In the middle of the chaotic and bubbling city of Marrakech, we found a garden of Eden... I stayed at Dar Ayniwen several times and I must say that it was memorable and not to be forgotten every single times... The service is professional § impeccable and the accommodation fulfilled my expectations.. every room is different with great charm and quietness in the middle of "La Palmeraie". This Dar was the very first to be build and still today remain a must to spend time in at any time of the year.

we heard of this hotel in the Palm Tree area it is a quiet and delightful place and we figured we were at our home the room we stayed was overlooking the garden and Monica Belucci stayed there! the food is great and breakfast near the pool is terrific with freshly squeezed orange juice... an adress we ll never forget!!!!

I have stayed a couple additional times since my last review in 2006, and most recently a few weeks ago, and Dar Ayniwen still remains on top of my list in Marrakesh. As a matter of fact, since I have discovered this hotel, I would not stay anywhere else in Marrakesh! Thank you again Stephane, Aziz, and the whole team to make each of my stays wonderful and unique! You absolutely all deserve one more of my best review! On a final note, I must say I am surprised to read about this client who, apparently, had money stolen in his room, as I understand it. I can only speak for myself, but on my last short stay, I mistakenly left a small organizer that included various business documents, checks, and some money, in the room, and Aziz drove to the airport to bring it to me on time before my flight left, with nothing at all missing in it!

all the other reviewers have described this place perfectly so the best thing I can add is to talk more about the service. I don't think I have been anywhere where I have felt more welcome, more relaxed and more satisfied than this place. We had gone with my brother and parents to ceelbrate my dad's 70th birthday. Between us we had 2 young babies too so we wanted to stay close to our bedrooms whilst they were sleeping. The first night we arrived early evening giving us time to just put the baby to bed. Meantime Stefan, the owner, asked us where we would like dinner and we settled on the terrace outside our bedroom. An hour or so later we wondered outside and foiund the table laid with hundreds of candles, rose pettles scattered on the table and table laid as if it was the first night of our honeymoon. Amazing really. Following that we were made to feel this was like our own house, all the staff were fabulous and we wandered around, into the kitchens, sat in all parts of the house just as if we were the only ones there. Meals were beatutiful, very generous and delicious. So romantic, go fast.

We thought we could get away with keeping this place our little secret but we've finally succumbed... so here's our review! We stayed at Dar Ayniwen for a week - my wife, me and our three year old daughter - and from the word go we were just bowled over by the genuine warmth of the place. Everything, from the reception gift of mint tea, the attentive but always discreet service, the rose petals, the beautiful pool and gardens..... sorry, I'd just drifted back for a moment there. The hotel used to be a private house and still feels like that. Stephan and Aziz are both from the school of 'the answer's yes, now what's the question' with Aziz practically acting like a private chauffeur for us. We happened to be staying in (I think) the simplest room on a great value deal but were treated with the same respect as if we'd booked the best room in town. In fact it's more than that, it's a genuine feeling that makes you feel truly welcome. And then there's the food. Great local produce, simply prepared. You're encouraged at breakfast to say what you'd like for lunch or dinner so the chef can choose it fresh at the market. Also, this is a great place to bring a little one as they're great with children here and there's plenty in the house and garden to explore. Do be aware though that there are only a few rooms (7?) here so it always feels slightly intimate but in our opinion that makes a perfect base with the bustle of the old city only 15 mins drive away. On our last night there was an incredible party in the hotel gardens (normally silent - I wouldn't want to worry you :-)) for a French celeb with belly dancers and musicians etc. Just magical. It's a big world but I'm certain we'll be retuning to Dar Ayniwen before too long. Highly recommended.

There isn't much to mention that has not been mentioned before, so... Service 10/10 Accomodation* 10/10 Logistics 10/10 Facilities (garden, swimming pool, animals, hammam) 10/10 * we stayed in the Schéhérazade Suite which comprised an amazing bath room! PS. Timing and availability of the breakfast (incl. in price) is worth pointing out as guests can have their breakfast anytime and anywhere! Truly marvellous experience!

We returned back from the Dar Ayniwen with such beautiful memories. We traveled with our 3 year daughter in mid Oct and never expected such an easy and magical experience. Everything was wonderful - Aziz (Manager) was always available for us to seek advice and all the wonderful staff were so efficient. The Villa gardens were just delightful, with ample space for guests to wonder around and really feel the tranquility and peace – a true oasis. Our breakfast served on the terrace area, near the pool was always a highlight and staff were accommodating to set up meals wherever we wanted around the Villa. The rooms were beautifully decorated with attention given too the finest detail - just perfect! We stayed in the Galaxy Suite which had a very large bedroom overlooking the pool and gardens, an adjoining living room overlooking the terrace and a spacious bathroom. Also, we were extremely pleased with the delicious food where everything was fresh and prepared on the day. It would surely be hard not to return to this little secret!! Thank you Stephane, for sharing the Dar Ayniwen.

