My husband, myself and our 19-year-old grandson visited Marrakesh in May 2011. Our original plan was to spend two weeks in Marrakesh (as well as two weeks in Spain), but changes in work schedules forced us to cut back our time in Morocco to five days. So, it was very important that we squeeze in as much as possible and not waste our time. Najib, manager of Dar Nakhla, is the best. He advised us as to which would be the best tour for us that included riding camels into the Sahara Desert, and other advice and overall friendliness.
You might read older reviews of Dar Nakhla (before Summer 2010) that have bad things to say about Dar Nakhla. Be assured, those bad things have been fixed and more!! It is an extremely pleasant place to stay. If you want to experience Moroccan culture, this is the place to stay. It’s not the Ritz Carlton, but we didn’t want to be isolated behind gates in a fancy hotel. We wanted to experience Morocco and Moroccans. And we surely did staying at Dar Nakhla and having Najib to help us. Samuel and the rest of the staff were also very helpful, friendly and welcoming.
Inside Dar Nakhla’s walls there was quiet and serenity. Step out the door and you are two blocks from the hustle and bustle, and noise, that is the medina of Marrakesh. Our room had a private bathroom, A/C and very comfortable beds. The room was decorated in authentic Moroccan style including a beautifully painted cedar ceiling. Just outside our door was a sitting room area shared by three rooms. There we met people from France, Spain and South Africa. A bonus for us. Our 19-year-old grandson really appreciated the good wi-fi; OK, we older folks did as well. Other older reviews have mentioned noisy and smelly. We experienced neither. Dar Nakhla is clean, quiet and no bad smells, and we always felt safe.
The terrace was a special sanctuary. Set on several levels, we could sit out in the sun, or if it was raining, there is a Berber tent set up on the top level to keep dry. Yes, it rained while we were in Marrakesh.
I tried to brush up on my French so I could converse with the staff in French. But, there was no need. Najib and Samuel speak good English. Stay at Dar Nakhla; it will be an experience of a lifetime!!

We loved staying at Riad Nakhla, which is in the medina, but much easier to find that many other riads. Najib, our host, was very gracious and helpful. The riad was renovated in July 2010 and each room is quiet and clean with private showers and toilets. In addition, it is very reasonably priced.

Decorated with details, feels like an authentic morrocan house. had great breakfast on amazing terrasse. will definitely come back

When I tried to book a room mid march I was told the riad was fully booked, but an overflow appartment ('room 7') was available at 32, douar Graoua. When we arrived nobody was there to let us in (I had the wrong number in my mobile phone) so we went to the Riad itself where a room was available for one night. The reception was very cordial. We were kindly offered room 1 and we were told that we should spend the next days in 'room 7'.
Hot water was available in the Riad, but not in 'room 7' (about 1/2 mile also in the Medina, that is if you know your way around the small alleys, if not go via Jemma el Fna, a detour of 3/4 mile). Next two nights were spent in room 7. Both rooms are nicely decorated and furnished, but the water situation made us prefer the Riad much more. Since we took breakfast at Fna we cannot judge that particular aspect.
All in all the Riad gets 8/10 and 'room 7' 7/10.