Dar Les Cigognes, Marrakech, Medina
"A sensitively restored 17th-century townhouse, just across from the Royal Palace, with chic interior design by Charles Boccara."
Dar Les Cigognes, is a jewel, showing the many facets of the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Moorish art and architecture. Originally a merchant's home built in the 1600's with a mandate from the palace, the new owners have laboured to restore the house to its former glory. The Dar is conveniently situated across the street from the Royal Palace and the Badi Palace, the ramparts of which carry many year-round residents, the "royal" storks. It is just a short walk to the place Djema El Fnaa and many of Marrakech's most famous historical sites and museums.
The staff have a personal commitment to providing guests with comfort and a high level of personalised service, available at all hours. Guests are assisted in selecting and booking restaurants, guides, excursions, and leisure and sport activities in and around Marrakech, as well as farther afield. The professionally trained chef also serves local Moroccan delicacies in the house's own dining room. Breakfast and afternoon tea are complimentary.
Dar Les Cigognes unites two traditional riads, houses built around a central courtyard with trees and fountain. In the main building, the ground floor holds the public spaces, including kitchen, dining room, library, living room, office, washroom and wc, staff quarters and two large alcoves where guests like to take tea. There are citrus trees and a traditional tiled basin with a marble fountain in the centre of the courtyard. The dining room, library, and living room all have magnificent fireplaces.
Upstairs in the first building are the five guest rooms. Each has its own well-appointed en-suite bathroom, with bath and shower facilities. The rooms are unique, with each drawing on a different aspect of Moorish artistic tradition. Special attention has been given to the size and quality of the beds to ensure a maximum of comfort.
The second riad is connected by a covered bridge, in which guests will find a small boutique selling a select range of kaftans and other custom-made local handicrafts. There is a massage room with a stunning double-height ceiling, a hammam with jacuzzi, and a large open sitting area. Upstairs and downstairs are three guestrooms each, all built around a central court with a fountain and three palm trees.
Spanning both houses is a magnificent roof garden, redolent with trees and flowering plants; the view towards the Atlas Mountains is unimpeded, and on a clear day, their snow-capped peaks glisten and shimmer in the distance. The sight of the storks on the ramparts and in flight, as well as the sounds they make as they clack their beaks are both unforgettable, hence the name of the hotel. At dusk, as the sun begins to set with some of the most glorious colours ever seen, the ancient minaret of the Koutoubia, mosque stands out in the distance.
Dar Les Cigognes, is proud to have been chosen as a member of the "Hotels et Auberges de Charme."
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Address:
108 rue de Berima, Medina, Marrakech, Morocco
Hotel facilities:
- 11 rooms, including 1 suite rooms available
- Air Conditioning
- Babysitting Services
- Concierge
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Room Service
- Sauna
- Spa
- Whirlpool
- Child Friendly
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