Only a short 15 minute ride from all the hustle-bustle of the medina, brings you to this crown jewel located in the heart of the "Palmeraie." As I was greeted by the Riad's charming (and still single) host , Stephane Abtan-his father built this luxurious, yet still ever-so-homey villa- I couldn't help but notice all the photos on his walls, of famous movie stars and models who had chosen Dar Ayniwen for their hideaway. And after a few days spent exploring the gorgeous antique-filled residence (be sure and check out the owner's perfume bottle collection)sunbathing by the swimming pool while listening to the lovebirds (not just the romantic couples but there really is an aviary) partaking of the convenient on-site hamman reatments..... and a few nights of delicious, fresh from the market, authentic Moroccean candlelight dinners served in front of the fireplace, or outside under the stars, strolling contentedly to my enormous exotically furnished suite crawling into my comfy bed to sip my mint tea, I swear I knew what it felt like to be Angelina Jolie---at least for a few days.

Dar Ayniwen deserves every one of its 5 stars. We stayed at Dar Ayniwen for three nights after staying in the Marrakech Medina first. The service that they provided was perfect from the pre-arrival email communication, to being picked up from our Riad in the back alleys of Marrakech, to the candlelit private dinners by the pool, to the stunning massage. We couldn't fault them on any point. The food was wonderful. The staff attentive but just the right level. The room (Sheherazade Suite) was enormous and had the largest bath I've ever experienced! Dar Ayniwen is the perfect getaway.

We realy enjoyed our stay at the Dar Anyiwen hotel. This is a small hotel of seven bedrooms set in a large palm grove in the outskirts of Marrakesh. The hotel was built as a large private house initially on its own large plot and now has been joined by some neighbours comprising of other exclusive residences and hotels. The area seems set to become a haven for the wealthy. However, currently driving to and from the hotel takes you through a semi desert landscape of palms which are beautiful in silloute at sunset, camels and occasional locals travelling to and from their homes - all authentically Moroccan and like the City, wonderfully evocative. The staff at the hotel were never less than very pleasant, courteous and attentive without being intrusive - service was of the highest standard throughout our period of stay. The car pick up and drop off service to the Medina is particularaly useful, and effectively offsets any disadvantage of staying out of the city. The hotel itself is set in a landscaped garden, which is the result of a lifetime's work by its creator and continues to be lovingly tended by him and a small team of gardeners. In fact we found it more impressive than the Marjorelle gardens which are a major tourist attraction. Just the place for dosing on the hammock in the late afternoon sunshine or for strolling amongst the fruit and olive trees. Birds which are attracted to the trees fill the house with birdsong throughout the day, and the vegetation forms a beautiful green backdrop and restful haven - a real contrast to the heat and dust of the city. Although having seven bedrooms the house never felt crowded. On the contrary, for much of our stay it felt as if we had it to ourselves. Other guests only seemed to appear in passing or at dinner which for us was taken on the romantic terrace adajacent to a beautifully lit pool and garden. Food was beautifully presented and served. Breakfasts taken on our own terrace were memorable, traditional freshly baked Morrocan flat bread and pancakes, with sublime yogurt and coffee! Food for dinner is purchased to order by a dedicated kitchen staff with traditional Morrocan tagine cooked meat and vegetables being a particular highlight. A word for Stephan (owner) and Aziz (manager). Never less than one hundred percent in terms of being great hosts, between them they provided a welcome insight into the history and culture of Morroco and in particular of Marrakesh and its environs. In summary, a marvellous experience provided by a hotel which is even greater than the sum of its excellent parts. This represents accommodation which in every respect is of the highest possible order of quality and which to its credit remains rooted in the tradition of its country - brilliant!

Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel is a welcome oasis, relaxing, beautiful, sereen and just what's needed after a day amongst frenetic chaos of Marrakech town. Once a private house there are just seven rooms/suites. Located in the Palmaie suburb, ten minutes drive from the centre (Medina) - transport to and from the centre is provided by the hotel; just order your car. The staff are are excellent: friendly, charming and nothing is too much trouble. The gardens are extensive and contain a good size swiming pool. Use of the hammam and sauna are all inlcusive, and a resident masseuse is available For those of you who need to be in contact with work, the house is wi-fi'd, or there is a dedicted office with cpu and access to the internet. Dar Ayniwen lets you sample everything that Marrakech has to offer, whilst offering a wonderful, peaceful retreat should it ever get too much.

Without doubt the best experience we've had while staying at any hotel (whether in Marrakech or elsewhere). From pre-arrival questions being answered quickly and politely by email to the friendly welcome at the airport and personal greeting by the owner on arrival, all the way through to four days of complete relaxation and enjoyment, it's impossible to find fault with any aspect of our stay at Dar Ayniwen. The rooms and surrounding gardens were spectacular and the food was superb, but most of all we will remember the genuine warmth and friendliness of the staff. This is a truly wonderful place to stay and we can't wait to go back!

I stayed here with a friend for four days of rest and fun. I had searched long and hard for the right place and hadn't found what I was looking for till I came across the Dar Ayniwen. Set in beautiful walled gardens of 2 acres with towering palm trees, fruit trees, a variety of birds, tortoises, frogs and the beautiful pool, we couldn't have wished for a more fantastic place to stay. On arrival we were handed Moroccan pastries and mint tea and shown around the hotel which used to be a home. The staff are marvellous and can't do enough for you. We had been upgraded without knowing it which was lovely and when we mentioned we'd rather have twin beds instead of the king bed they immediately got to work changing them. Every morning we ambled out into the garden to be served breakfast which was a feast that we could hardly make a dent in! The orange juice is to die for. Even when we dragged ourselves out one morning quite late they soon set to work making up a table for us. Nothing was too much trouble. We had massages which were wonderful and the fact that included in the price is the ability to have a driver take you wherever and whenever you want is a huge plus point. We were two women on our own and never once felt nervous or worried. (Having the car pick us up after nights out in the town was just great). We loved the hustle and bustle of Marrakech but you can't beat returning home to an oasis of peace and calm. That was the point, it felt like a home. Just one point...they don't have stand up showers, instead they have a shower attachment in the cavernous bath. Also, our bathroom had an archway that was open to the bedroom. We sometimes had to run the bathwater to spare the other's "toilet" goings on!!! We are planning to return next year.

