“There are no small riads, you’ll see.” My friend Jen joked when I told her of Michele and my plans in Morocco.

I don’t actually know how we found Dar 7 Louyat. Our stay at Dar 7 Louyat was one of the first things that came together for our stay in Morocco and it was our first stop. From our driver at the airport to our informal “bellhops” twists and turns in the medina, Dar 7 Louyat warmly embraced us and welcomed us to Morocco.

The Name. Dar is a traditional old house with typical Islamic architecture. No detail is spared in this architectural style. The craftsmanship is unbelievable and there really isn’t a moment during your stay when you’re not marveling over that carving work, or painting on a door, or tiles. It’s almost overwhelming, try getting anywhere on time! Louyat means turns and 7 twists and turns lead you to this paradise in the heart of the medina.

The house of the 7 turns this riad is a mansion from the 15th century, very close (2 minutes walk) to the oldest university in the world, the Great Mosque Qaraouyine as well as minutes away from the famed Fez tanneries. So for exploring Fez, it’s hard to find a location more perfect. The house was long inhabited by scholars of the great mosque, which perhaps lends to it’s peaceful elegance on what was once one of the most exclusive streets in the medina. It really is perfectly situated but on first glance, it is not the easiest place to get to. Dark alleyways (but it’s the medina, so that’s pretty standard) and construction make you feel as though you’re finding a paradise off the beaten path and you really are.

 

There are 6 suites / rooms all overlooking what seems to be the pulse of the Moroccan riad, the atrium. You’re in the heart of the medina and facing inward, technically but everything is so airy and open!

 

We stayed in the Tara Suite that’s the perfect size for a family of 4.

 

Birds chirping in the morning and diving into the fountain on the ground floor, golden sunsets overlooking the medina on the terrace, this place is magical.

 

Every detail is insta worthy.

 

I’m going to tell you about the food in an upcoming post but this is a place where you certainly want to make it for breakfast every morning!

 

But it’s the people of Dar 7 Louyat that set the stage for Michele and my journey through Morocco. Rashid and his wife, Naima, welcomed us with mint tea and open arms. Mama Khadija took us under her wing in the kitchen — you’ll see that post soon. We needed to get to Chefchaouen a few days later and they guided us through sold out bus tickets and then renting a car. As we were on the road days later, Michele looks at me and said, I wonder what Mama Khadija is doing now. Over the next few days I’m going to take you through my wonderful stay at Dar 7 Louyat and then Fez in general but when people ask my my favorite city I visited in Morocco, I don’t hesitate with Fez. I travel to connect with the world and it’s people. Whether it’s through shared bread or smiles and warmth. I’ve stayed at some of the best hotels in the world that felt like sterile hospitals due to white glove staff. At Dar 7 Louyat you immediately feel like a part of the family.

With rooms currently starting at 38€, I’d advise you to book now before the secret’s out!

ALL PHOTOS BY NNEYA RICHARDS + MICHELE SCAGLIONE