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Review submitted by Rosie from Oxford (Submitted: 14 Apr 2013)
Really enjoyed our stay in Darsal. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay and arranged lots of cultural activities so that we could make the most of our time in Essaouira. Aidas food was amazing. The villa itself is very luxurious and all amenities were provided.
Owner reply:
It is wonderful to receive positive reviews from guests who have enjoyed their stay in Darsal. Our staff are alway on hand to provide advise and assistance to ensure our guests have a good holiday and are able to enjoy as must or as little of the experiances Essaouira has to offer. I will pass the compliments about the food to Aieda, she will be delighted.
Review submitted by Helen from London (Submitted: 26 Jun 2011)
This is a beautiful house which exceeded all our expectations. It is extremely large with four floors and split level roof terrace, all the bedrooms are en suite - the riad has been finished to an excellent standard with character and has everything you need for a great holiday (there is even an ipod dock). There is a really friendly and helpful small team of people on hand to help you with arrangements. You can have breakfast or dinner cooked at the riad which is worth doing as its cheap and very delicious. We had a wonderful relaxing holiday and would definitely recommend this charming riad. The riad has excellent location in the middle of thee medina and near to the beach.
Owner reply:
I am really pleased that this guest enjoyed their holiday, the riad and the service of our staff, since our refurbishment. We are always grateful for feedback in order that we can continually maintain or imprve our service.
Review submitted by elizabeth from retford (Submitted: 7 Oct 2010)
the property is architecturally beautiful but I dont know where 8 people would sleep. It also needs a really deep clean. The area it is in is very dodgy and very dirty - not ideal for women alone or with small children. The chairs on the terrace were ripped.
Owner reply:
I am pleased to hear that this guest thought the riad was beautiful, The riad has 2 double bedrooms, 1 double bedroom with a double mezzine bed that is suitable for 2 children and 2 tradional moroccan sofa beds which can be made up in the Morrocan salon. We have had many groups of 8 with no complaints. Since this review in early 2011 we renewed the sunbeds and chairs and soft furnishings in the riad. We also annually redectorate . The Riad is in a quiet residentail street and the local familes can be seenand heard in the street but they are friendly and I am sorry this guest did not see this,. Our other reviews have been favorable about the area and we have had positive reviews since the refurbishment both on this site and trip advisor.
Review submitted by Wojciech from Katowice (Submitted: 22 Sep 2010)
Excellent Riad for family/two families or a pack of friends.
Very nice, stylish decorations. We loved fireplaces (two) (even if in summer we did not use them).
Lot of stairs (five levels!)
Review submitted by sarah from glasgow (Submitted: 13 Jul 2010)
the riad was beautiful, decorated in true moroccan style. very deceptive from the outside, but when you open the front door it is a paradise a peacful escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy medina. the housekeeper, looked after us very well. it was our first trip but not our last
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 2 May 2010)
This property does exactly what it says on the tin. And more. Location, layout & facilities are superb. The place is beautiful, a real oasis. House staff will do as little or much as required, always on hand but never intrusive. Sally & Geoff are brilliantly organised & the whole experience is testimony to their hard work & effort. A real yardstick. Not to be missed. LOVED IT!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 13 Mar 2010)
A very well presented property in the heart of the Medina. Fabulous views of the sea from the roof terrace. Aiedas authentic Morrocan cooking is a must. We had a fabulous holiday wandering around the craft stalls, and a true insight into the Morrocan way of life in the local markets.
A fantastic value for money experience.
Review submitted by kim from weybridge (Submitted: 4 Feb 2010)
This property was in a superb location, in the heart of the medina. The decoration was typically Moroccan and very comfortable. The staff were very friendly, competent and knowledgable a real asset to the property. Overall very good value for money. I would definitely consider returning.
