Dar Les Cigognes
( 1 user review )
| Atmosphere | Quiet |
| Style | Traditional Elegance |
Hotel description
With the seemingly endless array of riad hotels in Marrakech, it takes a discerning eye to separate one from another. In the case of Dar Les Cigognes: this is the one with the bridge. Like a few others, this one is made of two courtyard residences joined into a single small hotel; unlike the others, the two houses of Dar Les Cigognes aren’t back to back, but across the road from each other, and connected by an elevated walkway.
So there’s that. There’s also the matter of the style: the Tunisian-born and Morocco-based architect Charles Boccara has brought an insider’s perspective to the designer-riad genre, and the result is a hotel that’s obviously architect-designed, but extremely classical in style. It’s neither unimaginatively minimal, like so many contemporary hotels, or needlessly opulent, as is the riad temptation.
These places are all about atmosphere and Les Cigognes has it in spades. Endless nooks and crannies for lounging surround the courtyards of the two houses, and the rooms themselves border on decadence, most of them with working fireplaces. And at double the size of an ordinary riad it has space to expand its offerings: the library is well-stocked, the spa and hammam well-equipped, and the restaurant, practically a necessity for foreigners visiting the medina, is far more than just serviceable — it’s a highlight of the experience.
Contact & location
108, Rue de Berima Medina, Marrakech
1 Review
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I liked
A really special place to stay when in Marrakech. As the write up says, there are so many places to choose from, so there is some faith required in making a booking. We were not disappointed at all in our choice of Les Cigognes. It is on a dusty street with a constant flow of humanity, and there is little to mark the door, but once inside it is a true oasis of calm. The quiet splashing of the flower-strewn fountain ensures that all the hubbub of the outside world is soon forgotten. The roof terrace offers an incredible view over the rooftops of Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains in one direction and over the ramparts of the palaces in the other--yes, here, you are smack in the middle of everything, and if you plan to do some sightseeing, then there are few places better located. The entrance to the Badi Palace is almost directly across the street. The Bahia Palace entrance is around the corner. The Saadian Tombs (our favourite) is just past the Badi. The Place des Ferblanters is also a great spot for a light lunch at one of the many snack places or by night with a very good Tanjia restaurant and also a nice bar at Kosybar...both of which we enjoyed.I disliked
Having to leave