Palais Dar Donab

Right on the edge of the suk this Riad is well positioned. Ornately decorated throughout in traditional Moroccan style, with large comfortable rooms. Staff were always friendly and helpful and the breakfast, continental in style was delicious. However, we encountered one or two disappointments, perhaps a legacy of going out of season. The downstairs terrace area was stunning with a small pool in the centre. While the weather was hot enough to have enjoyed this facility there were no sun beds or comfortable seats. Also, the upstairs terrace area was unusable. There were one or 2 tables scattered about, most without seats and the seats that were present had no cushions. There was no shade/umbrellas and his whole area was dusty and rundown. Unfortunately the hotel chose our week to begin renovations. This work was not discreet. One whole side of the downstairs terrace was tackled at a time, dust etc minimised by an enormous black tarpaulin draped from the first floor downwards. This was unsightly, made the terrace dark and did nothing to conceal the sanding hammering and banging that was going on behind it. This went on for 5 of our 7 days stay and in-fact had progressed to include the reception area as we we leaving. In order to maintain a 5 star hotel, this type of work is of course essential. However, having paid a five star price to stay I think closing the hotel for a couple of weeks to complete this volume of work would have been fairer on guests. While the rooms are beautiful and comfortable in every way with air conditioning, minibar and reliable Wifi etc, the constant noise from the street overnight meant that undisturbed sleep was impossible.

Palais Donab is wonderful- I would recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful Riad close to Jemaa el Fna and the souks. We split our trip between multiple Riads and this was by far our favorite. The whole Riad is beautifully decorated - lots of tile work and lush greenery. The pool is a wonderful place to cool off and take a break from exploring. Staff bring out towels and set up lounge chairs upon request. The food was great- breakfast was very generous, lunch was great, especially the Moroccan salad, and dinner- especially the lamb tagine and Moroccan red wine. Everything is served with delicious fluffy bread and olives. We stayed in the Koutoubia Suit, which was spacious and clean with a nice big shower and a walk-in closet. The bed and sitting area were both very comfortable. One day housekeeping brought us a platter of fresh fruit and another day a beautiful vase of roses. Staff are constantly cleaning everywhere so nothing is dirty or dingy and it smells like orange blossoms. When we checked out we needed to leave early for a desert tour and staff accommodated us for breakfast earlier than it’s usually served. Then when our tour guide was late they went above and beyond to help us contact them and find out what was going on. We were so sad to leave! Bonus- the Riad is very close to a taxi drop-off/pick-up spot. Dar el Bacha museum is steps away, and in the opposite direction Jardin Secret is just a 5 min walk and surrounded by excellent shops. Hammam de la Rose is right across the street for a luxurious scrub and/or massage. So convenient! Bottom line- the service here was WAY better than we got at more expensive Riads. Still had the beauty of a palace with a pleasant laid back feeling and a delightfully relaxing respite from the chaos of the Medina. 10/10 would stay here again and hope we get to return someday!

Lovey Riad / Hotel about 4 mins walk from the Medina - in a quite and elegant street. We had the Yasmine suite - which has a double bed and seating area upstairs and then a single bed and bathroom downstairs. Also a private large terrace. The Kontobia suite has a double bed and 2 seating areas and bathroom. Both are very spacious! Breakfast by the pool area was lovely and very generous with four choices of menu. Staff were attentive but the place felt peaceful as well. It's an absolutely beautiful property. Only slight downside was that if you want to hang by the pool then the staff have to come to rearrange the furniture and put out loungers etc. So, it didn't feel easy.

Wow. Just beautiful. Friendly, helpful staff. Always smiling. Room was gorgeous and so large. Beautiful comfortable bed, great linen. Beautiful room to chill and enjoy peace and quiet. Plenty of hot water with a rainwater head and handheld shower. Fridge in the room with drinks. Pool area lovely and refreshing,everywhere in this accommodation is spotless and kept immaculate. Breakfast has a huge choice and staff very friendly. Area was fantastic. In the Medina, right outside shops and markets. Medina square is about 6-8 mins stroll. Highly recommend this hotel. I would love to stay here longer

Be careful because we went two times only to have lunch and the second time, we paid and the waitress said the payment machine didn’t work and had no paper, so she went to get paper and then she charged again and told us we had only paid once. We came back to our country and only then we realized we had paid twice by checking our bank account and we sent several emails to them explaining the situation and they acknowledged it but until now we didn’t receive our money back. It happened August 2022! The food was good but all this situation makes it an awful experience.

Beautiful place, excellent staff and service. Thank you for a wonderful stay. Kind Regards Tim H

The pool area, private terraces and common areas were very authentic and beautiful. If you want to have the biggest terrace with sun from morning until dawn, go for the Nejma room. This is the cheapest option available but we wouldn’t like to have any other room just because of this sun terrace. The bathroom in the room require some renovation but this is a very minor detail. I highly recommend this hotel.

I was so excited to stay here based on the many excellent reviews, but am sad to report that it was our least favorite stay in Morocco (out of 6 total stays). I did a ton of research before booking this place so was very diligent in choosing what I thought would be the best experience. Here's what I found massively underwhelming: - The check in staff couldn't have cared less that we were there and barely smiled upon our friendly hellos. Upon arrival, already 30 minutes past check in time, they sent us to a table to wait as our room wasn't ready. No explanation or apologies. The table was dirty - someone else had recently had their tea. We sat for 20 min - asked them nicely to have someone clean the table - they did not. No one offered us tea. There was no one else checking in. There were 2 people at the reception desk. - While the riad is small (6 rooms I think) and well positioned in the medina, they clearly cater to the crowd that comes to eat at the large and spacious indoor/outdoor restaurant. Prices were high and service was slow. Food was fine but nothing special and breakfast was served with a grunt. - There is a pool - but it's hardly private. It's situated in the middle of outdoor seating for the restaurant so I have no idea how a hotel guest would enjoy the pool!! - No one offered to help us with our bags so we had to ask. Yes, we tipped. On the positive side: - Housekeeping staff was excellent, the room was very clean, and we were able to get a rollaway bed with no problem. Yes, we tipped! The hotel needs to up its game and treat their guests as nicely as they do their restaurant clientele.

Beautiful Riad in the Medina, quiet, peaceful and beautifully presented we stayed in the Yasmine Suite which had its own terrace overlooking the pool and the courtyard. Ideally placed for the many Souks and restaurants it is an oasis of calm and birdsong. The room was beautifully furnished but the bed was very hard, the lovely housekeeper gave us an extra duvet to lie on and this did help Breakfast is served in the restaurant or on the terrace and is substantial, slightly disappointing that there are no tea or coffee making facilities in the room We ate in the restaurant one evening, the food was good and the staff attentive, Would definitely recommend for an authentic stay on Marrakech