Review submitted by Kim from Barcelona (Submitted: 8 Dec 2009)
We had a very nice holiday at Darsal, great rooftop views and nice to soak up the sun at breakfast (or any other part of the day). Aieda was a great help, and an excellent cook. Recommended
Review submitted by Marian from Troon (Submitted: 24 Nov 2009)
We had a late flight into Marrakech and were met and shown to the riad in the early hours of the morning which was much appreciated. We had a great time at Riad Darsal where Aeida cooked us lovely Tagine and CousCous and she also took us to the Hammam which was an experience. I took days to gain a suntan and lost most of it at the Hammam. I think I was more clean than I had ever been and it was so different it will be the experience we most remember from our holiday. The restaurants around the riad were very good and authentic. Essouria was great and we went Quad biking and Camel Riding which were good days out
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 4 Nov 2009)
Hello Sally. Thank you for letting us use your riad. It was so nice to have so much space and we enyoyed using the rooftop table for breakfast and drinks before going out at night. We had a good time there and were well looked after by your staff. Among other things we wenr camel riding, quad biking and had a trip to the hamam. Ayieda and her friend took us the the hammam which was good. Ayieda also came one night and made our dinner which was really nice. Thank you again for a great holiday. Marian
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 4 Nov 2009)
Weve just returned from a wonderful week staying at Darsal. What a beautiful riad - perfectly located in a quiet residential area. Aieda cooked us breakfast every morning & Fouad was an excellant guide. The Riad comfortably sleeps 6 & the views from the sun terrace are amazing. Unfortunately we never got round to trying Aiedas tangines in the evening, far too many good restaurants nearby. Sally (the owner) arranged the transfers for us, which was really helpful. All in all we had a relaxing week.
Review submitted by Anna from Beckenham, Kent (Submitted: 4 Nov 2009)
Although the street leading to the property felt a bit dubious, once inside the riad was lovely. Very well finished with lovely tiled floors and other nice finishes everywhere. The living room on the first floor with kitchen we could use was great, lovely space. The 2 main bedrooms with en-suites were lovely, especially the biggest one. The only downsides were the room on the roof which was cute but very small and damp, and also the main property felt damp most of the time. Overall a lovely property and I dont know if it was just the weather while we were there which made the property feel damp - although the afternoons were sunny and windy, the mornings were cloudy and damp so maybe that had something to do with it....
Owner reply:
I am sorry this guest was affected by inclement weather. Essaouira can get damp at this time of year, we do send final information to guests to say if they need anything please ask Fouad or Aieda. We have open fires throughout the house and heaters for all the bedrooms which elimates any cold or damp. I haved added this to my final information now to make it clearer for guests and advised Fouad of the guest comments.
Review submitted by Desiree from San Diego (Submitted: 25 Sep 2009)
The Riad Darsal is centrally located in the medina and is beautifully decorated. We were a disappointed about the noise level attributed by the children playing and screaming near or in front of the riad until late in the evening which was quite a nuisance.
Owner reply:
This is not a comment we have heard before the house is centrally located on a quiet street, there are no shops in the street which generally stay open late and cause noise and also it is a dead end so there are no passersby. Therefore it is one of the quietest parts of the medina as many riads are located near the square, cafes or busy streets which are busy and a lot noisier until late into the evening. The are a few children who live in the street and the do play outside but they are quite young and very friendly.
Review submitted by Ahmad from Watford (Submitted: 25 Sep 2009)
Great property, helpful guide and friendly maid.
Review submitted by Jo from Ely Cambridgeshire (Submitted: 27 Aug 2009)
Dar Sal proved to be a superb riad - we have previous experience of Essaouria and were very pleased with this accommodation. What is not mentioned on the site is that the property has a sea view - not many do, so I feel mention should be made of this. The middle salon was a lovely place to spend the evening, and we enjoyed sleeping in the bedroom on the upper terrace. Breakfast was enjoyed on the ground floor. Sallys staff were very helpful, and we thoroughly enjoyed the meals cooked for us by Aieda.
Review submitted by Montse from Jerez, Spain (Submitted: 14 Jul 2009)
Good value for money, in the medina, 4 floors house.
Owner reply:
The house is a traditional riad and typical of all the Riads in the medina. It is spacious and built around a courtyard there is a ground floor with large living/dining area, the 1st floor with 2 light bedrooms and ensuites and the main floor with open plan living area, a lovely place to relax and a terrace with an additional room as per the property description.
