Dar Ayniwen Garden Hotel & Bird Zoo

9.8

Exceptional

188 Guest reviews

9.8

Exceptional

188 Verified Reviews

Read all reviews

Cleanliness9.8/10

Service10/10

Comfort9.8/10

Condition9.8/10

location9.4/10

Neighborhood9.2/10

Amenities9.8/10

10/10

Amazing service, staff was extremely attentive and the breakfast every morning was excellent. The bird sanctuary was a nice place to walk around and you can hear the birds singing in the morning. 10/10 would stay again.

Absolutely fantastic hotel. The managenent and staff went above and beyond to make our stay in Marakesh the best we could have wished for. We would highly recommend this hotel.

A Great Hotel, but a little far out from Marrakesh

A beautiful hotel with amazing service. The hotel is a like far out from the centre of Marrakesh, but there is a very good and reasonably priced taxi service arranged by the hotel

Dar Ayniwen is a tranquil, refined paradise away from the hustle and bustle of central Marrakech. More like stepping inside a private home (which it once was), guests are treated to attentive but unobtrusive service in beautiful rooms furnished with antiques and Moroccan treasures. Food is utterly delicious. Days can be spent relaxing by the pool, exploring the beautiful gardens or taking in the sights of Marrakech (via the hotel’s shuttle). I cannot recommend this hotel highly enough - as a solo traveller I was thoroughly looked after and shall most definitely return.

Beautiful hotel

This property is an absolute oasis. The staff are phenomenal and the food is absolutely amazing. Probably the freshest home cooked meal I had in Morocco.

Beautiful property and management. Can’t wait to stay there again!

The gardens are spectacular, and the resort-like service makes it feel like paradise.

Beautiful grounds well kept exotic birds very lovely heated private pool plus heated common pool. Breakfast was lovely fresh squeezed orAnge juice everything day. Dinner was delicious especially duck FYI dinner lunch cost extra

Such a pleasure to stay here for almost a week. Our room/suite was the size of a flat with the most luxurious bathroom we've ever seen. Lovely heated pool and terrace, and absolutely beautiful gardens, an oasis of peace yet 15 minutes from the centre (subject to local traffic!). The staff couldn't do enough for us: transport, advice, bookings all taken care of. Special mention for the delicious cooking - it is more expensive than city centre restaurants but excellent value for the quality, everything prepared to order, organic / local for the most part. And they mix a mean cocktail! We loved it all and hope to return.

This is a lovely old property very quiet set in beautiful grounds with good food and friendly staff. They also offer an excellent and flexible shuttle service to the old town and restaurants.

fabulous Bird zoo...amazing property, with free transportation to town and airport! Yeah..loved it.

The hotel is a few miles away from the medina but includes a free shuttle service which is very convenient. The rooms are very large although a bit dated and the grounds are beautiful and spacious. The hotel is popular with families and so not as romantic as the photos would suggest.

An oasis

A lovely oasis to chill out and relax by the pool which is set in a garden with wandering tortoises and the background chatter of many birds. The food at Dar Ayniwen was delicious and showed off the local cuisine perfectly.

Lovely place, so tranquil in stark contrast to the souk!

Beautiful hotel and gardens

Beautiful hotel and gardens. Great owner/ manager. Food excellent. Rooms large and stylish, many with courtyards, more like suites. Only negative, bathrooms lacking separate shower, baths too large, water pressure low.

Amazing hotel

I can’t recommend this hotel enough, Stefan the owner is such a nice guy and really cares for his guests as does his staff ! The rooms are amazing and the gardens. Food is top notch aswell !

Piece of heaven

A little piece of heaven 10 minutes from the centre of Marrakesh. The Dar Aiyen is set within beautiful grounds with many exotic birds. Our spacious suite was luxurious with beautiful balconies south and north facing. We were able to see the extensive grounds from each balcony, these were great places to relax 1st thing in the morning or last thing as the sun goes down. The staff are extremely helpful, the food was fantastic, nothing was to much trouble. The owner Stefano and General Manager Aziz were extremely attentive to our needs. This is a beautiful place to stay and I will certainly be going back. Thanks to everyone at the Dar Aiyen who made our stay so special.

Amazingly perfect

Love this place ! Will be returning. Food lovely ! Breakfast delicious! Massage heavenly and service perfect ! Not a bad thing to say

Stunning hotel, great location

We are so happy to have discovered this place. Because it used to be the owners home, it feels so relaxed and homely here while still maintaining a five star service. Getting a free shuttle to and from the airport is a great touch. No worries about having to sort taxis and then there is a free shuttle to and from town, really amazing service. I highly recommend this hotel. The pool is lovely and the food is exceptional. We didn't want to leave!

Perfect telaxation

As soon as we arrived we were given a guided tour of the beautiful house, mint tea and pastries were served to us on the veranda whilst we settled in, and nothing could have made us feel more relaxed. This was the theme for the whole week as we relaxed in the peaceful and beautiful gardens, ate the delicious treats cooked up by the chef and swam in the cool swimming pool. There were always staff on hand to recommend day trips out to Marrakech, which is only 10 minutes away in the free transport the hotel provides, and they will come and collect you when you are ready to return. We couldn't have asked for better service! We will definitely be coming back!

