This is a lovely Riad but considering the number of Riads in the area, is overpriced. The owners are not about much and the breakfast wasn't of great quality (stale bread). Very expensive drinks. The owners did go to a lot of effort to tell us about Marrakech with a great map but they are more interested in talking then listening! Only one member of staff speaks good english so when she's not there and the owners are only there for a short amount of time each day, you will have difficulty making yourself understood. Also there are times when you can smell the drains. Great location. We felt very safe. Beds are very uncomfortable, very hard mattresses.

Dar Charkia is a beautiful Dar located on the edge of the Marrakesh medina. The owners, Michael and Lisa, developed a spectacular property and were exceptionally helpful in getting us oriented in Marrakesh - great tour guide for half a day, excellent restaurant recommendations, shopping recommendations. We had the largest room (suite with a small living room, large bathroom) in the Dar and it was very comfortable. Staff are friendly and very helpful and responsive.

Believe the hype!

This place is truly magical and staying here is a delight. The riad itself is beautiful and has been furnished to an incredibly high standard . It provides a sense of total relaxation and utter luxury and the Moroccan staff treat you as friends rather than guests. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. You can have breakfast when and where you like and the riad also serves alcohol. It's a base for not only exploring Marrakech but for falling in love with Marrakech. It is also a very romantic place and the roof terrace provides a great view of the Atlas mountains.

We had a talk with Michael on arrival and he answered all our questions, even the silly ones, and provided invaluable information on what to pay for gifts, taxis and how to haggle etc . He also provided a map showing shops and restaurants etc. All their recommendations were fantastic! The food at Chez Mado was incredible and around £70 for two with wine.

We had some truly memorable meals and also a day trip into the Atlas Mountains which is well worth the drive. Our guide Mustafa was fun, friendly and gave us lots of information.

The location of Dar Charkia is very safe and is two minutes walk from a taxi drop off point. You don't have to go through the middle of the souks to get to the riad but they are a few minutes walk away if you want to explore. The main square is also an easy 5 minute walk away and with the taxi rank being so close you can get to any of the restaurants in the new town with ease.

I cannot find any fault with Dar Charkia. It is a perfect place to explore Marrakech but also provides a haven away from the centre to relax and enjoy your surroundings, It is evident that Lisa and Michael love Marrakech and it shows in all that they do. We will be back!!

As described by countless other reviewers, Dar Charkia is simply a cut above the rest. On arriving in Marrakech, to the uninitiated, it is at first a wonderfully different place complete with a new culture to understand and explore, and that's not to mention the chaos of the streets. Dar Charkia is simply a haven from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, with wonderfully kind and thoughtful staff who simply enhance the experience. The owners, Michael and Lisa are also amazingly helpful. They were able to organise a brilliant local guide (Najib) to show us around the city (worth doing early on in your stay to help you get your bearings), as well as book any tours or restaurants and even provided a guide to take you to the more distant (and hidden away) restaurants. The rooms are beautifully decorated and clean. I would also recommend eating in the Dar at least once, as it is a peaceful setting for an evening meal and the food is exceptional. We already miss having breakfast sat in the courtyard. I've been fortunate enough in my life to visit many fine hotels, and the overall ambience and service at Dar Charkia surpasses even the best Four Seasons hotels. It's basically a wonderful hotel with concierge level service!