When we were planning our trip to Morocco, everyone was saying that we should include at least 1 riad, for us that was the Dar Mayssane in Rabat.
Isabelle, the owner contacted us prior to arrival to check how we were travelling and what time to expect us, she gave us instructions how to find the property and where to park. On arrival Isabelle greeted us and showed us our room, La Belle Endormie on the top floor of the riad. We were introduced to Fatna over a glass of mint tea, who was on hand if we needed anything during our stay.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, a boutique style hotel maybe, but I felt a little out of my comfort zone, as we couldn’t lock our door when we were out and I felt like we needed to whisper so not to disturb anyone else. Actually I needn’t of worried, the riad wasn’t fully occupied and we only caught a glance of other occupants during our overnight stay.
The Dar Mayssane would have been an impressive house in it’s day, there are some beautiful features and homely touches where ever you look. Some aspects are tired and as with older buildings not all fixtures were working. Our room was picturesque with traditional tiled mosaic walls and a four poster bed at one end, I particularly liked the stained glass windows which the sun streamed through. We had a lovely big bath as well as a shower and a terrace with views over the medina. We were given a key for the main door and two restaurant recommendations for our evening meal, we dined at Le Dhow on the front by the Kasbah, which was very good.
Although the evenings are cool in January we didn’t need the heated blanket or radiator provided before going to sleep. The bedding was high quality white linen with a duvet and a warm blanket was laid over the foot of the bed if we needed an extra layer. I found both of the pillows too hard, but otherwise the bed was very comfortable. In the morning we plugged the radiator in for an hour, just to take the chill off our room and I went up onto the roof terrace to watch the sunrise over Rabat.
The WiFi was ok for normal browsing, but struggled with any streaming or uploading. Other entertainment included a shared television available to watch in an adjoining lounge area and a sitting room on the ground floor with an open fire. I enjoyed listening to the birdsong as the sun rose, there were a variety of birds to be found flying around the terraces of the riad.
Breakfast was exceptional, we really enjoyed it, Fatna did us proud, serving fresh fruit, Moroccan bread with butter and a range of jams, a traditional fried bread which I don’t know the name of, it’s between a paratha and crepe, plus a slice of cake, washed down with freshly squeezed orange juice, a pot of coffee and a pot of mint tea.
Although overall I enjoyed my riad experience, I compared the cost which was equivalent to our stay at the 5* Kenzi Hotel in Casablanca and the same as 2 nights at the 5* Les Jardins L’Agdal in Marrakech, for me there was no comparison, I much prefer 5* hotels.