A perfect getaway

Dar Ayniwen is just fantastic - every aspect of your stay is given special consideration from the airport pick up, super efficient service, beautiful food and the house and gardens themselves are spectacular.

Fabulous hotel, very quiet and clean

My husband and I spent 4 nights 29th April- 3rd May celebrating our anniversary at this beautiful hotel and we were not disappointed. The staff were great and helpful. Breakfast was basic but otherwise food is great. Loved the free airport transfares and transport provision into Marrakech on hourly basis. My husband and I went out everyday to enjoy the busyness of Marrakech and enjoyed coming back to this lovely and quiet hotel.

Garden of Eden

All I can say, you must visit this place it is a paradise garden the ultimate of relaxation fantastic place to unwind

Great as always

Dar Ayniwen was great as always. This is our third year staying at Dar Ayniwen. It is a wonderful experience on beautiful grounds and just a short trip to the Medina. Our daughter loves the aviaries and the pool, the food is outstanding, and the environment is relaxing. Stefan and Aziz are always extremely helpful. One of the most important aspects of Dar Ayniwen is that the ready transportation into central Marrakech. This means that you can be in the heart of the bustling Souk and in a very short time be back in the calm of Dar Ayniwen. We highly recommend it!

A real gem

Gorgeous boutique hotel, decorated with Moroccan antiques and lovely silks. Service absolutely excellent - could not wish for more pleasant and attentive staff. Dinner in the 'tent' - magical - and delicious food.

Great Oasis in Marrakesh

Really friendly staff. Great grounds. Premium rooms. Fantastic dinners in a premium tent (w/ fireplace). My wife was pleasantly surprised that I took here there. A great place to relax after the craziness of Marrakesh.

Beautiful boutique hotel.

A beautiful small personal hotel. An idyllic getaway and escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.

the wonderful Dar Ayniwen

an oasis of calm in the palmerie, 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. We just had to ask for a car to take and collect us from the centre. excellent. Aziz could not do enough for us. A wonderful stay. Lovely food and a fabulous room(bamboo) Will definitely stay again

Fantastic weekend at this hotel 5th - 8th Feb.

This is a gem of a place .. At first we were unsure of whether this was going to be OK the journey in looked a little odd.. But we were not dissappointed . A paradise behind a plain wooden door on the outskirts of the city. Staff were lovely the grounds gorgeous. Our room was amazing La Rotonde the pool house has a private garden and pool away from the main house, a beautiful suite with the lush smell of orange blossom oil. Transport on tap to the city and good food to order eaten where you wanted in the grounds. The warmest outdoor pool we've ever had it steamed in the morning sun. I can't say enough it was wonderful Already planning to go back.

You cannot fail to be impressed by the hotel. It is a very large house that has been converted into a 5* 8 room hotel. The building and grounds are lovely. The service is very friendly and I can see why so many people love this place. Whether this suits you or not will depend on your expectations of a boutique 5* hotel. The easiest way to explain my opinion is with pros and cons. Pros: Beautiful place Friendly service Free shuttle to town - we loved our driver, Hasan (we could only speak to him in our limited French) but he was a very happy chappy. The manager, Aziz, was very helpful Our room was spacious with a huge balcony Cons: Breakfast was basic and uninspiring. It was the same every day and full of wheat. We have stayed in boutique hotels around the world and maybe have high expectations. It was like a b&b breakfast. You have the option of paying for extras. We did not use the spa but it was very small. You have to go through the treatment room to get to the hammam (very difficult with all the lights off). Expedia implied that we would have access to a hot tub but this is only some rooms. The waiting staff's English is not always that good but they speak French. If you are up late night or early morning, all the lights are off and there is no one around. The place is very desolate. We were woken up early morning a few nights by some strange noise in the pipes. If you want lunch or dinner, you will need to book this in the morning. Room service not 24 hours

Awesome!

Unfortunately, we were delayed getting there, so missed our first night and day there. This place is a jewel - beautiful setting, and I was not aware of the wonderful bird sanctuary in the back until the last morning. Highly recommend. Dinner prices seemed high.

Amazing oasis outside of Marrakech

This was the most unique vacation experience I could imagine. The house, the art, the gardens, pool, aviaries and the staff are amazing! It's a place that is a destination in and of itself, but there's also the amazing Marrakech medina or further flung areas. Loved everything about Riad Ayniwen.

Home away from home

This has to be the most refreshing break I've had in Marrakech ever Staff are superb, very organised and treat you like royalty I will be returning again and by far recommend this as one of the best places to stay overall Thank you Stephen and Aziz for a memorable stay in this magical place where Africa meets Arabia

Romantic Hide-away in the Palmeraie

This hotel offers romance and tranquillity. Wonderful garden and very nice welcoming staff .

Great Resort

Friendly and helpful staff, loved the stay, there, stayed in both the Tiwaline II and the Rotonde for a whole week split between them, their car services are great and free so you don't need to worry about how you will go to town for site seeing.

Amazing hotel, unbelievable 5* experience.

Staff were friendly and very accommodating. Free shuttle service was brilliant and took us everywhere we wanted and picked us up at the times we wanted. French-Moroccon colonialesque decor was beautiful and general comfort was luxurious. Breakfasts were delicious. Hotel gardens were beautiful and romantic. It was the perfect honeymoon

Secret hide-away.

