Dar Seffarine

Press Reviews

Conde Nast Traveller (UK), February 2009
"Gorgeous zellij tiles and stucco give this riad the air of a traditional palace, updated with a modern aesthetic."

The Observer, October 2008
"The former capital of Morocco and the spiritual and cultural centre of the country, Fez is the oldest of the imperial cities. The labyrinthine heart remains intact, a maze of tiny streets, souks, monuments and traditional dye pits. The old medina (Fes el Bali) is home to palaces, mosques and madrasas. Immerse yourself by staying at Dar Seffarine, a laid-back and sociable guesthouse in a restored 600-year-old building with a gorgeous roof terrace."

Conde Nast Traveller (UK), December 2008
"This guesthouse, in the heart of the medina, has been painstakingly restored by its Iraqi architect owner and his Norwegian graphic-designer wife. It has an austerity that is typical of Fassi taste, and the attention to detail is meticulous. A dar is a house, and they tend to be taller than riads so the sun can't reach the ground. The rooms are exquisite, as are the bathrooms. Ask for one on an upper floor so you have a window., especially in winter. There is no restaurant, although a generous breakfast is served on the roof terrace, which has a superb view of the city. Sometimes they cook dinner but it depends on numbers; otherwise you will have to go out to eat in the evening, which means following a mysterious man in a djellaba to a nearby restaurant. But it is perhaps the most beautiful place I have ever stayed in."

Lonely Planet
"Tucked behind the Kairaouine Mosque and University is the most stunning riad (traditional townhouse) in Fes. Like a catwalk model, it has impeccable bone structure. Unlike a model, it also has soaring columns, original painted ceilings and a trim of faintly painted stucco topped by bands of rich, dark cedarwood.

Kate and Alaa have stripped everything back to its original beauty. Whole antique-tiled floors have been raised to insert structural beams and then replaced so carefully that there isn't a hair (or tile) out of place. Their faithfulness to the original is evident everywhere - no superfluous flourishes, just a few enviable antiques, simple white linens and embroidered hendiras (shawls) and haiks (traditional outer garments). The south-facing massriya (guest apartment) with its tiny koubba (domed ceiling) was a total ruin when they started and is now possibly the loveliest suite in Fès. Kate and Alaâ are engaging hosts and foster a sociable, communal atmosphere in the house. The kitchen is open to guests, and meals are taken together. In future they hope to host artisan workshops here."

Daily Telegraph, November 2007
"Another beautifully restored medina house with a friendly, informal atmosphere. Ground floor rooms open directly onto the cedar-scented central courtyard, those upstairs have more privacy. Terrific views from the roof terrace."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “This is one of the most beautiful places, I have ever stayed in!!! the building itself is A-mazing!!! The staff and owner very friendly and helpful!! The food also was fantastic and delicious!! Would recommend anyone to stay there!!”
  Laura, United States (30.07.10)

• “The entire stay was fabulous. From the owners, staff, recommendations, etc. everything was perfect. The memories of our trip are more than was expected. I specifically chose Fes based on the description of this particular hotel and as usual with i-escape - we were not disappointed. I highly recommend this hotel”
  lisa, United States (29.06.10)

• “I really felt at home and everything was beautiful! This is a perfect place to stay when you are longing for some peace. My three children aged 12- 18 also loved the place. And the breakfast I have never experienced anything like it. The showers needs some refreshment.”
  Louise, Sweden (05.01.10)

• “We really appreciated the fabulous open welcome and relaxing family atmosphere. Kate and Allah are excellent hosts.”
  Rosemary, United Kingdom (30.12.09)

• “An amazing place. A variety of ages, though it has to be said that here and Maison Mnabha have tight steep staircases. I liked the way that restaurant recommendations were sensitive to how much we wanted to spend. We felt included in the life of the place albeit briefly. Wonderful food.
  ”
  david, United Kingdom (15.05.09)

• “5 out of 5, without any hesitation. For the actual property, the kindness and quality of service and the eating facilities in town.”
  ALEXANDRE, Belgium (19.04.09)

• “Graciousness of the owners, lovely family atmosphere.
  Recommended to eat at the riad so as not to go out in the medina at night if on your own.”
  Sheila, Canada (14.04.09)

• “We loved Dar Seffarine! i-escape description is spot on. Watch out for the strength of Alaa's gin and tonics! will hopefully be back soon, Liz and Natalie”
  Liz, United Kingdom (21.02.09)

• “Fantastic place. The most incredible building, warm and friendly service, and gorgeous food. I can't recommend it highly enough.”
  Will, United Kingdom (11.12.08)

• “Kate, Alla, Mohammed, Graham and cooking staff did a wonderful job of making everyones stay as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Dar Seffarine is a spectacular house and well worth a visit.”
  Robert, United Kingdom (01.12.08)

• “Great stop in one of the most interesting place in the medina. it was great!!!”
  CHRISTIANE, Brazil (04.10.08)