It’s pretty much a given that when you visit Marrakesh, you must stay in a traditional riad. If you didn’t know, a riad is a traditional Moroccan style house with a garden or courtyard in the center. It was my first trip to Marrakesh and I decided on the Dar Les Cigognes by Sanssouci Collection hotel just next to the El Badii Palace. It’s only about a 10 minute walk to the main square, and is part of the old city. A great point to begin your explorations!

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To get there, you walk alongside the palace walls and eventually you’ll find an unassuming door. Knock on the door to enter, you’ll be greeted by a person with a smile, and then you’ll enter an oasis. The design is intricate and there are patterns everywhere. In the center of the riad there is a fountain with flowers and four trees surrounding it. The way that it’s built creates a magical and peaceful environment. I spent hours just sitting on the sofas in this area to enjoy the surroundings.

My room was located on the first floor so I could easily look down on this masterpiece. The room offered the same beautiful designs as the public areas. The bathroom was also a very colorful work of art. They’ve used a very intense green color that covers the entire space and was quite calming and relaxing. The bathtub was just enormous. A great place to relax after a long day of exploring.

Moving out of the rooms, going up another floor, you’ll find the rooftop terrace. This is another great area where you can enjoy afternoon tea and breakfast. I was sure to relax on the terrace and take in the great weather that we were having during my time in Marrakesh.

On the terrace the next morning, I went with their complete breakfast. They offer a la carte items also, but I would recommend the large breakfast option. Eggs of your choosing will come accompanied with tons of goodies, including all types of breads and of course, Moroccan mint tea. Not sure if you’re familiar, but this mint tea is no ordinary mint tea. It’s sweetened perfectly and I could drink the stuff all day, everyday. I was full but I couldn’t resist finishing almost everything. Definitely a strong point for the property.

Dar Les Cigognes will give you the real local experience. As soon as you enter, you’re treated like family and can feel the genuine hospitality. Given the traditional experience, don’t expect a pool or gym. They do however, offer a spa where you can try a hammam, Moroccan style. It’s important to mention that the hotel is very focused on food and actually offers cooking classes if you’re interested in learning how to cook Moroccan food!

In the end, this is truly a gorgeous property. They have a lot to offer and you’ll be able to experience a real local Moroccan experience. It’s incredibly fantastic and now I totally understand why everything I’ve read said you must stay in a riad during your stay in Marrakesh! This was a beautiful stay at my first riad, and I’m sure you will enjoy your time too at Dar Les Cigognes by Sanssouci Collection the next time you’re in Marrakesh, Morocco!

Dar Les Cigognes by Sanssouci Collection

Hotel

108, rue de Berima, Marrakesh, Morocco

Phone: +212 5243-82740