We had a fantastic time from start to finish. The owner/manager and staff were extremely helpful.

BEST. SERVICE. EVER

This is one of the most extraordinary hotels I've ever stayed in in my life. With only eight rooms, and yet all of the amenities of a five star Moroccan resort (a spa with massages and a steam room, a pool, fish ponds, aviaries, very large grounds), the hotel was the perfect mixture of ultimate luxury in an intimate setting. The staff, especially the manager Aziz, were incredibly gracious and professional. The food was incredible, with a fresh menu that changes every day, and the staff were more than willing to accommodate any special requests I made of them and even prepare dishes that weren't on the menu! The aura of the hotel is extremely relaxing and I came back to the US feeling rejuvenated. Finally, the hotel is located in the Palmeraie area, rather than the Medina (15 minutes away), but there are private drivers (free and included in your hotel stay) that will take you anywhere you wish and pick you up at the time of your choice. After the hustle and bustle of the souks and the medina, there was nothing better than returning to this oasis for a glass of wine overlooking the extensive grounds as the palm trees swayed in the dusk breeze. Absolutely awesome.

Beautiful hotel with gorgeous gardens, very calm

Totally relaxing experience, and all our needs were effortlessly catered for.

Lovely little hotel just outside of the city

Had a wonderful time in Morocco, a large portion of which was down to the hotel! The staff were so welcoming and the hotel was so generous. The food was delicious and the facilities were available whenever we asked for them. The hotel is set out in such a way that you feel like you're on a completely private holiday. Plus the bird were beautiful! I've recommended this hotel to all my friends as a great and amazingly priced getaway.

Fantastic traditional hotel in the Palmeraie area

We had a four night break 9th to 13th March. Met be the owner on arrival and given a guided tour. As a bonus we found that our room had been upgraded and consisted of a living room, bedroom and very large bathroom with a vaulted ceiling. Outside we had a courtyard and hot tub. Very comfortable and traditionally decorated. The hotel staff are excellent. Very keen and eager to help. French is the second language but English is widely spoken and we had no issues. Aziz at reception is very helpful in suggesting places to see and visit. The food at the hotel is very good, particularly the traditional Moroccan fare. We had a cooking lesson one afternoon and saw our evening meal being prepared (and given the recipe) The hotel is in a quiet area aprox 20 mins from the old city. A free minibus service is provided running all day and well into the evening. As we were on a short break we split our time between sightseeing and shopping in the city and relaxing by the pool. Weather was in the high 20s every day. All in all a fantastic, relaxing holiday

An amazing hotel. Everything you could wish for and more.

Oasis of tranquillity in crazy Marrakesh!

We couldn't have been better looked after from beginning to end of our short 4 day break. Although we landed early our transfer bus and driver (from Dar Ayniwen) were there waiting for us, ready to whisk us through the busy, crazy streets of Marrakesh and onward through a number of dusty, bumpy side roads, until we finally ended up at the huge wooden gated entrance to Dar Ayniwen. Once inside, we were presented with a vision of complete tranquillity. Beautifully kept gardens with tall palm trees swaying in the breeze, sparkling swimming pool, and the sound of tropical birds in the background. The small, but perfectly formed and ornately decorated Dar Ayniwen hotel nestled in the middle of all this tranquillity, and after a brief tour by the excellent manager, Aziz, we were shown to our rose-petal adorned room! A very, very good beginning indeed, and things got even better! Particular high points included the wonderful breakfasts and the superb evening meals served in the romantic tented restaurant, the brilliant attentive (but never intrusive) staff, the oh-so relaxing massage and traditional hamam in the hotel spa, and the convenience and efficiency of the shuttle service which was always ready to take you to the destination of your choice (within reason!) and never late when picking you up. Altogether an excellent short holiday. We definitely would like to go again some day, and would absolutely recommend it to others.

Great hotel

Fantastic hotel. Can't wait to come back

This hotel is amazing,we didn't want to come home!

This is the first time we have been to Marrakech & we had the best time! I cannot praise this hotel enough-the staff were outstanding & the attention to detail in looking after all the guests was 110% spot on! The Morroccan people are so warm & friendly & always polite-although it can be a little overwhelming when you first go to the Medina & they approach you-be firm but respectful & polite! They are happy to point you in the right direction should you lose your way & we found them very welcoming to visitors, either in the shops, markets, or in the streets-they also like to banter with tourists! The leather is an excellent buy-as are the scarves-always haggle-it is expected!! You will get some real bargains in the medina & there are also designer shops in the European quarter if that's what you prefer-take a trip there by horse & carriage-agree the price before you get in though! Evening entertainment in the medina includes real snake charmers, acrobats & traditional Morrocan bands-you can also get a Henna tattoo from one of the Berber women! Visit the Jardin majorelle & the Yves Saint Laurent memorian & museum-it is beautiful & very colourful! Loads to so & see in Morrocco-you will be spoiled for choice!

A beautiful hotel, very elegant and peaceful

A wonderful surprise at the end of our journey. We were greeted by friendly staff who took such good care of us throughout our stay. The food was superb and presented beautifully. Sumptuous room overlooking the gardens.

