Lonely Planet Review
A traditional riad (town house) lovingly restored to retain all its quirky features, not least the tiny doors and narrow winding staircases. Beautifully whitewashed with a lilac trim, Dar Soukaina is a peaceful and tranquil haven in a hectic city.
Dar Soukaina is the riad of affable Alain Bonnassieux who runs the sustainable tourism outfit Authentic Discoveries. Unsurprisingly his little riad has been renovated with a light touch - no heavy styling here, just clean whitewashed walls, smooth tadelakt (plaster) floors and rough natural fabrics - shapes and texture at the forefront. The effect is almost monastic but it's well-thought-out, as the five rooms are narrow and high-ceilinged and the lack of clutter avoids the claustrophobic feeling. Little details like the pointy Islamic arches also help to lift it above the ordinary. Omar and Fatiha keep the house running like clockwork and Alain usually appears at breakfast or in the evening to see how you're getting along - he's a mine of local information so make sure you pick his brain.
Review by author
Paula Hardy