GUESTHOUSEGUESTHOUSEGUESTHOUSEGUESTHOUSEGUESTHOUSErestoration – it’s the only way you’ll believe that such a fabulous building was ever a complete
wreck. The central courtyard is positively opulent, with pillars and painted plasterwork reaching
skywards, while rooms are more understated with simple plain wood and fabrics to decorate
them – only the suite with the painted domed ceiling makes a palatial exception. There’s a
pleasant terrace, and a more intimate side courtyard off the kitchen to relax in. The dar is a
short walk from Bab R’cif.
Dar Dmana €€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 74 09 17; www.riaddardmana.net; 21 Rue Sournas; r/steDh1200/1800; ) With 14 rooms, this dar successfully bridges the gap between traditional
Moroccan house and hotel. The ground floor has decor that’s stepped out of a palace
restaurant, but the high covered courtyard (with fine carved cedar balustrade) keeps things
airy. After all this, the rooms are more modern and restrained, but with enough Moroccan
styling to remind you where you are.
Dar Attajali €€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 63 77 28; www.attajalli.com; Derb Qettana, Zqaq Rommane; rDh990-1430; ) Dar Attajali is a magnificent testament to the art of patient and sympathetic
restoration. Everything has been done to maintain the building’s integrity, using a minimum of
modern techniques and chemicals, while producing a supremely comfortable guesthouse.
Decoration is set off with gently colour-themed Fassi fabrics – colours further reflected in the
planting of the terrace roof garden, and all designed to get you instantly relaxing (as if the
organic, locally sourced breakfasts didn’t get your day off to a good enough start).
Dar Roumana €€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 74 16 37; www.darroumana.com; 30 Derb el-Amer, ZqaqRoumane; r Dh950-1620; ) One of those bigger-on-the- inside townhouses, Dar Roumana
will always win fans by virtue of its beautiful restoration job and gorgeous roof terrace
commanding one of the finest views across the Fez medina (perfect for taking breakfast or
sampling the well-thought-out dinner menus). That’s if you even leave the rooms, which are
perfect romantic hideaways. There’s a close attention to detail at play too: there are even
personalised toiletries in the bathrooms.
Riad 9 €€€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 94 76 10; www.riad9.com; 9 Derb Lamsside, Zqaq el-Maa; rDh1100-2200; ) This is a tiny gem of a guesthouse, and when we learned that the owner is a
designer and fashion historian, we weren’t at all surprised. The decoration is idiosyncratic but
lots of fun – witness the room with dentists’ chairs and a wall full of antique luggage. At night,
the many windows looking into the courtyard are lit with candles, turning the whole place into a
glittering jewel box. We’re looking forward to Riad 9’s companion restaurant, opening around
the corner sometime after this book goes to press.
Riad Maison Bleue €€€
Offline map Google map ( 0535 74 18 73; www.maisonbleue.com; 33 Derb el Mitter, Ain-