Our warmest thanks to the owners and staff at Dar Ayniwen. After an exhausting year we needed to a place to re-charge. Whether is was just to wander through the beautiful gardens, lie in the sun, savour the total peace and transquility of The Galaxie Suite or indulge in a luxurious soothing massage, Dar Ayniwen fulfilled its promise – and more. The staff are so mindful to be there only when you want them. And when you do want them, they are friendly and efficient. A stay at Dar Ayniwen will fill your senses with the fragrance of the flowers and spices of this magical oasis of calm and relaxation. We left, wishing we could stay for longer, and vowing to return.

Thanks so much again Aziz, Stephan and all the staff for the wonderful week my wife and I have enjoyed at Dar Ayniwen. The garden view from the balcony, the authentic Moroccan food, the peaceful swimming pool were almost surrealist. I loved the genuine oriental decoration of the suite and the riad, the huge gardens, the animals - turtles, exotic fishes and birds, even guinea fowls - made me feel like I was in paradise. It was the one of the most romantic and relaxing week I have ever experienced!

We stayed at this exclusive hotel/country residence in early September and it really was quite special. Our bedroom had a glorious outlook onto the gardens, where a couple of tortoises wandered about together with the 3 resident guinea fowl - the three musketeers! The staff where truly wonderful; discrete but friendly. Invaluable was the daily inclusive air conditioned transport to and from Marrakech. The food was consistently of a high standard, bought and cooked fresh each day. There were lovely individual touches such as rose petals on the beds and fruit bowls in the rooms. Asked if I would visit again - I would not hesitate in recommending this beautiful hotel and I hope to visit again next year. Dar Ayniwen was truly a Moroccan experience.

We stayed at dar Ayniwen for 4 nights this August. We had already spent 5 nights in the Medina at a fabulous Riad (Riad yasmine) and booked this hotel with a view to relaxing and escaping the madness of the medina before returning home. We were collected form our Riad by the lovely Aziz in an air conditioned car. Driving out to the palmerie was a little daunting - we hadn't realised how bleak things could look out here and were beginning to wonder if we had made the right decision. Then we approached the beautiful keyhole gate and entered what can only be described as paradise! The pictures you will see of this hotel will never ever do justice to how lovely it was. The grounds were superb. There were pomegranate, fig, olive and orange trees in the gardens and grouse and tortoises wandering the grounds. The hotel itself was like a museum - full of beautiful and fascinating pictures and artifacts. The staff outnumber the guests as there is only ever a maximum of 14 guests at one time (there were only 4 of us for a few days during our visit) and they cannot do enough for you. We were told that every member of staff had been with the hotel since it opened which shows you how happy and dedicated they are to making your stay something very special. We were upgraded to the galaxy suite during our stay which was literally out of this world but all of the rooms were superb and you will not be dissapointed with any of them. This was easily the most romantic place we have ever stayed and we even began talking about weddings! (this would be a fabulous venue). An air conditioned car is on hand to take you wherever and whenever you want to go. I would suggest that you book this hotel in conjuction with another. Stay in the medina for a couple of nights and experience the energy and excitement of Djeema El Fna then go to Dar Ayniwen to completely unwind before returning home - Bliss! I don't want to spoil the mystery of dar Ayniwen so I won't go into all the little things they do that will make this a once in a lifetime experience.

We badly needed a break from the kids and from London - this was the most PERFECT place to go. The place is exquisite, very grand but without being pretentious (think Agatha Cristie country weekend not Harrods). The service could not be faulted, they got everything right but the best was the can-do attitude. It was 45 degrees (heatwave) so we hardly ever left the hotel - thank goodness for the heat! The food here was fantastic too. The gardens are beautiful but prob best to be savoured in cooler months. Do me a favour, will you? Please please do not tell to many people about the Dar Ayniwen...

What a wonderful place! Only downside was leaving.

