We are just back from a 3 night stay at Dar Baraka. A group of 3 friends on our second visit to Marrakech. We booked through Expedia and the Riad offers transfers to and from the airport for 150 Dirhams, I would highly recommend you take this option as it could be very hard to find without some help. Our only negative comment would be that we had difficulty getting hold of anyone at the Riad in the days before we left to confirm our transfer, which did lead to some confusion when we arrived.

It was very quiet when we stayed and we were offered two double rooms on the ground floor (1 & 2) these were beautifully decorated, spotlessly clean and the beds exceptionally comfortable with wonderful showers and limitless hot water - something that was sadly lacking on our previous stay at a different Riad.

Breakfast is served on the roof top if warm enough or in one of the numerous seating areas scattered around the Riad. We had fresh breads, pancakes, jams, eggs, orange juice, coffee and mint tea all delightfully served up by Ahmed the host.

We spent out days finding our way to the main square and had our best meals at the food stalls in the square, pick one with lots of locals at it - we ate at no's 22 and 20 and were both very good. Cafe Arabe was nice for a drink as we wandered home.

The highlight of our stay was a trip to the Atlas Mountains, arranged via Ahmed at the Riad, for 250 dirhams each our driver took us to the foothills of the mountains for the day. There are some stops en route which were interesting but aimed at selling you various things such as jewellery, carpets and toiletries/herbs but you can choose to go straight there if you prefer.

We followed a river gorge to the top and then proceeded on foot to see the waterfalls. A guide will take you up but make sure that you agree a price before setting off and I cannot stress enough the importance of wearing sensible shoes for this trip! You have a choice of how far you go up but even to make it to the first waterfall is quite a trek and a scramble up rock faces with no handrail or "pathway" to follow, we LOVED it and was such a welcome change from the safety conscious world we live in at home but be warned it is not for the feint hearted or less able bodied. We were wearing sensible shoes and made it to the highest waterfall, via a vertical ladder (tip to be paid to attendant) and this was the highlight of our stay.

We loved Marrakech and loved this Riad :-)

We were here for a short trip over Christmas to get away from the Xmas hype of home. We booked a taxi from the airport through the Riad, and it all went beautifully (apart for the tip to the cart boys, seems the other group paid that, under duress :-)).

The Riad was great, the three of us, myself, my wife and daughter, all loved it at first sight. Yes it is down a few alleyways, but the old city is like that. The rooms were bight, airy and clean, the bathroom worked well, the safe was a bonus.

Ahmed works hard, I hope he gets a decent wage, and the ladies were all friendly and happy. We enjoyed the breakfasts, a bit samey, but varied and plenty (loved the orange juice).

The location is just right, close to Dar-el-Bacha, a convenient dropping point for taxis, near enough to all of the main sights, and crucially for us, close to Gueliz which has a variety of restaurants to rescue you from tagines and couscous every day.

The day we arrived was hot, but most of the rest of the week was milder, but that was fine, I am not one for the heat.

We travelled to Essaouira on the local buses. I was cagey about this, but my wife and daughter really wanted to, and although it was 3 hours each way, it was not a problem and flew by.

Be aware that smoking in restaurants is still permitted in Morocco. This was not a problem in local restaurants, but the foreign restaurants in Gueliz can get smoggy.

We loved staying at Barak Karam earlier this month. Ahmed the host is wonderful and was attentive to all our needs. This Riad is a hidden gem amongst the winding streets of Bab Doukkala andThe roof terrace was a lovely place to relax after wandering through the Medina and the Souks. The breakfast was a traditional taste of the area and varied daily, there were 3 types of jam and homemade yogurt (we think) - tip: jam works well in the yogurt!!!

We thoroughly recommend this Riad for a couple to stay in Marrakech - tip top.

We stayed at the Dar Baraka for 5 nights. As it was our first time in Marrakech, we were positively surprised.
We booked a transfer from the airport and at our arrival in the town centre they were already waiting for us to bring our suitcases to the Riad (not for free, of course... After a couple of hours in Marrakech you´ll notice that nothing is for free... You have to give a tip to everyone, even if you ask for a street direction).
It´s located just 10 minutes from Jamaa El-Fna, in the middle of the old town, with its narrow and dark streets. At first, it might seem scary but it´s not: it´s a quiet location in a typical neighbourhood.
Beatiful patio, nice room with big bed, a sofa, an impresively beatiful bathroom, heating, no TV, free safety deposit box... all with a chic moroccan style. Perfect!
Best thing: Breakfast... Served in the roof terrace, with lounge sofas. Fresh orange juice, tea, coffee, milk, fruit, mermelades, local bread and toasts... delicious!
Staff is always helpful and friendly.