Dar Ronde

WONDERFUL RIAD IN A PERFECT LOCATION

We had a wonderful holiday at Dar Ronde. The owner, Abby, was so helpful prior to arrival and the printed information she supplied was excellent, really detailed and helpful. Everything went like clockwork - taxis, meeting Kamar on arrival etc. We found Kamar such a fantastic help and felt very well looked after in Kamar and Youssef's care - they are certainly a dream team and we cannot thank them enough for their warmth, welcome and help (and cooking skills!) The welcome meal is such a lovely arrangement, we enjoyed it so much - the girls said the kefta tagine was their favourite meal of the whole trip! The Riad is perfectly situated right at the heart of real life of the medina and yet easy to walk to the beach too. We loved everything about the Riad - it felt very homely and is beautifully furnished. Thank you to Abby, Kamar and Youssef for a wonderful stay. Karen

A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN

I could wax lyrical about how lovely Dar Ronde is for 1,000 words but will try to keep it brief. The Riad is fantastic. The décor is subtly simple, so comfortable and beautiful. I would say a home away from home, but my house doesn’t come close. Every floor is gorgeous. And the roof terrace is amazing at sunset when the starlings, sparrows and gulls sweep over the medina.

Dar Ronde is serene and tranquil; a great place to relax after a day strolling around the town or quad biking on the beach. It was lovely to sit in the Riad, enjoying a home cooked meal and relaxing in front of the fire. There’s also the sauna to enjoy and up the pamper levels even more.

Then there’s Youssef. What can I say! He’s so funny and delightful. He was an attentive host, took such good care of us. The meal on arrival was so delicious that we asked him to cook for us again. His food is stunning. I’ve never seen a piece of monk fish that big. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Freshly squeezed orange juice and warm from the oven buns for breakfast; does it get any better. Em

THE ROUND RIAD

The Round Riad (Dar Ronde) in Essaouira, where we stayed the first week, was stunning - impeccably clean and beautifully decorated. The staff were extremely kind and helpful, particularly Said (Kamar's assistant), who showed us around the town on the first evening and was generally on hand during our stay - a real pleasure to be with" L Nitrato Izo

WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE

Starting off at Dar Ronde was the best thing we could have done. Everything, I mean every little detail was spectacularly wonderful! Milouda was a pleasure to be with and she made us very fat! Seriously, we have rented many houses in different countries and never had such a wonderful experience. The Dar Ronde book and map were invaluable. The house is beautiful and very comfortable. You've really thought of everything. I can't imagine any improvements!' ..............Mary

LOVELY, TRADITIONAL HOUSE IN A GREAT LOCATION

A lovely traditional house in the centre of Essaouira, tucked away among the hustle and bustle of the medina and its winding alleys. We had a lovely warm welcome from Kamar and Yusef, who looked after us brilliantly while giving us the space to explore on our own. Yusef's cooking was delicious and very good value, as were the restaurants we visited too (particularly 'Le Patio' and 'Al Farachah'). We really missed our hosts when we moved on to our next destination!

The house was spacious and comfortable, we particularly enjoyed the sunny roof terrace, listening to the sounds of the medina down below. Essauoira itself is a place to visit for a relaxing break and good food. During our visit in November, the wind had dropped and it wasn't as windy as we expected. We had a lovely time! Jennifer

BEAUTIFUL AND COMFORTABLE

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Dar-Ronde. It's decorated so beautifully and very comfortable and it felt like home from home (although I wish my home was as lovely!). I loved looking at the town from the top roof terrace watching the sun go down and enjoying a drink in the warmth .We also spent a couple of relaxing evenings at home with a great supper cooked by Milouda - thank you!........Ella Truscott"

A FANTASTIC HOUSE WITHIN THE OLD MEDINA

We did not know what to expect after a week in Marrakesh from the heat to a windy place, arriving in the dark along narrow alleyways but on going thorough the large wooden door it is like an oasis. The house is superb with a great pair who see to your every needs. Breakfast is prepared each day by Youssif who is a delight and is such good fun who will also cook evening meal. The house has lots of space more suited to couples or a couple with older children as lots of stairs. Beautifully decorated with a mixture of Moroccan and John Lewis!! You walk out of the door to life in Essaouira with children playing marbles and tailors making clothes. At the top of the way there are shops where you are with locals as well as tourists. You do not get hassled like in Marrakesh which is good. Variety of places to eat from very cheap to more expensive by Moroccan standards. Recommend Elizer. The two 21 year olds with us enjoyed it as much as us we are looking forward to going again.

Of particular note is the service you get from Abbie from making a tentative booking through through to checking that you enjoyed your stay. Thank you we had a great time. Annette

AT LAST WE MADE IT!

