From our friends »World in a Suitcase »
One of our authors, Olivier alias Zitoun, lives in a real paradise in Marrakech – a splendid Riad just 5mn from the Jemaa-el-fna place, and the decoration just looks out of a legend book. Magical. You just want to live there.
He often sends us gorgeous pictures and believe me, when you live in rainy England, you feel you should be packing straight away!
Moreover, Zitoun is passionate, friendly, happy to help. Always happy and smiling! He will know the best places to go and visit – just ask!
He’s a very precious friend and we just know he cares very much for his guests. He will do his best for your holidays to be just perfect.
Of course, he would never have written this post himself. However, we all feel he deserves it.
Olvier does propose, if you book with him directly (via his website or though our contact page under Zitoun) and mention Crazytrip.org, to offer free drinks – alcohol excluded – (tea, coffee, fresh orange juice, mineral water, sodas).
Even better, for any sty of 4 nights or more, the staff will be picking you up / driving you back to the airport (where the hell have I put my passport??)
I orginally wanted to tell you more about the place, the staff… But I find that the pictures and guest’s memories of their holidays there say it so much better than I. I have selected 3 to make you dream further. I learnt this way that turtles and birds love coming in the garden – extraodinary!
The Riad itself is amazing, and the perfect place to relax after a busy day visiting the sights and shopping in the souks. Each morning we had a lovely breakfast on the roof terrace. We strongly reccommend staying here and loved it so much we are already planning our next trip back!
Forgot to mention dinner is also available on request and Souad, the chef, is a gem in terms of cooking! I definitely recommend the riad for any kind of travellers – young, older, married or single you will just have an unforgettable experience at Dar Najat. Thank you again, I’m coming back soon and with friends this time!
I have just come back from Marrakech where my boyfrend and I stayed at Riad dar Najat which was great. An authentic house with three floors and a fabulous roof terrace. Our bedroom was decorated with local artwork. It took us a few days to take everything in – a delight to anyone who has an interest in other cultures. The roof terrace was a perfect place to relax in the morning sun while having breakfast or pre-dinner drinks (the rose is the best ) while listening to cool jazz or Buddah Bar type music. Moo Moo (Mustafa) was always there when we needed anything and Siad the local celebrity who has recently worked alongside Tom Hanks is also a bit of eye candy for the ladies. We had a fabulous time in Marrakech, certainly helped by choosing this fab riad.
My only other suggestion would be, is to take some warm clothes as it is very cold at night once the sun has gone down.
great to have a jacuzzi on the terrace in our guest house in the heart of Marrakech
My partner Nikki & I stayed four nights in late November.
We had a great break, enjoyed the chaos of Marrakech immensly and more so thanks to Olivier and his team at Riad Dar Najat. If you book make sure you take up the offer of the transfer from the airport – while its only five minutes from the main market square you wouldn’t want to find it on your own: with a taxi you’ll arrive, as we did, exhillarated from the taxi ride and happy to find the sanctuary.
The Riad is traditional Moroccan in style, friendly and very relaxing. Waking up in Marrakech hearing the bird song is lovely. After getting up you go to the roof terrace for the inclusive breakfast, served by the resident local staff who are always pleased to help.
We found a real plus-point to be one of th services offered by the staff – they will walk you to the restaurant/hammam and make sure you dont get lost and even give you their number if you get lost on your way back. It really is only five or six minutes walk to the centre of everything and the souks.
Lastly, the Riad’s most valuable asset is its owner, Olivier, he made our stay so much better than those of people staying in perhaps ‘more expensive’ western hotels. He speaks very good English/French and made excellent recommendations for restaurants and hammams and activities. Nothing is too much trouble for him. In fact we did have a problem with a hammam we had foolishly sourced ourselves – he recommended the action we should take , made many phone calls and in the end we had an apology from the hammam and a full refund with some compensation.
We were quite surprised by how cold Marrakech was in the evenings – coats were needed and our room had a radiator that worked. The only thing stopping me giving the Riad and ‘excellent’ report was the bed, it was a bit hard for our liking. It wouldn’t stop me booking again!
It you re looking for a good place to stay in Marrakech – this Riad is the one!
Last posts of guests who stayed in riad Marrakech – Dar Najat on the New York Times
1.August 4th, 2010
10:22 pm
My husband, 19 month old son and I stay at the Riad Dar-Najat for one night. I must say we had seen pictures on the internet but were in no way prepared for what we experienced. It was more gorgeous than we could have dreamed. Oliver, the owner and his staff were most amazing, interacting with the guest and entertaining our little boy (who loved them all). When we arrived, within minutes we were sitting down to a wonderful breakfast of freshly squeezed orange juice, eggs, bread and fresh fruit.