Review submitted by Jim from Etchinghill Kent (Submitted: 25 May 2009)
Darsal provided an excellent base to visit this part of Morroco. The support provided by the maid and guide were superb which took away a lot of worry.
If you are looking for a cultural experience, living in the heart of a community in a very safe environment Darsal is for you.
Review submitted by Ian from UK (Submitted: 21 Jan 2009)
Comfortably furnished house in the medina. The fireplace was a well-used facility on cold winter nights.
The house manager is attentive without being intrusive. In warmer weather the roof terrace must be a great asset to the property.
Review submitted by Gabriele from 74906 Bad Rappenau (Submitted: 18 Jan 2009)
We are a couple from Germany,staying in the House Darsal for 5 Days. What can i say, it was amazing. Coming 2 times a year to the lovely town
Essaouira - it was the best we ever had. All what we
expected, we got. Even better! The support of the very friendly and helpfull Fouad and even Noureddine the builder of the house was looking for us.
The Maid Aida was cooking every morning very
good breakfast and in the evening she prepared
us Tajines , fresh cooked in the kitchen of the
house. She is very kind and lives beside the Riad.
While it was cold in this times,she makes fire in the
cheminee.. I love her! So we had a realy relaxing time in the house. But to short...I will recommend
THE DARSAL to all my friends. We will come back,
as soon as possible. Thank you very much Sally!
Best regards
Gabriele
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 8 Jan 2009)
We loved the riad, which had been beautifully restored and was full of lovely features/details and had lots of character. It was in a really central, convenient position and all the local neighbours were very friendly. The maid can provide breakfast and evening meals - these are really good value and delicious . We went in December, and the weather was lovely - blue skies everyday, although a little cool at night, but no problem as there was heating. We preferred Essouria to Marrakech, as it is more relaxed and laid-back. Much less hassle for shopping etc. I have already recommended it to friends, and would definitely consider staying there again.
Review submitted by Birgitta from Den Haag (Submitted: 7 Nov 2008)
We had a great time in Darsal. The house was very nice and well kept.
On a great location in the middle of the medina. Foaud was very helpfull and Aieda the housekeeper made us an excelent tajine and brought us breakfast in the morning. We were very lucky to stay in Darsal because it was raining half of the time. We will definitly recomend it! Good value for money.
Review submitted by karen from london (Submitted: 1 Nov 2008)
Loved the experience, owner, maid and guide very helpful.
Review submitted by Wes from Nantwich (Submitted: 11 Sep 2008)
Riad Darsal is a lovely house in the heart of the Medina just a few minutes walk from everything you need.
Sally the owner was very attentive in advance of our departure and everything was prearranged as planned including taxi transfer and live Gnoua (traditional) music.
Thank you for a very enjoyable stay.
We look forward to repeating it again asap.
Review submitted by Jo from Auckland (Submitted: 13 Aug 2008)
This property is amazing. Everything is taken care of. The house is excellently managed by the local people who go out of their way to make your stay a great one. The house is over many levels so there is plenty of space for everyone. Situated in the heart of the medina you are never more than a 10 min walk from anything. If you are lucky enough to stay here you will not be disappointed.
Review submitted by Sarah from France (Submitted: 7 Aug 2008)
Beautifully fitted out well placed Dal with calm interior and pleasant terrace. A joy to come back to after a day in the town or at the beach. Fouad is extremely helpful and do get him to arrange a camel ride out along the desert, well worth the espense and much better than those at the end of the beach.
I would happily recommend it to friends.
