After spending a little over two weeks in Morocco, and travelling to six cities, Dar Taliwint was by far the best accommodation we experienced. It is – in a word – beautiful. The central courtyard is open to the sky, with an adjoining sitting room that holds an interesting collection of books (where you can relax with anything from Shakespeare to contemporary fashion and art). The décor is tasteful and elegant, but distinctly Moroccan. Our room was large, spotlessly clean, and private (not always a given!). It’s worth staying just so you can use the exquisite bathroom.
Lenaick, our host, was not only wonderful at making us feel welcome and at home; he was also one of the genuinely nicest people we met throughout our whole trip. To use his own words, this isn’t a job for him – it’s a lifestyle. He brought us mint tea and biscotti on our arrival, and sat with us to chat about our travels. He was also a brilliant source of information about Marrakech, living as he has in the city for – if I remember correctly – about 11 years.
Dar Taliwint’s location couldn’t be better. In the Medina but out of the main hustle and bustle, it’s a peaceful spot. And yet it’s only about seven minutes walk from the Djemaa el-Fna, with no twists or turns to get you confused. The route is lined with interesting souqs, often at cheaper prices than on the main square. And it feels perfectly safe after dark.
All in all, I would recommend Dar Taliwint whole-heartedly to anyone travelling to Morocco. You will be guaranteed a wonderful stay in one of the most fascinating cities in the world – and I, for one, cannot wait to be back.