Fabulous place to relax and enjoy

Generally I would give this hotel 5 stars but there was some small detail that I was really put off by. Room, facility, area, staff etc., all 5* However I recall the days I worked 45 hour weeks to earn £65. Well I paid almost triple what I earned in a week at one time - to stay here per day (!) - so when it says breakfast included - you expect a fabulous mediterranean breakfast with ample fruits and veg and other local culinary delights. I was dismayed that in essence all i had was a croissant and fresh orange juice - eggs were charged extra - and there were other items that you could pay extra for - though the pancakes were different things on different days - and usually cold. Honestly - this is nothing short of madness and a loss of common sense somewhere along the line. That was a very big downside as I felt mislead and let down. there you go. you live and you learn.

Amazing experience!

Stayed 3 nights last week. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, customer service was excellent. The house is gorgeous with big rooms tastefully decorated also the gardens were beautiful! The food was the best we had during our stay in Marrakech.

Peace and quiet

Have had a wonderful few days here, the hotel and staff were fantastic. Complete peace and tranquility, so lazy- we only ventured out once to hustle and bustle of the Souks!

A perfect oasis of beauty and calm

Dar Ayniwen is a magical place, and a hotel unlike any I've ever stayed at. From the moment you arrive through the big wooden gates, having been picked up in the courtesy car from the airport, you're made to feel special. The beautiful house is packed with history. The gardens are a delight. The pool is a perfect temperature. The massages at the on-site spa/hammam are dreamily good. The breakfast (and especially the homemade yoghurt) is delicious. The beds are large and comfortable. My room - Tiwaline 1 - was delightful, and made even more so by being decorated with rose petals for our arrival. There are just 8 suites and one room, so everyone has time for you and you really feel like you're away from it all. And it's a great feeling to know you can be picked up at any time up to 11.30 at night from anywhere in the city and taken from the frenzy that is Marrakech back to the paradise that is Dar Ayniwen. There's so much more I could say. I can't recommend it highly enough.

An incredible experience! Forget the Riads!!

From our arrival to our departure every detail was taken care of professionally. A true romantic escape 20 minutes away from the busy city.

Superb exclusive hotel on outskirts of Marrakech

Best hotel we've ever stayed in - only 8 suites with a big house and 5 acres of gardens and plenty of super helpful staff on hand - feels as if you are the only guests there at points which adds to the sense of exclusivity and total relaxation. 8 miles from Marrakech in lush palm groves which are very peaceful, but with free hourly shuttle into the centre, the souks and restaurants are easily accessible. perfect for peace and relaxation and totally spoiling yourself.

Marrakech version of a small Country House Hotel

We stayed for 3 nights at the Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel for our wedding anniversary. This is a private home with a manned locked doors about 15 minutes by car outside the main town to the north west. The well maintained beautiful gardens are extensive with many birds. Nothing was too much trouble. There were no fixed times and meals could be taken as and when one wanted. A car was available to take you into town and although most wanted to go to the main square, they were happy to drop you off anywhere and pick you up again later. Everything was well thought of and our stay did not feel like being in a hotel but more like being a welcome guest at a private home.

Unique Experience

Perfect location for a relaxing break a few miles outside Marrakech

Great hotel with beautiful gardens.

A luxurious small hotel for peace and relaxation to escape the noise of the City. The staff were all exceptionally polite and friendly and could not do enough for their guests.

Charming hotel in outskirts of Marrakech

Small hotel with individual suites, lovely gardens and pool and lots of birds. Staff could not do enough to meet our needs. Transport to and from the town was excellent and efficient. Breakfast on the terrace was a delight. As it was mid February the evening meals were served in a huge tent. Varied choice available. Our suite had a hot tub available for use in warmer weather, and its own secluded courtyard. In only a short stay we were not able to check out all their many facilities.

Fantastic family break

This was our first trip as a three and the the team here made sure it was a stress free break for us all. The option to eat in your room or the communal spaces such as the house or awesome 'tent' made it extra enjoyable. It was great to have the airport transfer and city shuttle option too. The gardens were amazing and so relaxing. Our little one loved the birds and tortoises.

Great place for relaxation

Friendly staff and very helpful. Will arrange day trips/suggest things to do. Good place to relax, very quiet. About 20 minutes from main town by car, cars provided hourly by Dar Ayniwen to your location and picked up again at chosen time so enabled getting out easier.

We had a amazing time at this hotel, the service we got was exceptional. This is a small hotel but the service was 5 star, we were looked after from the minute we got there until we left. The hotel is set in beautiful surroundings and is a ideal location for a quite ,relaxing holiday. we would definitely stay here again.

A special place

I booked for my husband's 40th and spent some time trying to decide where to stay ie in the medina or the new town or the Palmerie but I am so pleased we chose the Palmerie as it was a little oasis of calm and peace. The location is amazing and the grounds beautiful with a large garden and pool area and birds tweeting to wake you up. The free taxi service to the medina means that you really get the best of both worlds as you can easily access the medina but can leave the madness aside for some calm. The service was great - nothing too much trouble and the room was beautiful and huge. Only negative was that the bathroom was just outside our room, a bit strange, but that is the only thing I could fault. This is a boutique hotel as it should be done - excellent service and beautiful decor which makes it more special than staying in a typical 5 star business hotel. We would definitely stay here again - it was incredible.