Review submitted by Mechthild from Bad Saulgau (Submitted: 28 May 2008)
We enjoyed our stay at Darsal very much. We recommend it to ou friends and hope to enjoy that little paradise once mor in the future.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 18 Apr 2008)
Our stay at Darsal exceeded my expectations in every way - as did everything about beautiful Morocco! The riad is gorgeous and really well decorated. Bathrooms are great - no problems with hot water like in most other places I stayed in Morocco. Aeida was lovely and cooked us a beautiful tagine and breakfast every morning. We had such a great stay, Essaouira is an awesome little town. Would love to come back one day. Erin March 2008
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 18 Apr 2008)
We had a wonderful time in your generous and beautiful house, which feels more like a home than a holiday rental. We loved the abundance of pottery, the magical lighting, the perfect proportions, the roof terrace in the morning and the log fires in the evening. Noureddine, Faoud and Aouida took care that we got everything we wanted or needed. George March 08
Review submitted by Erin from London (Submitted: 25 Mar 2008)
Our stay at Darsal exceeded my expectations in every way - as did everything about beautiful Morocco! The riad is gorgeous and really well decorated. Bathrooms are great - no problems with hot water like in most other places I stayed in Morocco. Aeida was lovely and cooked us a beautiful tagine and breakfast every morning. We had such a great stay, Essaouira is an awesome little town. Would love to come back one day.
Review submitted by Melissa from Landgraaf (Submitted: 12 Feb 2008)
A beautiful Riad in the enchanting fishing port town of Essaouira. Having a property manager and maid available to assist guests staying at Darsal made it that much more enjoyable. The beach is wonderful with the softest sand. The Riad came equipped with childrens books, games, sand toys and a soccer ball and all were thoroughly enjoyed by our children. The riad is centrally located amongst the local homes within the medina which gives it a very authentic feel. While the exterior is very plain and simple, the interior is beautifully renovated and decorated. The roof top terrace with a breezy, bright bedroom was my favorite! A wonderful vacation home overall.
Review submitted by Elin from oslo (Submitted: 8 Feb 2008)
We loved it!
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 6 Dec 2007)
On behalf of my wife Maria, our children and myself, I would like to say how much we enjoyed our all too short stay at your wonderful Riad Darsal last week. The house is wonderful and all went to plan re Noureddine and Aida etc. We all had a great time. We went camel riding on the coast in brilliant sunshine. All in all a great break! T Burgess Nov 07
Review submitted by martin from chippenham (Submitted: 20 Nov 2007)
We rented the whole proerty for our family of 7 adults in Nov 07 and it was excellent in every way. The maid is very nice and a first class cook.
Review submitted by jonathan from bath (Submitted: 29 Oct 2007)
most pleasant riad
well looked after, super food
Review submitted by Ellingworth from Wellingborough (Submitted: 10 Oct 2007)
This is a wonderful property, ideally located to give you a real experience of an African/Arabic coastal town. It is decorated and presented very tastefully with loads of space (there were six in our party) and all in-home entertainment is on hand. The locals are also very friendly and helpful. We met a French couple who own a Riad nearby and were around when the renovations were being carried out on this property, they suggested that this really is one of the best Riads in the area. All you would want to see and do is within a few minutes walk or drive. Aieda is lovely and her cooking has to be experienced – there are plenty of good places to eat however her cooking is so much better than anything you will get in a local restaurant. The Houseman, Noureddine, is a great guy, intelligent , witty and always on hand to sort anything you may need. All of the above made for a great holiday to the point I seriously didn’t want to leave. We will definitely be back in 2008.
Review submitted by gwen from leeds (Submitted: 26 Sep 2007)
Very convenient - located within the Medina. Well laid out and modern facilities. Plenty of room for 4, could easily have taken 6. Roof area was a bonus. Kitchenette facilities in lounge were useful, as were the en-suite facilities. Good support available from local staff. Other residents of Essaouira were also welcoming and helpful.
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 24 Sep 2007)
Thank you, we all had a fantastic time in Essaouira- everyone was very friendly, we were really quite sad to leave. We really fell in love with the place, and intend to return Oct '08. Aeida is a wonderful person, she helped make our stay very special indeed. Your house is lovely, we particulary loved the terrace, and truly enjoyed our stay there. Once again, thank you very much. K Willaims August 07
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 24 Sep 2007)
The riad was lovely - loads of room to spread out and find some
peace and who would of thought that behind the front door there would be such a haven of tranquillity right in the middle of the medina? Ayeda lived up to her reputation and cooked what were probably the best meals we had whilst in Morocco. Nourredine was very helpful in setting up the excursions and providing some local insights. We had a really good holiday and we shall certainly come back to Essaouira. Thanks once again for the use of your riad - we had a very memorable and
enjoyable holiday and we would like to return one day. L Gill August 2007
Review submitted by Cosimo from London (Submitted: 23 Apr 2007)
Possibly the most beautiful riad in Essaouira. Jaw-dropping, in fact.