Staying at the Dar Ayniwen is like living in a museum full of wonderful pictures and ornate furniture, where time seems to have stood still for a few moments; and where the owner and staff have assumed the role of curator. In my opinion the best words are, elegance charisma and indulgance. Each room similar to the other but then remarkably different from the next, the attention to detail incredible. If I gave this property six stars I would be doing it an injustice. In fact there is not a single word that would sum up the Dar Ayniwen. I daren’t do this property a second injustice by trying to explain its uniqueness’ to you either, as I’m sure most of you will only think of a grand hotel or a polished Riad. The Dar Ayniwen is more than this. My wife and I decided to get married at the Dar Ayniwen. As soon as we stepped foot in the grounds, we knew it was special. We stumbled across it quite by accident whilst trying to choose an appropriate wedding venue to host our Indian wedding in Marrakech. Oh don’t get me wrong, there are plenty Riads and villas out there but there is only one Dar Ayniwen and defiantly only one Stephane and Aziz, they come as double act you see, kind of like Batman and Robin or if you want to be comedic about it, Laurel and Hardy, both extremely professional and excellent wedding planners, and you can tell both have worked with each other for some time. First impressions? Simply breath taking. We were greeted by a friendly face, Stephane (the manager). A very nice chap might I add, he sat down with us and discussed the wedding, the service and entertainment in detail. He shouldered most of the stress out of planning our wedding, OK - OK who says planning a wedding isn’t stressful? we had clothes to buy after all! The wedding day was perfect, the grounds beautiful and my bride stunning. The attention to detail - commendable. We hired the whole house for two days, with the wedding on the second day, 7/7/7. After which we stayed in the Galaxy suite for the remainder of our stay. The service by all staff was outstanding - silver service all the way for sure, the food served was first class. They even surprised us by preparing dinner on our balcony. I will never loose my memories of our wedding. It was perfect, the best day of my life so far, thanks Natalie for agreeing to be my wife and thanks to all the staff at the Dar Ayniwen for such a memorable day.

We stayed at Dar Ayniwen in July 07 and had a fantastic time. What an brilliant place! The grounds and the pool are beautiful. The house is amazing, with it's variety of rooms and terraces, it's like an Aladdin's cave. The food is great, and the ingredients are bought fresh each day. The staff are really friendly and helpful, nothing was too much bother for them. A special thank you, goes to Aziz! There is no doubt, that we will be returning to Dar Ayniwen soon!

We took a family holiday in April to Marrakech and booked the most amazing place - Dar Ayniwen. It was extremly peaceful and great for me and my wife and our three children, 16,14,10. We took two suites and had an outside terrace attached to our bedroom where we ate breakfast (all 5 of us) with so much room. The pool was heated and empty most of the time as people were in and out of the house. When you read the reviews, they often dont do the property justice - from the decor to the ipod docking station playing cool tunes in the garden to the fact you can eat in any part of the house and order drinks and food as if you were at home with no bills to sign until you leave. The food was great, too much sometimes but superb. We sat with the chef every day and planned our menu - everything was available. We ended up having a light lunch some days which was a Niscoise salad and meats with fresh fruit for dessert. We also enjoyed the local wine - Rose was great. The staff were amazing, so kind and would do anything for you. The cleaners even took care of items of clothing that needed washing and returned them later in the day. I took several treatments as did my wife and daughters - the massage and turkish bath was awesome! We will definately go back as soon as we can!

This was for me the most amazing of hotels. We were at Dar Ayniwen for a big party of a friend of mine and I expected only the very best from him (he only does things like this in the best places), but I was not prepared for anything quite as special as this..! From the moment we arrived, we were treated better than kings and I can honestly say that I do not remember ever wanting for anything that was not provided within 2 minutes of requesting it. The gardens are stunning and the staff were the kindest and most efficient I have ever seen (and I have seen alot).. Our room was palacial and food was great. We will be back again soon.

My partner and I stayed here in June and absolutely loved the place. Working in the travel industry I have seen many a hotel and this was up there with the very best. For a start it's not a ‘hotel’, it's far too exclusive and unique for that. With only 7 suites you really feel you are away from it all. The service is superb - genuine and friendly. The suites are large, traditional and luxurious. The grounds and pool are perfect for lazy dreamy days. And the food was scrumptious. Not sure what else I can say! What are you waiting for... book it!

Stayed for seven nights in early June and as other reviews have noted it is a superb place. We had a small suite that included the bedroom, a sitting area and a large bathroom. The room was nicely decorated and looked out on a beautiful garden. The grounds are well maintained and are spacious so you never feel crowded by the other guests (there are only 7 rooms so not much of a crowd). Breakfast in included in the room price and then you tell the staff if you are eating at the villa for lunch and dinner and you choose from their menu which has a variety of wonderful food to choose from. Your choice of lunch runs about 70 to 80 USD and dinner is about $110 for two people but it is well worth it. They will also prepare a lighter meal at your request. Since you are about 15 minutes from town the villa has a van that take you and pick you up any time. Several days we would go into town to just to have dinner and we would call for the van when we were finished and it would arrive promptly. The staff of the hotel, including Aziz the manager, are all very helpful and professional. Aziz arranged for a driver to take us to the mountains and set up tours for other guests to ride camels or take a trip to the beach. He can also give you recommendations for restaurants and shopping and make the reservations. The villa is perfect for getting away from the city and feeling as if you are in an oasis.

My husband and I had the very good fortune to stay for nine days recently at the Dar Ayniwen Hotel. This charming,small,intimate, exclusive hotel in the peaceful Palmeriae is a paradise (it,s website doesn,t do it justice)with the most polite,friendly,helpful staff who pamper to your every need. Our suite was spacious and very comfortable.....and the food was delicious. The peace and tranquility in the beautifully kept magnificent gardens and by the pool was something special as was candlelit dining by the pool in the evenings. We were very sad to leave and can only look forward to coming back again.