We had a wonderful time at your lovely house, thank you so much for allowing us to come in November after our disastrous attempt in April, we could hardly believe we made it but we had a much needed break.
Also thanks for making some arrangements for us, we really appreciated this.
Yusef is quite an amazing find, what a lovely guy, and a wonderful cook - we will certainly remember him with great fondness!
Thanks again, hopefully we will make it back sometime. Tim

PERFECT HOLIDAY

Myself, my wife and our two young sons have just come back from a fantastic week in Essaouira. We feel like we've had a complete break. I was concerned before we left because I saw the review saying the house needed work but the owner assured me that everything was as it should be and she was right. It was spotlessly clean, the breakfasts delicious and varied, Yusef looked after us very well and completely spoilt my boys. He is always cheerful and has a refreshingly 'can do' attitude. The house is large, spacious and stylish in a great location. Good time had by all. Liam

ESSAOUIRA 2010

Excellent location in the heart of the medina with friendly neighbours and a real authentic buzz of activity. Efficient accurate booking information from Abby and wonderful hospitality from Kamar, Souha and particularly Youssef! Breakfast was a treat - varied each day and accompanied by fun, laughter and real enthusiasm from Youssef. He also cooked for us on two evenings - chicken and fish tajines which were perfect! Indeed, Youssef is the heart of the house - a real treasure.

Essaouira is an easy town to get around - safe and friendly with plenty to see and do.

The only suggestion we would make would be to have some shade on the top terrace - a small point as everything else was perfect.

We'll be delighted to return to Essaouira - to the same accommodation. Thanks for the great hospitality. Ali and Nath

GREAT TIME AT DAR RONDÉ!

We, a group of 4 students, had a great time at Dar Rondé. The house (more than an apartment!) is huge and very tastefully decorated. It is a real oasis in the middle of the busy and noisy Medina.

Having breakfast served by Yusef each morning was a real treat after a few long days in the desert, and we enjoyed having so much space and even a tv room with a fun selection of action movies! The staff (also Kamar) were very helpful and friendly.

We highly recommend Dar Rondé to any potential Essaouira visitors who want to stay in a private "retreat" close to the Medina action.

I would guess that it is nearly impossible to find a similar property in Essaouira, especially at such a competitive rate.

Another positive feature is the very detailed written guide to the house and Essaouira (can be found in the living room). It gives guests unfamiliar with Essaouira an idea of possible activities, in-house cooking tips, recommended restaurants and many things more. Troy

GREAT TIME

We enjoyed a short stay in mid October 2010 and had a great time. Dar Ronde is a lovely house. Very clean and well kitted out (fully functioning kitchen, TV/DVD, great roof terrance etc). The bedrooms are great with en suite shower rooms. The location is also fantastic in the heart of the Medina. Both Yusef and Sarra were very friendly. They met us at the coach stop took us to the house and showed us around. The breakfasts were really nice too! Would definitely recommend to anyone. Paul

STYLISH AND CHARMING

We are a family of 4 with 2 teenaged boys and this house was perfect for us with plenty of space and excellent facilities.
The photographs give an accurate impression of this comfortable and stylish house but cannot prepare visitors for the wonderfully warm warm welcome they will receive from the staff who could not have been kinder or more helpful during our stay at Dar El Ronde. Breakfasts were excellent as were the extra dinners prepared in-house by the cook.
We will be back. ChickenLover

FAB TIME

We have had a fab time at your lovely house. Kamar was really helpful and Yusef is a treasure( I could do with a Yusef at my house fulltime!) He cooked us a delicious meal on my son Oliver's birthday which was really special. I would highly recommend Dar Ronde to anyone wishing to visit Essaouira. Wickesters

SUPERB PEACEFUL RETREAT

This is a beautiful, peaceful house in the centre of Essaouria's medina. It was kept spotlessly clean at all times by Yusef, the housekeeper, who also made delicious food and entertained my 2.5 year old son while we were eating it!

The owner was very helpful and provided a brochure about the house with lots of information before we left. The staff at the house helped us with everything from laundry to car rentals.

I would definitely recommend this property to a friend. The only thing I would say to people travelling with small children is that the staircase is a bit hazardous as it is open on one side. However, the owner warned us about this before we went and we managed to train my son to ask us to take him up it!

The big advantage for small children is the lovely friendly group of kids who play out in the street outside the house - my son loved playing football with them while we sat on the step and watched.

I thought this house and the whole experience of staying in it was absolutely gorgeous and I did not want to leave! Hula Hoop

BEYOND EXPECTATION

The Round Riad (Dar Ronde) was huge and the staff were kind, hospitable and helpful way beyond expectation - they really looked after us. - J Gundry

AMAZING TIME

I just wanted to say thank you for having us at your beautiful villa - we had THE MOST AMAZING time and everything was just perfect. Your villa is gorgeous and your housekeeper (Kamar ... hope I spelt it right!) was the most perfect hostess. We had such a fabulous time and my weekend in Essaouira will be treasured in my memory for years to come (or unitl we do it again!).
Thanks for everything. Regards Lynne