrespect to my 2nd riad, but I wish I had booked my entire stay in Marrakech at Dar Akal! 😭

We liked just everything about Dar Akal! The beautiful setting, our fantastic suite, the terrace, our two wonderful dinners on the roof top terrace, the good breakfast and the wonderful and helpful staff especially Said the manager who took great care if our well being. I can warmheartly reccomend this place to anyone. I really also reccomend taking their chauffeur from tha airport and for excursions. We had great days in ghe Atlas Mountains and another one in Essouira. Also a dinner on the terrasse if couscous or tajine … just delicious if anything negative we ate TOO MUCH as it was so good!

Tastefully decorated and extremely clean. Highlights were sitting in the central courtyard for mint tea, as well as sunrise delicious breakfasts on the roof. Slightly too chilly for us to use the pool, but we dipped our toes in any case! Plenty of little nooks around the roof terrace or main downstairs areas to relax in the sun or read a book. A special mention to the staff who did everything to help make our stay special, particularly the manager Siad! He is a true gem. Made my mother’s stay with his kind gestures for her birthday. Thank you! Hope to stay again in the future!

As some people mentioned, it is a little way down a maze of passages which some may find hard to reach, but we were fine and felt safe

This Riad is a gem! An absolute oasis in the middle of Marrakech chaos! It is tastefully decorated and is spotlessly clean, with comfortable beds. Said is an amazing host. He speaks 6 different languages (!!!) and makes sure your stay is as comfortable as possible! He is a busy man, but will treat you like you are family and gives you all the time and attention you need. He gave us great recommendations on where to eat and what to see in our short time. When we had a little issue with the heater in our room, Said was very quick to see into it and replaced the heaters for us very promptly. Dinner is delicious and well worth it! Breakfast is also good with great strong coffee (or tea). Would also recommend getting a transfer from the airport as it may be a little hard to find the place on your first day.

Saiid (spelling??) was above and beyond wonderful! I realized I’d left my passport with $ in it in the safe after we left, he came and met us with it.. outside the Medina which was way more convenient.. with all its contents in there. He was so sweet and helpful throughout our stay. I can’t say enough positive about our entire time in his riad. Quiet. Delightful. Easy. Lots of great restaurants nearby. Our room was amazing! So lovely, well appointed. And comfy. I would absolutely come back here! And we’d stayed at several riads around the Medina… this was my fav!! ❤️

Can’t think of anything!

Dar Akal is a tranquil haven, hidden in the magical medina of Marrakesh. Said made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived, and his kindness and warmth made our visit even more memorable. Delicious breakfast’s on the incredibly picturesque terrace were the perfect start to each day - we enjoyed a lunch and dinner too, and the food was excellent; tasty traditional moroccan treats! The location is great and an easy walk to the Souks and beautiful landmarks. Our room was charming and like the entirety of the riad, was decorated in an elegant morrocan style. Sunbathing on the comfortable beds next to the rooftop pool was the most relaxing way to spend our last day in the red city - we will miss Marrakesh a lot but hope to come back, and when we do we will stay at Dar Akal again.