Dar Lilas

“Great stay, outstanding value, lovely place”

Just returned from 5 nights at Riad Dar Lilas - what a great stay we had. The owner, Youssef, is superb. He couldn't have been more attentive. He arranged taxis to and from the airport which made things easier and then met us at the drop off point. The Riad is located in the winding streets which g… more

Just returned from 5 nights at Riad Dar Lilas - what a great stay we had. The owner, Youssef, is superb. He couldn't have been more attentive. He arranged taxis to and from the airport which made things easier and then met us at the drop off point. The Riad is located in the winding streets which gives the place a lovely, traditional feel. The room more than met our needs and was comfortable. Breakfast was again traditional - pancakes, pastries, bread, juice, coffee and Moroccan tea - and actually kept us going until we ate in the evening. The little pool was nice to cool down in after sunbathing in 40 degree sun on the roof terrace. Wifi and air con were both great. We arranged a couple of trips through Youssef - a trip to a hammam and a day in the mountains. Both were great and offered value for money. For 20 or so quid a night including breakfast, I don't think we could've done better. I can't quite convey how pleased we were with the place and the manager. He really did help make the trip extra special. A few things about Marakech that might be useful: Finding your way about: ignore the locals. They will try and guide you even when you don't want to be guided. They will tell you that you can't walk down a certain Street because it's prayer time or that the main square is a certain way... What they want is to guide you and charge you for it. The streets are like a maze and it's easy to get lost - we did, but it was part of the adventure! What we realised we could do was to use wifi from the riad to preview a route on Google maps but then it would still pick us up and work without data (I'm on Vodafone and for some reason, Morocco isn't included in their world traveller thing so to use my phone over there was going to be extortionate so I just kept it on aeroplane mode and connected to wifi.) Someone else who we met out there used something called map.me (?) which works without using data. Definitely worth investigating beforehand. If you get a taxi, agree the price before you get in and don't be scared to haggle. Drinks. Unlike most other places, there aren't bars everywhere because it's a Muslim country so if you want a beer or glass of wine you need to do your research beforehand. Some places sell booze but not all. There are more bars in the new city which is a 30-40 dhirum ride away (3-4 pounds). In the medina, I can personally recommend Cafe Arabe. Food and drink both gorgeous. Go to the roof terrace. The souks are wonderful - you will be pestered constantly. It's part of the experience though. Again, haggle. Or tell them you have no money. Go to Jamaa El Fna square in the day and then again at night. It's crazy! Marrakech is unlike anywhere I've ever been. I found it chaotic, beautiful, charming and fascinating. I don't usually want to go back somewhere once I've been - only because there's a big world out there and I want to try somewhere new next time - but I would definitely go back and I'd definitely stay at Riad Dar Lilas again. A wonderful experience.

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“5 star service ”

Amazing hosts with the broadest smiles in Marrakesh. There's a tiny pool in the compound and a rooftop to relax for a tan. We got breakfast every morning. They also give u a phone on arrival just in case u get lost in the town and need to call them for directions. They can also arrange cars for a t… more

Amazing hosts with the broadest smiles in Marrakesh. There's a tiny pool in the compound and a rooftop to relax for a tan. We got breakfast every morning. They also give u a phone on arrival just in case u get lost in the town and need to call them for directions. They can also arrange cars for a trip to the atlas mountain

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“Clean, friendly and lovely place!”

We only stayed here one night, but it was really lovely. Breakfast was really nice, the room was super tidy and clean. The pool is cool and really great to swim in! The owner was a really lovely and modest person, who told us everything we wanted know, giving honest advices about carpets and travel… more

We only stayed here one night, but it was really lovely. Breakfast was really nice, the room was super tidy and clean. The pool is cool and really great to swim in! The owner was a really lovely and modest person, who told us everything we wanted know, giving honest advices about carpets and travel plans. Was a lovely place to stay at. The souks are walking distance. The streets leading to this place are small and scary sometimes, but it's safe! :)

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“Yousseff is amazing!!!”

I stayed in this Riad with my family for 4night and must say we had an amazing time there. Thanks to Youseff who readily provided us with every information needed in Marrakesh and also helped with the booking of activities outside the Medina. My mother-inlaw was so impressed with the Riad especia… more

I stayed in this Riad with my family for 4night and must say we had an amazing time there. Thanks to Youseff who readily provided us with every information needed in Marrakesh and also helped with the booking of activities outside the Medina. My mother-inlaw was so impressed with the Riad especially as Youseff brought her coffee every morning while she waited for the rest of us to wake up. My favourite spot was the roof terrace where I read my book and relaxed a couple of times. Rooms were clean, simple and air conditioned. Nice place to stay. A little confusing to find your way back to the Riad for the first time but if you pay attention you'll get it quickly.

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