We stayed at this wonderful hotel in October 2006 with our sons, friends and family. To say that we were made welcome and spoiled is an understatement!! Every member of staff was wonderful. We met the owner one day as we were walking in the beautifull gardens. He 'introduced' us to every plant, flower and tree, that he was responsible for planting. What a lovely man! The food was outstanding and plentyfull. We will be returning in the very near future. Thank you all again for making our stay with you, very special. Noreen & Feliks Zakrzewski ( and family)

there are too many points to love about this place! my favorite subject being food...i'll start there. breakfast...as soon as you pick your place to eat, whether it be inside at a formal table, on the terrace, or in the garden, the more than cordial staff brings it immediately! my favorite the fresh yogurt and fig conficture. delicious! after breakfast...a lovely stroll with bare feet through the sumptuous lawn and garden, and make sure to say hello to the turtles! maybe a swim in the pool, and a nap before lunch. perfect location in the palmerie. close enough to the suk which provides for ample entertainment, and shopping. after a long day of excitement, i recommend curling up by the fireplace with a glass of mint tea to wind down before tucking yourself into a bed of soft cotton and feather pillows. the dar ayniwen...simply the perfect place to stay while in marrakech!

We stayed here for three nights, what can I say that hasn't already been said. The food was wonderful, I couldn't work out how reviewers could be so enthusiastic about the food, then I experienced the taste, the setting, the personal service, the variety, romance, wonderful! The rooms were beautiful, no detail overlooked. The convenience of the car service, made the holiday very relaxing. Afternoon tea by the pool, the tortoises wandering the garden, take care not to step on the baby one, the comical Guinea fowl, delights in abundance. This is a wonderful place to stay.

The combination of the room, the stunning peaceful and tranquil setting in mature 30-year-old gardens, the incredible personal service from Stephane and Aziz and the delicious food I have rarely if ever seen bettered anywhere in the world. This place has some excellent reviews on this site but is worth every one of them and more. A must.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel. We were there for three nights and our hosts were very kind, courteous and the staff were excellent and very attentive to every need. Our breakfasts and lunches were delicious. It is a great concept where you are picked up at the airport and driven to the hotel and they have three vehicles with drivers to take you wherever and whenever into town for shopping, meals and sightseeing. It was also so nice to get out of the hussle/bussle of the city and enjoy the peace and quiet of the hotel and its surroundings. Thank you again!

A true oasis of peace, tranquility, luxury and service of the highest order. A magnificent mansion filled with interesting furnishings and artifacts, stunning in design and decor. This is the way to enjoy Marrakech, the complimentary car delivers you to and collects you from the Medina at your convenience. Enjoy a few hours of the hustle and bustle and return to your oasis for a relaxing lunch in the garden. Repeat again in the evening for the unforgettable experience of Jemma El Fna. Nothing is too much trouble for the Dar Ayniwen team.

Booked a very last minute trip to Marrakech (booked Sunday and flew Monday), hoping to have a much needed relaxing break after a very hard six months. We had no idea what to expect, but after a very early start in the UK and rush to airport, check in and flight, we were collected from the airport by Aziz and arrived at Dar Ayniwen. We were greeted by mint tea and biscuits (also a plate in the room which was replenished), shown round the house and then to our suite. All this followed by lunch outside (delicious) in the garden with tortoises wandering about, guinea fowl and lots of birds. Breakfast was taken outside in the sun every morning - fantastic. Dar Ayniwen is a tranquil place, absolute bliss, with beautiful rooms, helpful staff and incredibly delicious food. We ate out one night but there is no comparison with good, home cooked food, ordered in the morning. Everyone who works there is attentive, but not intrusive and nothing is too much trouble. We will be back.

As an American female, who works for a major national travel magazine, this home was a true find! I felt completely at peace, well looked after and loved my experience at Dar Ayniwen! The host, Stephane and his #2 Azziz were very accommodating with every request and need, all met by their wonderful dispositions. It was royal treatment but at the same time, very embraced at someone's home. As an American female traveling on her own, they assited me with doing things that interested me, such as arranging a cooking class with their chef, which was a priceless take-away experience. Next time, I would love to have a group rent of this riad and share this idyllic atmosphere. Without hesitation, book this riad....

We stayed at Dar Ayniwen for 3 nights with our 8 year old daughter. From the moment we arrived, it was a peaceful and relaxing stay with attentive but not intrusive staff. The gardens are beautiful and there was enough to keep our daughter amused, with the turkeys wandering around, exotic birds, tortoises and heated pool. It felt like staying at a private villa. The use of the car into medina meant no haggling for taxis and Aziz collected us promptly from wherever specified. It was good to be able to escape the noise and bustle of the medina back to the oasis of the hotel. Worth seeing are the Majorelle Gdns too. We didn't do as much exploring as we intended as we all wanted to relax and sample this city for the first time. Next time we will go to Essaoira and the Atlas mountains, all of which the hotel can organise. The room cost of 3000 dirhams per night (included our daughter) - we felt very reasonable considering the service, food and amenities of the hotel. It was a lovely room with enough space for us, beautiful furnishings and bathroom. Some of the bigger rooms are probably very grand with views etc and more expensive. The weather was chilly in the mornings, very warm after 10-11am till around 5-6 when it became cooler but not cold. We'd defintely stay here again.