A serene and relaxing oasis within touching distance of the madness of Marakech. The free shuttle service allows you to sample old town Marrakech and Stephane and Aziz have created a beautiful "home " for you to chill put, swim and eat like a king. Delicious food and high end hassle free service - thank you

Amazing retreat

This has to be one of the best hotels we have stayed in. My husband was all for booking one of the more well known chains of 5* hotels but he had to concede he was pleased I persuaded him otherwise. As the hotel was quiet we were ungraded to the amazing Rotunda Pavilion. It was luxurious and quirky with it's round bed. The staff were so helpful and everything was tailored to our specific needs. Due to airport problems we were late arriving but our beautiful table for 2 complete with scattered rose petals, overlooking the tastefully lit pool was still laid up and a meal was cooked to our specific requirements. The food was exquisite. The monkfish curry is worthy of particular mention. The Moroccan wine was also a surprisingly pleasant experience. Whilst They suggest they are happy to have children I would advise against it. Although I have a well-behaved son myself I would still feel uncomfortable that his play in the pool would disrupt those who were there for the quiet haven it is. The experience of the Hamman bath is a must! The drive from the city to the hotel does take you down some alarmingly scary roads but the seclusion at the end is well worth it. I would recommend this hotel to anyone and everyone who wants to be pampered (without their little ones).

An unreservedly recommended piece of paradise.

We chose the Dar Ayniwen on-line based primarily on written recommendations from previous guests. It's not an inexpensive option, but it has just delivered a week of pure tranquility allowing us to recharge those depleted batteries! The hotel itself is a fine large Moroccan house with just 8 suites, and our room (the Colonnade Room) was delightful. The staff were attentive but unobtrusive, and the meals that we took in the hotel had a depth of flavour lacking in many of the restaurants in central Marrakech. Taking meals at the tables by the pool in the evening was magical.

Affordable paradise in Marrakech

It was exactly as stated on the wrapper. Picked up from another hotel at exactly the time arranged. Greeted on arrival by Aziz and shown around, with a glass of mint tea. We were upgraded at no cost. All staff were really friendly and wanting to help. Dinner was excellent, my wife had stuffed vegetables and I had fish tagging, yum. Breakfast by the pool everyday and lunches were excellent. Lovely pool with sun beds available at any time of the day, with enough room to be secluded from the very few people around. All facilities are exclusively for use by residents only, and only 8 rooms on 5 acres of land. Beautiful gardens with aviaries and big pond with frogs of many sizes and colour. Would go there again if we go back to Marrakech.

romantic escape

Wonderful house to stay in to escape the hustle of Marrakesh. Lovely gardens and pool, delightful staff and stunning bedroom and bathroom. Transport service to and from the city was great. Blissful peace and quiet in such an atmospheric house.

Fantastic weekend getaway

I don't normally write reviews but I had to about this little gem of a hotel. Stephane and his team were so welcoming and friendly, nothing was too much bother. We stayed for a long weekend for a getwawy with my hubby. It was ideal. The great plus points for me were the beautiful setting, gardens, pool and peace but only 10 mins by car into the noisey centre of the Medina; getting picked up and dropped off at the airport instead of having to worry about taxis; the free shuttle in and out of the city centre when needed; the lovely hammam and spa treatments offered.All together a perfect weekend!

Wonderful Hotel

Fabulous staff, beautiful grounds, wonderful service. Everything you could hope for in a hotel. Made for a wonderful trip!

top quality hotel in superb location

top hotel in every way. quality and luxurious in superb setting. planning another trip there later in the year.

A great winter getaway

When we saw the hotel was down a dirt track we began to wonder. However it turned out to be a very pleasant hotel. Bit like the equivalent of an English country hotel on the outskirts of Marrakech. The staff were wonderfully attentive and the location was very peaceful. If you are looking for a quiet getaway and some sunshine in winter combined with the opportunity to see a different type of city then this is for you. Would we go again, Yes.

Very Beautiful, Quiet and Friendly Hotel

Truly lovely quiet and secluded hotel located just outside the city. The gardens and main house are very beautiful. Our separate suite was located in the garden and was very comfortable and furnished with a lovely combination of french and moroccan styles. The swimming pool is heated, clean and large enough to have a proper swim. The hotel staff are very friendly. Aziz and his team make you feel very welcome and go out of their way to assist you with anything you need. The free shuttle to and from the city is also an excellent feature of this hotel. Breakfast and dinner were very nice. We really enjoyed out 4 days at this hotel.