Oliver arranged for us to have a driver for the day to take us to the city highlights. It was perfect as it was hot and would have been impossible for us to do comfortably with a small child. In the evening when we wanted to see the city by night, on of his staff members walked us to town center. This was very helpful as it allowed his to become familiar with our surroundings and to be able to get back on our own. When we arrived back we were treated to an amazing dinner. Our dinner that night was many salad starters and an amazing chicken dish served in a traditional clay pot was to die for. We still talk about it weeks later.
The Riad literally took you to another state of mind. There was the sweet smell of jasmine oil burning, nice music playing in the background and an overwhelming feeling of belonging. We felt instantly « at home ». Our only regret is that we only booked for one over night. Had we known of the amazing time we would have we have stayed a few days longer. This is truly a 5 Star establishment and I hope we get the chance to return sooner than later.
The Katz Family
2.August 3rd, 2010
5:02 pm
I planned to surprise my sister for her birthday. As she always complaining about how tired and stressed she is, so I thought that a vacation is duly needed. I surfed the net to look for quick getaways, and then I remembered one of my friends mentioning this riad. It was worth a shot, so I booked 3 days in Dar Najat.
When we got there, I just smiled. The hotel is a perfect mixture of a home and a small mansion. I was expecting it to be a wee bit smaller because of the picture posted on the website and the fact it has only 7 rooms, but it was more than spacious.
The staffs were more than accommodating, even in the most unholy hour of the day… And I was impressed, you can never get this kind of service unless you pay big time. And with their rates, it wasn’t even close to « big time »!
It was, and still is, one of the most wondrous experiences I had for a vacation and I’m planning to come back here on November for my birthday as well!!
Liked — the level of comfort the entire hotel exudes.
- pjoe30
3.August 1st, 2010
9:13 am
We had an amazing week at Dar Najat. The Riad is beautiful and is like an oasis of peace right in the middle of the medina. We stayed in room Leila, which is a very nice room (very clean!). Furthermore you will never meet friendlier staff anywhere: they tour you through the city upon your arrival, do anything to make you comfortable, arrange great tours outside Marrakech and are a good laugh. They even went clubbing with us!
http://www.dar-najat.com
- Frank
4.July 26th, 2010
12:22 pm
Truly amazing experience, the staff were an asset to Morocco and Moroccan people. With African/reggae tones and tunes underlying this vibrant and chilled out Riad. We visited with our 2 children aged 11 & 17 who were thoroughly cherished by all of the staff. We were made to feel welcome from the outset. This Riad comes complete with its very own Bob Marley and Jerry Lewis to name a few of the staff. African decor throughout provided a chill axed atmosphere, the facilities second to none, clean and tidy and homely, the Najat ticks all of the boxes. The home cooked food truly exceptional and the prices even more so. I have not stayed in such a happy environment abroad before where the staff are entertaining and laughing all day. I feel privileged to have found this gem of a Riad. When we return to Marrakech there will be only one place that I will stay. A great place for romance even if you have your children with you. The surrounding area is safe, 2 minutes from the Djeema- a real oasis. The staff bent over backwards to make us feel welcome and to keep us safe. The Jacuzzi and roof terraces add a little something special, many thanks to all of the staff at the Najat who made our trip extra special and even more memorable. Special thanks to Riad owner Olivier for creating this special place, everything has been thought of to deliver an unforgettable experience.
http://www.dar-najat.com/
- podder
5.July 22nd, 2010
5:08 pm
My two adult sons and I enjoyed a wonderful stay at Dar Najat. As our first stop in Morocco, this was a great way to be introduced to the country and its people. We were immediately and truly welcomed and engaged in the culture through the hospitality of the employees at the Riad. They made it easy to enjoy a peaceful interlude from the intensity of the Souk activities. And the breakfast was great and more than adequate for young men with large appetites. The staffs were fun to talk with and were extremely helpful orienting our visit to this wonderful town.
- hartleythom
6.July 17th, 2010
4:54 pm
The riad DAR NAJAT is perfectly located 5mn walk from the main square jamaa fna. Olivier and his staff are warm and welcoming, with plenty of tips and ideas on everything from pastry shops to daytrips. Highly recommend having a meal cooked in house, on the terrace – delicious Tagine and outstanding Moroccan salads. Their recommendations for dinners out were also terrific. Once inside the riad, the lovely restoration gives you a perfect flavor of luxury and comfort. Roomy and comfortable, we would definitely stay again and recommend to others!
- rushing
top place in Marrakech,riad dar najat!