We arrived at the hotel (having been picked up at the airport by the friendly Aziz) and were met with treats by the staff and were led by candle-light to our room, amazing. We were the only guests the first night in the property, which meant we were able to have a full tour of the 7 bedrooms, one of which has been done-up by the Swedish version of changing rooms (they did a good job!). The five hectare gardens include a mini-aviary, fish ponds, countless flowers and fruit trees and of course palm-trees (as this was the Palmerie) and included numerous nooks and crannies to relax privately. The owner Jacques and his son, who built and now run the property have such a friendly charm and obviously love this house, but who wouldn't! Of course the pool dominates the garden and at night is romantically lit by lanterns, with several relaxing rooms full of interesting books and antique furniture, including a fantastic collection of antique posters. Dinner and lunch are chosen at breakfast and so ingredients were bought fresh and so food was excellent and plentiful. The loyal staff had been there for years and showed such love for the property, Hassan and Lamia, particularly, had the most excellent attitude and were very helpful and interested. We could easily have not left the hotel but spent one day wondering in the market in the Medina (very nearby) and the guide organised by the hotel was very helpful, although did start to annoy us by accidentally taking us into all his friends shops, so we had to pay him to go away and he got us ripped off by a taxi. We went on a long walk and got lost in the back-streets near an old tannery and were quickly rescued by the hotel driver. We went one day for lunch to a large hotel nearby with a golf club, and it was more expensive and without any charm, we wish we stayed in the Dar Ayniwen! We will return and would recommend anyone to go here for a luxury break.

I booked this holiday purely on the recommendation of tripadvisor clients reviews. I was not disappointed. Flew out with air morroco which I would not recommend! They had the oldest plane I'd seen in a long time. With hardly any cushion on the seat! Was met at the airport by general manager Aziz( who spoke very good english). 20 mins to the house. Was upgraded to the Glalaxy suite which I would say is the best room. With 2 terraces. One for the morning sun and one for the evening sun. The house was decorated with beautiful furniture. The whole place is very relaxing. Lovely Gardens and quite areas. A welcome break from the hustle and noise of the busy town centre. We took a guild (Sammy) to show us around the town and the souks which I think was a good idea. We did end up buying a mirror and a rug! Husband kissing a snake all in all an eventful day. Stephane (The manager ) Aziz and the house staff are on hand for your every need, sometimes it was difficult to make ourselves understood. But with a little french you can get by. However the staff were all so friendly and helpful. We were driven where we wanted to go and picked up by the house car which really helps. Something you don't have to worry about trying to get home. One down side which would not apply to everyone is the food wasn't great. It just wasn't for us anyway. (moroccan) Found a good indian which the house had suggested. Also on our last night, Palais Jad Mahal was also good (thai) and nice bar. Went to the casino too and won! Apart from people at the casino blowing smoke in your face it was great! I'd booked this trip for my husbands birthday for 4 nights. We were relaxed had fun in a place we would not really take our kids. Enjoyable adult break.

Fellow American travelers (and those abroad as well), you need to go to Marrakech and stay at the Dar Ayniwen! I am so surprised that Dar Ayniwen has received relatively little publicity in the United States thus far, especially since it is so well known in Europe. My husband and I just returned from a 12-day stay in Morocco, and a great deal of that time was spent in Marrakech and at Dar Ayniwen. The property is like a dream. I liken it to entering Munchkinland from the gray and dreary world of Dorothy in Kansas. You are driven down a long, non-descript and dusty road before you enter the massive doorway to Dar Ayniwen. Suddenly, everything is technicolor. Fountains overflowing with rose petals, lush gardens, a deep blue pool, and the most magnificent rooms I have ever seen. I have no idea what the reviewer from New York was talking about in her review -- the rooms are far from dated. To the contrary, each room has been meticulously kitted out with antiques from all over the world. There are stained glass windows, exotically curved doorways, and wonderful bath products in every suite. Walking the large property each night through jasmine scented trees, koi ponds, and a wandering group of gobbling guinea fowl added to our sense of serenity at Dar Ayniwen. The father and son team who run Dar Ayniwen are wonderful hosts (and the son speaks excellent English), as are the rest of the staff. They are personable, attentive and so eager to make sure that you are relaxed and pampered throughout your stay. They were so helpful in arranging guides for the souks and reservations at restaurants in town and they drove us wherever we wanted to go (free of charge) day or night. We were made to feel as if we were in our own home. In short, staying at Dar Ayniwen was an utterly relaxing, refreshing and uplifting experience. For anyone who likes to stay at a unique, small and luxurious property, Dar Ayniwen is worth the trip. This riad is on par with any of the other small luxury hotels in the world, and we give it our highest recommendation.

We have just returned from a week in Marrakech and had the great fortune to have stayed at the Dar Ayniwen. This small luxury hotel was just what we were looking for and is excellent in every way. We were given a full tour of the villa on arrival and a welcome 'mint tea'. We were then shown to the Roman Villa in the garden. This villa is completely separate from the main house and has superb facilities along with a veranda around two sides and direct access to the pool. We loved the whole atmosphere of the place and particularly liked the vast collection of interesing furniture and artifacts. We completely disagree with the previous review on this site where the author felt the furniture was tired and reminiscent of times past. Much of the furniture is antique and has been collected both locally and from the owner's travels. This gives the Dar Ayniwen its character and we really didn't want to stay in a clinical modern hotel with matching modern furniture in each room. The service is excellent and we really felt looked after. The food is fantasctic and after having first thought we would visit some restaurants in Marrakech we decided to dine at the Dar Ayniwen each evening. The menu choice is excellent and we even asked for something not on the menu one evening and the chef prepared it for us. The gardens and swimming pool are real features of the villa and we spent a lot of time relaxing, walking and swimming. This is the perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy the sun! The hotel offers free transport to the city which is a real positive and they can organise day trips. We visited the Atlas mountains for a day and had an excellent driver who really knew the area and gave us plenty of information. We also had a camel ride and the hotel arranged for the camels to collect us from outside the hotel gates. An excellent hotel in an excellent location with the most amazing service. Definately to be recommended!