Dar Ayniwen (your home amongst the palms)

This hotel had been very highly rated and I was keen to see if it stood up to its reputation. We arrived 2/12 hrs late thanks to inclement weather and were cheerfully greeted by Stephan the owner who upgraded us to perhaps one of the best suites in the hotel. We are avid travellers who value their luxuries whilst on these adventures. Dar Ayniwen is really a gem . The food is exquiste and I must say I stopped going out to Marrakech to eat as the hotel food was better. Breakfast was beautifully laid out , lunch by the pool is great and dinner either in the tent or the main house was a charming unforgetable experience. On the days we felt too lazy to dress up we had dinner served in the room,with a log fire giving a great ambience. Aziz the manager daily ensures that your every need is taken care of and the staff are incredible. I would heartily recommend this hotel to every one

Fantastic experience

I went here for my birthday week celebration and feel almost like I'm wasting time writing this review because I could easily say "Ditto". I travel at least 20 nights a year for pleasure and 60 - 80 nights a year for business. I stay in 5-star hotels whever they are available, love comfort but want to feel like I am in a different country when travelling to ... a different country. And I don't want to be treated like a king but I do want to be appreciated as a guest. And I LOVED THIS PLACE. Plus (most of what others said is trueas well but here are the standouts): - Manager and staff will do anything for you. Aziz is a rockstar!! Want a ride to a restaurant, booked by the manager? You've got it. Need a few movies in your room? Sure. Breakfast in bed? No problem. Tour of neighborhood on way to a spa at a competing hotel? No worries. - Suites are ginormous, comfortable, and clean. Each is unique and make you feel as if you have a special apartment in an old (but not dated) chalet ... or I guess Riad. - Grounds are unique and beautiful, with many many more birds than I expected. Lovely gardens that I imagine woudl be phenom during or after the rainy season. - Bonus points for not only have an adaptor in the suite but having one with multiple outlets. - Flower petals everywhere when they clean your suite. Great toiletries and amenties in the room. - Peace and quiet. I had no idea the place was fully booked when we were there. It was SOOO quiet. Serene.

Recommend highly for adults looking for serenity

Dar Ayniwen is a beautiful, secluded and serene hotel and if you want to get away from everything but be a short ride back to the thick of things, it's perfect. Because it is tranquil and truly boutique (only 7 rooms and each is unique) this is NOT a family hotel because noise will travel, the amenities are a small pool and a Hamman and the food is local - it is not for entertaining/pleasing children and families will only disturb other guests. But for couples, groups of adult travellers or solo travellers looking for tranquillity, it is bliss. For couples this is a place for romance: the rooms are good sized and uniquely decorated, the bathrooms generally feature large baths, you can book the hamman for a private session and the staff are happy to set-up meals in front of fireplaces or bring them to your room. The staff are lovely and do their best to accommodate you, though at times things can take a bit longer than you might expect. Aziz, the house manager, is brilliant and a more cordial or helpful person than he would be very rare indeed.

perfect for couples, or families.

A driver from the hotel was waiting for us at the airport. The manager came out to greet us when we arrived at the hotel. We were guided to our room, a very comfortable kingsize bed, probably the most comfortable after ours! a bedroom area, sitting room area and lovely bathroom with lots of hot water! Supper was waiting.....what a great welcome. Only 8 suites so small, friendly, excellent food, welcoming ambience and a colonial feel . We ate in for two nights and out for one. Transport to the Medina was included both back and forth, punctual and efficient and our whole experience of the hotel was excellent. The pool was good. The hotel arranged for a car to go up into the Allas mountains, definitely worth a visit and such a contrast to the hub bub of the Souks. we had an English speaking driver and guide which made the trip much more interesting. Our only complaint would be the hard sell by the locals who pushed too hard to get a sell, it only made us less likely to buy!

Absolutely marvellous hotel and superb staff

Aziz, Stephane and the whole team make the stay a dream holiday. We have been at good hotels around the world, but this little gem is outstanding and the staff are so friendly and helpful and the rooms snd garden are just amazing!

Great small hotel

Fabulous building/ garden and family home shared with up to 16 visitors at a time to ensure you are looked after properly. Relaxing and enjoyable experience.

A great hotel really!!

We were picked up from the airport by the hotel staff .The journey to the hotel was short. We were met outside the hotel by the hotel proprietor and a refreshing cup of authentic mint tea. We were then given a guided tour around this amazing hotel and its vast grounds. Truly picturesque! Our room was very quaint and we had a private court yard! The staff and proprietor are very pleasant and attentive and would always go the extra yard. In all, we had a super time staying at the Dar Ayniwen and will certainly be going back for some more of that silver service. A great hotel really!!

Amazing

Beautiful house set in magnificent gardens, it really is breath takingly beautiful. You can feel how much the house is loved with all the hand picked antique furniture. The staff are wonderful and really cannot do enough for you. The hotel is set in a quiet suburb around 15 minutes from the city walls, the hotel offer a free shuttle to the centre every hour and also collect you which is great. If we were to be really fussy we only have two slight negatives, the air conditioning in our room was a little noisy and the menu is a little limited, the staff do say that they will cook anything for you but we didn't want to be a pain or have to think of something to ask for. Overall I would definitely recommend and return!

One the best hotels I've ever stayed in.

One of the best hotels I have ever stayed at. Welcomed with a personal tour by th Manager an a brief history and tour of the hotel. Delightful setting, personal service when required but total privacy when not. Food was delicious. A 15 drive in the hotel car and you are in the centre of old Marrakech with the colour and vibrancy of the souks and locals.

