Here are some of the best Riads in Chefchaouen and my personal review of Dar Echchaouen Maison d’hôtes & Riad, one of the city’s best hotels.
Morocco’s Blue City is a magical destination. Home to winding alleyways perfectly framed by lush green mountains, it’s a fairytale small town unlike any other. The pops of colorful rugs, works of art, and handicrafts stand out starkly against the many shades of blue that have put Chefchaouen on the map as a must-see travel destination.
One way to up the magic of this unique Moroccan destination, is finding the right Riads or accommodation for you. This list shares some of the best Riads in Chefchaouen so you can have as memorable an experience as I did!
» Read more: The Ultimate 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
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What are Dars and Riads: Traditional Moroccan Homes
Dars and Riads are the Arabic names for traditional Moroccan homes. Historically, they housed multiple generations of one family.
Today, many have been renovated as boutique hotels and guesthouses for tourists and are a unique way to travel and experience Morrocan culture.
Specifically, a Riad refers to a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard with a garden, fountain, and/or swimming pool surrounded by rooms on all sides.
A Dar is usually a smaller residence without the interior, open-air courtyard.
Courtyard aside, Moroccan Dars and Riads typically feature architecture influenced by Islamic and Moorish design, with intricate tilework, arches, geometric patterns, colorful stained glass, and more.
» Read more: 25 Need to Know Travel Tips for Morocco
7 Best Riads in Chefchaouen: Best Places to Stay in Morocco’s Blue City
1. Dar Echchaouen Maison d’hôtes & Riad
Dar Echchaouen Maison d’hôtes & Riad is a pretty guesthouse on the edge of the old town known as one of the best Riads in Chefchaouen. It features a gated entry that creates a sense of seclusion and privacy, away from the hustle and bustle of the Medina.
This Riad features noteworthy amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, onsite dining serving traditional Moroccan dishes, and beautiful architectural elements.
2. Dar Dadicilef
Dar Dadicilef is a cute hostel in the heart of the city that offers dorms and private rooms. According to their description on Hostelworld, they’re housed in one of the oldest Andalusian buildings in Chefchaouen, adding that unique historical element to your stay.
Guests enjoy the property’s fireplace, outdoor terrace, and a rooftop. The hostel is smack in the middle of Chefchaouen, near the main square and the Kasbah.
3. Casa Blue Star
Casa Blue Star is a budget-friendly Riad in the heart of the old town. This guesthouse has a rustic meets colorful atmosphere that’s uniquely Moroccan. Other noteworthy amenities include the rooftop terrace and a highly-reviewed breakfast.
The prices are pretty affordable, usually hovering around $60 a night, making it an excellent pick for budget travelers who prioritize privacy. There are even units available that have a kitchen.
4. Casa Amina
Casa Amina is a guesthouse dripping with charm in the heart of Chefchaouen. The interior is a design dream, and no detail has been overlooked from the potted plants, natural elements, and pops of blue that match the city streets outside.
From Casa Amina’s rooftop, you can view the Riff Mountains and surrounding buildings. Take your pick between standard rooms offered at affordable rates usually under $100 a night, or deluxe rooms that add space and a fireplace and seating area.
5. Riad Hicham
Riad Hicham is a centrally located guesthouse off of the central downtown plaza. Every room is uniquely decorated offering a different experience for every guest. Dramatic keyhole archways create a stunning focal point in most rooms at Riad Hicham, coupled with exposed wooden ceilings and eye-catching stonework.
Some rooms even feature a private terrace, but all guests enjoy a seating area in every unit. Prices at Riad Hicham are mid-range and typically can be booked for around $100 a night.
6. Dar Jasmine
Dar Jasmine is an upscale meets boho four-star hotel overlooking the blue buildings of Chefchaouen. It’s more Western-style accommodation but doesn’t sleep on pretty Moroccan elements like tiles, archways, and decor. Each room also features an electric teapot and a great breakfast included.
This dar is located minutes from the entry to the Medina, nestled into a hillside that provides an incredible panoramic view best enjoyed from the pool.
7. Lina Ryad & Spa
Lina Ryad & Spa is the place for ultimate luxury and pampering in Chefchaouen. This five-star hotel is sophisticated and glamorous, with tastefully decorated rooms themed in blue tones to mirror the pretty Blue City.
What makes this Chefchaouen Riad extra special is its onsite spa, boasting an indoor pool, a hammam (traditional bathhouse), and a hot tub. Additionally, the hotel has a rooftop terrace with mountain views.
» Read more: 20 Best Souvenirs from Morocco You’ll Love
My Personal Dar Echchaouen Review: One of the Best Riads in Chefchaouen
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect if planning on staying at Chefchaouen’s Dar Echchaouen Maison d’hôtes & Riad. You can see more on their Instagram.
Our Dar Echchaouen Room
The hotel features both suites and standard rooms, and we stayed in a double standard. Although “standard,” our room was still quite big and featured a little seating area, a French window with courtyard views, and a little outdoor seating area we shared with our neighbors.
The suites offer larger accommodations and a more spacious living room with a fireplace. Some even include private balconies.
Dar Echchaouen Amenities
Dar Echchaouen features many amenities that’ll make you swoon. Like many Riads, Dars, and guesthouses in Morocco, guests enjoy fresh Moroccan dining and a nice breakfast included with booking.
Breakfast at Dar Echchaouen is a buffet with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the property and surroundings. The breakfast offerings include pastries, fruits, yogurts, breads, coffee, tea, and juice. You can also order warm breakfast dishes like omelets for an extra charge.
The Riad also features a private garden courtyard with a fountain and an outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs and shaded seating. From the pool deck, swimmers have a partial view of the Blue City.
In the evening, the garden turns into romantic seating for diners hungry for Moroccan dishes and a few other offerings too. Admittedly the meal wasn’t my favorite we had at a Riad, but was convenient and overall enjoyable.
One thing to note is that Dar Echchaouen does not serve alcohol, which is common in most of Chefchaouen and Morocco.
Dar Echchaouen Location
Dar Echchaouen Maison d’hôtes & Riad is ideally located on the edge of the Medina, away from the chaos of the busy streets yet within walking distance. The property is also only 7 minutes from the Spanish Mosque hike trailhead.
You feel tucked away in a quiet corner yet have the best of Chefchaouen at your fingertips.
Do I recommend Dar Echchaouen?
I do! I found our stay at Dar Echchaouen to be honestly one of the best accommodations I’ve experienced in travel. Not because it’s overly luxurious, which I’d say it’s upscale but not flashy, but because of how charming, picturesque, and cozy the place is.
Not only that, but the staff was very friendly, and you can’t beat its location and pool view! It didn’t hurt that it was in Morocco’s Blue City, a destination I’d been dying to visit and ultimately enjoyed, and oozed that traditional Moroccan charm.
Best of all, you’re treated to upscale treatments at reasonable rates that hover around $100-$170 a night, depending on room type and season.