We stayed at Dar Ayniwen in September 2006 for five days. On arrival we were shown to our room which was beautiful and had a bedroom, huge bathroom with its own hammam and separate living area with mini bar, tv, dvd and cd player. After a mint tea we were shown around the grounds which were beautiful. The gardens are kept immaculate by several gardeners and there is plenty of wildlife including birds and tortoises! Every morning we had breakfast served on our terrace, which is included in the price, and chose from their menus what we would like for lunch and dinner so the food could be bought fresh that day from the market. The menu was a mix of Moroccan and French and there was plenty for us to choose from and a very good wine list – all reasonably priced. Dinner was served outside by the lantern-lit pool area and was always superb. All the staff are fantastic – very friendly and nothing was ever too much trouble for them. Included in the room price is the use of a car and driver to take you anywhere you like which is useful as we would get dropped off at the Medina and collected again within 10 minutes of a call back to the hotel (Ahmed, one of the fantastic members of staff who drove us, always recommended good places to visit and pointed out various sights!). I would recommend Dar Ayniwen to anyone who is looking for a luxurious, peaceful and relaxing stay in beautiful surroundings in a wonderful part of Morocco. It is truly one of the best hotels we have visited.

Dar Ayniwen has a truly spectacular setting in the Palmeraie, which is about a 20 minute ride into the town center. The guesthouse sits on a huge private botanical garden with a myriad of different fruit trees, flowers, rare tropical birds (in cages), turtles, and guinea fowls. If you plan to spend most of your time outdoors sunning by the pool (and you don't mind the mosquitoes) or in town sightseeing or shopping, you might consider this place for the beauty of its garden and the peace and quiet that you will not find in many parts of Marrakech. That the guesthouse provides free rides to/from the medina is a definite plus. However, if the quality and the upkeep of the rooms are really important to you it gives me pause in recommending the place. Quite frankly, the suites have much to be desired. The busy decor with old furniture and fittings have what could best be described as having "faded charm" or "character" and resembles an old curio shop. The rooms are musty. One wonders when the last time the yellowing/graying curtains or the heavy brocades used as a bedspread might have been laundered. The sofa in our suite has lost some of the spring. Another sofa in one of the outdoor living rooms was very badly stained. The worst are the bathrooms. There was a strong odor emanating from the drains often associated with aging pipes; they seem to be having some major plumbing issues. The toiletry supplied was decidely down-market (Dove soap for eg) considering the up-market rates the guesthouse charges. Dining at the guesthouse should be considered only for convenience. While I did appreciate the variety of choices available (unlike at other riads), the food served in gargantuan proportions, was generally insipid. Service was a bit inconsistent; on the officious side when available and at times became tiresome during meals. One server was a little too eager to show up quickly to take the food away between courses. Hand towels were never supplied again once left on the floor to be taken away. On a minor note: it would have been helpful to have a tariff card for the mini-bar. I had no way of knowing until check-out. Lastly: be forewarned, there are lots and lots of mosquitoes even in autumn. Mosquito mats were supplied but they do such damage to the respitatory system! Wake up with a soar throat or bites all over...you decide. This is probably due to the lush vegetation which ironically is the main asset to this place.

Our family rented out the whole villa (about 7 suites) for the Christmas Holiday. It was a most relaxing holiday and we all were pampered to pefection. The owners and staff were lovely and made us feel very welcome. Everyone there really went that extra mile to try to give us anything we wanted both during our stay and after (a few months after we left my mother in law asked for them to send her some more of the wonderful local Argan oil and they delivered it to Germany for free). The food was amazing (and I am difficult to please!) and the cooks would let us choose whatever we wanted to eat in the morning and they would have it ready for us in the evening.The bedroom suites were beautiful, each with its own particular feel and extremely large and comfortable. I particularly liked the one my husband and I stayed at on the first floor with a large terrace overlooking the grounds. Good sized swimming pool although winter is a little cold to go in (some of us went in anyway). The area where the villa is located is a green oasis just outside of Marrackech (20 minutes drive). If you are looking for a relaxing place to stay while visiting the area around Marrakech I definitely recommend this one! You won't be disappointed.

This is my fourth time at Dar Ayniwen. it is one of my favourite hotels in the world. The villa itself, the service, the food and the rooms are simply amazing. For certain, I will be back again and again. I have stayed in at least a dozen hotels, riads and villas in Marrakech and this one is by far the best!

Dar Ayniwen impresses with its beautiful authentic Moroccan villa and spectacular grounds, which include a large garden with tall palm trees, rose bushes, courtyards and terraces, shaded areas to sit as well as gorgeous pool. The traditional family home that has been converted into a boutique hotel is luxurious and extraordinarily charming and the discreet yet omnipresent service as well as the excellent chef make for the most memorable stay in the palmeraie. Beyond individually styled rooms - some in the main house, one a separate pavillion set in the garden and further rooms in a converted hammam - there are oriental communal areas in which guests may listen to music, play the piano or simply read to draw in the atmosphere of the exotic villa with its softly murmuring water basins. Marble bathrooms with plenty of soft towels, a sauna and an authentic hammam provide all the modern amenities a discerning traveller is used to. Particularly enchanting if you take over the entire hotel with your family or friends for a special event. The owner family went out of its way to make it a memorable occasion in our case.