What an amazing hotel

This is a hotel that dreams are made of. The staff are all very attentive, the room we had was out of this world with its own hot tub tucked away in the tropical gardens. The food was amazing. Aziz was keen to explain to us what to visit and there was a car every hour to take us in into town. After a few hours in town this was an amazing, restful place to return to. I have travelled extensively and would definitely return - I could not fault the level of service and the attention to detail. We truly had a magical time.

Great hotel and service by Mr Aziz manager and Stephan who is the owner

Beautiful and unforgettable

Stunning. That's the best description of Dar Ayniwen and the grounds. I can't describe it as a Hotel because it has the warmth, intimacy and comfort of a private home. The Staff were very very attentive, the food was fab and as for our suite... perfect would sum it up. This was a mother and daughter trip and we had originally booked the Mocha Suite but we were upgraded to the Galaxy suite. The Galaxy suite really is the epitome of space for relaxation and stunning views. Aziz the manager was also spot on with all his recommendations. Nothing is too much trouble for them. If you ask for something you get it, be it a tour of the city or tips on where you should visit. Normally when I stay somewhere I can usually come up with a couple of weaknesses but when it comes to Dar Ayniwen I honestly cannot. We decided on Dar Ayniwen after reading the reviews of the Hotel on here. I have to say we were not disappointed so if you're hesitating, don't. You won't regret a visit to Dar Ayniwen. Thanks to Stefan and Aziz we had a beautiful unforgettable trip.

Excellent Choice in Palmerie

We stayed in the Mucha Suite which is on the first floor overlooking the pool and gardens. The unique feature of this suite is the huge open air sitting area, plus access to an enormous sun terrace where you can sunbathe in complete privacy. The only downside is that your private bath is across the hallway and not ensuite. Internet access is good in this suite. In the lovely gardens there are many caged parrots, parakeets, etc. from Africa and South America scattered about, as well as tortoises wandering around. Be sure to see the koi pond too. The staff is top notch and very helpful. We enjoyed the quiet and relaxing feeling of this hotel after the hustle and bustle of sightseeing in town.

Excellent staff

Lovely hotel feels almost like a private house. Atmosphere engendered by wonderful owner and staff who are cheerful, friendly, helpful and attentive. Eclectic mix of objects and Traditional architecture added to the interest of our stay in Marrakech.

Like staying in a rich friends house

I regularly stay in top quality 5 Star hotels which whilst very good are often souless. The Dar Ayniwen has all the quality of any 5 Star hotel but the friendliness and personal attention of staying with friends. The owner Stefan and his staff go out of their way to make your stay as enjoyable as possible and we found their recommendations of restaurants in Marrakech excellent. The hotel provides a free shuttle service around the area and will be only to happy to collect you from the airport, so make sure you contact them with your flight details (we didn't and suffered the usual expensive ride from an airport taxi).

The best hotel stay I have ever had!

I did a lot of research online before booking a hotel and the reviews at Dar Ayniwen were uniformly stellar. Despite this the hotel exceeded all our expectations. It's a family owned house dating back to around 1800. The rooms and gardens are stunning and the service exemplary. We enjoyed a treatment in the onsite hammam, lovely breakfasts in the manicured gardens plus marvelled at the hotel itself. Aziz the manager could not have been more helpful if he tried and all the staff were friendly and welcoming. I genuinely can't think of a bad thing to say about the place. The taxi service is also one of the best things about the hotel, seen as it's included in the price and makes seeing the city so much quicker. Marrakesh is a pretty full-on city and to come home to the peace and tranquility of Dar Ayniwen each day was wonderful. It's the best hotel I have ever stayed at and offers fantastic value for money. If you are wondering where to stay in Marrakesh, stop looking and book now!

Unique, tranquil and with exceptional service

Dar Ayniwen is a beautiful, tranquil haven in which you feel cared for in a way that we have never experienced in a hotel. Staying at Dar Ayniwen feels like you are staying with friends in their home. The house is fantastically decorated in traditional Moroccan style exuding elegance and stuffed full of interesting antiques. Stephane and Aziz could not have been more welcoming and helpful, our every need was catered for. All of the staff were extremely courteous and friendly and the food was fantastic, we will remember the fish pastilla for a long time. We will certainly be back!

Fiona and Robert

It was everything we expected from reading the reviews and more. This is an unique boutique hotel with the quality of serivce expected in any 5 star establishment. The staff were attentive, yet discreet. The decor is extraordinary and fascinating. The grounds are lovely. The pool is too cold to swim in the winter months, but the rooms with hot tubs make up for this. The food as previous reviews have stated is pricey and a bit limited, but the hotel provide free taxis into town and will take guests and collect them from a whole host of wonderful restaurants. Although this hotel has only 8 rooms it is huge. Even when it is full it is possible not to see another guest. Breakfast can be brought to your room for no extra charge, so if you like your privacy and not to meet anyone first thing in the morning this is perfect. I will be visiting again and have told all my friends it is fabulous.

Great place to relax!

Great experience. Highly recommended. Only "negative" - food very expensive!

Dar Ayniwen

This hotel is absolutely amazing. It's actually a large house (mansion) transformed into a guest house. It only has a few rooms but each one is unique. It has large front and backyards with a GORGEOUS dining area. Looks like a tent from the outside but the inside is breath taking. The food is delicious! For dinner we had moroccan salad, chicken with lemon & olive sauce, and couscous. Breakfast had so many choices. Fresh OJ, coffee, yogurt, toast, pancakes, moroccan crepes, choices of jam, etc. Everyone here is super attentive and ready to help you out. DEF RECOMMEND IT.

