Dar Chrif

Dar Chrif Overview

You know what struck me first about Dar Chrif? The fact that I actually found it without getting completely lost in the medina maze – and trust me, that’s saying something. It’s tucked away on Derb Najem, which is one of those narrow alleys that feels secret but isn’t so hidden that the taxi driver gives you that blank stare when you show him the address.

The whole place has this authentic riad vibe without feeling like they’re trying too hard, if that makes sense. I mean, you walk through this heavy wooden door and suddenly you’re in this gorgeous courtyard with the kind of tilework that makes you wonder how long someone spent laying each tiny piece. The smell hits you right away – that mix of cedar wood, mint tea, and something floral I could never quite place. Honestly, it’s the kind of smell that makes you immediately relax, like your shoulders just drop without you realizing it. What really got me was how quiet it is once you’re inside. You’re literally steps away from the chaos of the medina – the donkeys, the scooters squeezing through impossibly narrow passages, vendors calling out in three languages – but inside Dar Chrif, it’s this peaceful bubble. Well, except for the call to prayer, but that’s actually pretty beautiful when you’re sipping morning coffee in the courtyard.

The staff here actually remembers your name, which sounds small but feels huge when you’re jet-lagged and trying to figure out which direction is Jemaa el-Fnaa. They helped me sort out a proper hammam experience (not the touristy one near the square that everyone talks about) and gave me directions that actually worked – you know, the kind where they tell you to turn left at the shop with the blue door, then right where you smell the bread baking. The rooms are what you’d expect from a traditional riad – thick walls that keep things cool, beautiful carved ceilings, and bathrooms with enough hot water for a proper shower after a day of wandering around in the dust and heat. I stayed during shoulder season in October, and honestly, it was perfect timing. Not too crowded, not too hot, and you could actually enjoy sitting on the rooftop terrace in the evenings without melting. Speaking of the terrace – the view isn’t going to make your Instagram famous, but there’s something really nice about seeing the medina spread out below you, all those flat rooftops and satellite dishes and laundry lines. It’s real life, not a postcard, and I kind of loved that about it.

Look, if you’re expecting a resort with a pool and room service, this isn’t your place. But if you want to feel like you’re actually staying in Marrakech – not just visiting it – then Dar Chrif gets it right. It’s the kind of place where you end up extending your stay because leaving feels like abandoning a friend’s house. Plus, that 9.3 rating? Yeah, it’s earned.

Dar Chrif Accommodations

Reviews of Dar Chrif

• Fantastic base to explore Marrakech from – Christopher from United Kingdom – 24 April 2025 (10/10)

  The property met our needs well. We wanted a comfortable base in the medina to be able to explore this part of Morocco from. This property is in the northern part of the medina and is a short walk to many of the main attractions. The property was spotlessly clean and well furnished throughout with plenty of space.
  
  We were welcomed by the host with tea and sweet treats on arrival in the evening and he looked after us throughout our stay including providing a lovely breakfast each morning. He ensured we knew how to navigate the medina and provided us with his number so we could message if we got lost/stuck. He also took us on a small tour of the local area which helped us see some beautiful buildings in the medina and get orientated. He was welcoming and could not do enough to ensure our stay was fantastic.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing it was all good

• Exceptional – Andrey from United Kingdom – 25 February 2025 (10/10)

  The host Chrif and the apartment were brilliant. Accomodation was clean and well maintained for a traditional moroccan house. Location is perfect in the medina and very easy to get to. Chrif treated us like family and me like one of his sons. His hospitality was second to none and loved his energy. Breakfast was delicious and we really enjoyed our stay. Thank you!

• Exceptional – Jacek from Poland – 1 January 2025 (10/10)

  Really nice host, nice and clean appartment and god brekfasrnat a terrace
  
  What could be improved: Although close to best attractions of Medina a bit creepy neigborhood, our taxi coulld not find the addrees and in fact narrow streets make the place inaccessible by a car

• 5/5* would stay here again. – Shahida from United Kingdom – 18 December 2024 (10/10)

  The property was absolutely spotless. Very spacious. The hosts were very nice and hospitable. Would definitely stay again.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Exceptional – Sanjida from United Kingdom – 6 September 2024 (10/10)

  It was very clean
  The internet good
  Air condition was spot on, never felt too hot
  The hospitality was amazing couldn’t recommend enough
  I am definitely going to recommend to my friends and family
  The distances wasn’t far from the centre too only took 15 minutes walk
  Breakfast that was served was delicious
  
  What could be improved: Nothing everything was amazing

• Amazing stay with fantastic hosts – Sahra from United Kingdom – 29 August 2024 (10/10)

  Very clean, amazing hosts, so friendly and lovely and went an extra mile to be welcoming to us. Will never forget them and how helpful they were. Would definitely return once we are back in Marrakech.

• Exceptional – Žilvinas from Lithuania – 10 August 2024 (10/10)

  First time we was welcomed so nice!

• Very nice stay with a super friendly and pleasant host. – Husaib from United Kingdom – 3 June 2024 (10/10)

  Very friendly host, who went out of their way to help us as visitors to their country. Really nice interior design, with a terrace to enjoy the sun.

• Fantastic and welcoming hosts at Dar Cfir! – Mandy from France – 25 May 2024 (10/10)

  We had a great stay at Dar Chrif.
  Mr and Mrs Chrif were extremely kind and attentive hosts. We were welcomed with lots of mint tea and pastries which was a lovely touch.
  Our breakfast was served every morning on the sunny terrace, with some home made produce. The apartment is well placed, in a peaceful location. It is spacious, clean and tidy and well placed to walk into the centre.
  Nothing was too much trouble for our host and he was always contactable and present when we needed him.
  We experienced true Moroccan hospitality and we do not hesitate to recommend this place.
  Many thanks Mr Chrif and best wishes.

• Excellent in all respects – S from United Kingdom – 2 March 2024 (10/10)

  All excellent. Good communication with host
  Great possible self catering apartment
  2 TV .& 2 shower rooms welcoming mint tea and breakfast kindly provided FOC . Thsnk you
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

Surroundings

Facilities