I have visited Morocco many times over the last 5 years and Dar Ayniwen is definitely the best place I have stayed - I wouldn't consider going to Marrakech without staying there. The house and gardens are an oasis and you can stay in a choice of 8 different styled rooms, eat delicious food, get pampered with a massage, swim, play games in the garden and generally relax in a lovely location. Aziz and his staff are topnotch and always spoil us. I couldn't reccomend it more highly. Lucinda, London

We were still searching for a hotel when we arrived at Dar Ayniwen. The staff welcome us with tea and biscuits and showed us around. We knew from the very start that we will have a very nice stay and selected Dar Ayniwen without too much hesitation. Great swimming pool, beautifull rooms, teriffic garden and excellent food. Marocco has a lot of great hotels and this is one of the best.

My wife and I had the good fortune to have the Dar Ayniwen suggested to us by a close friend. We thought he was exaggerating when he told us of his stay and how well he was treated by the staff and the owners, but what we found was that he did not stretch the truth. In fact, I'm not sure he did the place justice when he described it! I have travelled to many countries on the African continent as well as many European countries, and I must say that by far my most memorable time was spent in Marrakech and more specifically at the Dar Ayniwen...if you're going to Morocco, don't spend too much time in Casablanca, start your journey from Marrakech!

We spent the weekend at the Dar Ayniwen for my wifes birthday in December. The weekend was ruined when £160 in cash was stolen from my wallet in the room. There are no locks on the doors and it is our feeling is that the money was taken while we were being served breafast on our balcony. I'm sorry about having to post this bad review about what would have been a very nice place to stay.

How could any Hotel be so consistently awarded a score of 5. We were about to find out. Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport we were greeted by the Hotel Driver and driven through what can only be described as the chaotic streets of the City. After about 20 minutes we arrived at the closed gates of Dar Ayniwen. A toot of the horn and we entered the beautiful grounds of the Hotel. We were met by Aziz who took us on a brief tour of the hotel and gardens and then on to our first room Tiwaaline 2 where our luggage was waiting for us. We changed the next day to the Colonnades suite which we found to be more of a conventional suite with a regular bath and more to our liking. We have traveled to many places but have never received such wonderful personal service as here. The Riad is run by Stephane ably assisted by Aziz his Deputy and the most wonderful and willing staff, two of whom we would say were extra special….Lamya and Zach who always seemed to be on hand to help. The Management seem to pick the best Students from the University and train them in the DA way. Breakfast was a never ending feast and you could always order anything else for the next day. Lunch and Dinner were ordered at Breakfast if you were staying in the hotel during that day. Travel into the City was available free of charge 24 hours a day and you were given Aziz’ phone number to request a return pickup. Not everything was 100% perfect but quite honestly it would harsh to make a deduction from the score of 5 as the good hugely outweighed the small mistakes. Relaxing by the Pool was equally as pleasant, you just pointed to where you wanted your sun loungers and within 10 minutes you were set up with chairs and a table surrounded by magnificent gardens and orchards. Nothing was too much trouble and we would certainly recommend this hotel to anybody. Thank you again Stephane and Aziz who both went that extra mile to make our stay unforgettable.

We have just returned from the wonderful Dar Ayniwen. We read reviews on Trip Advisor and decided we simply had to stay there. All the reviews and pictures cannot prepare you for the experience - the warmth, kindness and beauty of the place. Stephan, Aziz and all the team welcome you, almost as if you belong. We had the good fortune to stay in the amazing Galaxy Suite and would gladly stay forever! The hotel made us a special birthday dinner - a table just for us set out beautifully with delicious food. We will return as soon as we can to enjoy the peace and tranquility you experience as soon as you enter. All we can say is please go there - you will be as glad as were that we did! Thank you all the Dar Ayniwen - we are missing it already! Eve and Michael - London Dec.07

I stayed with my wife and daughter for 2 nights in December I travel all over the world in search of places that have the standard of service a Ritz Carlton would provide along with a friendly non intrusive demeanor i almost did not want to post as i want to become a regular patron and dont wish it to become over booked!the hotel provides a car service and when our flight was delayed 4 hours they just took us right back to the hotel and gave us lunch try that at the Peninsula a great gem of a place providing an oasis of tranquility after a day in Marrakech simon goldman

Having been a frequent visitor to Morocco, I have had the opportunity of staying in some of the nicest hotels and ryads around the country. Without a doubt I can safely say that Dar Ayniwen is one of the most enchanting ! From day one, father and son owners made us feel like we were the most important people in the world. Amazing suite (and surely the biggest one I have had the chance to stay in in whole Morocco), friendliest staff, and superb food. Freshly squeezed orange juice, Moroccon pastries, and mint tea was served in our suite every morning, while we enjoyed candle light dinners by a lit pool in the beautiful lush garden. Truly romantic! I have never written on one of these sites before but truly felt compelled to share of my experience. This place was far beyond what I thought it would be.