Exotic Country House set in beautiful gardens

The hotel resembles a victorian orientalist country house set in a large garden filled with birds. Its well outside the Medina in a green area called Palmeraie. The staff are very helpful and keen to help you plan your day. Free transport into town is available all day until 23:15. Transport takes 15 mins. I was upgraded to an independent villa with a heated outdoor jacuzzi and a log fire. Certainly a type of paradise.

Fantastic, made to feel special!

Fantastic hotel, very warm & friendly staff available to take you into city centre and pick you up again when we were ready to go back! Breakfast was lovely, personal service with nothing too much trouble! City centre was hot, dusty full of hustle and bustle and to come back to this hotel in the peace and quiet to have a swim and relax was just lovely. We had dinner at the hotel one evening and the quality of the food was excellent, very romantic table set by the pool! The hotel is full of collectables which made it very unusual and interesting! If you like a drink go to cafe de La Poste in the new town they serve beer and wine, food was very good too, or try some of the big hotels. hop on and off bus is a trip to do too, very good value! We also did a horse and carriage trip which was fun, they started off at asking for 200 dh and we accepted at 130 but the tyre came off the wheel so we gave him 150 in the end. We went to celebrate my boyfriends birthday having read the reviews and we were not disappointed fabulous trip!

What a find!

DarAyniwen is a real find. Located about 20 mins from the hustle, bustle and madness of the souk ( but the tooing and froing is arranged for free by the hotels own drivers and cars), the house is situated in a quiet district in the newer Palmerie district. From arrival to be greeted by Aziz and the staff and a tour round the beautiful house and gardens with accompanying mint tea and moroccan petit fours, we were made to feel very special. The pool and garden are beautiful and Stefan the owner has done a fantastic job in creating a very personal place to stay with the amenities of a top class hotel. Our suite was stylishly furnished, clean as a new pin, and quiet. Food at breakfast was excellent and both the luch and dinner we had when we decided to stay and 'eat in' were wonderful. If we ate out, Aziz recommended lovely places and we were never diappointed. If you want something personal, of quality and where you will feel at home this is perfect. A great way to experience Marrakech in comfort and style and we would not look anywhere else if we return to the area again ( ..v. likely!)

A great place to stay

The staff at Dar Ayniwen have one simple mission, 'to make sure their customers are 100% satisfied' and they really deliver! We have already recommended this gem of place to our friends who are considering a visit to Marrakech.

The Chill Palace

Absolute bliss! Good food, good service. The staff are friendly and nothing is too much trouble. The hotel provides a car for transfers and visits into Marrakech which is fab especially I was a female travelling alone. The rooms have dvd which was great to chill with when the sun was high or after dinner. The hotel gardens are stunning. I have never seen palms or cacti like it! Dinner is taken by the pool which is beutifully lit at around 9 or when the sun goes down. A lovely ambience. 1 or 2 tips - Morrocan breakfast is a carb fest and very sweet - pancakes, jam, honey, croissants. I ordered fruit or eggs which was a little extra but I haven't got a very sweet tooth! The other - I was troubled by ants in the room the first night but if the balcony/ terrace doors were kept closed then much fewer found their way in so it wasn't much of a problem really. Thanks Stephan for sharing your lovely home with us. I will definitely return.

Peaceful Haven

A surpise for my husband and I couldn't have chosen a better hotel. The location just outside the centre of Marrakesh is an absolute haven of calm and relaxation. The hotel itself is beautiful and the gardens are amazing. The staff are attentive but not over the top, very friendly and willing to be of assistance. Meals should you wish are chosen and bought on a daily basis, prepared fresh and cooked at a time and served wherever within the hotel or grounds to suit. I would recommend this hotel to anyone and cannot wait to return.

I can now see why everyone rates this 5/5

I was intrigued about this hotel as I had never before come across a hotel with such consisent high marks - I now understand why! Every previous review is so true. Staying here is like being a house guest at a very elegant house, and the breakfast is such a delight. Having been a private house, the artefacts and decor have been selected with a very good eye for quality. Of course there are things that are different to an ordinary 5 star hotel but then again this is not a hotel in the usual meaning but a fabulous private house where you feel privileged to be a guest.

perfect!!

AMAZING, FANTASTIC, PERFECT!! do yourself a favour and book this hotel. We loved every second staying hear, the staff really go that extra mile for you. our son loved it too and really wants us to "go back next weekend" We were able to stay in our room until we left for the airport at 7pm at no extra charge! The spa treatments are fantastic too. We were also up-graded to a vila style house with hot-tub at no extra charge too. The free hotel car will take you into town and back at any time you want, and to the airport. Can not wait to go back!!!

Peaceful haven

Just returned from a very restful stay at Dar Ayniwen. The service was attentive but unobtrusive. The surroundings were very relaxing and quiet. Having access to a driver to take you into the centre and collect you again was helpful so we did not have to worry about transport. The hotel staff were happy to help with booking restaurants. Overall a very enjoyable and relaxing stay.