Floor after floor of an Arabian Night dream, as one of my friends described it, decorated in warm traditional style but with all the comforts of modern life.
And in a very central location too, we never had to walk more than a few minutes everywhere.
The maid is lovely and such a good cook that I do recommend discerning holidaymakers to lunch/dine in as much as possible rather then go out to restaurants.
Noureddine, the agent, speaks excellent English and offered really useful advises
(and his deadpan sense of humour brightened up many cracking evenings).
Again, I advise to listen to Noureddine laidback wisdom for the best way to enjoy Essaouira.
Last but not least, I cannot stress enough how friendly and welcoming are the owners.
Everybody made us feel at home and enjoy a wonderful time.
By the end, so much we loved being there that we did not want to leave, but I am already planning to go back soon.
So, book early or you’ll miss your chance to know how nice it is!
Cosimo, London
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 8 Mar 2007)
We had a lovely time in Essaouira, your Riad is beautiful and it was just the break we needed! I know you hear it all the time but your maid is a fabulous cook! I hope to stay again in the near future. J Saunders Feb 2007.
I really loved the house and Nourdeddine. I will stay there again it was better than I thought it was going to be and I really loved the house. Thank you for everything. C Bodendorfer Jan 2007
Review submitted by Kathy from Liverpool (Submitted: 24 Jan 2007)
I could not recommend this property highly enough - the photos currently on the site don't do it justice.
We spent nine days there with our two children, so there was plenty of spare space. It's been beautifully restored, all amenities work properly and the maid is fab. Try her couscous.
Even the beds were really comfortable! Attention to detail was spot-on, even the hairdryers were good quality (not that you'll use them - you'll wind down within an hour of arrival and not bother with all that!).
Just go (unless you have a problem with stairs or your kids are very young).
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 24 Jan 2007)
We had a fantastic holiday, a really lovely Christmas - a truly great
time. We loved the house. Aieda was a real dream, a perfect treasure and we wanted to keep
her. She provided the most wonderful food, was cheerful, friendly, funny,
helpful, she really put herself out. The kids adored the beach. Great town, lovely
people. Walker family December 2006
'We had an absolutely great time in Essaouira, your house is stunning. Noureddine is a great guy and really helpful. We will definitely be going back if you'll have us, and we'll tell all our friends how great it is. Thanks again for a great week.' R Beatty Oct 06.
Just wanted to write and say how much we loved your house and enjoyed our time in Essaouira. You’ve done a great job in restoring the house, it really is beautiful. Everything was great and Nourdinne was very helpful as was the maid. D Golden Oct 06
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 24 Jan 2007)
We had a fantastic holiday, a really lovely Christmas - a truly great
time. We loved the house. Aieda was a real dream, a perfect treasure and we wanted to keep
her. She provided the most wonderful food, was cheerful, friendly, funny,
helpful, she really put herself out. The kids adored the beach. Great town, lovely
people. Walker family December 2006
'We had an absolutely great time in Essaouira, your house is stunning. Noureddine is a great guy and really helpful. We will definitely be going back if you'll have us, and we'll tell all our friends how great it is. Thanks again for a great week.' R Beatty Oct 06.
Just wanted to write and say how much we loved your house and enjoyed our time in Essaouira. You’ve done a great job in restoring the house, it really is beautiful. Everything was great and Nourdinne was very helpful as was the maid. D Golden Oct 06
Review not verified by RentalSystems* (Submitted: 25 Nov 2006)
'We had an absolutely great time in Essaouira, your house is stunning. Noureddine is a great guy and really helpful. We will definitely be going back if you'll have us, and we'll tell all our friends how great it is. Thanks again for a great week.' R Beatty Oct 06.
'Just wanted to write and say how much we loved your house and enjoyed our time in Essaouira. You’ve done a great job in restoring the house, it really is beautiful. Everything was great and Nourdinne was very helpful as was the maid.' D Golden Oct 06